Anxiety Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
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Dr Joshua Prager MD, MS
MD, MS
Verified
Verified
Ketamine for Depression,
Anxiety
, and PTSD. Our treatment program helps patients address the many symptoms resulting from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) as well as the effects of
anxiety
and PTSD. Our program includes low-dose ketamine infusion to help patients manage CRPS symptoms and improve functional abilities. Our primary goal of ketamine and functional pain management is to treat
anxiety
, depression, and resulting effects associated with acute and chronic pain.

Eleanore Baidoo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.

Erin Astin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with depression,
anxiety
, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship struggles, sexual abuse, and trauma.
Hello and Welcome! My main priority as your therapist is to ensure you feel heard and understood. I know firsthand the vulnerability that comes with sharing intimate struggles, and I applaud you for showing up for yourself in this way! I approach my clients holistically—not as “problems to solve” but as humans with a rich history and complexity to them. I believe wholeheartedly that you are the expert in your own life, and will work collaboratively with you to develop a plan of care that feels good for you. I have no agenda of my own other than to be your champion and ally throughout this process of growth and healing.

David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues,
phobia
,
panic
,
anxiety
, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.

Arianna Montero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
My goal as a Marriage and Family Therapist is to hold an empowering space for folks with complex trauma and PTSD,
anxiety
, and depression. In my experience, supporting my clients in reconnecting to their mind, body, and spirit has led to a newfound sense of self-awareness, inner trust, and emotional attunement that results in deeper healing.

Allison Nurse-Hofer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA
Verified
Verified
I am an LMFT who specializes in women’s issues such as infertility, miscarriage, pre and postpartum
anxiety
and depression, early life trauma, and performance therapy.
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.

Casey Goldberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in issues related to
anxiety
, depression, trauma, relationships life transitions, and self-esteem.
Sometimes life can feel SO overwhelming and you don't know how to cope, or your 'tools' aren't accessible when you are too stressed. Your relationships could be better, or it may just be that therapy would enhance your life. Whatever it is, I am fully here for you and can help. I work with teens and adults to help them feel empowered, and build healthy relationships with themselves and others to live authentically with a strong sense of confidence, peace, and happiness. As an empathetic and intuitive therapist, we will work together to uncover the root of what's holding you back so you can live the quality of life you deserve!

Stella Michon Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
6 Endorsed
6 Endorsed
I believe everyone is capable of connecting to strength, authenticity and joy no matter how distant they feel. I work with clients who struggle with depression,
anxiety
, relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, teen issues, and maternal mental health. I strive to bring my unique blend of energy, patience, and empathy to my connections with each and every client. As a result, I help to address the issues that are keeping my clients stuck, while helping them take steps towards the change they deserve.

Steven Bradshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, CGP, MA
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I work with high-potential and highly sensitive beings, some of whom feel stuck and burned out. I've discovered personally how somatic therapy revitalizes the organism and resolves long-term psychological issues at their true source, the body. In particular it can shift
anxiety
, chronic pain, depression, loneliness, and imposter syndrome. It works to restore the nervous system to a state of healthy regulation, energy, flow and feeling at home in your body. This provides a foundation of authentic self-esteem that becomes the basis for a meaningful career and a network of healthy relationships—a life that feels great on the inside.

Sara Barthol
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Are you having concerns related to
anxiety
, depression or sexuality, either individually or as a couple? Are you a parent or teen who is having challenges at home/school? Are you an intern looking for supervision for Licensure? If any of this applies to you, I would be happy to discuss if I could be of any help to you. Please feel free to email or call me with questions.

Niaz Khani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
I specialize in relationship issues, trauma, depression,
anxiety
and adjustment to various life transitions.
I understand that seeking therapy may be a very difficult process, however what you can gain from the process is limitless. If you are feeling stuck and interested in making some changes in your life or just need some support right now, this may be a good time to give therapy a try. It's very important to feel safe and connected to your therapist and I encourage you to shop around for the "best-fit." I welcome you to contact me in order to determine whether we would be a good match.

Emma Feitshans
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Taking the step to begin therapy is not always easy, but I am here to help make the process for you and your family as seamless as possible. My experience includes working with children, teens, parents and families with a variety of issues such as
anxiety
, depression, self-esteem, motivation, and changes within the family system.

