Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
When it comes to sexual intimacy, you feel stuck. You want a fulfilling, connected experience but often avoid it. Seeing others enjoy intimacy leaves you feeling left behind, questioning yourself and wondering if something’s wrong. It’s affecting your confidence and ability to connect deeply in relationships. Sometimes, it even feels like you’re holding back from the life you want. You’ve tried self-help books and therapy, but they haven’t brought the breakthrough you need. You can’t help but wonder, “Could my past be holding me back? And if so, how?”
When it comes to sexual intimacy, you feel stuck. You want a fulfilling, connected experience but often avoid it. Seeing others enjoy intimacy leaves you feeling left behind, questioning yourself and wondering if something’s wrong. It’s affecting your confidence and ability to connect deeply in relationships. Sometimes, it even feels like you’re holding back from the life you want. You’ve tried self-help books and therapy, but they haven’t brought the breakthrough you need. You can’t help but wonder, “Could my past be holding me back? And if so, how?”
You are successful in your career, but a feeling of unease, anxiety, or emotional numbness seems to always be with you. The stress of your work has gotten to be too much, and maybe your physical health, and well as your happiness, has begun to suffer. You desire a meaningful relationship, but your reluctance to vulnerability, likely a result of past traumas, is getting in the way. You find yourself often plagued with a sense of emptiness, or lack of purpose in your life, despite your financial and professional success. You hold yourself to a high standard, but your harsh inner critic has left you feeling like you aren’t good enough.
You are successful in your career, but a feeling of unease, anxiety, or emotional numbness seems to always be with you. The stress of your work has gotten to be too much, and maybe your physical health, and well as your happiness, has begun to suffer. You desire a meaningful relationship, but your reluctance to vulnerability, likely a result of past traumas, is getting in the way. You find yourself often plagued with a sense of emptiness, or lack of purpose in your life, despite your financial and professional success. You hold yourself to a high standard, but your harsh inner critic has left you feeling like you aren’t good enough.
Life can be difficult, and we all find ourselves at times struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Past traumas or current stressors can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. As a psychotherapist, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore with curiosity their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and how they serve them and where they would like to bring in change.
Life can be difficult, and we all find ourselves at times struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Past traumas or current stressors can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. As a psychotherapist, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore with curiosity their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and how they serve them and where they would like to bring in change.
Beginning therapy takes courage and you've already taken the first step. My goal is to help you create a more fulfilling life. I provide a safe space to work collaboratively with you. I will listen and use my knowledge base to help address the parts of your life that feel challenging. I work in both short term and long term treatment modalities.
Beginning therapy takes courage and you've already taken the first step. My goal is to help you create a more fulfilling life. I provide a safe space to work collaboratively with you. I will listen and use my knowledge base to help address the parts of your life that feel challenging. I work in both short term and long term treatment modalities.
In Network with OPTUM, Optum EAP, Oscar, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Cigna (Evernorth) BCBS (online virtual counseling only) When someone is in conflict, some common false beliefs are that my feelings, my worth, and my value come from outside of me, therefore someone else should take care of me. As a result are power struggles in which each person tries to control the other. The way out is to change the system by changing those beliefs. It is only when love becomes appreciation instead of dependence on the other person that this will happen.
In Network with OPTUM, Optum EAP, Oscar, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Cigna (Evernorth) BCBS (online virtual counseling only) When someone is in conflict, some common false beliefs are that my feelings, my worth, and my value come from outside of me, therefore someone else should take care of me. As a result are power struggles in which each person tries to control the other. The way out is to change the system by changing those beliefs. It is only when love becomes appreciation instead of dependence on the other person that this will happen.
Elena Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I believe in giving it to you straight wrapped with warmth and love. I believe we all have the power to make change but sometimes need a little help along the way.
I provide individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I have an array of experience from working to outpatient mental health clinics where I supervised psychology and social work interns to consulting at local schools to coordinating clinical programs.
In addition I also enjoy weaving eastern and western philosophies into my practice.
I believe in giving it to you straight wrapped with warmth and love. I believe we all have the power to make change but sometimes need a little help along the way.
I provide individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I have an array of experience from working to outpatient mental health clinics where I supervised psychology and social work interns to consulting at local schools to coordinating clinical programs.
In addition I also enjoy weaving eastern and western philosophies into my practice.
