Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
My ideal clients are preteens, teens, and adults who are carrying pain they haven’t been able to shake — trauma from bullying, family conflict, abuse, loss, or overwhelming life experiences; anxiety that won’t quiet down; depression that makes everyday life feel exhausting; or behaviors like self-harm and suicidal thoughts that have become difficult to manage alone.
Many of the teens and families I work with feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by constant conflict, emotional shutdown, school stress, or painful changes in behavior. Often, they’ve already tried other approaches that didn’t fully help. Please visit my website.
My ideal clients are preteens, teens, and adults who are carrying pain they haven’t been able to shake — trauma from bullying, family conflict, abuse, loss, or overwhelming life experiences; anxiety that won’t quiet down; depression that makes everyday life feel exhausting; or behaviors like self-harm and suicidal thoughts that have become difficult to manage alone.
Many of the teens and families I work with feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by constant conflict, emotional shutdown, school stress, or painful changes in behavior. Often, they’ve already tried other approaches that didn’t fully help. Please visit my website.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 32 years experience helping clients through life transitions. I bring good judgment and experience to the challenges that accompany such transitions and personal crises. I am a problem-solver and specialize in periods of change so that you are at your best as you work to achieve your goals. If you are seeking supportive, safe and productive therapy for yourself or someone in your family, I am ready to meet, talk and help. My practice focuses on transitions facing adults, adolescents, and children, as well as working with families and teams.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 32 years experience helping clients through life transitions. I bring good judgment and experience to the challenges that accompany such transitions and personal crises. I am a problem-solver and specialize in periods of change so that you are at your best as you work to achieve your goals. If you are seeking supportive, safe and productive therapy for yourself or someone in your family, I am ready to meet, talk and help. My practice focuses on transitions facing adults, adolescents, and children, as well as working with families and teams.
Welcome! I focus my practice on helping people who feel overwhelmed with the pressures we face - personal, political and as a collective. Whether you are navigating your identity, trauma, or just trying to find some peace in a world that is constantly shifting, you don’t have to do it alone. In my work as a therapist, I create a safe space where you can explore the layers of who you are, what you are going through and your experience in the world. I believe there is a lot more to therapy than exploring your past or addressing symptoms, it is about finding your way through it all with a sense of wholeness and connection.
Welcome! I focus my practice on helping people who feel overwhelmed with the pressures we face - personal, political and as a collective. Whether you are navigating your identity, trauma, or just trying to find some peace in a world that is constantly shifting, you don’t have to do it alone. In my work as a therapist, I create a safe space where you can explore the layers of who you are, what you are going through and your experience in the world. I believe there is a lot more to therapy than exploring your past or addressing symptoms, it is about finding your way through it all with a sense of wholeness and connection.
Do problems feel unmanageable? Are relationships more stressful? Sometimes life can be challenging.
My practice is dedicated to listening carefully and offering insight with compassion and care. I offer a supportive space to understand emotional experiences, develop nurturing relationships, and move towards your personal goals.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to talk to someone, psychotherapy can help you discover your own potential. Starting the conversation is easier than you think.
Reach out to explore the possibilities.
Do problems feel unmanageable? Are relationships more stressful? Sometimes life can be challenging.
My practice is dedicated to listening carefully and offering insight with compassion and care. I offer a supportive space to understand emotional experiences, develop nurturing relationships, and move towards your personal goals.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to talk to someone, psychotherapy can help you discover your own potential. Starting the conversation is easier than you think.
Reach out to explore the possibilities.
I work from the simple principle that “the goal of therapy is to not need therapy.” Let's figure out how you want things to be and get you there. Whether you're a GUY just trying to figure it all out, a COUPLE that prefers a more rounded perspective or a WOMAN trying to understand your relationships...I provide a goal-based, no-nonsense approach that will give you the insight and skills you're needing.
I work from the simple principle that “the goal of therapy is to not need therapy.” Let's figure out how you want things to be and get you there. Whether you're a GUY just trying to figure it all out, a COUPLE that prefers a more rounded perspective or a WOMAN trying to understand your relationships...I provide a goal-based, no-nonsense approach that will give you the insight and skills you're needing.
My work centers around depth psychology and mindfulness, which means I look beneath the surface and at the deeper patterns in one's life. I believe psychotherapy is about integrating and bringing to consciousness parts of ourselves that have been left behind or ignored. I see psychotherapy as a journey to move forward in life. I help clients gain an understanding of who they are, how life experiences shape patterns that govern their lives, and provide them with practical tools to change those patterns.
My work centers around depth psychology and mindfulness, which means I look beneath the surface and at the deeper patterns in one's life. I believe psychotherapy is about integrating and bringing to consciousness parts of ourselves that have been left behind or ignored. I see psychotherapy as a journey to move forward in life. I help clients gain an understanding of who they are, how life experiences shape patterns that govern their lives, and provide them with practical tools to change those patterns.
Does your mind feel like it’s always “on”?
