How Much Does Therapy Cost in Santa Monica, California? 2025 Guide
In Santa Monica, therapy can range from reduced-fee services at community clinics to $350 or more for a session with a private professional, depending on the provider’s credentials and your insurance plan.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of therapy costs in Santa Monica, California, including typical fees by provider type, local affordable care options, and insurance coverage, giving you the essential information to navigate mental healthcare expenses in this vibrant coastal city.
Table of Contents
- Quick Summary
- Average Session Costs by Provider Type
- Who Can Provide Therapy in Santa Monica?
- Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Santa Monica
- Affordable Care Options
- Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
- Therapy Cost Directory
- References
Quick Summary
- Average Cost: Individual therapy sessions in Santa Monica typically range from $175 to $350, with experienced private practitioners charging between $250 and $270 for a standard 50-minute session.
- Affordable Options: Key affordable resources include the Venice Family Clinic at its Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Centre, which operates as a Federally Qualified Health Centre with a sliding fee scale, and the LA County Department of Mental Health's West Side Mental Health Services office.
- Provider Differences: Psychiatrists and fully licensed psychologists command the highest rates, while community health centres and university-affiliated telehealth clinics provide more affordable entry points.
- Insurance: Many therapists in Santa Monica are out-of-network providers who offer a superbill for insurance reimbursement. Common plans in the area include Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, and Anthem Blue Cross.
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
The cost of therapy in Santa Monica is influenced by its desirable location, the high cost of living, and the extensive expertise of its mental health professionals. Fees vary based on a practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and specialisation. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors able to prescribe medication, have the highest fees, while community health centres and pre-licensed associates offer more accessible price points.
| Provider Type | Average Session Cost |
|---|---|
| :--- | :--- |
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | $300 – $500+ |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | $200 – $350 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $175 – $275 |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) | $175 – $275 |
| Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor (LPCC) | $175 – $275 |
| Associate/Intern | $100 – $175 |
| Community Health Centre (Sliding Scale) | Varies; often reduced fees |
Who Can Provide Therapy in Santa Monica?
To get good care, it is helpful to know about the different types of mental health workers in Santa Monica. California has several professional boards that ensure practitioners meet strict standards for education, training, and ethics.
Types of Licensed Therapists:
- Psychiatrist (MD, DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Medical Board of California.
- Psychologist (PhD, PsyD): Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and are trained in psychological testing, assessment, and providing psychotherapy. They cannot prescribe medication in California. They are licensed by the California Board of Psychology.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): An LMFT has a master’s degree with a specialisation in relationship and family dynamics. They provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families and are licensed by the Board of Behavioural Sciences (BBS).
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): An LCSW has a master’s degree in social work and has completed supervised clinical experience. They provide assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy and are also licensed by the BBS.
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor (LPCC): An LPCC has a master's degree in counselling and has met supervised experience requirements to provide psychotherapy and assessment. They are licensed by the BBS.
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) / Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) / Associate Professional Clinical Counsellor (APCC): These are pre-licensed professionals who have completed their master's degree and are gaining supervised experience toward full licensure. They provide therapy at a lower cost under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Santa Monica
Many therapists in Santa Monica operate as out-of-network providers. This means they do not bill insurance companies directly. Instead, the client pays the full session fee upfront and can then submit a ‘superbill’—an itemised receipt—to their insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Top 5 Plans
While many insurance providers operate in California, the following are some of the most common plans in the Los Angeles County area:- Blue Shield of California: A major insurer in the state offering PPO and HMO plans with mental health benefits.
- Kaiser Permanente: An integrated managed care consortium that provides mental health services through its own network of providers.
- Anthem Blue Cross: Another large insurer in California with a significant network of behavioural health providers.
- Health Net: A large managed care organisation offering a range of health plans.
- L.A. Care Health Plan: The nation's largest publicly operated health plan, providing access to Medi-Cal for Los Angeles County residents.
In-network vs. Out-of-network:
- In-network: Using an in-network provider is the most cost-effective option, as you are typically only responsible for a copay. Community health centres like Venice Family Clinic often accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
- Out-of-network: This is a common arrangement in Santa Monica private practices. You pay the therapist’s full fee at the time of service and then seek reimbursement from your insurance plan. It is important to check your plan’s out-of-network benefits to understand how much you can expect to be reimbursed.
Affordable Care Options
Despite its high cost of living, Santa Monica has several excellent resources for affordable mental healthcare.Community Health Centres:
- Venice Family Clinic - Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Centre: This Federally Qualified Health Centre (FQHC) is a key resource for Santa Monica residents. It offers comprehensive services, including behavioural health, on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. You can call their central line at (310) 392-8636 to make an appointment.
- LA County Department of Mental Health - West Side Mental Health Services: It provides outpatient services to adults and transition-aged youth, and care is available to all county residents regardless of their ability to pay. You can reach them at (310) 264-6646.
- University-Affiliated Clinics:
- Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counselling Clinic: While not physically in Santa Monica, this online clinic serves all California residents. It offers high-quality, low-fee therapy with sessions conducted by supervised graduate students. Fees range from $25 to $90. Call 818-702-1099 for more information.
Crisis Support:
- LA County Department of Mental Health 24/7 Help Line: Provides immediate crisis support and referrals. You can call (800) 854-7771 at any time.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A national, 24/7 hotline for mental health crises, accessible by call or text.
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Provider Strategies
- Contact Venice Family Clinic to inquire about their sliding fee scale and see if you qualify for reduced-cost services.
- Reach out to the LA County Department of Mental Health to access county-funded services.
- Ask private practices if they have any availability with a pre-licensed associate or intern, as their rates are often significantly lower.
Alternative Resources
- Check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may provide a limited number of free counselling sessions.
- If you have a PPO plan, be sure to use your out-of-network benefits by submitting superbills from your therapist.
- Consider telehealth options like the Pepperdine clinic, which can be more affordable and eliminate travel expenses.
Therapy Cost Directory
- Nearby Cities: Los Angeles | Beverly Hills | Malibu | San Jose
- State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost In California
- Country: For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in the US, see: Therapy Costs Across the US
- Worldwide: For a global overview of therapy costs, see: Therapy Costs Worldwide
References
Margaret Sigel, LMFT, SEP - Fees & FAQ
Dr. Eileen Escarce, PhD - Rates & Insurance
LA County DMH - West Side Mental Health Services
Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counselling Clinic
California Board of Psychology
California Board of Behavioural Sciences
Blue Shield of California - Mental Health Resources
Kaiser Permanente - Mental Health Services in Southern California
Anthem Blue Cross - Mental Health Resources
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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