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
People who see me for the first time are often feeling overwhelmed, confused, depressed or anxious. Some people are unable to sleep, have distressing thoughts, or cannot control troublesome habits and behaviors. Others have have struggled with chronic pain due to injuries or illnesses. Many have endured the stigma of having a major mental illness which created difficulties in daily functioning, mood swings, or poor judgement and distorted thinking. And others have functioned well with significant achievements in their careers, family, and relationships but still feel empty inside, and cannot experience pleasure, meaning, or fulfillment from their lives.
People who see me for the first time are often feeling overwhelmed, confused, depressed or anxious. Some people are unable to sleep, have distressing thoughts, or cannot control troublesome habits and behaviors. Others have have struggled with chronic pain due to injuries or illnesses. Many have endured the stigma of having a major mental illness which created difficulties in daily functioning, mood swings, or poor judgement and distorted thinking. And others have functioned well with significant achievements in their careers, family, and relationships but still feel empty inside, and cannot experience pleasure, meaning, or fulfillment from their lives.
Therapy is a deeply spiritual journey that weaves together the soul, mind, and body of both the patient and therapist. In our sessions, I rely on compassion, authenticity and intuition to provide a safe space and explore the deeper layers of your bodily/somatic experience. As we navigate this inner realm, we will gently witness and embrace every aspect of your internal world. This exploration allows you to connect with those aspects within yourself to then create a foundation to find safe and meaningful connections to those around you.
Therapy is a deeply spiritual journey that weaves together the soul, mind, and body of both the patient and therapist. In our sessions, I rely on compassion, authenticity and intuition to provide a safe space and explore the deeper layers of your bodily/somatic experience. As we navigate this inner realm, we will gently witness and embrace every aspect of your internal world. This exploration allows you to connect with those aspects within yourself to then create a foundation to find safe and meaningful connections to those around you.
I treat individuals of all ages suffering from anxiety, including OCD, panic, phobias, body image issues, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, sexual trauma and more. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a strong emphasis on Prolonged Exposure, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), both evidenced-based and highly effective treatment interventions. I am dedicated to teaching my patients how to identify and remove behaviors that only serve as temporary solutions to their distress while replacing them with tools for long-term relief.
I treat individuals of all ages suffering from anxiety, including OCD, panic, phobias, body image issues, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, sexual trauma and more. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a strong emphasis on Prolonged Exposure, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), both evidenced-based and highly effective treatment interventions. I am dedicated to teaching my patients how to identify and remove behaviors that only serve as temporary solutions to their distress while replacing them with tools for long-term relief.
A necessary component of a rich and fulfilling life involves experiencing a full range of emotions. The pride of accomplishment, the sadness of loss, the security of trust and the pain when it is broken, the joy of love, and the disappointment of mistakes and missed opportunities all play an important role in our lives. We all deserve to appreciate our own successes and good fortunes, and to be able to grow through and from our misfortunes. We also all deserve help navigating through them. I began my career in the field in 2007 at an acute psychiatric hospital, primarily in the child/adolescent unit.
A necessary component of a rich and fulfilling life involves experiencing a full range of emotions. The pride of accomplishment, the sadness of loss, the security of trust and the pain when it is broken, the joy of love, and the disappointment of mistakes and missed opportunities all play an important role in our lives. We all deserve to appreciate our own successes and good fortunes, and to be able to grow through and from our misfortunes. We also all deserve help navigating through them. I began my career in the field in 2007 at an acute psychiatric hospital, primarily in the child/adolescent unit.
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Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
You may be living day to day with a smile on, maintaining responsibilities, relationships, and so on. On the outside you appear ok, while internally, you are struggling to manage emotions, thoughts, and daily responsibilities. It can be so exhausting trying to keep it all together. You may feel tired of giving so much to everyone else, and have nothing left to give yourself. You feel the need to prioritize yourself and pour into your own cup, but struggle figuring out how to do it. This can be the starting moment for the changes you are wanting. Real change can happen through our work together.
You may be living day to day with a smile on, maintaining responsibilities, relationships, and so on. On the outside you appear ok, while internally, you are struggling to manage emotions, thoughts, and daily responsibilities. It can be so exhausting trying to keep it all together. You may feel tired of giving so much to everyone else, and have nothing left to give yourself. You feel the need to prioritize yourself and pour into your own cup, but struggle figuring out how to do it. This can be the starting moment for the changes you are wanting. Real change can happen through our work together.
Maura Tousignant
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
If you’re looking for a therapist due to trauma, anxiety, grief, or relationship issues, I'm here to help. I offer a warm and nonjudgmental presence, and I will guide you toward cultivating calm, ease, and fulfillment in your life. Trauma and grief can cause heightened stress, difficulty connecting with others, exhaustion, and overwhelm. You may feel stuck or discouraged, but change is possible when you dedicate yourself to growing your awareness of unconscious patterns and learning new ways to support your psyche, mind, and body.
