Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
You never know when anxiety will consume you. One moment everything is fine, and out of nowhere anxiety hits you. Overwhelming thoughts flood over you after an argument with your partner. You tell yourself over and over your boss is making work unbearable, and your partner is unsupportive. Time between peace and stress is getting shorter, and you wonder if there’s any way to break free from negative thoughts. It’s affecting every aspect of your life. Work is unfulfilling, your relationship is suffering, and your anxiety is high. Has stress and anxiety become your norm? Do you just keep going hoping for a solution?
You never know when anxiety will consume you. One moment everything is fine, and out of nowhere anxiety hits you. Overwhelming thoughts flood over you after an argument with your partner. You tell yourself over and over your boss is making work unbearable, and your partner is unsupportive. Time between peace and stress is getting shorter, and you wonder if there’s any way to break free from negative thoughts. It’s affecting every aspect of your life. Work is unfulfilling, your relationship is suffering, and your anxiety is high. Has stress and anxiety become your norm? Do you just keep going hoping for a solution?
How does your need for certainty play out? Does it force you to try to predict? Does it persuade you to declare things that you don't actually know? Perhaps the need for certainty is powerful enough to rob you of genuine moments with loved ones or with yourself. Research finds that people who take risks (those who step into the unknown) are happier than those who merely reach for reward or gratification. Why? Because healthy risk-taking has rewards sewn into the experience when we authentically try. It builds skills in self-advocacy, self-love and self-worth.
How does your need for certainty play out? Does it force you to try to predict? Does it persuade you to declare things that you don't actually know? Perhaps the need for certainty is powerful enough to rob you of genuine moments with loved ones or with yourself. Research finds that people who take risks (those who step into the unknown) are happier than those who merely reach for reward or gratification. Why? Because healthy risk-taking has rewards sewn into the experience when we authentically try. It builds skills in self-advocacy, self-love and self-worth.
Corbett Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I have found that disruptions in our lives carry on in our nervous systems, sometimes arising at inopportune times. Often, it is in these times we seek support; whether dealing with the loss of a loved one, a sudden traumatic event, the onset of anxiety or a reliance on alcohol or medications. I will create an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and compassion to help you find growth, self-reliance and an eventual return to health. I will work with you to get through the most challenging times with courage and boundless growth.
I have found that disruptions in our lives carry on in our nervous systems, sometimes arising at inopportune times. Often, it is in these times we seek support; whether dealing with the loss of a loved one, a sudden traumatic event, the onset of anxiety or a reliance on alcohol or medications. I will create an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and compassion to help you find growth, self-reliance and an eventual return to health. I will work with you to get through the most challenging times with courage and boundless growth.
I specialize in working with religious leaders and understand the unique challenges posed by creating a community for others and running an organization. I also specialize in working with adults who've been newly diagnosed as Autistic, ADHD, or neurodiverse in other ways. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is an autistic profile gaining recognition in the US. I work with the caregivers/parents and spouses of PDAers to provide support and understanding, working from a low-demand approach. My goal is to help you embrace your situation and build resilience from within.
I specialize in working with religious leaders and understand the unique challenges posed by creating a community for others and running an organization. I also specialize in working with adults who've been newly diagnosed as Autistic, ADHD, or neurodiverse in other ways. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is an autistic profile gaining recognition in the US. I work with the caregivers/parents and spouses of PDAers to provide support and understanding, working from a low-demand approach. My goal is to help you embrace your situation and build resilience from within.
Jennifer Hackney: SoCal LGBT Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
In an often unwelcoming world, it can be challenging for us to live authentically as LGBTQ+ people. Heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and homo/bi/transphobia can impact our sense of self, relationships, and quality of life. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, I aim to provide compassionate and affirming therapy for adults who are seeking support with sexual identity, gender identity, coming out, self-esteem, self-acceptance, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I mindfully work to create an inviting space that respects, affirms, and values your identities and lived experiences.
In an often unwelcoming world, it can be challenging for us to live authentically as LGBTQ+ people. Heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and homo/bi/transphobia can impact our sense of self, relationships, and quality of life. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, I aim to provide compassionate and affirming therapy for adults who are seeking support with sexual identity, gender identity, coming out, self-esteem, self-acceptance, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I mindfully work to create an inviting space that respects, affirms, and values your identities and lived experiences.
If you are seeking a sense of wholeness and more meaningful relationships, you are not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling disconnected from themselves or those around them. In our work, we’ll explore these challenges, processing your experiences and building skills that empower you to cultivate positive change. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can reconnect with what matters most and move toward the life you desire.
If you are seeking a sense of wholeness and more meaningful relationships, you are not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling disconnected from themselves or those around them. In our work, we’ll explore these challenges, processing your experiences and building skills that empower you to cultivate positive change. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can reconnect with what matters most and move toward the life you desire.
I am accepting new patients via Telemedicine as the need for mental health support is stronger today than ever. My style is grounded in empathy, listening, and compassion, with a dash of humor central to building a trusting alliance. I work with adults and couples; my doctoral project focused on treating violent couples in highly conflictual relationships in a conjoint setting examining the role of aggression and masochism in relationships. Another area of my expertise is working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and addiction-related predicaments.
I am accepting new patients via Telemedicine as the need for mental health support is stronger today than ever. My style is grounded in empathy, listening, and compassion, with a dash of humor central to building a trusting alliance. I work with adults and couples; my doctoral project focused on treating violent couples in highly conflictual relationships in a conjoint setting examining the role of aggression and masochism in relationships. Another area of my expertise is working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and addiction-related predicaments.
Beginning therapy is an act of courage and self-compassion. It’s an opportunity to step into a space where you can be seen, heard, and supported—just as you are. My role as a therapist is to help create that space: one grounded in trust, curiosity, and care.
Beginning therapy is an act of courage and self-compassion. It’s an opportunity to step into a space where you can be seen, heard, and supported—just as you are. My role as a therapist is to help create that space: one grounded in trust, curiosity, and care.
I offer a pragmatic approach designed to help clients identify and change behaviors that are preventing them from living the life they want. We all developed coping strategies when we were young to protect ourselves. While they helped us survive at the time, they are often the very things holding us back now.
I offer a pragmatic approach designed to help clients identify and change behaviors that are preventing them from living the life they want. We all developed coping strategies when we were young to protect ourselves. While they helped us survive at the time, they are often the very things holding us back now.
Yelena Kashtuyeva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Yelena Kashtuyeva has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Her specialties include panic attacks, complex trauma, recurrent relapses, and eating disorders. Yelena integrates attachment-based approaches with other treatments and offers ways to take what's learned in therapy into one's life.
Yelena Kashtuyeva has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Her specialties include panic attacks, complex trauma, recurrent relapses, and eating disorders. Yelena integrates attachment-based approaches with other treatments and offers ways to take what's learned in therapy into one's life.
You’re in midlife, craving more from your relationships and yourself. You’re ready to reclaim your sexuality and reconnect with who you are, not who the world expects you to be. Maybe you feel disconnected, lost in your intimate life, or unsure how to find passion again. Deep down, you know you deserve more—more connection, more pleasure, more freedom to be authentically you. You want to feel desired, alive, and empowered in every facet of your life, starting with intimacy. Your goal is to break free from the "shoulds" and discover a life where your desires are front and center.
You’re in midlife, craving more from your relationships and yourself. You’re ready to reclaim your sexuality and reconnect with who you are, not who the world expects you to be. Maybe you feel disconnected, lost in your intimate life, or unsure how to find passion again. Deep down, you know you deserve more—more connection, more pleasure, more freedom to be authentically you. You want to feel desired, alive, and empowered in every facet of your life, starting with intimacy. Your goal is to break free from the "shoulds" and discover a life where your desires are front and center.
15 Second Videos
If you suffer from developmental (trauma from childhood abuse) or acute trauma (for example, rape, assault, divorce, accident), I am trained in EMDR, neurofeedback and somatic therapy that can help you heal. Neurofeedback, which is exercise for the brain, improves self-regulation and calms the nervous system, building resiliency. EMDR is a process that desensitizes and reprocesses trauma. Somatic Experiencing releases pent up energy in the body that keeps us from completing and letting go of traumatic experiences. I use these methods, along with traditional psychodynamic talk therapy, in a kind and healing environment.
If you suffer from developmental (trauma from childhood abuse) or acute trauma (for example, rape, assault, divorce, accident), I am trained in EMDR, neurofeedback and somatic therapy that can help you heal. Neurofeedback, which is exercise for the brain, improves self-regulation and calms the nervous system, building resiliency. EMDR is a process that desensitizes and reprocesses trauma. Somatic Experiencing releases pent up energy in the body that keeps us from completing and letting go of traumatic experiences. I use these methods, along with traditional psychodynamic talk therapy, in a kind and healing environment.
Hi, I’m Stacey. Whether your child has struggled for a while or has just recently started to exhibit certain behaviors, I know it's never easy to ask for help - which is why I'm so glad you're here. I believe children are always moving towards wholeness but sometimes need help from compassionate and knowledgeable adults. My work with your child will integrate the science of interpersonal neurobiology, child development, trauma-informed care, expressive arts, and play to strengthen the understanding, love, and security between you and your child.
