Substance Use Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
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Setareh Vatan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am an advocate for the soul’s desire for expansion and connection with others. I work in the service of the psyche to bring unconscious material to the conscious to facilitate sustainable change, transformation, and growth. I welcome you as you are, whether you are suffering from a dependency, such as problematic
substance use
, or a mental health condition, like trauma-related difficulties. I incorporate both the Twelve Step and harm reduction methods in my practice. Since I honor and see the value in both modalities, I will work collaboratively with you to determine which approach would best serve your path towards wholeness.
Not accepting new clients

Lisa L Rakusin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an certified EMDR Therapist, experienced at treating trauma caused by all kinds of stressful and/or traumatic events, including grief and loss, as well as any related issues such as anxiety, depression, and
substance use
, that can develop as a result. I am passionate about creating a safe space and a compassionate, nonjudgmental relationship with my clients as I guide them, utilizing their strengths, to accomplish post-traumatic growth and healing. I also believe in the importance of including family members and significant others, when available, as part of the treatment.

Christina Coons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Dealing with various types of trauma and the ways in which it can impact our daily lives can be challenging. I am here to help you understand that your trauma does not define you. Your trauma reactions are valid and I’d like to support you in the development of healthy coping skills. This will allow you the freedom to transcend beyond traumatic experiences, forging a new path toward growth, healing, recovery and wellness. I can help you navigate and cope with addiction/
substance use
, PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity related issues, and family/interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, CST, EMDR
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
Are you or someone you love struggling with
substance use
? Are you experiencing or witnessing a loved one lose their potential because they have setbacks? Have you been in and out of treatment, and nothing seems to change? I may be able to help if you are feeling disempowered by your drug of choice. I have extensive experience and training in addiction, allowing me to have a realistic approach to addiction treatment when battling such a beast. Addiction is rarely a stand-alone problem. Individuals often struggle w/ co-occurring disorders such as depression & anxiety. If left untreated, the need for immediate relief will prevail.

Dan Sussman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My specialties include treatment of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma,
substance use
, and supporting parents with children of all ages.
Welcome! I know that life can sometimes get messy and stressful. Maybe you’re feeling anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships, work, parenting, aging, a fast-changing world, or just want to talk to someone who’ll listen and be there for you. Change can be hard and humbling before you get to where you want to go. If you’d like to become a happier, more fulfilled you, please schedule a free consultation by going to my website, www.dansussmanphd.com, send me an email, or give me a call. I'm here to help.

Laura Kay Mclauchlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you struggling with DEPRESSION or ANXIETY? Is your RELATIONSHIP stuck in negative patterns?Is
SUBSTANCE USE
getting in your way, or you're needing extra support in RECOVERY? Are you going through a stressful LIFE TRANSITION? If you answered "yes" to any these questions, or even "maybe", I might be the help you are looking for. I've been told by my clients that I take a more active, direct approach to therapy, and I believe humor is a great healer. It is my 1st job to help you feel accepted, and listened to. I want to help you achieve your therapeutic goals by learning about what motivates you as a unique individual.

Trevor Schraufnagel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Balance CBT is the name of my private practice. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27841) and an expert in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders and related conditions. My primary focus is providing evidence-based or "known to work" treatments for anxiety-related problems. While I place very high value on research-driven treatments, I strongly believe that compassion, validation, and a powerful relationship are cornerstones to effective therapy. I am a member of the clinical faculty at UCLA and hold positions in the departments of psychiatry and psychology.

Fiona Nottingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with a wide range of diverse presenting problems affecting individuals, couples, families, and groups. I bring a wealth of experience treating populations with
substance use
disorders, process addictions, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, mental health issues, and forensics for people interacting with the legal system. Some areas of specialty include Trauma, Addiction, Gambling Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, and Life Transitions.

Dr. Jennifer Musselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, MA
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
Substance use
and addiction.
LIFE CAN BE TOUGH. Who has your back? Are you bored in your life or career? Do you feel alone and lonely, despite that you love your partner and your two adorable kids? Are you the last single one left in your group and are questioning if you will ever meet the love of your life? Do you feel misunderstood, not good enough, scared? Are you escaping your feelings with drugs and alcohol, elaborate vacations, shopping, work? What plays out in your personal life plays out in your work life, causing stress, depression and anxiety. I also executive coach CEOs and entrepreneurs, as well as being a team facilitator for corporate change

Kamala White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
You're in pain from a dysfunctional childhood. Or you're using substances to cope with pain and would like to stop. If your
substance use
has affected your relationships, your finances, your career- it may be time to change. You can feel better! I will help holistically, meaning we will work on many levels. Together we will make practical plans to get you feeling stronger and more peaceful no matter what you have survived. Boundaries and self-care are skills that you can learn. You deserve to have the life you want, and I will help you create it. Together we can get you to where you want to be. Call for free consultation today!

Judith Crane Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Strength Hope Resiliency Positivity Gratitude Healing These are key concepts that I highlight in my work as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working over 15 years as a clinician with people from age 14 to 90 and their families. The issues brought to me most often include
substance use
disorder, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief and loss and difficulties in relationships. My approach is one of collaboration and a compassionate attitude toward the person to develop a good rapport and a mutual understanding of the goals for treatment. My techniques are tailored to the person
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Waitlist for new clients

Laudan Kermani Gish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Laudan has completed extensive post graduate specialization training in co-occuring mood disorders, eating disorders,
substance use
disorders, trauma, crisis management, mindfulness, and perinatal mental health.
After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Laudan left her post in the publicity department at a major movie studio to pursue her passion of becoming a psychotherapist and coach. Laudan meets clients virtually where she provides high-quality therapy and coaching services in English and Farsi. Laudan utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, integrating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to enhance the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those with whom she works.

Tomer Zilbershtein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I am experienced in working with both teens and adults, helping my clients address challenges such as depression and anxiety, trauma, and
substance use
.
Struggling with our mental health can often leave us feeling alone and misunderstood by others in our lives. You do not need to face these challenges alone. Cultivating an authentic human connection and building a therapeutic relationship is fundamental in creating a safe and comfortable space for my clients to explore their issues, promoting growth and change in their lives. You deserve to feel heard, to learn more about yourself, make changes in your life, and grow.

Molly Binenfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
I am passionate about working with people who struggle with
substance use
, sobriety, addiction, eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns, and people who are striving to live a life that is aligned with their goals and values.

Stien Emma Jasinski
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified
Verified
She has expertise with crisis stabilization, anxiety and depression, conflict resolution,
substance use
disorders, as well as treatment within the military, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Stien is passionate about delivering authentic, collaborative, direct care to her clients so that they may live the lives they’ve envisioned while functioning at their highest potentials.

Athena Family Services
MA
We specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and their families who are struggling to support the client and help them learn how to cope with the world. Wether they are dealing with anxiety, depression,
substance use
(experimenting or advanced), ASD, failure-to-launch or just teen angst- we pair each client with a therapeutic mentor who is close in age and relatable, who can work with the client one-on-one out in the community where they are experiencing difficulties and help them learn the tools to be successful. Regardless of what they are facing, our mentors are trained to help support clients in facing their issues.

Jeff Chenoweth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Looking for help with emotional obstacles? You may be carrying extra baggage, repeating unproductive thought or behavior patterns, and feeling stuck in life. Struggling with the negative effects of
substance use
? What if you could address these issues and make positive changes? How would it feel to accept yourself fully? To leave behind what is no longer serving you? To be creative and take risks that help you move forward? Confidently find ways to accommodate the new and different. Overcome obstacles and grow into the life you are meant to have.
Waitlist for new clients

Aimee Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a trauma-informed clinician, I work with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, chronic pain, depression, relational problems, and
substance use
disorders.
Trauma has an undeniable effect on people’s lives that can shape core beliefs about self, relationships, and the safety of the world. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and IFS combined with other trauma-informed practices to provide a safe, judgment-free therapeutic environment. I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to provide a holistic, individualized, and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies and addresses your therapeutic goals. I work primarily with trauma and co-occurring issues and disorders associated with traumatic events/experiences.

Brandy Ziriax
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Asking for help is hard. However, once you take that first step, it can be life-changing. Anything is possible by learning practical communication skills and building a positive self-view. My approach prioritizes my client’s needs and input to help them help themselves. I hold degrees in psychology and Biology, which provide an awareness and understanding of biological, chemical, and psychological intersections for mental health treatment.

Jesse Lauricella
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, SEP
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to feel better, to learn what makes you happy, and to become your most genuine and creative self. As a safe and empathetic environment, therapy can help reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression. By jointly exploring unconscious forces in decision making and the function of our nervous system on behavior, my goal is to help improve your relationships and encourage growth towards your specific goals. I strive to incorporate a blend of body and psyche using somatic experiencing and depth/psychodynamic psychology. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and addiction.
See more therapy options for
Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.