If you’re looking for a therapist due to trauma, anxiety, grief, or relationship issues, I'm here to help. I offer a warm and nonjudgmental presence, and I will guide you toward cultivating calm, ease, and fulfillment in your life. Trauma and grief can cause heightened stress, difficulty connecting with others, exhaustion, and overwhelm. You may feel stuck or discouraged, but change is possible when you dedicate yourself to growing your awareness of unconscious patterns and learning new ways to support your psyche, mind, and body.
Are you struggling with your life and your emotions? Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with others, trouble at home, anxiety, an addiction, or just a really challenging personal situation that you feel alone with. Perhaps you want your life to be different somehow but are feeling stuck. I would like to help you. It may feel hopeless right now, but you will have my years of experience and wisdom, skills and compassion with you - and together we will increase the quality of your life so that you may move forward with increased well-being , satisfaction, and meaning in your life.
Are you struggling with your life and your emotions? Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with others, trouble at home, anxiety, an addiction, or just a really challenging personal situation that you feel alone with. Perhaps you want your life to be different somehow but are feeling stuck. I would like to help you. It may feel hopeless right now, but you will have my years of experience and wisdom, skills and compassion with you - and together we will increase the quality of your life so that you may move forward with increased well-being , satisfaction, and meaning in your life.
Are you finding yourself navigating transitions as an adult or older adult?
Are you finding yourself navigating transitions as an adult or older adult?
Christine Quynh Anh Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I love you, but I don't really get you; I hear this pretty often in the healthiest of relationships, and even more so in intercultural or interfaith ones. I know firsthand how wonderful and rewarding it is–and, at times, how painful and challenging. Maybe you’ve asked each other: “How do we connect again, now that we have kids? What’s changed and why is it affecting our sex life? Are we on the same page about my family? How important is this to you?” Being in love doesn't just take work. It takes understanding and acceptance. It takes holding each other and ourselves accountable for our own growth. Let's relearn each other.
I love you, but I don't really get you; I hear this pretty often in the healthiest of relationships, and even more so in intercultural or interfaith ones. I know firsthand how wonderful and rewarding it is–and, at times, how painful and challenging. Maybe you’ve asked each other: “How do we connect again, now that we have kids? What’s changed and why is it affecting our sex life? Are we on the same page about my family? How important is this to you?” Being in love doesn't just take work. It takes understanding and acceptance. It takes holding each other and ourselves accountable for our own growth. Let's relearn each other.
Dawn Smith-Theodore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I see individuals, Families and Couples while using an interactive and collaborative approach to therapy. I see individuals to help them with managing emotions, fears, sadness, depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, addictions, eating disorders, body image issues, creating balance, establishing hope and nurturing yourself. I will work on improving relational issues such as dating issues, recovering from a break up, and communication patterns. Learning to set healthy boundaries is key in any relationship. I want to empower my clients by giving them the coping skills they need to live a healthy and successful life.
I see individuals, Families and Couples while using an interactive and collaborative approach to therapy. I see individuals to help them with managing emotions, fears, sadness, depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, addictions, eating disorders, body image issues, creating balance, establishing hope and nurturing yourself. I will work on improving relational issues such as dating issues, recovering from a break up, and communication patterns. Learning to set healthy boundaries is key in any relationship. I want to empower my clients by giving them the coping skills they need to live a healthy and successful life.
Jamie Rudden
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
Unwritten Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC, BSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
It is a passion of mine to work with others toward becoming better versions of themselves, and live a life that fulfills them. Taking that first step in starting therapy can be intimidating, but so worth it. I work with young and middle-age adults focusing on anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, academic/career stress, self worth, dating/relational challenges, LGBTQIA+ identity and experience, and desire for individual growth. I also work with trainees, associates, and licensed therapists, offering support for imposter syndrome, work and life balance, burnout, identity & systemic challenges in mental healthcare.
It is a passion of mine to work with others toward becoming better versions of themselves, and live a life that fulfills them. Taking that first step in starting therapy can be intimidating, but so worth it. I work with young and middle-age adults focusing on anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, academic/career stress, self worth, dating/relational challenges, LGBTQIA+ identity and experience, and desire for individual growth. I also work with trainees, associates, and licensed therapists, offering support for imposter syndrome, work and life balance, burnout, identity & systemic challenges in mental healthcare.
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 |
88% | Depression |
86% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Grief |
65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
63% | Aetna |
49% | Cigna and Evernorth |
41% | 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.