Hi, I’m Stacey. Whether your child has struggled for a while or has just recently started to exhibit certain behaviors, I know it's never easy to ask for help - which is why I'm so glad you're here. I believe children are always moving towards wholeness but sometimes need help from compassionate and knowledgeable adults. My work with your child will integrate the science of interpersonal neurobiology, child development, trauma-informed care, expressive arts, and play to strengthen the understanding, love, and security between you and your child.
Accepting New Clients - Many of my clients come to me during times of uncertainty and stress - feeling lost or on edge, experiencing turmoil in their relationships, or generally overwhelmed or unhappy with themselves and eager to find solutions. We can work together in navigating the path to a happier and more fulfilled life. I hope to partner with you toward self-discovery, empowerment, self-compassion and learning to respond (instead of react) from a place of peace rather than urgency.
Accepting New Clients - Many of my clients come to me during times of uncertainty and stress - feeling lost or on edge, experiencing turmoil in their relationships, or generally overwhelmed or unhappy with themselves and eager to find solutions. We can work together in navigating the path to a happier and more fulfilled life. I hope to partner with you toward self-discovery, empowerment, self-compassion and learning to respond (instead of react) from a place of peace rather than urgency.
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
Mind-Body-Soul connection is what gives us the power to transform. When we transform, we meet our authentic selves that just want to be seen, heard and understood I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who strongly believes that the clients are the experts of their lives. Therefore, it is my passion to provide empowerment, emotional support and mindfulness based practices to help my clients create meaningful and healthy lifestyles. Through understanding of the "self", developing compassion and challenging our thought/belief systems we can restore balance and create positive changes.
Mind-Body-Soul connection is what gives us the power to transform. When we transform, we meet our authentic selves that just want to be seen, heard and understood I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who strongly believes that the clients are the experts of their lives. Therefore, it is my passion to provide empowerment, emotional support and mindfulness based practices to help my clients create meaningful and healthy lifestyles. Through understanding of the "self", developing compassion and challenging our thought/belief systems we can restore balance and create positive changes.
I help women to better manage parenting, while maintaining her work/life balance. Is this you? Marriage and parenting are difficult. Often it is hard to find the energy to be patient, creative or loving. Do you struggle with solo parenting and feeling unseen? Do you want to feel more connected with your spouse? Do you want to feel like "you" again? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression and / or have experienced trauma but haven't "faced" it because "there is not enough time" or because you've "dealt with it this long", I get it and I can help you find the joy in your life again.
I help women to better manage parenting, while maintaining her work/life balance. Is this you? Marriage and parenting are difficult. Often it is hard to find the energy to be patient, creative or loving. Do you struggle with solo parenting and feeling unseen? Do you want to feel more connected with your spouse? Do you want to feel like "you" again? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression and / or have experienced trauma but haven't "faced" it because "there is not enough time" or because you've "dealt with it this long", I get it and I can help you find the joy in your life again.
The folks I work with tend to be navigating unconventional paths toward personal growth and healing. Many of my clients are interested in the therapeutic potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness and they often incorporate body, breath & dream work, plant medicine, ceremony and other similar methods into their self-care routines.
The folks I work with tend to be navigating unconventional paths toward personal growth and healing. Many of my clients are interested in the therapeutic potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness and they often incorporate body, breath & dream work, plant medicine, ceremony and other similar methods into their self-care routines.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to a life that develops the wholeness of Psyche or the Soul. I have worked with children and families, issues of addiction and personality development. My goal is to continue to work on raising a sense of personal dignity for my patients as they approach and encounter their life, and see the dignity in others. My training has been in the traditions of Depth Psychology, experiencing remarkable practices as presented at Pacifica Graduate Institute and at the CG Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to a life that develops the wholeness of Psyche or the Soul. I have worked with children and families, issues of addiction and personality development. My goal is to continue to work on raising a sense of personal dignity for my patients as they approach and encounter their life, and see the dignity in others. My training has been in the traditions of Depth Psychology, experiencing remarkable practices as presented at Pacifica Graduate Institute and at the CG Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Marco Paz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I offer a strength-based, honest, and straightforward approach to Psychotherapy and Coaching. Think of me as your thought partner. When working with me, you can expect to be treated with respect and genuine curiosity, as an equal. My focus is on creating a space where you feel comfortable, because this can be hard work, and our relationship is the foundation for meaningful change.
I offer a strength-based, honest, and straightforward approach to Psychotherapy and Coaching. Think of me as your thought partner. When working with me, you can expect to be treated with respect and genuine curiosity, as an equal. My focus is on creating a space where you feel comfortable, because this can be hard work, and our relationship is the foundation for meaningful change.
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 |
| 85% | Relationship Issues |
| 76% | Self Esteem |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 65% | Grief |
| 65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 65% | Aetna |
| 50% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 44% | Other |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
| 63% | In Person and Online | |
| 37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 79% | Female | |
| 20% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |