Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Lori Shnorhokian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
I provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. Whether you are looking for personal growth, relationship healing or overall support, I can help you to more clearly understand why you are struggling and what steps you can take to feel more confident and in control of your life. When you develop new coping skills, you give yourself the resources and confidence you need to effectively manage challenges rather than giving into unhealthy compulsions and negative self-talk.
I provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. Whether you are looking for personal growth, relationship healing or overall support, I can help you to more clearly understand why you are struggling and what steps you can take to feel more confident and in control of your life. When you develop new coping skills, you give yourself the resources and confidence you need to effectively manage challenges rather than giving into unhealthy compulsions and negative self-talk.
Katrina Paulino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Utilizing EMDR and other approaches, I specialize in adults with histories of childhood trauma who present with symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms and disorders, emotional regulation issues, self-esteem issues, and codependence. My clients often have done years of therapy, yet still report feeling “stuck.” If any of this sounds like what you might be experiencing, and you're looking for a new approach to truly heal from these nagging wounds, please reach out for a consultation (no charge). I'm always happy to learn more about a potential client and discuss what working together might look like.
Utilizing EMDR and other approaches, I specialize in adults with histories of childhood trauma who present with symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms and disorders, emotional regulation issues, self-esteem issues, and codependence. My clients often have done years of therapy, yet still report feeling “stuck.” If any of this sounds like what you might be experiencing, and you're looking for a new approach to truly heal from these nagging wounds, please reach out for a consultation (no charge). I'm always happy to learn more about a potential client and discuss what working together might look like.
Eri Nagai Ashlock - Anxiety - Self Esteem
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I have joy, passion, and success working with minority, biracial, and 1st generation/immigrants who experience challenges adjusting to blended families and new/blended cultures. I help my clients identify reasonable solutions to current challenges and we collaborate to create coping skills that build resilience and allow you to thrive. My clients appreciate the gentle, warm, and supportive work we do together. They enjoy being seen, heard, and challenged to deepen self-awareness and overcome sadness, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and anxiety.
I have joy, passion, and success working with minority, biracial, and 1st generation/immigrants who experience challenges adjusting to blended families and new/blended cultures. I help my clients identify reasonable solutions to current challenges and we collaborate to create coping skills that build resilience and allow you to thrive. My clients appreciate the gentle, warm, and supportive work we do together. They enjoy being seen, heard, and challenged to deepen self-awareness and overcome sadness, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and anxiety.
I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults, children, and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety), tic disorders, Tourette Syndrome (TS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral difficulties, rage attacks, depressive disorders, and trichotillomania (and other body-focused repetitive behavior disorders). For more information about the treatments of these disorders, please refer to my website: www.drshawnewbank.com
I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults, children, and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety), tic disorders, Tourette Syndrome (TS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral difficulties, rage attacks, depressive disorders, and trichotillomania (and other body-focused repetitive behavior disorders). For more information about the treatments of these disorders, please refer to my website: www.drshawnewbank.com
Colleen McBride
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am passionate about empathetically meeting clients where they are and creating spaces for them to explore and express all of themselves without judgment. I understand the work of therapy as empowering yourself to be able to have and learn from your difficult feelings while feeling safe and connected to yourself and others. I work collaboratively with clients, emphasizing curiosity and compassion throughout. Through this approach, we explore how early experiences in your family, community, and cultural context impacted your sense of self, your relationships, and your world, sometimes in ways outside of your awareness.
Welcome! I am passionate about empathetically meeting clients where they are and creating spaces for them to explore and express all of themselves without judgment. I understand the work of therapy as empowering yourself to be able to have and learn from your difficult feelings while feeling safe and connected to yourself and others. I work collaboratively with clients, emphasizing curiosity and compassion throughout. Through this approach, we explore how early experiences in your family, community, and cultural context impacted your sense of self, your relationships, and your world, sometimes in ways outside of your awareness.
Deirdre J. Newell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to explore vulnerable dimensions of oneself and explore meaning in life’s experiences. Therapy with me is rooted in relationship. I understand that value of a trusting, authentic relationship between therapist and client, and I offer insight, support, compassion, and curiosity in a nurturing way that allows clients to examine patterns that both aid or hinder individuals’ potential for wholeness. I work from a depth-oriented, psychodynamic framework, understanding that one’s self is a manifestation of one’s whole life experiences. I provide both short and long term therapy.
Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to explore vulnerable dimensions of oneself and explore meaning in life’s experiences. Therapy with me is rooted in relationship. I understand that value of a trusting, authentic relationship between therapist and client, and I offer insight, support, compassion, and curiosity in a nurturing way that allows clients to examine patterns that both aid or hinder individuals’ potential for wholeness. I work from a depth-oriented, psychodynamic framework, understanding that one’s self is a manifestation of one’s whole life experiences. I provide both short and long term therapy.
Tony Crandall
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADAC I
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
I am deeply committed to making positive changes in people's lives, specifically those who feel stuck due to past trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges. You may have experienced significant hardship and are now seeking a path to recovery and personal growth. I would love to help. I am committed to this work because I have experienced the challenges of addiction and mental health. I know what it's like to feel isolated, lonely, unmotivated and tired.
I am deeply committed to making positive changes in people's lives, specifically those who feel stuck due to past trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges. You may have experienced significant hardship and are now seeking a path to recovery and personal growth. I would love to help. I am committed to this work because I have experienced the challenges of addiction and mental health. I know what it's like to feel isolated, lonely, unmotivated and tired.
At NHG, we specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of children and adults and provide both clinical and forensic services. We provide evidence-based assessments, drawing upon the latest discoveries in neuroscience, psychological theories, and educational research to create an effective and individually tailored treatment plan.
At NHG, we specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of children and adults and provide both clinical and forensic services. We provide evidence-based assessments, drawing upon the latest discoveries in neuroscience, psychological theories, and educational research to create an effective and individually tailored treatment plan.
Mary Johnson Neely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MSc, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed psychotherapist working with clients to address relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and life transitions. What is showing up as discontent, depression or anxiety can be transformed by understanding where these symptoms originated.
I am a licensed psychotherapist working with clients to address relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and life transitions. What is showing up as discontent, depression or anxiety can be transformed by understanding where these symptoms originated.
Sheila Forman
Psychologist, JD, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Hi and thanks for reaching out. It takes courage to click on a therapist's profile and I am excited for you that you did just that. We all need help from time to time and asking for it is so important. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed. Maybe life after COVID is harder than you expected. Or, maybe you have some issues that have dogged you your whole life and you are fed up with them. Whatever is going on for you right now, having a trusted sounding board, someone to listen to you and help you figure things out is a great idea. I’d like to be that person for you. So, who am I?
Hi and thanks for reaching out. It takes courage to click on a therapist's profile and I am excited for you that you did just that. We all need help from time to time and asking for it is so important. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed. Maybe life after COVID is harder than you expected. Or, maybe you have some issues that have dogged you your whole life and you are fed up with them. Whatever is going on for you right now, having a trusted sounding board, someone to listen to you and help you figure things out is a great idea. I’d like to be that person for you. So, who am I?
Savannah Okada-Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depresion
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself leaving you wrestling with overwhelm, anxiety, and self-esteem. You may even feel an internal polarity. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles and difficulties you've been carrying alone by providing a caring and welcoming space. Together, we will look at various parts of yourself and find what's not working, so new patterns can emerge by deepening insight and finding pragmatic solutions. I enjoy helping clients improve communication, understand emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself leaving you wrestling with overwhelm, anxiety, and self-esteem. You may even feel an internal polarity. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles and difficulties you've been carrying alone by providing a caring and welcoming space. Together, we will look at various parts of yourself and find what's not working, so new patterns can emerge by deepening insight and finding pragmatic solutions. I enjoy helping clients improve communication, understand emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
Emily Caroline Pernoll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
My deepest intention is to grow compassion and human connection. My greatest hope through our work together is for you to know you are whole and worthy of love and belonging. With over 10 years as a therapist, educator and mindfulness facilitator, I offer integrative psychotherapy, spiritual coaching and group programs. My work is informed by mindfulness and compassion practices, the neuroscience of trauma and attachment and the mind-body connection.
My deepest intention is to grow compassion and human connection. My greatest hope through our work together is for you to know you are whole and worthy of love and belonging. With over 10 years as a therapist, educator and mindfulness facilitator, I offer integrative psychotherapy, spiritual coaching and group programs. My work is informed by mindfulness and compassion practices, the neuroscience of trauma and attachment and the mind-body connection.
Are you struggling to keep up with life’s demands? Is chronic stress wreaking havoc with your body and your health? “Fight/flight/freeze” reactions can leave us feeling irritable, inadequate, and exhausted, unable to cope when life surprises us with obstacles or loss. Unresolved stress can overwhelm our capacity to manage relationship issues, career pressures, and family demands. Sound familiar? If so, your nervous system may need a reset. I can help you tune in to your body and restore a state of calm. From that oasis of safety, you can reconnect with your true self—the wellspring from which your life can begin to flow again.
Are you struggling to keep up with life’s demands? Is chronic stress wreaking havoc with your body and your health? “Fight/flight/freeze” reactions can leave us feeling irritable, inadequate, and exhausted, unable to cope when life surprises us with obstacles or loss. Unresolved stress can overwhelm our capacity to manage relationship issues, career pressures, and family demands. Sound familiar? If so, your nervous system may need a reset. I can help you tune in to your body and restore a state of calm. From that oasis of safety, you can reconnect with your true self—the wellspring from which your life can begin to flow again.
Jori Adler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
A Warm Welcome & Hello! Finding the right therapist involves that certain combo of chemistry & expertise. If you’re looking to expand your consciousness, you’re in the right place. What I do is more than talk therapy. It’s more holistic & innovative and blends elements from all the things that helped me personally - EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Eastern Philosophy, Spirituality.
A Warm Welcome & Hello! Finding the right therapist involves that certain combo of chemistry & expertise. If you’re looking to expand your consciousness, you’re in the right place. What I do is more than talk therapy. It’s more holistic & innovative and blends elements from all the things that helped me personally - EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Eastern Philosophy, Spirituality.
Therapy + EMDR for Positive Change
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
Holly Hardgrove
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Throughout the many years I have been practicing, the greatest reward has been to help clients better understand themselves and find their own voice. We work together to examine the role their family of origin plays in their current choices and relationships. I have a particular expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. By providing a safe space to explore relationship issues and limiting thought patterns, I am able to assist clients to better understand and accept themselves, and reduce critical self beliefs.
Throughout the many years I have been practicing, the greatest reward has been to help clients better understand themselves and find their own voice. We work together to examine the role their family of origin plays in their current choices and relationships. I have a particular expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. By providing a safe space to explore relationship issues and limiting thought patterns, I am able to assist clients to better understand and accept themselves, and reduce critical self beliefs.
Patrice Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Over the past 17 years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from many walks of life. I have experience working with youth, transitional-age youth, and adults in a mental health setting. Each experience has allowed me to assist individuals with increasing their quality of life. My goal is to help you with acquiring the necessary tools and strategies that will enable you to be the best version of yourself. I am an authentic, genuine, and empathetic person who is fully invested in assisting you with increasing your quality of life.
Over the past 17 years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from many walks of life. I have experience working with youth, transitional-age youth, and adults in a mental health setting. Each experience has allowed me to assist individuals with increasing their quality of life. My goal is to help you with acquiring the necessary tools and strategies that will enable you to be the best version of yourself. I am an authentic, genuine, and empathetic person who is fully invested in assisting you with increasing your quality of life.
Adriana Naranjo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Hello there! I am a bilingual Spanish-English trauma-informed therapist specializing in adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and complex trauma. I am trained as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapist and have the flexibility to adapt and integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities that are most suitable to the needs of every client I have the opportunity to work with.
Hello there! I am a bilingual Spanish-English trauma-informed therapist specializing in adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and complex trauma. I am trained as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapist and have the flexibility to adapt and integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities that are most suitable to the needs of every client I have the opportunity to work with.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Sex Addiction Therapist - Supervisor, and licensed MFT with a private practice in Santa Monica, California since 1994. I offer interpersonal psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups as well as psychological testing and assessment. My areas of expertise include: substance and process addictions, trauma/abuse, positive psychology, impaired professionals and first-responders, as well as grief/loss, disfigurement, and cross-cultural issues. I provide traditional, forensic, and pre-employment psychological assessment as well as Collaborative/Therapeutic evaluations.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Sex Addiction Therapist - Supervisor, and licensed MFT with a private practice in Santa Monica, California since 1994. I offer interpersonal psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups as well as psychological testing and assessment. My areas of expertise include: substance and process addictions, trauma/abuse, positive psychology, impaired professionals and first-responders, as well as grief/loss, disfigurement, and cross-cultural issues. I provide traditional, forensic, and pre-employment psychological assessment as well as Collaborative/Therapeutic evaluations.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
86% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Grief |
65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
62% | Aetna |
50% | Cigna and Evernorth |
42% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
20% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Santa Monica?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians 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.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians 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.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.