You might spend a lot of time worrying, overthinking, or second-guessing yourself. Maybe you’re constantly analyzing your relationships, wondering what other people think, or trying to make sure you’re making the right choice. You may be navigating a big change, struggling with confidence, or noticing that things from your past still affect you in ways you don’t fully understand. I work with young adults who want to understand what’s underneath their anxiety, make sense of their experiences, and feel more confident in themselves and their relationships.
Does your mind feel like it’s always “on”?
You might spend a lot of time worrying, overthinking, or second-guessing yourself. Maybe you’re constantly analyzing your relationships, wondering what other people think, or trying to make sure you’re making the right choice. You may be navigating a big change, struggling with confidence, or noticing that things from your past still affect you in ways you don’t fully understand. I work with young adults who want to understand what’s underneath their anxiety, make sense of their experiences, and feel more confident in themselves and their relationships.
I work with people exploring psychedelics on their own terms, navigating powerful experiences that can be hard to place in the context of everyday life. I provide a steady, grounded space for them to work through whatever comes up, along with a flexible structure to help them stay on their path.
I work with people exploring psychedelics on their own terms, navigating powerful experiences that can be hard to place in the context of everyday life. I provide a steady, grounded space for them to work through whatever comes up, along with a flexible structure to help them stay on their path.
We are a diverse group therapy practice serving Los Angeles since 2012. We are currently working with clients on attachment & trauma work (including dissociation), anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, and goal development/personal growth. We have clinicians who specialize in working with adults, kids & teens, families as well as couples. We offer both in-person sessions at our Playa del Rey and Santa Monica locations, as well as virtual sessions.
We are a diverse group therapy practice serving Los Angeles since 2012. We are currently working with clients on attachment & trauma work (including dissociation), anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, and goal development/personal growth. We have clinicians who specialize in working with adults, kids & teens, families as well as couples. We offer both in-person sessions at our Playa del Rey and Santa Monica locations, as well as virtual sessions.
In your search for a therapist, you will want someone who both understands what you are going through, and who is passionately committed to working with you to figure out where you want to go and how to get there. Therapy is above all a process and journey of self discovery which requires a guide who is patient and supportive, and at the same time encouraging and persistent to help you understand your self and the often hidden patterns of your life and relationships that hold you back.
In your search for a therapist, you will want someone who both understands what you are going through, and who is passionately committed to working with you to figure out where you want to go and how to get there. Therapy is above all a process and journey of self discovery which requires a guide who is patient and supportive, and at the same time encouraging and persistent to help you understand your self and the often hidden patterns of your life and relationships that hold you back.
It is the goal of us all to have the chance to live in the wonder of our real selves. But we often find ourselves in an outside life that doesn't match the inside one. We can spend years struggling with making decisions, dealing with sadness and anger, anxiety and grief, as well as distrust, fear and longing, all overwhelming feelings and the behavior that goes with them, not knowing how to change but knowing we must. My job is to help you get back to and live the wonder that is the real you.
It is the goal of us all to have the chance to live in the wonder of our real selves. But we often find ourselves in an outside life that doesn't match the inside one. We can spend years struggling with making decisions, dealing with sadness and anger, anxiety and grief, as well as distrust, fear and longing, all overwhelming feelings and the behavior that goes with them, not knowing how to change but knowing we must. My job is to help you get back to and live the wonder that is the real you.
There is always opportunity to feel better. As a therapist providing mental health care for more than two decades in schools, in homes, in non-profits, and in private practice, I've had the opportunity to meet with individuals at many stages of their healing process. I approach the things that cause you distress with curiosity, nuance and experience. We'll use our therapeutic relationship to help you build connection to yourself, insight into your emotional health needs, and skills to support your well being.
There is always opportunity to feel better. As a therapist providing mental health care for more than two decades in schools, in homes, in non-profits, and in private practice, I've had the opportunity to meet with individuals at many stages of their healing process. I approach the things that cause you distress with curiosity, nuance and experience. We'll use our therapeutic relationship to help you build connection to yourself, insight into your emotional health needs, and skills to support your well being.
We specialize in therapy for physicians, executives, founders, and attorneys. From the outside your life looks successful, and in a lot of ways it is. But you feel burned out, anxious, and unsure whether the life you’ve built is the one you wanted. The traits that got you here are the same ones keeping you stuck. Or things look fine but still feel off, and you can't quite say why. In our work, we will go beyond targeting “symptoms” and instead, aim to help you find more fulfillment. We will explore and create meaning around how certain patterns may be hurting you, keeping you stuck, and getting in the way of leading a richer life.
We specialize in therapy for physicians, executives, founders, and attorneys. From the outside your life looks successful, and in a lot of ways it is. But you feel burned out, anxious, and unsure whether the life you’ve built is the one you wanted. The traits that got you here are the same ones keeping you stuck. Or things look fine but still feel off, and you can't quite say why. In our work, we will go beyond targeting “symptoms” and instead, aim to help you find more fulfillment. We will explore and create meaning around how certain patterns may be hurting you, keeping you stuck, and getting in the way of leading a richer life.
Therapy should help you better understand yourself and create meaningful change, not simply provide a place to talk.
Many of the people I work with are functioning well on the surface while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in patterns they cannot seem to break, or exhausted from carrying more than others realize. They may have tried to think their way out of problems, pushed through discomfort, or spent years putting themselves last only to find themselves repeating the same experiences.
Therapy should help you better understand yourself and create meaningful change, not simply provide a place to talk.
Many of the people I work with are functioning well on the surface while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in patterns they cannot seem to break, or exhausted from carrying more than others realize. They may have tried to think their way out of problems, pushed through discomfort, or spent years putting themselves last only to find themselves repeating the same experiences.
My therapeutic style is grounded in the belief that authentic relationships are healing. I support people of various ethnic groups, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds to bring meaning to their lives, connect with their aliveness, and expand their sense of personal choice and freedom. My approach combines gestalt therapy, attachment theory and somatic experiencing. I am also trained in EMDR. For more than 15 years I have been providing therapy to teens, adults and couples.
My therapeutic style is grounded in the belief that authentic relationships are healing. I support people of various ethnic groups, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds to bring meaning to their lives, connect with their aliveness, and expand their sense of personal choice and freedom. My approach combines gestalt therapy, attachment theory and somatic experiencing. I am also trained in EMDR. For more than 15 years I have been providing therapy to teens, adults and couples.
My background is in Health Psychology and I bring a Mind-Body perspective to my work. With any change comes growing pains, which is why I specialize in working with professionals navigating important life transitions including career decisions, romantic relationships, friendships, and adjustment to parenthood. Often individuals present questions on how they can feel more fulfilled or satisfied in life. Or how to grow in confidence, or become more grounded in oneself. Many look to find better ways to find meaning and fulfillment in our Modern, Technology-Focused culture.
My background is in Health Psychology and I bring a Mind-Body perspective to my work. With any change comes growing pains, which is why I specialize in working with professionals navigating important life transitions including career decisions, romantic relationships, friendships, and adjustment to parenthood. Often individuals present questions on how they can feel more fulfilled or satisfied in life. Or how to grow in confidence, or become more grounded in oneself. Many look to find better ways to find meaning and fulfillment in our Modern, Technology-Focused culture.
At Life After Birth, we offer real, nuanced support for people moving through the profound transition that happens after birth. We understand that early parenthood is both raw and beautiful—a time of deep change that touches every part of who you are.
Our model is grounded in the belief that becoming a parent isn’t just a practical adjustment, but a psychological, emotional, and spiritual metamorphosis. Drawing from Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Buddhist practice, and evidence-based approaches to perinatal mood and anxiety care, we help you make sense of this transformation and reconnect with yourself in the process.
At Life After Birth, we offer real, nuanced support for people moving through the profound transition that happens after birth. We understand that early parenthood is both raw and beautiful—a time of deep change that touches every part of who you are.
Our model is grounded in the belief that becoming a parent isn’t just a practical adjustment, but a psychological, emotional, and spiritual metamorphosis. Drawing from Depth Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Buddhist practice, and evidence-based approaches to perinatal mood and anxiety care, we help you make sense of this transformation and reconnect with yourself in the process.
Whether you're navigating a difficult relationship, a major life transition, or the weight of past trauma, you don’t have to carry it alone. I work with adults of all ages to help break through the cycles of addiction, illness, or loss that leave us feeling stuck. Together, we will build the coping skills and self-identity needed to move forward and unlock your full creative and professional potential. Reaching out is the hardest step, especially when you feel unseen. I provide a warm, safe space where your story is heard and your growth is supported. I can serve as a guiding hand as you navigate the next chapter with greater ease.
Whether you're navigating a difficult relationship, a major life transition, or the weight of past trauma, you don’t have to carry it alone. I work with adults of all ages to help break through the cycles of addiction, illness, or loss that leave us feeling stuck. Together, we will build the coping skills and self-identity needed to move forward and unlock your full creative and professional potential. Reaching out is the hardest step, especially when you feel unseen. I provide a warm, safe space where your story is heard and your growth is supported. I can serve as a guiding hand as you navigate the next chapter with greater ease.
Alexa Kidman - The Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hi there, I’m so glad you’re here. I work with teens and young adults who feel anxious, stuck, or weighed down by things they can’t always explain. Maybe you feel alone, overwhelmed by school or family, or just tired of pretending you’re okay when you’re not. You might not know exactly what you need yet, and that’s okay. You just want a safe place to talk, feel heard, and figure things out without judgment or pressure. My goal is to help you make sense of what you’re feeling and feel less alone while you do.
Hi there, I’m so glad you’re here. I work with teens and young adults who feel anxious, stuck, or weighed down by things they can’t always explain. Maybe you feel alone, overwhelmed by school or family, or just tired of pretending you’re okay when you’re not. You might not know exactly what you need yet, and that’s okay. You just want a safe place to talk, feel heard, and figure things out without judgment or pressure. My goal is to help you make sense of what you’re feeling and feel less alone while you do.
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
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
$210
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 93% | Social Anxiety |
| 93% | Health Anxiety |
| 93% | Driving Anxiety |
| 87% | Depression |
| 83% | Relationship Issues |
| 79% | Relationship Anxiety |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 82% | Aetna |
| 61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 54% | Anthem |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
| 62% | In Person and Online | |
| 38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 80% | Female | |
| 19% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |


