Parenting Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
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TellAHealth California
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our staff specializes in Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorder, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief & Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issue, Couples, Divorce, Co-
parenting
, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions.
We are a group of skilled clinicians committed to helping clients achieve goals and make change. We work In Network with UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford and Aetna. We do so by creating a relationship that is based on genuine care and concern, non-judgment, and support. Our mission is to help you help yourself live a happier and more satisfying life. We offer sessions on Saturday and Sunday and all weekdays and evenings.

Dr. Joan A Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a psychoanalytically trained psychotherapist who has devoted many years of my professional career to educating twins and their families about twins’ emotional needs. Having worked through my own twinship challenges and parented my fraternal twin sons, I am a definitive expert on twin development. I am the author of Emotionally Healthy Twins: A New Philosophy for
Parenting
Two Unique Children and The Same but Different: How Twins Can Live, Love, and Learn to Be Individuals. My third book, Twins in Session: Case Histories in Treating Twinship Issues, was published in June 2018. It is a written for psychotherapists and educators

Sharon Margaret Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified
Verified
I offer one-on-one Individual Therapy, Group Therapy for
Parenting
Men, Women in their 30s-40s, Senior Women, and Gay Men.
I encourage you to get help when you need it despite how difficult it feels. As an experienced, professional psychotherapist, I can work with you in an individual or group setting to help you get through your issues and make changes in your life.
You may come see me in my Santa Monica, California office or in my New York City office where I see clients once a month. I can also work with you online using Skype. I have clients as far away as London and Hong Kong. Call me if you would like a consultation.

Rachel Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
It can be heartbreaking to be the
parent
of a child who is struggling. It feels like other parents don’t have to work as hard as you do. There are tears, tantrums, and challenges at school. They seem to worry about things that other children don’t even notice. You’re feeling exhausted and like no one has the answers. Finding the right person to support you means trusting someone with your child’s wellbeing. It can be scary to reach out to a therapist. You want to make sure that you find someone who can connect to your child and work with you to help you understand what’s going on with them.

Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
11 Endorsed
Verified
11 Endorsed
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-
parenting
, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.

Judy Zexter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
My specialties include life transitions,
parenting
challenges and relationship issues.
I am an experienced therapist, dedicated to helping people meet their challenges in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I provide feedback that allows people to gain perspective and insight into their difficulties so that they can develop the ability to meet their personal goals. I empower clients by helping them to realize their strengths so that they can proceed in a realistic and self-influenced way. When I assist people with recognizing, understanding and shifting patterns of behavior that are counterproductive for them, they begin to lead more satisfying and happy lives.

Kadie Bogart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Being a kid is today’s world can be tough and helping your little one navigate through the struggles and hardships as a
parent
, can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. As a licensed professional therapist with over 7 years of private practice experience, I specialize in child and adolescent behaviors,
parenting
skills, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I have a passion for helping children and parents realize their full potential by educating and working with them on issues that may be holding them back.

Molly Schaffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Personally, I have 4 of my own and deeply understand the struggles of
parenting
.
People find their way to therapy for various reasons. You may be in crisis or you may be wanting to work on long-standing patterns that aren't working for you anymore. I am committed to helping people explore their lives: what's not working and why. I help people heal, find comfort, self-acceptance, and more successful relationships and careers. In a non-judgmental space, we will endeavor to figure out how to make things better to get you functioning well and hopefully, thriving.

Elinor Jewett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide
parenting
support with a strength based model for growth.
I offer relief from depression, anxiety, and life issues that feel overwhelming, intolerable and unmanageable. I can help you with with forming and growing relationships where you feel loved and comforted, not hurt, injured or criticized. We can address family conflict, power struggles and help build a life-long partnership with family members. I understand feeling lost, hopeless and can guide you on a discovery of your true purpose in life. Change is possible. Happiness is deserved and within our power. I utilize techniques based on current neurological research that shift brain and nervous system patterns .
Not accepting new clients

Erica Stephenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I also provide
parent
education through Presence in
Parenting
® in groups and one-on-one consultations.
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues in adolescents and young adults experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, peer issues, and school performance. I find it is so important to help adolescents, especially females, in their transition to young adulthood with a sense of self, worth, and purpose. With adults, I specialize in looking at life transitions and past experiences to bring about lasting change for the future.

Jill Howe-Vercos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
I love working with clients of all ages and have particular interest in survivors of sexual abuse and trauma,
parenting
issues and skill-building, support for new parents, healthy aging, life transitions, and relationship issues of all kinds.
Heal the past. Be present. Have a future. You are not broken -- you already have the tools you need. My goal is to help you access those tools and remove any obstacles that prevent you from feeling like yourself. Whether you're struggling with old wounds or need support for current life challenges, we'll work together to build on your strengths -- and uncover ones you may not yet know you have.

Lara Sando
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
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.

L.A. Teen Therapist & Parenting Teens Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT
Verified
Verified
I offer a FREE Initial
Parent
Consultation to confirm that I am a good match for your family.
Is Your Teen Struggling Socially or Emotionally? Let me put any challenges your teen or family may be facing into perspective, and offer you fresh solutions you may not have previously considered. As an experienced Teen Therapist, I can assist you in finding solutions to problems at home or at school, and teach your teen the skills they need to thrive. For adolescents with a history of anxiety, depression, substance-abuse, or ADD, the coping skills they may have developed could be hindering the attainment of their life goals. I help teens & young-adults reconcile their history and temperament -- with their future aspirations.

Gina Gonzalezreyna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
Your
parenting
experience will transform into a joyful and successful one whatever the circumstance.
In therapy with me you will feel understood and supported. I utilize a compassionate strengths-based approach along with engaging, profound, and varied interventions such as mindfulness, art therapy, sand-tray and humour that increase a sense of self awareness and inner-wisdom leading to emotional well-being. ~ En terapia conmigo, usted se sentira' plenamente entendida/o y apoyada/o. Mi enfoque es compasivo, basado en hacer brillar las fortalezas de mis clientes. Utilizo intervenciones profundas y variadas, incluyendo arte y humor, que incrementan su consciencia personal para lograr un estado estable de bienestar emocional.

Judith Lisa White
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
For over 25 years, Dr. White has maintained a wide-ranging private practice that includes individuals, groups, couples, children and families. Her work draws on developmental and depth psychologies as well as family systems theory. Special interests include couples coping with infertility,
parenting
, and dreamwork. She often collaborates with colleague and husband Barry Michels--author, along with Dr. Phil Stutz, of the best-selling book The Tools.
Parents seeking advice appreciate Dr. White's extensive background in child development. She helps children and families with issues that involve discipline, life transitions and loss such as divorce and death, and academic and social challenges.

Debra Jill Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In working with children and their families, I have developed experience with infants,
parent
-infant play and feeding interactions, teen pregnancy and teen
parenting
, court-ordered or volunteer
parenting
groups, academic concerns and IEP advocacy, pervasive developmental disorders and Regional Center advocacy, crisis counseling, divorce, couples, adults and family work.
Is it ever difficult to understand your child's behavior or your teen's angst? Do they speak a language or behave in a way you find challenging? Children from infancy through adolescence can seem unmanageable at times causing parents to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Why continue struggling? If your child is having a difficult time at home, in school, or with friends, I can offer insights and recommendations as well as provide a safe space for everyone to learn respectful, meaningful communication directed toward positive change. Let me help you and your family get there together.

Azita Sachmechian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
I am certified in
parenting
education and I have 10 years of experience from Cedars Sinai hospital.
I treat children, adolescents and adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, and relational issues. I help couples understand each other's emotional needs to have a more meaningful satisfying relationships. I also help parents deal with their children's anger, social and academic issues. The goal of treatment is to identify the individual's strengths, enhance them and identify and treat factors that jeopardize getting to ones ultimate potentials. I have treated factors contributing to Enuresis, and Encopresis and selective mutism.

Frances Barry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Parenting
is the most important but toughest job on the planet. But
parenting
is REALLY tough when your child is struggling. It's painful to watch their daily life interrupted by too many worries, anger outbursts or bouts of sadness. You want so badly to help, but although you've tried, engaging with your child doesn't always have the desired outcome. Feeling worn out? It’s time to try something different. Therapy can help your child better navigate the ups and downs of life AND support you in your role as a
parent
.

Sheila Salamat
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In addition to providing individual therapy I co-facilitate infant groups,
parenting
groups and therapeutic groups at Providence St.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in women's mental health. I have extensive training in reproductive & maternal metal health. Nurturing new moms, moms to be, and women trying to conceive is the heart of my psychotherapy practice. As a mom of 2, I understand firsthand how crucial it is to have emotional support during pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. It is my priority and passion to help you receive the support you need. I will work with you to create a plan that targets your specific symptoms, reduces stress, builds coping skills, restores self-esteem and hope, and improves overall well-being.

Diana P. Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
If you are curious about yourself, want to improve relationships, need additional
parenting
skills and/or support then you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome! You've taken the first step to find a therapist and that takes courage! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent the last decade helping children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked in the school setting, outpatient clinics and in private practice. My focus is to collaborate with you to work towards achieving your goals while providing a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect and assisting you to gain insight and valuable awareness.
See more therapy options for
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.