Katrina Paulino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Utilizing EMDR & other approaches, I work with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of
anxiety
, depression, trauma, and those going through life transitions looking for change. Because healing and growth occur interpersonally, therapy can be an impactful addition to one's life during difficult and challenging times. If you're feeling overwhelmed by emotions or stress, or feel like you're current life is being impacted by past events, there is absolutely hope out there. Many of the leading brain-body therapies now available are targeted for these types of experiences.

OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a clinical psychologist and Co-Director of the OCD &
Anxiety
Program of Southern California. We are a group of compassionate clinicians who understand how difficult it can be to live with OCD and
anxiety
disorders. We specialize in providing effective treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OC Spectrum Disorders,
Anxiety
Disorders, and depression. We utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP), which is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of
anxiety
disorders. We also utilize other effective interventions, such as mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Kelly Van Amberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, 92157
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with many folks who are experiencing distressing life transitions and seeking to find more confidence in themselves. I specialize in treating stressors related to life transitions, all of which are exacerbated within the context of the pandemic. I treat
anxiety
, depression, phase of life stress, relationship stress, traumas, and am LGBTQ+ affirming.

Dr. Joseph Lancaster
Psychologist, PsyD, MFT
Verified
Verified
You are feeling like life is full of chaos and no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get a handle on what is happening. Your relationships are broken, or strained and not only is it affecting you, but others are pulling away. You feel lost as if you have no purpose in life. You are tired of the spinning wheel. Depression,
anxiety
, anger, relationship challenges and much more keep you stuck and unable to grow. ENOUGH! You're ready for answers to start a new Holistic, healthy journey and become that whole person you were meant to be - Mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually - whole!

Brandon A Gross
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I specializing in helping creatives and high-performing individuals navigate emotional challenges, major life changes, and live their most authentic lives. I work with women, men, young adults, adolescents, and families. I address issues that include: Isolation and Loneliness, Grief and Loss, Existential Crises, Values Clarification (i.e. figuring out “what matters”), Navigating Life Transitions (e.g. College to Career, Parenting)l,
Anxiety
and Depression, Communication Breakdown, Creative Block, Career Gridlock, Sex and Intimacy Issues and Relationship Challenges.

Joe Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, MFT
Verified
Verified
Anyone who experiences depression,
anxiety
, relationship problems, life transitions, issues of identity, or cultural conflicts can benefit from collaborative work with a skilled psychotherapist.
We try to make sense of our lives through telling our stories, but when we are unable to find the words, we express ourselves in other ways, such as in symptoms, dreams, and behaviors that we don't understand. My previous training in fine arts and filmmaking (MFA, USC School of Cinema) make an excellent fit with the type of in-depth therapy I provide. I have a wide range of professional experiences from my private practice, in residential and outpatient clinics, as an adjunct professor of psychology at Antioch University, and as a supervisor training other therapists.

Eveline Smilack
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFA, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I regularly work with adolescents and adults experiencing depression,
anxiety
, anger, and relationship issues.
Do problems feel unmanageable? Are relationships growing more stressful? Sometimes life can be challenging. It can be difficult to know how to move forward. My practice is dedicated to listening carefully and offering insight with compassion and care. I offer a trusting supportive space to understand and heal emotional experiences, develop nurturing relationships, and move towards fulfilling your personal goals. Whatever your reasons for wanting to talk to someone, therapy can help you better understand your experiences. Let psychotherapy help you discover your own potential. Starting the conversation is easier than you think. Reach out to explore the possibilities.

Tracy King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified
Verified
You've already tried it on your own. Maybe you've found partial solutions,but it does get discouraging finding yourself, or your relationship, repeating the same patterns over and over. Seeing a very experienced, sharp, interactive therapist means finding much quicker relief for problems related to relationships , depression,
anxiety
and
panic
, parenting, childhood, and life directions. Working with me means forming a solution-oriented partnership for real change. I have successfully done this work for many years, and help people on both long or short term issues. To meet your needs, I have evening & W/E appointments.
See more therapy options for
Anxiety Therapists
What are the most common treatments for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.