Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
My goal is to help people find successful solutions to difficulties they are encountering. I believe that quality of life and relationships can be improved with intention, attention, and action.
My goal is to help people find successful solutions to difficulties they are encountering. I believe that quality of life and relationships can be improved with intention, attention, and action.

Life is often challenging and can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally overwhelmed. Therapy provides an opportunity to address and work through the difficulties we face so that we can lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life. A vital component of therapy is creating a safe and comfortable environment so that issues can be explored openly and honestly. I provide a collaborative and supportive environment through acceptance, compassion, and genuineness.
Life is often challenging and can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally overwhelmed. Therapy provides an opportunity to address and work through the difficulties we face so that we can lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life. A vital component of therapy is creating a safe and comfortable environment so that issues can be explored openly and honestly. I provide a collaborative and supportive environment through acceptance, compassion, and genuineness.

The Procrastination Doctor
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Not accepting new clients
For the best sense of me, along with info about insurance & rates, please go to procrastinationdoctor.com. I help adults with time mgmt., disorganization, & ADD/ADHD via coaching and psychotherapy. Having ADHD myself, I understand the frustration, shame, and hit it can take on self-esteem. I cannot prescribe meds, (you need an MD/psychiatrist for that), but I can help you achieve your goals. Together, we'll learn about your brain, develop strategies to increase productivity, decrease inconsistency, and in so doing, improve self-esteem and secondary depression and anxiety if present.
For the best sense of me, along with info about insurance & rates, please go to procrastinationdoctor.com. I help adults with time mgmt., disorganization, & ADD/ADHD via coaching and psychotherapy. Having ADHD myself, I understand the frustration, shame, and hit it can take on self-esteem. I cannot prescribe meds, (you need an MD/psychiatrist for that), but I can help you achieve your goals. Together, we'll learn about your brain, develop strategies to increase productivity, decrease inconsistency, and in so doing, improve self-esteem and secondary depression and anxiety if present.

If you are experiencing challenges in your life, or struggling emotionally, do not wait until your suffering gets worse. Seeking help is a sign of inner strength and courage. My specialties are psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Evidence shows that individuals who undertake psychodynamic psychotherapy preserve therapeutic gains and continue improvement even after the end of the treatment. For over 19 years I helped individuals or couples on their different types of challenges, including relationship difficulties, career or school difficulties, anxiety and depression, trauma, loss, separation.
If you are experiencing challenges in your life, or struggling emotionally, do not wait until your suffering gets worse. Seeking help is a sign of inner strength and courage. My specialties are psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Evidence shows that individuals who undertake psychodynamic psychotherapy preserve therapeutic gains and continue improvement even after the end of the treatment. For over 19 years I helped individuals or couples on their different types of challenges, including relationship difficulties, career or school difficulties, anxiety and depression, trauma, loss, separation.

Shirldawn Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too. Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities.
I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too. Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities.

Persistent feelings of anxiety and insecurity are affecting your personal relationships and professional life, making it difficult to form and sustain meaningful connections. Your challenges with trust, vulnerability, and self-doubt are holding you back from reaching greater mental, emotional, and relational well-being. You're seeking clarity about your identity by confronting and overcoming these obstacles. Working with me can be a healing and transformative journey, helping you build stronger connections, boost confidence, and nurture compassion for both yourself and others.
Persistent feelings of anxiety and insecurity are affecting your personal relationships and professional life, making it difficult to form and sustain meaningful connections. Your challenges with trust, vulnerability, and self-doubt are holding you back from reaching greater mental, emotional, and relational well-being. You're seeking clarity about your identity by confronting and overcoming these obstacles. Working with me can be a healing and transformative journey, helping you build stronger connections, boost confidence, and nurture compassion for both yourself and others.

Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.
Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.

