Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Seeking a skilled therapist can be a step toward self-discovery and a satisfying life. Whether you want to manage life stress, overcome trauma, or improve your intimate relationships, a therapist can help you navigate life in a way that considers your unique preferences and emotional needs.
When looking for a therapist in Santa Monica, CA, it may be beneficial to consider telehealth services. Barriers to in-person therapy, like financial challenges, the hustle of a career in the business world, or a lack of available providers near you, may make it difficult to find support in your area. Many therapists aim to aid in the therapeutic process by offering convenient care from the client’s home.
Regardless of where you live in Los Angeles, whether it’s Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, or another neighborhood, having at-home access to modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sex therapy, and trauma-informed care may cut out an extra commute to appointments each week and reduce costs spent on parking and transportation.
The following licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers offer internet-based mental healthcare in Santa Monica, CA. To learn more about a therapist, open their profile to read about their experience, areas of expertise, and licensure. You can also find reviews from clients who are living proof of the benefits of receiving mental healthcare online.
Patricia Riley
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 25356
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
20 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 25 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.
Dr. James Decker
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 9715
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
45 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Stephen Lovato
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 21379
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
45 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, relationship issues, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Alexis Reid
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 125880
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Denise Gutirrez-Miller
Clinician
License Type(s): OK LCSW 22223, CA LCSW LCSW87095
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself. I am a born-again Christian and available for those needing to understand themselves according to Scripture. My availability is 10am to 4pm Central Time.
Mary Frances Hudson
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 14794, IN LCSW 34007926A
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Indiana with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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.
Dr. Cheryl Mims
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 21288
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepression
40 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Derrell Tidwell
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 9609, WA LICSW LW 61520535
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
42 years offering treatment
I am licensed mental health practitioner in California and Washington with over 40 years of professional work experience. I'm experienced in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts especially for people of color. I strongly believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming your challenges. My goal is to provide you clarity and assist you in utilizing your "natural toolbox" toward successfully addressing your challenges. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings from 9 AM - 1 PM. (As of March 2026, my only openings are on Thursday mornings.) If you anticipate my work days/hours don't match your general availability, I encourage you to initiate a "request for therapist change" process by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of your account page and using the pull down menu. Taking the first step to sign up for assistance takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Ashby "Brooks" Larsen
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 12724, UT LCSW 11035932-3501
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
58 years offering treatment
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.
Mark Phelan
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 115079
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
Alexandra "Lexy" Spett
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 37465
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years offering treatment
As a licensed therapist with 24 years of experience in California, I specialize in supporting late adolescents (16-19), young adults (20–30), and their parents through life’s transitions and challenges with clarity and confidence. Please note: I do work with adults (35-64) on a case by case basis. Becoming an adult is not easy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, or issues with motivation, self-esteem, or confidence, I’m here to help. With parents of emerging adults, I offer compassionate guidance to navigate relational shifts while fostering a stronger, more meaningful connection with your young adult. My style is warm, direct, honest, and rooted in compassion. I believe in creating a safe, respectful space where we can collaborate to build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Your journey is unique, and I’m committed to meeting you exactly where you are. Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths, build your confidence, and help you create the life you want. I'm ready to take this journey with you!
Susan Faix
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 45579
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
26 years offering treatment
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.
Ryan Jordan
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LPCC 17537
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
4 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.
Cheryl Garnica
Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 160078
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment
As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and self-esteem concerns. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, confidential and supportive, therapeutic environment where clients can openly share their concerns, explore their experiences, and develop individualized and meaningful 'tools' and effective coping strategies symptom/problem specific, effective coping strategies. My practice honors diverse perspectives and individual needs, offering a welcoming space for personal growth and healing. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients navigate their way through trauma/PTSD, substance use and addiction issues, seeking sobriety, living sober, effectively responding to crises and sudden unexpected events, grief and loss of people and pets, stressful events, learning to control and manage overwhelming, negative emotions, personal and family life transitions, addressing distressing changes, situations, life transitions, and emotional challenges with empathy, unconditional positive regard, and professional guidance. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, discover inner strengths, and create positive pathways forward. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with respect, understanding, and genuine care as you work towards your personal wellness goals.
Find a Therapist Near You in Santa Monica , 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 Santa Monica.
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.
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