Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Change for the better is good. Yet any change is difficult. Many of us do well at managing our lives by mitigating our problems with justifications like, "It's not that bad...things could be worse." Until, one day, the epiphany hits, and we realize that we need help. I urge my patients to excavate patterns from their past that may be holding them back, so we can work toward solutions and strategies for bettering their lives and relationships. My work has been varied and rewarding, seeing individuals and couples, using interventions that spur communication while maintaining mutual respect.
Change for the better is good. Yet any change is difficult. Many of us do well at managing our lives by mitigating our problems with justifications like, "It's not that bad...things could be worse." Until, one day, the epiphany hits, and we realize that we need help. I urge my patients to excavate patterns from their past that may be holding them back, so we can work toward solutions and strategies for bettering their lives and relationships. My work has been varied and rewarding, seeing individuals and couples, using interventions that spur communication while maintaining mutual respect.
How would you like to WALK on the beach during therapy? Maria works with adults of all ages and older teens (17+). She specializes in anxiety and panic and is particularly sensitive to concerns about climate change and sociopolitical unrest.
Her ecotherapy approach helps clients interact with nature as they learn coping strategies while walking at the water's edge. She works with them to find the delicate balance between their inevitable difficult emotions and being at peace in their daily lives. She helps her clients develop healthy ways to grieve their losses and teaches them practical coping skills in life transitions.
How would you like to WALK on the beach during therapy? Maria works with adults of all ages and older teens (17+). She specializes in anxiety and panic and is particularly sensitive to concerns about climate change and sociopolitical unrest.
Her ecotherapy approach helps clients interact with nature as they learn coping strategies while walking at the water's edge. She works with them to find the delicate balance between their inevitable difficult emotions and being at peace in their daily lives. She helps her clients develop healthy ways to grieve their losses and teaches them practical coping skills in life transitions.
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
You've been feeling like your life just wasn’t supposed to go this way… like you were once on solid ground, but now you’re swimming through quicksand. Maybe the pain of infertility or miscarriage has left you feeling completely hopeless...or you're a new mom wondering why no one ever told you how tough it would be. Maybe difficult memories you thought you'd buried long ago are beginning to sabotage your life…or the promising future you were headed for as an athlete, dancer or performing artist seems to have vanished. You feel lost in an overwhelming sea of emotion..things just aren’t working out…something has got to change.
You've been feeling like your life just wasn’t supposed to go this way… like you were once on solid ground, but now you’re swimming through quicksand. Maybe the pain of infertility or miscarriage has left you feeling completely hopeless...or you're a new mom wondering why no one ever told you how tough it would be. Maybe difficult memories you thought you'd buried long ago are beginning to sabotage your life…or the promising future you were headed for as an athlete, dancer or performing artist seems to have vanished. You feel lost in an overwhelming sea of emotion..things just aren’t working out…something has got to change.
Using humor, authenticity, and unwavering compassion, I approach healing and recovery from a place of empowered vulnerability. I acknowledge the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and the various systemic barriers, developmental traumas, and life stressors that can impact an individual and perpetuate suffering. Rooted in advocacy and social justice, I collaborate with clients and creatively explore ways for us to fully embody their strengths and apply them harmoniously to heal emotional wounds that have kept them from fully participating in their lives.
Using humor, authenticity, and unwavering compassion, I approach healing and recovery from a place of empowered vulnerability. I acknowledge the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and the various systemic barriers, developmental traumas, and life stressors that can impact an individual and perpetuate suffering. Rooted in advocacy and social justice, I collaborate with clients and creatively explore ways for us to fully embody their strengths and apply them harmoniously to heal emotional wounds that have kept them from fully participating in their lives.
Current openings! I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related disorders. I also support parents of children facing severe anxiety or OCD, providing guidance and strategies to help them respond in ways that foster their child’s healing and resilience.
Current openings! I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related disorders. I also support parents of children facing severe anxiety or OCD, providing guidance and strategies to help them respond in ways that foster their child’s healing and resilience.
Are you struggling to find the motivation or focus to get through daily tasks? Do you feel like you are going through life alone or unsure about who you are? Or do you simply just need someone to listen and talk to? If so, I am here to help you. I specialize in working with young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, I also provide therapy for grief/loss, relationship issues, and self-acceptance.
Are you struggling to find the motivation or focus to get through daily tasks? Do you feel like you are going through life alone or unsure about who you are? Or do you simply just need someone to listen and talk to? If so, I am here to help you. I specialize in working with young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, I also provide therapy for grief/loss, relationship issues, and self-acceptance.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
I offer a personalized, highly-trained approach to psychotherapy. My work is characterized by intuition, compassion, optimism and collaboration. I pride myself on being approachable and try to be straightforward and encouraging. I specialize in showing individuals how to reach their full potential, and achieve their own definition of success. I work with individuals, couples, families, kids and adolescents who are struggling with various life's difficulties. My personal specialties include relationship issues, postpartum support, parenting skills, depression, anxiety, Asperger Syndrome, self-esteem issues and women's issues.
I offer a personalized, highly-trained approach to psychotherapy. My work is characterized by intuition, compassion, optimism and collaboration. I pride myself on being approachable and try to be straightforward and encouraging. I specialize in showing individuals how to reach their full potential, and achieve their own definition of success. I work with individuals, couples, families, kids and adolescents who are struggling with various life's difficulties. My personal specialties include relationship issues, postpartum support, parenting skills, depression, anxiety, Asperger Syndrome, self-esteem issues and women's issues.
About Katya:
Dr. Katya Techentin is a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist. She has extensive experience working with patients from psychoanalytic and psychodynamic perspectives. She specializes in developmental, complex and medical trauma, PTSD and traumatic illnesses, as well as substance abuse, eating disorders, sex addiction and self-harming behaviors.
