Surfers as well as residents love Malibu’s beaches, or “the Bu” as surfers call it. The beaches offer the perfect place to surf or play in the ocean. It is very easy to swim out and catch a tall wave to ride wild and free. Sometimes life throws big waves at us, and we can seem on the verge of a wipeout. When that wave is looming and there seems no way to ride it out, that’s when you need to ask for help.
Counselors in the Malibu area are able to do just that. These therapists can guide you past the big waves and help you find your way safely back to shore. If you are in need of someone to talk to, contact a counselor today.
Richard Berg
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jehalin Anandam
Hi my name is Jehalin, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist with 13 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families from various walks of life. I have experience with helping people who are experiencing various hardships in life and difficulty adjusting, as well as people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, mood disorders, etc. I am known for being a good listener, caring, accepting, and compassionate, regardless of the challenges one might be experiencing. The therapeutic approaches I use is cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused, client centered, play therapy, reality therapy, mindfulness, and more. My desire is to help you achieve your goals by providing a safe, authentic, and compassionate clinical setting with an individualized therapy experience. Please let me know how I may assist.
Laura Case
I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Claudia Smith
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Michelle Carstensen
As a licensed therapist in California since 2000, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional focus centers on trauma recovery, family dynamics, and empowering individuals through difficult transitions. I have extensive expertise in addressing workplace stress, caregiver burnout, women's issues, and healing from interpersonal trauma. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and strength-based, designed to help clients rebuild resilience and self-esteem. I understand the intricate emotional landscapes of first responders, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals managing significant life stressors. Whether you're working through family conflicts, processing past trauma, or seeking support during challenging life stages, I'm committed to creating a supportive and transformative therapeutic environment. My practice honors each person's unique journey, offering personalized guidance that respects individual experiences and promotes meaningful healing and personal growth.
Susan Davis
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. Over the years I have been in private practice, have created and overseen a training program for MFT interns, supervised 3 and 4th years psychiatric residents in their therapy hours, coauthored 2 books on community mental health and acted as adjunct professors at 3 different universities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Roberto Garcia II
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. I have been providing mental health services for the past 5 years working with non-profit community mental health clinics, probation offices & court systems, middle school, high schools and now as a private practice clinician. Within these settings, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, parents, teenagers, children and families at many different phases of life and personal development. When in session, I utilize trauma-informed and cultural-humility practices to ensure a sense of true respect, sensitivity and compassion for my clients' needs. Because of this, all sessions and services are tailored specifically to address the concerns of each client in their specific life settings. The modalities of therapy that I employ most regularly with my clients include: Psychodynamic, CBT, Existential, Narrative, and Solution Focused. My list of service experience includes: Couple's Counseling/Intimacy issues, Personal Self-Esteem and Decision-Making, LGBTQIA+2 issues, Faith-Based Issues, Anxiety/Depression/Stress, and much more. My hope is that my experience and expertise can be utilized to provide you a safe and secure space where you feel comfortable enough to process your concerns without fear of judgement or rejection. I want to congratulate you on taking this step in your journey to explore the best options for you. I also want to encourage you to continue this process and I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you soon!
Ashby "Brooks" Larsen
I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Carly Makie-Bennett
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
hassan abdullah
About me: I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly ten years of experience supporting individuals from diverse cultural, racial, socio-economic, educational, faith-based and non-faith based backgrounds. I’ve worked in inpatient and outpatient community mental health settings, as well as online, helping clients navigate a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relational or work-related goals, cultural or familial stress, infidelity, self-esteem and self-care challenges, attachment and communication issues, systemic issues, trauma and abuse, spirituality matters, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My Background: I migrated from Bangladesh when I was five years old and have personally experienced many transitions, cultural adjustments, and identity shifts. My background includes navigating physical/emotional abuse, bullying, and witnessing interpersonal violence—experiences which have deepened my empathy and insight into trauma and recovery. I also know what it’s like to live between dual identities, to face cultural and familial pressure to excel, and to cope with the stigma of seeking mental-health support within one’s community. My own healing journey has shown me how powerful it is to be seen, heard, and supported. That’s why I’m passionate about breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and normalizing mental-health care—especially for communities that have been historically underserved or misunderstood. My Philosophy: I believe therapy is a space to rediscover your voice, reconnect with your strengths, and create lasting change. You don’t have to walk this path alone. You don't have to do it perfectly, and it's okay. Two steps forward, and one step back is okay. I'm here with you. Healing is possible—and thriving is too. Taking the first step to reach out takes courage, and I honour that. I look forward to walking alongside you toward greater clarity, balance and emotional freedom. My therapeutic style is integrative and collaborative: Depending on your unique needs and goals, I draw from evidence-based approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Attachment-Based and Narrative Therapy Existential Therapy Family Systems Therapy Trauma-Informed Care Mindfulness-Based Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Motivational Interviewing Substance Use / Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment I believe in a client-centered approach: You are the expert in your own life and story, and I am here to create a safe, welcoming, empathic, attentive space in which you can reflect, heal, and grow. Many clients have told me this presence helped them take the next step toward healing and empowerment. What to expect in our sessions/first session: In our sessions you can expect a thoughtful balance of flexibility and structure, of gentleness and directness, and of intentionality and active engagement rather than passivity. First session is assessment and intake. I will be gathering information from you together with building rapport and a better understanding, while trying to gather a whole picture perspective. This will help me truly understand and provide a wholesome treatment option together with getting to diagnosis of the problem at hand and potential solutions. Flexibility: we’ll tailor pace, format, or modality as needed—deep reflection, lighter check-in, or a shift in focus. Structure & progress tracking: in each session we’ll check in on noticeable changes (positive or negative), explore your goals, identify barriers or roadblocks, and clarify your needs, expectations and supports. Feedback loop: near the end of each session we pause to reflect—what felt helpful, what might you want differently—and I’ll invite your direct feedback. Monthly therapy sessions survey: following our work you’ll receive an anonymous survey so you can privately reflect on your experience, your progress toward goals, and what you would like to do differently—your feedback helps me refine the support I provide. Goal-reflection opportunity: the combination of check-in, structured discussion and survey gives you a dedicated space not just to process, but to track change over time and stay aligned with your evolving goals.
Susan Faix
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Karen Rabin
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have a PhD in clinical Psychology. I primarily do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Insight Therapy I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Mark Saverino
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Brad Benedict
I was there, too. There was a time when I was extremely lost in life. But therapy changed the direction of my life forever. Because I went through it, I will get you through it, too. Whether you’re coming to me for personal growth, relationship struggles, or healing from trauma, we can work together to get you past the problem. It’s not that we need to share the same experiences. But I do need to know what it’s like to go from feeling stuck to coming out the other side a better version. I continuously work on myself to be the best mentor for you. As a result, therapy with me will be the one place where you never have to worry about what I’m thinking and feeling. We don’t have that type of freedom out there in the real world. I live in Southern California and work extensively with individuals and couples. My clients come to me facing issues related to complex trauma, PTSD, relationship/marital problems, anxiety, depression, and career/life transitions, or overall dissatisfaction. Also, my background in entertainment makes me qualified to work with those in Film, TV, & Music and help clients minimize the pressures that exist with these professions.
Find a Therapist Near You in Malibu , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Malibu.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.