Finding your happiness can be hard. Even if life is going good, depression and doubt can keep you down and prevent you from reaching happiness. A counselor based in Santa Monica can help you by trying to find your happiness. 

Santa Monica’s motto is “populus felix in urbe felice.” This translates to “Happy people in a happy city.” Of course, it’s hard to tell someone’s happiness. Even if they appear to be happy, they may not be. A counselor can be the person who helps you obtain your true happiness. All you need to do is to speak to a counselor in Santa Monica and figure out how you can find true happiness. Talk to one today. 

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 11

I am a marriage and family therapist with 9 years of experience counseling a wide range of clients. I have worked with clients on grief and loss, depression and anxiety as well as substance abuse concerns. I take a warm approach with clients and use a client centered approach to therapy. I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy and approach the sessions in a collaborative manner always working together with people I am working with. I respect that you took this step to seek out a listening ear and I look forward to wor...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 3

Hi my name is Jasmine Jones I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker who has specialized for 11 years in work dealing with trauma, daily life stressors, mood disorders, and behavioral issues in youths, adults, and families. My main focus of practice is helping clients develop a sense of authenticity and self worth. I currently specialize in various evidenced based practices including CBT, AFCBT, Crises Intervention, TFCBT, mindfulness, and DBT practices. Welcome I can’t wait to work with you

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 25

Does your life sometimes seem unmanageable? Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression or loneliness? These are challenging times and many of us are navigating a vast amount of change and loss. It’s important to reach out and get the support you deserve. Together we can develop your strengths and design a plan to address these challenges. We will create a safe space for you to explore your feelings and find the empowerment you need to build a meaningful and fulfilling life. As a LMFT with more than 25 years of experience providing support to clients to d...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 25

Hello, I am a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a BA in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I move comfortably between live talk therapy and online written mediums. I have worked with adolescents, adults and the elderly in residential and private practice settings. I am struck by the unique challenges we all face as we transition from one developmental stage of life to the next. My early work as a suicide prevention hotline counselor and grief therapist/supervisor has laid the f...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 16

I aim to provide a secure and nurturing environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore their emotional and mental well-being. I employ a humanistic client-centered approach, which involves collaborating with my clients to comprehend their distinct needs and aspirations and devising customized interventions accordingly. Rather than focusing solely on the problems or pathology, I strive to integrate the strengths and resources of my clients in my therapeutic approach. This approach cultivates a sense of empowerment and grit in my clients, enabling th...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 14

Dr. Brandy Reid is an experienced licensed marriage and family therapist offering 14 years of experience with a demonstrated history of working in community mental health and private practice. Brandy enjoys advocating for marginalized groups through her clinical work and leadership development training. Brandy is a Christian and believes in allowing space for your spirituality to exist within your healing journey. Brandy is also an LGBTQIAA+ ally and enjoys doing advocacy work to support client's self-development. Brandy specializes in working with clients (child...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am a Marriage Family and Child Therapist licensed in California and Colorado with over 25 years of experience working in this field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, life challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is eclectic, warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cogniti...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

I am a licensed therapist in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, dating and relationships, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs. You are being very brave and strong to face and share your issues and to seek help. If you were to not do this, your problems may not improve. Seeking therapy gives you a good chance to succeed and move past your current challenges. Now a little bit about ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Bipolar disorder, Depression, 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, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 10

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Career difficulties, Depression, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 13

Robynne M. Lute, PsyD is an experienced licensed psychologist in MO and CA with over two decades in the field. Robynne is highly respected for her expertise in working with individuals with a variety of presenting concerns and diagnoses in a non-judgmental, effective, and warm-hearted manner. She uses brief solution-focused therapy as well as traditional longer-term individual therapy for individuals aged 18 and older, including older adults . Dr. Lute works hand-in-hand with each client to develop efficacious, evidence-based, and tailored interventions and plans ...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 9

I am licensed in California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 7

I am licensed in California with 9 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 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.

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 5

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have genuine unconditional positive regard for others and am very empathic towards life's struggles. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for ge...

Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 10

Choosing a therapist is like choosing a partner: it’s about the fit that’s right for you. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients including teens, young adults, older adults and couples. I try to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable, caring and nonjudgmental. My goal is to help people feel better than when they first sat down with me. I believe that I may be the therapist who is the right choice for you.

How To Find The Right Therapist For You

Finding the right therapist close by in Santa Monica can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a therapy with a counselor near the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica area can be found below:

How Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in Santa Monica: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in Santa Monica: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in Santa Monica: $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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, 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 90405 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 Santa Monica can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Santa Monica 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For 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 Santa Monica area, including:

  • CBT in Santa Monica
  • DBT in Santa Monica
  • Substance use therapy in Santa Monica
  • Couples therapy in Santa Monica

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

90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411

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