Santa Monica isn’t just known for its sunsets and surf—it’s become one of the West Coast’s most progressive hubs for mental health and wellness. The city’s blend of beach calm and urban energy attracts some of the best therapists and counselors in California, covering everything from anxiety and depression to relationship therapy and trauma recovery.
Whether you’re seeking mindfulness-based therapy, EMDR for trauma, or a straightforward, no-nonsense talk therapist, Santa Monica’s mental health professionals offer both science-backed approaches and genuine human warmth. Here’s a curated look at the top-rated therapists and counseling centers in Santa Monica for 2025, chosen for their credentials, approachability, and reputation among locals.
1. The Center for Mindful Living
Address: 1919 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 350, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: centerformindfulliving.com
Known for blending Western psychology with mindfulness-based practices, this center offers therapy for anxiety, stress, and burnout. Their team includes licensed psychologists and mindfulness coaches who integrate CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with meditation and breathwork.
Specialties: Mindfulness therapy, anxiety management, burnout prevention
Vibe: Serene, holistic, ideal for professionals seeking inner balance
2. Dr. Laura Dabney, MD – Psychiatrist & Therapist
Address: 2500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: drlauradabney.com
With over two decades in psychiatry and psychotherapy, Dr. Dabney blends traditional talk therapy with modern medication management. She’s known for her warm, pragmatic style and specializes in adult anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem work.
Specialties: Anxiety, self-esteem, relationship counseling, psychiatry
Best For: Patients who may need both therapy and medication oversight
3. Pacific MFT Network
Address: 2716 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 3080, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: pacificmftnetwork.com
A trusted name across Los Angeles, this network connects clients with highly trained Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). They offer both in-person and telehealth sessions and specialize in couples therapy, trauma recovery, and grief counseling.
Specialties: Couples therapy, trauma, depression
Insurance: Accepts most PPO plans
Vibe: Collaborative, client-first, flexible scheduling
4. Westside Mindfulness
Address: 1334 Lincoln Blvd, Suite 2B, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: westsidemindfulness.com
Westside Mindfulness focuses on acceptance-based therapies like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). The center also offers meditation groups and mindfulness courses.
Specialties: Anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation
Best For: Clients who appreciate science-based mindfulness therapy
5. The Talkspace Santa Monica Collective (Teletherapy + In-Person)
Address: 1541 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: talkspace.com
An extension of the nationwide platform, the Santa Monica team offers hybrid care: online therapy with licensed local therapists, plus optional in-person sessions near Ocean Ave. Flexible for busy professionals who need consistency but can’t commit to weekly office visits.
Specialties: General therapy, work stress, accessibility
Cost: Starts around $69/week (virtual), $150–$200 (in-person)
6. Alyssa Marie Wellness Therapy
Address: 1840 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: alyssamariewellness.com
Alyssa specializes in somatic therapy, connecting mental and physical healing. Her work focuses on trauma release, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion. Clients describe her sessions as “grounding, safe, and life-changing.”
Specialties: Somatic therapy, trauma, stress regulation
Best For: People who want mind-body-focused healing
7. The Maple Counseling Center (TMCC)
Address: 1848 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: tmcc.org
One of LA’s oldest nonprofit counseling centers, TMCC provides low-cost therapy with licensed clinicians and supervised associates. Their model ensures affordable access to high-quality care—a rarity on the Westside.
Specialties: Affordable therapy, individual and couples counseling
Rates: Sliding scale ($25–$75 per session)
Best For: Students, artists, and those without insurance
8. The Feeling Space – Dr. Nicole Siegfried, PsyD
Address: 929 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: thefeelingspace.com
A newer boutique practice focusing on emotional resilience, body image, and anxiety. Dr. Siegfried blends clinical psychology with compassion-based approaches, creating a comfortable, non-clinical space for personal growth.
Specialties: Women’s mental health, emotional processing, perfectionism
Vibe: Warm, modern, judgment-free
9. Santa Monica Therapy Collective
Address: 1428 2nd St, Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: santamonicatherapycollective.com
This collective houses a team of therapists offering everything from CBT to EMDR. Their group therapy sessions and trauma-informed workshops are particularly popular. LGBTQ+ affirming and highly community-oriented.
Specialties: Trauma, LGBTQ+ care, EMDR therapy
Insurance: Accepts PPO & Out-of-Network plans
10. SonderMind California Network (Santa Monica Branch)
Website: sondermind.com
SonderMind connects clients with licensed therapists for in-person or online sessions, tailored to insurance and goals. Their Santa Monica branch is praised for matching clients quickly with therapists specializing in stress, relationships, and anxiety.
Specialties: Accessible therapy, virtual care, insurance-based
Best For: Quick scheduling and continuity of care
Top Therapy Categories in Santa Monica
| Type of Therapy | Where to Go | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness & CBT | Center for Mindful Living | Anxiety & burnout |
| Couples Counseling | Pacific MFT Network | Relationships |
| Affordable Therapy | Maple Counseling Center | Low-cost sessions |
| Somatic Healing | Alyssa Marie Wellness | Trauma recovery |
| Group & EMDR | Santa Monica Therapy Collective | PTSD & self-growth |
| Psychiatry + Therapy | Dr. Laura Dabney | Integrated mental health care |
What’s New in 2025: Integrated Mental Wellness
Therapy in Santa Monica isn’t confined to the couch anymore. Many centers now integrate mind-body techniques—breathwork, somatic experiencing, nutrition counseling, and even virtual reality exposure therapy. The trend is toward holistic healing, not just symptom management.
Hybrid therapy (online + in-person) has also become standard, allowing flexibility while maintaining personal connection—a huge plus for busy professionals or parents.
FAQs:
Are there affordable therapy options in Santa Monica?
Yes. The Maple Counseling Center offers sliding-scale rates starting around $25 per session, making therapy accessible to all income levels.
Do these therapists accept insurance?
Many, like Pacific MFT Network and SonderMind, accept major PPO insurance. Always confirm directly before booking.
Are there LGBTQ+-affirming therapists in Santa Monica?
Absolutely. The Santa Monica Therapy Collective is highly inclusive, offering specialized LGBTQ+ support.
