Meet the best therapists* in Santa Monica.

image of santa monica pier; best therapists in santa monica

What kind of therapist do you need?

Note that most therapists specialize in multiple issues, so therapists in different categories may still be able to help you.

Anxiety therapist
Child or teen therapist
Couples therapist
Depression therapist
EMDR therapist
Family therapist
Grief therapist
OCD therapist
Trauma therapist

Our process

Fact checked

All updates to our vetting process and content are clinically reviewed by licensed psychotherapists.

We only reference peer-reviewed psychological and medical journals, trusted media outlets, esteemed mental health experts, or reputable mental health organizations.

Why trust Best Therapists?

We developed a vetting process specific to therapists that checks for the things we wish we knew about a therapist before starting treatment.

We're therapy seekers ourselves, and our team is comprised of mental health experts, writers, and licensed therapists who fact check everything we create and develop.

Meet our team of expert contributors or learn more about why you should choose Best Therapists when seeking a therapist.

Best therapists in Santa Monica

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best anxiety therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$355

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, PSY #31508; New York, PSY #020676

Regina Lazarovich, PhD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness based, Prolonged exposure therapy, Strength-based therapy

Specialties

Anxiety, Disordered eating, Panic attacks

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anxiety, Bicultural experience, Body image, Bullying, Burnout, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Dating, Depression, First generation immigrant experience, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, Insomnia, Life transitions, Midlife stress, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Phobias, Second or third generation immigration experience, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Trauma

Virtual Only

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #107356

Arielle Pinkston, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Mindfulness based, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Strength-based therapy

Specialties

Anxiety, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Self esteem/self worth, Nutrition

Additional Areas of focus

Body image, Burnout, Codependency, Dating, Life transitions

Virtual Only

$180

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #121953

Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

EMDR, Family systems, Mindfulness based, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Anxiety, Biracial experience, LGBTQ+ sexuality

Additional Areas of focus

Codependency, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Trauma, Transgender people

Best children and teen therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual and In Person

$180

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #83507

Ashley Hudson, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based, Psychodynamic, Solution-focused brief therapy, Strength-based therapy

Specialties

Adolescents/teens, Anxiety, Sports performance

Additional Areas of focus

Body image, Depression, Grief and/or loss, Life transitions, Panic attacks, Parenting, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Trauma

Virtual and In Person

$275

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #141084

Monique Merritt Romick, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Depth psychotherapy, Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Family systems, Psychodynamic, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused, Narrative, Solution-focused brief therapy, Gottman method

Specialties

Adolescents/teens, Gender identity, LGBTQ+ sexuality

Additional Areas of focus

Anxiety, Burnout, Codependency, Dating, Depression, Grief and/or loss, Infidelity/affairs, Life transitions, Neurodivergence, Parenting, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Transgender people, Trauma

Best couples therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$235

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, AMFT #130035; California, APCC #10770: California, LMFT #148854

Jenny Werba, AMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, Gottman method, Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

Specialties

Pregnancy and/or infant loss, Infertility, Couples counseling

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Codependency, Fertility treatment, Grief and/or loss, Life transitions, Neurodivergence, Parenting, Postpartum depression

Virtual and In Person

$225

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

LMFT, California #121965

Eliza Monteverdi, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman method, Psychodynamic

Specialties

Burnout, Codependency, Infidelity/affairs

Additional Areas of focus

Addiction, Anxiety, Couples counseling, Dating, Depression, Disordered eating, Highly sensitive people, Intercultural/interfaith relationships, Parenting, Premarital counseling, Sexual harassment, abuse, and/or assault, Trauma, Spirituality

Virtual and In Person

$240

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #121347; Oregon, LMFT #T2607; Florida, LMFT #TPMF593

Peter Cellarius, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Internal family systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Somatic therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Trauma, Couples counseling, Anxiety

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Career counseling/coaching, Chronic illness or pain, Depression, Existential questioning, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, Infidelity/affairs, Narcissistic personality, Borderline personality disorder, Panic attacks, Personality disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Premarital counseling, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Sexual harassment, abuse, and/or assault, Trauma

Best depression therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual and In Person

$175

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, AMFT #133578

Katie Massey, AMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Depth psychotherapy, Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Mindfulness based, Psychodynamic, Narrative

Specialties

Depression, Spirituality, Dating

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anxiety, Burnout, Couples counseling, Existential questioning, Highly sensitive people, Insomnia, Life transitions, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Trauma

Virtual Only

$175

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Allied Benefit Systems, AllSavers UHC, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Christian Brothers Services, Cigna, Lyra, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Plans Inc, Heath Scope, Holman Group, Meritain, Nippon, Optum, Oscar, Oxford Health Plans, Surest (formerly Bind), Trustmark Health Benefits, Trustmark Small Business Benefits, UHC Student Resources, UHSS, UMR, & UnitedHealthcare, ComPsych

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, Licensed Psychologist, PSY33078; California, Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor-II #A8511212

Jen Bachtold, PhD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Mindfulness based, Internal family systems (IFS), Solution-focused brief therapy, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Addiction, Depression, LGBTQ+ sexuality

Additional Areas of focus

Abuse, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Bullying, Bicultural experience, Biracial experience, Burnout, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Chronic illness or pain, Codependency, Dating, Divorce counseling, Existential questioning, First responders, Gender identity, Infidelity/affairs, Life transitions, Medical trauma, Midlife stress, Military families, Narcissistic personality, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Racial/cultural identity, Schizophrenia spectrum, Second or third generation immigration experience, Self esteem/self worth, Self harm, Sexual harassment, abuse, and/or assault, Social anxiety, Socioeconomic issues, Spirituality, Stress, Substance misuse/dependency, Suicidal thoughts, Transgender people, Trauma, Veterans/military services

Virtual Only

$220

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #116569

Ryan Perisho, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Depth psychotherapy, Attachment based, Faith-based counseling, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman method, Family systems, Mindfulness based, Psychoanalytic, Strength-based therapy

Specialties

Anxiety, Infertility, Depression

Additional Areas of focus

Fertility treatment, Grief and/or loss, Self esteem/self worth, Adolescents/teens, Body image, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Couples counseling, Dating, Existential questioning, Insomnia, Life transitions, Medical trauma, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Panic attacks, Pregnancy and/or infant loss, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum depression, Premarital counseling, Self harm, Sexual harassment, abuse, and/or assault, Social anxiety, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Depression

Virtual and In Person

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #139734

Sarah Finch, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Depth psychotherapy, Attachment based, Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Family systems, Internal family systems (IFS), Mindfulness based, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Somatic therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Autism spectrum, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression

Additional Areas of focus

Abuse, ADHD, Biracial experience, Burnout, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Gender identity, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Life transitions, Neurodivergence, Pregnancy and/or infant loss, Racial/cultural identity, Second or third generation immigration experience, Self esteem/self worth, Self harm, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal thoughts, Trauma

Best EMDR therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual and In Person

$275

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, Psychologist #34538

Mary Roohan, PsyD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, Music therapy, Play therapy

Specialties

Disordered eating, Highly sensitive people, LGBTQ+ sexuality

Additional Areas of focus

Anxiety, Body image, Self esteem/self worth, Fertility treatment

Virtual and In Person

$165

per session

Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross of MA, and Lyra

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross of MA, and Lyra

Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross of MA, and Lyra

Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross of MA, and Lyra

Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross of MA, and Lyra

Not available

California, LPCC #11588

Heather Johns, LPCC

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, Trauma-focused, Mindfulness based

Specialties

Anxiety, Trauma, LGBTQ+ sexuality

Additional Areas of focus

Abuse, Body image, Gender identity, Panic attacks, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self esteem/self worth, Sexual harassment, abuse, and/or assault, Stalking, Transgender people

Virtual and In Person

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California AMFT #143452

Chloe Bean, AMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Depth psychotherapy, Attachment based, Art therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Family systems, Internal family systems (IFS), Mindfulness based, Music therapy, Narrative, Play therapy, Psychodynamic, Somatic therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Anxiety, Trauma, Adolescents/teens

Additional Areas of focus

Body image, Blended families, Coparenting, Step parenting, Burnout, Career counseling/coaching, Children, Couples counseling, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Dating, Depression, Disordered eating, Family counseling, Gender identity, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Life transitions, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Panic attacks, Parenting, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Premarital counseling, Self esteem/self worth, Stress, Transgender people, Suicidal thoughts

Best family therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best grief therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$225

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, AMFT #116027

Gabe Kenney, AMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based, Narrative, Play therapy, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Grief and/or loss, Sports performance, Performance anxiety

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Adolescents/teens, Anger management, Anxiety, Bullying, Burnout, Career counseling/coaching, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Children, Chronic illness or pain, Codependency, Dating, Existential questioning, Family counseling, First responders, Gaming and/or social media dependence, Highly sensitive people, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Life transitions, Midlife stress, Military families, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Neurodivergence, Phobias, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Premarital counseling, Schizophrenia spectrum, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Socioeconomic issues, Spirituality, Stalking, Stress, Veterans/military services, Bipolar disorder, Abuse, Autism spectrum, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic attacks, Psychedelic assisted therapy

Virtual and In Person

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LCSW # 82814

Erin Burton, LCSW

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Attachment based, Brainspotting, Family systems, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Adoption, Trauma, Codependency

Additional Areas of focus

Abuse, Burnout, Self esteem/self worth, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Grief and/or loss

Best OCD therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$355

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, PSY #31508; New York, PSY #020676

Regina Lazarovich, PhD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness based, Prolonged exposure therapy, Strength-based therapy

Specialties

Anxiety, Disordered eating, Panic attacks

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anxiety, Bicultural experience, Body image, Bullying, Burnout, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Dating, Depression, First generation immigrant experience, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, Insomnia, Life transitions, Midlife stress, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Phobias, Second or third generation immigration experience, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Trauma

Best trauma therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual and In Person

$250

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #122618

Michelle King Rayfield, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, Internal family systems (IFS), Trauma-focused, Psychodynamic

Specialties

Trauma, Couples counseling, Anxiety

Additional Areas of focus

Addiction, Bipolar disorder, Life transitions, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Premarital counseling, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Substance misuse/dependency

Virtual Only

$225

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Aetna

Aetna

Not available

California, LPCC #13150; Arkansas, LPC #P1802011; Iowa, LMHC #120277

Judith Kanu, LPCC

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness based, Solution-focused brief therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Anxiety, Trauma, Self esteem/self worth

Additional Areas of focus

Anger management, Anxiety, Body image, Burnout, Career counseling/coaching, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Depression, Grief and/or loss, Highly sensitive people, Life transitions, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Panic attacks, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum depression, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Stress, Trauma

Virtual and In Person

$265

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

California, LMFT #114130

Camille Tenerife, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Biracial experience, Career counseling/coaching, Racial/cultural identity

Additional Areas of focus

Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about therapy

What's the difference between in-person and virtual therapy?

Although there is no research that suggests in-person or virtual therapy is more effective, you may prefer one over the other. Some people prefer the intimacy of being in the same physical space as their therapist, while others prefer receiving treatment in the comfort of their own home. If you have a tight schedule, virtual therapy is a great option since you won’t commute to your therapist’s office. Virtual therapy also allows you to see any therapist throughout your state, which means one less barrier to finding your soulmate therapist!

When should someone start therapy?

Deciding when to start therapy is a very personal decision, but we recommend starting sooner rather than later. Along with running the risk of your mental health declining, you also miss out on time spent working on yourself, repairing your relationships, and so much more. Life is short, so why not make it the best possible as soon as possible?

What type of therapy is right for me?

Your therapist will carefully customize your treatment plan, and they will likely rely on a variety of therapeutic methods. There are some treatment methods that are better for specific disorders (like exposure therapy for OCD or phobias), but a combination of several will likely be the best option for you.

Is going to therapy worth it?

We’re huge advocates for therapy at Best Therapists, but we know that not everyone has a good experience in therapy. Working with a high quality therapist (with whom you have a great relationship) can be life changing. You can change harmful behaviors or thought patterns, shed or improve hurtful relationships, increase your resilience and coping methods for dealing with mental illness, and much more. We think that that’s pretty frigging worth it, but finding the right therapist for YOU is crucial to this equation.

What's the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist?

The main difference between psychotherapists and psychologists is their education. Psychologists receive more education, and in some cases, psychologists focus more on research than clinical work. But both therapists and psychologists go through thousands of hours of clinical training. When choosing a therapist, the skill of the therapist and your relationship with them matters way more than which degree your therapist has.

Do therapists offer free consultations?

Yes, most therapists offer free consultations. This not only benefits you, but the therapist too! Therapists want to see if you are a good fit before doing an official therapy session with you to save you (and them) time and energy. Although your relationship has barely begun, you both will feel out your chemistry. You won’t be BFFs by the end of the consultation, but should get a sense of whether or not you’ll work well together.

About Us

Hi, we’re Best Therapists.

We vet therapists, so you can focus on fit—not quality.

Through peer reviews, license verification, online reviews, and requiring acknowledgement of trauma-informed care, we do our best to make sure that your best therapist provides high quality care (and that's regardless of your race, sexual orientation, or background).

But your friend’s best therapist might not be your best therapist. That's why personality fit between you and your therapist is crucial. It’s not something that we can verify for you, so we encourage you to schedule free consultations with multiple therapists to get a sense of your chemistry together.

Why choose Best Therapists

There are plenty of therapist directories to choose from.

But other therapist directories like Psychology Today, Good Therapy, Choosing Therapy, and more have hundreds (if not thousands) of results for therapists in your city alone. The search for your best therapist becomes instantly overwhelming, which stops some therapy-seekers in their tracks. Our involved vetting process goes way beyond a basic license check (unlike the other guys), which simplifies YOUR search.

Finding the best therapist for you is hard enough, so we curate lists like these so you can get quality care as quickly and seamlessly impossible. And no need to check a therapist's availability or add your name to their waitlist—all Best Therapists are currently accepting new clients.

Not feeling any of the therapists on our list? No worries. Keep scrolling to find other vetted therapists in cities near you.

When to not choose Best Therapists

In some situations, we may not be the best therapist directory for you. For example...

  1. If you are looking for free therapy or want therapy that's supplemented by another organization, Best Therapists isn't the best therapist directory for you.
  2. If you're only open to seeing a therapist that's in-network with your insurance provider, Best Therapists might not be a good fit. Many of our therapists don't work directly with insurance companies, so we encourage you to check your out-of-network mental health benefits (use our free benefits checker). Don't let your insurance company prevent you from working with your soulmate therapist!
  3. Finally, this site is not intended for medical emergencies. If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, please call the national suicide hotline at 988.

Want to learn more about starting therapy? Read our guide on how to start therapy.