Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
Kevin Simonson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Dr. Kevin is a Medical Doctor and Board Certified Psychiatrist with an integrative approach to mental health treatment and a holistic orientation. He received his medical degree from UC Irvine and completed residency at UC Riverside and the Long Beach VA.
Dr. Kevin is a Medical Doctor and Board Certified Psychiatrist with an integrative approach to mental health treatment and a holistic orientation. He received his medical degree from UC Irvine and completed residency at UC Riverside and the Long Beach VA.
David Taylor
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hello, my name is David Taylor MD, and I am a board certified psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at UCLA.
As a physician, I am able to offer both therapy and medications to my patients. Although some people choose to have a separate therapist and psychiatrist, I believe that symptom improvement is enhanced when both treatments are provided by one professional.
Hello, my name is David Taylor MD, and I am a board certified psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at UCLA.
As a physician, I am able to offer both therapy and medications to my patients. Although some people choose to have a separate therapist and psychiatrist, I believe that symptom improvement is enhanced when both treatments are provided by one professional.
The Moment By Dr. Stacy Cohen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
Luis Jaime Fitten
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Luis works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. He seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Luis believes that establishing a strong alliance with his clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, he partners with his clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Luis works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. He seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Luis believes that establishing a strong alliance with his clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, he partners with his clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Eva Altobelli - Home-LA
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
Alexander Sones
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
April 2024: Currently accepting new patients. I am a board-certified psychiatrist and therapist experienced in adult, geriatric, and adolescent psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have been fortunate to help treat a wide variety of patients and their families living with an extensive range of mental health conditions. I have an unending passion for getting people well using evidence-based interventions and a down-to-earth, warm, and friendly therapeutic style.
April 2024: Currently accepting new patients. I am a board-certified psychiatrist and therapist experienced in adult, geriatric, and adolescent psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have been fortunate to help treat a wide variety of patients and their families living with an extensive range of mental health conditions. I have an unending passion for getting people well using evidence-based interventions and a down-to-earth, warm, and friendly therapeutic style.
Josephine McNary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
Torri Taylor-Spencer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I help adolescents & adults with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and ADHD who are seeking a return to a more positive emotional state with increased focus and productivity, better sleep, and more fulfillment and joy in their lives. I offer patient-centered holistic care that includes a unique blend of treatment modalities. I specialize in working with those part of vulnerable populations such as children, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities who have not had positive experiences with psychiatric treatment in the past, as well as working with peripartum women.
I help adolescents & adults with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and ADHD who are seeking a return to a more positive emotional state with increased focus and productivity, better sleep, and more fulfillment and joy in their lives. I offer patient-centered holistic care that includes a unique blend of treatment modalities. I specialize in working with those part of vulnerable populations such as children, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities who have not had positive experiences with psychiatric treatment in the past, as well as working with peripartum women.
Dr. Brianna Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Brianna is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She evaluates and treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Brianna is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She evaluates and treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Charles Wuhl
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
My approach is to build on a person's strengths and positive aspects of mental health. I believe in collaborating with my clients to determine their goals, both in terms of symptom relief and through self- understanding. I aim to achieve results quickly by giving them the tools they need to deal with life's challenges. In addition to individuals, my practice also provides counseling to couples and families through psychotherapy and medication management, as well as a combination of the two. I believe in a conservative and personalized approach to the use of medication.
My approach is to build on a person's strengths and positive aspects of mental health. I believe in collaborating with my clients to determine their goals, both in terms of symptom relief and through self- understanding. I aim to achieve results quickly by giving them the tools they need to deal with life's challenges. In addition to individuals, my practice also provides counseling to couples and families through psychotherapy and medication management, as well as a combination of the two. I believe in a conservative and personalized approach to the use of medication.
Martina Nankivell
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPAS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
Accepting New Patients - Martina is a highly qualified physician assistant with an impressive academic and clinical background. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds board certifications in both general medicine and psychiatry. Additionally, Martina possesses a Certificate of Added Qualifications in psychiatry, reflecting her commitment to excellence in patient care.
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Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Accepting New Patients (Jan 2024). There are two forces within every person. One force moves towards change, flourishing, and self-actualization. The other force, developed from painful experiences, seeks safety and familiarity. The balance between these two forces results in unconscious patterns of behavior that largely determine a person’s current relationships, level of success and quality of life. By working together, we can examine the unconscious forces in your life, allowing them to become accessible for change.
Accepting New Patients (Jan 2024). There are two forces within every person. One force moves towards change, flourishing, and self-actualization. The other force, developed from painful experiences, seeks safety and familiarity. The balance between these two forces results in unconscious patterns of behavior that largely determine a person’s current relationships, level of success and quality of life. By working together, we can examine the unconscious forces in your life, allowing them to become accessible for change.
Orlando J. Cartaya
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Eclectic, experienced, well trained psychopharmacologist & therapist. Ketamine & Bupinorphine prescriber. Holistic clinician. Med: USC/ Residency: UCLA/ Fellowship - NIMH Cross-Cultural Psychiatry/Additional qualifications in substance use & related concerns. ‘Best outcomes: as little as necessary, to be as best symptom free as possible’.
Eclectic, experienced, well trained psychopharmacologist & therapist. Ketamine & Bupinorphine prescriber. Holistic clinician. Med: USC/ Residency: UCLA/ Fellowship - NIMH Cross-Cultural Psychiatry/Additional qualifications in substance use & related concerns. ‘Best outcomes: as little as necessary, to be as best symptom free as possible’.
Face Together Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Private psychiatry practice committed to helping individuals enjoy meaningful lives. Face Together Wellness is grounded in a person feeling safe and heard. Dr. Agrawal’s treatment approach is personalized, thorough, caring, and forthright.
Private psychiatry practice committed to helping individuals enjoy meaningful lives. Face Together Wellness is grounded in a person feeling safe and heard. Dr. Agrawal’s treatment approach is personalized, thorough, caring, and forthright.
Samuel I Miles
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Do you want help because you are anxious or depressed? Having problems with relationships? Work? Sleep? Drugs or alcohol? We can work together to find what will work best to resolve your problems. Using a biopsychosocial approach we can plan a treatment program that may include psychotherapy, medication, and other psychosocial interventions. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to find what will work best to resolve the issues which most concern you. Current evidence of what is effective will be an important part of a treatment plan we put together.
Do you want help because you are anxious or depressed? Having problems with relationships? Work? Sleep? Drugs or alcohol? We can work together to find what will work best to resolve your problems. Using a biopsychosocial approach we can plan a treatment program that may include psychotherapy, medication, and other psychosocial interventions. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to find what will work best to resolve the issues which most concern you. Current evidence of what is effective will be an important part of a treatment plan we put together.
Mojan Saberi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
Are you stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of symptom management and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself feeling like every visit just ends with a new med and you feeling unheard? If you're looking for an experienced professional who is compassionate and is here to understand your unique needs, I am here to help. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the mental health fields of crisis stabilization and outpatient care.
Patrick Sassoon
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
Meredith Sagan
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
Steve Park
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
Jamie Plaxco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$350
Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
87% | Medication Management |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
81% | Optum |
76% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
53% | Female | |
47% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Santa Monica?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.