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Santa Monica, CA Help & Support

Licensed therapists, treatment centers, housing, food and faith-based support - in your community.

Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

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Melanie Handelsman

Melanie Handelsman

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA

Santa Monica, CA

Melanie Handelsman is a Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, based in Santa Monica, CA. She offers services to individuals across the lifespan, including children (ages 5 to 10), preteens (ages 10 to 13), teenagers (ages 13 to 18), adults (ages 18 to 65), and elders (ages 65 and over). Melanie specializes in supporting clients with anxiety, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She provides therapy to individuals, groups, and couples. Her therapeutic approach is comprehensive, incorporating techniques such as Mindfulness, and modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Family Systems Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Integrative Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Somatic Therapy. Melanie offers services in English (US).

Robyn Reddell

Robyn Reddell

Social Worker, Clinical, LCSW

Santa Monica, CA

Robyn Reddell, a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Santa Monica, CA, offers therapeutic services to adults aged 18 to 65. Robyn Reddell works with individuals, helping them navigate a range of concerns including anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and relationship stress. Robyn Reddell provides support in English (US). Robyn Reddell utilizes a comprehensive approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities such as trauma focused therapy, person-centered therapy, strength-based therapy, family systems therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), relational therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), integrative therapy, narrative therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and existential therapy.

Laura Picard

Laura Picard

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Santa Monica, CA

​You’ve built a life that looks successful on the outside, but inside, you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or never quite “enough.” Perfectionism, overthinking, anxiety, or past wounds may be driving you, yet leaving you unfulfilled. Perhaps you struggle to manage your emotions or communicate well. I specialize in working with clients who crave deep, lasting change, helping you navigate emotions, cope with stress, heal trauma, and build authentic relationships. Together, we’ll explore the different parts of you and reconnect you to your true self and the world around you while building practical tools. I help people break free from anxiety, trauma, perfectionism and charged emotions to create a life that feels as good as it looks. Using a tailored, evidence-based approach, I guide you in mastering emotions, building secure relationships, and finding true fulfillment. Therapy with me is discreet, transformative, and designed to help you heal deeply. I see you,the pressure to always have it together, the fear of slowing down, the ache of feeling misunderstood. You're working so hard yet something still feels off. Maybe past wounds resurface, relationships feel unsteady, or anxiety won’t quiet down. You’re not alone. I offer a space where you don’t have to perform, you can just be. About Laura Picard: Thank you for being here. I'm Laura Picard, a Licensed Family Therapist in California #135100 who believes in the power of connection, compassion, and growth. ​My journey to becoming a therapist has been anything but linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, graduating with honors. Before that, I called Boston home, where I studied at Suffolk University while working as a nanny to put myself through school. Those experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and the value of showing up, even when things feel hard. ​ Before finding my calling as a therapist, I spent over a decade in entertainment marketing in Los Angeles, working with talented creatives and global brands. While it was exciting and fast-paced, I often struggled behind the scenes with severe anxiety. Therapy changed my life. It gave me the tools I needed to heal, grow, and understand myself better. That experience inspired me to help others find their own paths to healing. ​ I began my therapy career at the Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the U.S., supporting adolescents, teens, and young adults through life’s ups and downs. I also worked as a telehealth therapist for students in underserved Catholic schools, at Counseling Partners of Los Angeles, providing a safe space for them to explore their feelings and find support. These experiences ignited my passion for working with teens, young adults, and anyone navigating big transitions or tough times. After earning my hours at a group private practice, I started my own private practice and I continue to deepen my skills on a daily basis. ​ Today, I’m excited to be deepening my skills at IFS Institute, immersing myself in every training I can get my hands on with IFS founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz and other top leaders in the field. I’m working toward certification in Internal Family Systems (IFS) as I feel this is the most powerful modality in therapy. This approach has been transformative for me and my clients, helping us explore the different “parts” of ourselves with curiosity and care. I’m also passionate about understanding the mind-body connection, the neurobiology of trauma, and how social media impacts mental health. And on the horizon? A new app I’m creating to support clients between therapy sessions—stay tuned! ​ When I’m not working, I’m recharging in nature, whether it’s hiking, figure skating, or enjoying the beach with my dog, Miley. Living in Orange County, CA, I’m constantly reminded of the beauty and balance that the ocean offers, a balance I strive to help my clients find in their own lives. ​ If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about what’s next, I’d love to hear your story. Together, we can create a space where healing and growth feel possible—and even joyful. Let’s connect and start this journey together. Please reach out for a consultation .

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Questions people are asking

Local Support in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, California, is a vibrant coastal community known for its recreational opportunities, diverse cultural landscape, and picturesque beachfronts. However, the socio-economic determinants of health, including rising housing costs and job security issues, impact residents’ overall well-being. This environment contributes to mental health challenges, with many facing issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. A notable concern is the mental health of youth, with rising reports of emotional distress. Fortunately, Santa Monica hosts numerous mental health resources, providing essential services including counseling, medication management, and support groups tailored to diverse populations—from adolescents to seniors. These local facilities are committed to addressing mental well-being in a holistic manner, recognizing the interplay between social conditions and psychological health. Residents are encouraged to explore the variety of available resources in this directory, fostering a supportive community atmosphere that prioritizes mental health and wellness.

Frequently asked questions

Use the search box at the top of this page to narrow down to your city or zip code, then choose the kind of support you need - therapists, treatment centers, housing assistance, food pantries or faith-based services. Every listing links through to contact details and directions.

It varies by listing. Food pantries, many housing programs and faith-based services are typically free, while therapists and treatment centers usually charge or bill insurance. Check the individual listing and contact the provider directly to confirm.

No. The providers and organizations listed here are independent of 7 Cups - we do not employ them and cannot vouch for them. What 7 Cups does offer directly is free emotional support from trained volunteer listeners, and online therapy with licensed professionals.

If you are in immediate danger, call 988 in the US or go to your nearest emergency room. For someone to talk to straight away, you can chat with a trained volunteer listener at any hour, free.