About Katya:
Dr. Katya Techentin is a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist. She has extensive experience working with patients from psychoanalytic and psychodynamic perspectives. She specializes in developmental, complex and medical trauma, PTSD and traumatic illnesses, as well as substance abuse, eating disorders, sex addiction and self-harming behaviors.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
I work with individual clients who wish to develop deeper relationships with others, freedom from self-defeating patterns, or increased peace and self-confidence. I also work with couples to quickly reduce conflict and to rebuild safety, trust and intimacy. Finally, I help clients navigate divorce with intention and help them ensure their children stay resilient throughout that process. I leverage a powerful combination of complex trauma-informed coaching, psychotherapy and practical, evidence-based tools to help clients get in touch with their agency and experience greater freedom. I also now offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I work with individual clients who wish to develop deeper relationships with others, freedom from self-defeating patterns, or increased peace and self-confidence. I also work with couples to quickly reduce conflict and to rebuild safety, trust and intimacy. Finally, I help clients navigate divorce with intention and help them ensure their children stay resilient throughout that process. I leverage a powerful combination of complex trauma-informed coaching, psychotherapy and practical, evidence-based tools to help clients get in touch with their agency and experience greater freedom. I also now offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself leaving you wrestling with anxiety, guilt, or uncertainty of what to do. You may experience thoughts that stop you in your tracks. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles you've been carrying by providing a caring and welcoming space. We will look at various parts of yourself and find what's working and what's not to deepen insights and find pragmatic solutions, so you can live authentically. I have success 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 anxiety, guilt, or uncertainty of what to do. You may experience thoughts that stop you in your tracks. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles you've been carrying by providing a caring and welcoming space. We will look at various parts of yourself and find what's working and what's not to deepen insights and find pragmatic solutions, so you can live authentically. I have success helping clients improve communication, understand emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
Your child may be struggling with big emotions that feel overwhelming. Perhaps they're having difficulty at school or home, experiencing anxiety, or adjusting to changes like a new sibling, divorce, or moving. You want your child to feel confident and capable of handling life's ups and downs. You want to see them thrive, and you are seeking tools and partnership to help your child while strengthening your family connection.
Your child may be struggling with big emotions that feel overwhelming. Perhaps they're having difficulty at school or home, experiencing anxiety, or adjusting to changes like a new sibling, divorce, or moving. You want your child to feel confident and capable of handling life's ups and downs. You want to see them thrive, and you are seeking tools and partnership to help your child while strengthening your family connection.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I will collaborate with you in developing problem-solving skills to enhance the coping strategies that will help you deal with depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and other anxiety-producing experiences. I focus on understanding your symptoms within the context of your interpersonal relationships.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I will collaborate with you in developing problem-solving skills to enhance the coping strategies that will help you deal with depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and other anxiety-producing experiences. I focus on understanding your symptoms within the context of your interpersonal relationships.
"The function of a psychotherapist is to become obsolete as soon as possible." That quote is from my own psychotherapist and mentor, years ago, and it's the model and motto of my practice. There are, of course, exceptions, including couples or individuals who return for a "tune up" once in a while and others who call me in as co-strategist when some new turbulence hits. Another exception is my work with schizophrenic spectrum patients, who need a long-term connection with consensus reality from wherever they happen to be stuck "on the other side of the mirror".
"The function of a psychotherapist is to become obsolete as soon as possible." That quote is from my own psychotherapist and mentor, years ago, and it's the model and motto of my practice. There are, of course, exceptions, including couples or individuals who return for a "tune up" once in a while and others who call me in as co-strategist when some new turbulence hits. Another exception is my work with schizophrenic spectrum patients, who need a long-term connection with consensus reality from wherever they happen to be stuck "on the other side of the mirror".
I work best with people who appreciate a multi-disciplinary approach that draws from neuroscience, medical knowledge and theories of thought. I value culture and principles of nature as points of reference to help explain human behaviors and to create change. I highly believe that insight is the 101 of growth and I believe in the human potential to overcome and to expand in harmonious ways, despite potentially self-destructive evolutionary tendencies.
I work best with people who appreciate a multi-disciplinary approach that draws from neuroscience, medical knowledge and theories of thought. I value culture and principles of nature as points of reference to help explain human behaviors and to create change. I highly believe that insight is the 101 of growth and I believe in the human potential to overcome and to expand in harmonious ways, despite potentially self-destructive evolutionary tendencies.
At Life After Birth, we offer real, nuanced support for people moving through the profound transition that happens after birth. We understand that early parenthood is both raw and beautiful—a time of deep change that touches every part of who you are.
Our model is grounded in the belief that becoming a parent isn’t just a practical adjustment, but a psychological, emotional, and spiritual metamorphosis. Drawing from Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Buddhist practice, and evidence-based approaches to perinatal mood and anxiety care, we help you make sense of this transformation and reconnect with yourself in the process.
At Life After Birth, we offer real, nuanced support for people moving through the profound transition that happens after birth. We understand that early parenthood is both raw and beautiful—a time of deep change that touches every part of who you are.
Our model is grounded in the belief that becoming a parent isn’t just a practical adjustment, but a psychological, emotional, and spiritual metamorphosis. Drawing from Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Buddhist practice, and evidence-based approaches to perinatal mood and anxiety care, we help you make sense of this transformation and reconnect with yourself in the process.
I support teens, college students, and young adults working through eating disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and identity exploration. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
I support teens, college students, and young adults working through eating disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and identity exploration. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 87% | Depression |
| 82% | Relationship Issues |
| 74% | Self Esteem |
| 70% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 64% | Grief |
| 64% | Stress |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 83% | Aetna |
| 61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 53% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
| 61% | In Person and Online | |
| 39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 80% | Female | |
| 19% | 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.


