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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LPCC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 15

My hope is to be a calming and supportive presence as we work through your discomfort and develop strategies to help you function more effectively. Our work together will be collaborative and purposeful, built on a foundation of authenticity and hope. In addition to my extensive clinical experience in private, community, and higher education settings, I am also a professor of psychology. As such, I tend to use a psychoeducational approach to further enhance our therapeutic alliance. I have experience treating clients with all types of presenting issues, includi...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 3

Hi, a little bit about me, when I’m not providing therapeutic services for BetterHelp, I work as a licensed clinical social worker for the county behavioral health program. I have been working with adults and families with mental health concerns for over 10 years, this is my passion. I have a combination of therapeutic approaches I typically use such as: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, along with client-centered therapy. If the client prefers I can provide psychoanalysis or narrative therapy. My therapeutic style is geared towards what the...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MS, LMFT
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 4

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with over ten years of experience in the field of psychology. I have provided individual psychotherapy in a variety of settings and group counseling in the treatment of substance use disorders. I specialize in treating child, adolescent, and adult clients with depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders via Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness modalities (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I believe in treatin...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 21

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional mental health and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 9

I am licensed in California and have 8 years of professional work experience. My background includes helping clients with managing stress, anxiety and depression and I am also certified as an anger management counselor. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I enjoy working with clients to help them increase their motivation and confidence so they can have a more fulfilling and happier life. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you in your treatment...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 26

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with life changes. 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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 3

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Anger management
Years of Experience: 23

I am licensed in both Texas and California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 28

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LICSW,PPSC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 5

Greetings! I am a clinical social worker currently licensed in California and Washington, D.C. The majority of my social work career has been in the social services and education fields. I began my teletherapy work with BetterHelp in 2021 and started a private practice the following year. I enjoy teaming with adults to address current life stressors with the goal of fostering hope in the future. My style of engagement is non-judgmental, relaxed and grounded. I aspire to meet each individual where they are in the present moment and pride myself on being an empath...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 11

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working as a clinician for over 10 years. I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Southern California. My approach to therapy is always centered on you. I have firsthand experience with the healing and growth that psychotherapy can offer and am passionate about helping people live a more authentic and satisfying life. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced various fo...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 5

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have a range of experience working with a wide range of clients, including adults, teens, and children as young as 3. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My aim to assist clients to developing the insights to make positive, healthy change in their lives a...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem, Coaching, ADHD
Years of Experience: 3

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have a lifetime of experience with ADHD and Autism. 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 a...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 11

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My general availability is early morning on weekdays, but...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Malibu, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 13

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

How To Find The Right Therapist For You

Finding the right therapist close by in Malibu can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a therapy with a counselor near the Malibu area if you find it challenging to find therapists accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search, search for 'therapist near me in Malibu and scroll through the options. Next, consider your goals for the gender of your psychotherapist, the type of therapy they're most experienced with, and their specialty. Finally, choose a therapist located near you in the city of Malibu or elsewhere in Los Angeles or the state of California.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Malibu therapists can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Malibu area can be found below:

How Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Malibu Counselor?

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Malibu due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist in Malibu: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in Malibu: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in Malibu: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in Malibu: $80

Some counselors in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp therapists serving the city of Malibu and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).

How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?

It's important to note that these therapists treat clients online. Online therapists, including the US-based therapists above, can work with people like you in or around Malibu virtually. You do not have to commute to a therapist's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. There are therapists on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.

Therapist specialties on BetterHelp include:
  • Therapists specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Therapists specializing in behavior therapy
  • Depression therapists
  • Anxiety therapists
  • Stress therapists
  • Eating disorder therapists
  • Grief therapists
  • Therapists specializing in attachment therapy
  • Relationship therapists
  • Child and adolescent therapists
  • Addiction therapists
  • Divorce therapists
  • Trauma therapists
  • Bipolar therapists
  • Psychodynamic therapists

Malibu has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with therapists all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Malibu, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.

How Do I Know If Online Counseling Is Right For My Family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but they may struggle to provide objective guidance as a psychotherapist can. Therapists are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Malibu therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in Malibu, CA, finding a therapist can be costly, and therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 90265 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp therapist page. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy in Malibu can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Malibu Counselor? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and why you're attending therapy.

Should I See A Counselor If I Feel Fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although therapists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A therapist may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process with a counselor.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Is Mental Health Care Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, therapists are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Therapists are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay Up To Date With The Leading Online Counseling Platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and FacebookFor mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

There are all kinds of therapists in the Malibu area, including:

  • CBT in Malibu
  • DBT in Malibu
  • Substance use therapy in Malibu
  • Couples therapy in Malibu

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Malibu:

90265