Using a psychodynamic foundation, I work together with clients to confront and navigate the challenges they may be facing in their daily lives. I emphasize going deep and looking inward to explore patterns of behavior. I care deeply about helping my clients slow down and understand their emotions. I have a warm and nurturing therapeutic style that allows my clients to feel safe and comfortable exploring their most difficult inner thoughts and feelings.
Using a psychodynamic foundation, I work together with clients to confront and navigate the challenges they may be facing in their daily lives. I emphasize going deep and looking inward to explore patterns of behavior. I care deeply about helping my clients slow down and understand their emotions. I have a warm and nurturing therapeutic style that allows my clients to feel safe and comfortable exploring their most difficult inner thoughts and feelings.

Pacific MFT Network LA- Anxiety, Couples,
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Find your best therapist match with us! We are a team of highly skilled, diverse, well-trained, and inclusive therapists dedicated to empowering you to live the life you want. We do this by fostering supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. Our priority is to provide the highest quality care while reducing barriers to access. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday and weekend morning, afternoon, and evening appointments. We work with children, teens, adults of all ages, offering therapy for individuals, couples, families.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are a team of highly skilled, diverse, well-trained, and inclusive therapists dedicated to empowering you to live the life you want. We do this by fostering supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. Our priority is to provide the highest quality care while reducing barriers to access. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday and weekend morning, afternoon, and evening appointments. We work with children, teens, adults of all ages, offering therapy for individuals, couples, families.

Monique Acosta is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree from Charles R. Drew University. Monique has over 15 years’ experience in oncology nursing which has cultivated a deep understanding of holistic, patient-centered care, particularly in managing complex and emotionally challenging health conditions. Monique is defined by her commitment to supporting patients and their families through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
Monique Acosta is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree from Charles R. Drew University. Monique has over 15 years’ experience in oncology nursing which has cultivated a deep understanding of holistic, patient-centered care, particularly in managing complex and emotionally challenging health conditions. Monique is defined by her commitment to supporting patients and their families through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once stated that the process of a ‘good life’ involves stretching, growing, and becoming more and more of one's potentialities. He argued that the individual who chooses growth as their compass in life, is truly an inwardly free individual (Rogers, 1961). Inspired by Rogers’ outlook, I focus my work with clients on expanding their process of growth into an engaging endeavor rather than a strenuous one.
Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once stated that the process of a ‘good life’ involves stretching, growing, and becoming more and more of one's potentialities. He argued that the individual who chooses growth as their compass in life, is truly an inwardly free individual (Rogers, 1961). Inspired by Rogers’ outlook, I focus my work with clients on expanding their process of growth into an engaging endeavor rather than a strenuous one.

My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.

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.
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.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to working in mental health , I worked with children with special needs and developed skills to help families, parents and caregivers support their children to create a balanced environment.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to working in mental health , I worked with children with special needs and developed skills to help families, parents and caregivers support their children to create a balanced environment.

My goal is to help my patient’s navigate their journey of life. Having traveled through many personal challenges, I bring much of my life's experiences into the therapeutic realm. I believe in growth and acceptance of one's place in the present. I have found the way in which we move through the world is usually the path of what is familiar to us, but too often this way no longer serves us. Shifting our way of thinking can stimulate an alternative pathway of moving through the world and achieving the peace of mind we seek.
My goal is to help my patient’s navigate their journey of life. Having traveled through many personal challenges, I bring much of my life's experiences into the therapeutic realm. I believe in growth and acceptance of one's place in the present. I have found the way in which we move through the world is usually the path of what is familiar to us, but too often this way no longer serves us. Shifting our way of thinking can stimulate an alternative pathway of moving through the world and achieving the peace of mind we seek.

You are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and feeling disconnected. It might be difficult to express what and how you have been feeling, which perpetuates the original distress. Sources of these feelings may begin with trauma, life transitions, or conflict with yourself or loved ones. These feelings can make us feel stagnant, but there is hope. The beautiful part of this is that you are willing to seek help and ultimately find meaning and purpose in your human experience. I will meet you right where you are at.
You are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and feeling disconnected. It might be difficult to express what and how you have been feeling, which perpetuates the original distress. Sources of these feelings may begin with trauma, life transitions, or conflict with yourself or loved ones. These feelings can make us feel stagnant, but there is hope. The beautiful part of this is that you are willing to seek help and ultimately find meaning and purpose in your human experience. I will meet you right where you are at.

Laressa Desmond,PhD, LMFT, Nothing hurts like constantly stumbling over the same old communication problems with your partner, when all you really want to do is be close. It’s hard to concentrate or have a lightness to the day when relationship struggles drag you down. We fall in love with people who are different enough from us to create a spark. It’s that “completion feeling” of interest & fascination. We feel sad & confused when the spark burns instead of warming us. It’s a baffling betrayal to our emotional logic that we can deeply love someone that we frequently fight with & sometimes emotionally dread.
Laressa Desmond,PhD, LMFT, Nothing hurts like constantly stumbling over the same old communication problems with your partner, when all you really want to do is be close. It’s hard to concentrate or have a lightness to the day when relationship struggles drag you down. We fall in love with people who are different enough from us to create a spark. It’s that “completion feeling” of interest & fascination. We feel sad & confused when the spark burns instead of warming us. It’s a baffling betrayal to our emotional logic that we can deeply love someone that we frequently fight with & sometimes emotionally dread.

A potential SUD Counseling client struggles with substance dependence, emotional regulation, and co-occurring mental health issues, impacting their relationships and self-esteem. They need a strong support system, coping strategies, relapse prevention tools, accountability, and life skills development. Their goals are long-term sobriety, emotional health, healthy relationships, personal growth, and a stable life. They are motivated by a desire for freedom, fulfillment, better health, meaningful connections, and success, committed to a transformative recovery journey.
A potential SUD Counseling client struggles with substance dependence, emotional regulation, and co-occurring mental health issues, impacting their relationships and self-esteem. They need a strong support system, coping strategies, relapse prevention tools, accountability, and life skills development. Their goals are long-term sobriety, emotional health, healthy relationships, personal growth, and a stable life. They are motivated by a desire for freedom, fulfillment, better health, meaningful connections, and success, committed to a transformative recovery journey.

Caroline Lockett-Corwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, CADC II, IEMT
Santa Monica, CA 90404
More and more, we often find ourselves facing really complex issues. If you are feeling a bit lost, that’s ok. Struggles with overwhelm and anxiety, feeling burdened by depression, and relational complexities are a normal part of living. You are not alone. Navigating Modern Challenges with Compassion and Insight: When these hurdles appear, it's important o have healthy strategies in place and create a way forward. Therapy isn't just about coping; it's about thriving. This space gives you a sanctuary to just be you; to heal, reimagine your sense of self, change what is desired, as well as transform and strengthen relationships.
More and more, we often find ourselves facing really complex issues. If you are feeling a bit lost, that’s ok. Struggles with overwhelm and anxiety, feeling burdened by depression, and relational complexities are a normal part of living. You are not alone. Navigating Modern Challenges with Compassion and Insight: When these hurdles appear, it's important o have healthy strategies in place and create a way forward. Therapy isn't just about coping; it's about thriving. This space gives you a sanctuary to just be you; to heal, reimagine your sense of self, change what is desired, as well as transform and strengthen relationships.

At times, the weight of the past feels hard to shake—a sound, image, or song, maybe a person, sends your heart racing. A seemingly pleasant dinner party may change into an overwhelming wave of dread that hits without warning. In close relationships, trust feels uncertain, emotions are unpredictable, and guilt is ever present, full of unease and internal conflict. Overall, missteps trigger self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of deep sensitivity. But life moves forward, yet something inside remains stuck. Healing doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Through therapy, the weight of the past can become manageable and emotions less scary.
At times, the weight of the past feels hard to shake—a sound, image, or song, maybe a person, sends your heart racing. A seemingly pleasant dinner party may change into an overwhelming wave of dread that hits without warning. In close relationships, trust feels uncertain, emotions are unpredictable, and guilt is ever present, full of unease and internal conflict. Overall, missteps trigger self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of deep sensitivity. But life moves forward, yet something inside remains stuck. Healing doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Through therapy, the weight of the past can become manageable and emotions less scary.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
82% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Stress |
65% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
78% | Aetna |
63% | Cigna and Evernorth |
58% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |