Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
You might be moving through a major life transition—becoming a parent, shifting identities, navigating complex relationships, or questioning long-held patterns. You want space to make sense of it all, to feel less alone, and to connect more deeply with yourself and others. You may be experiencing overwhelm, grief, or uncertainty, and are looking for a therapist who can hold the nuance of your lived experience with warmth, curiosity, and care.
You might be moving through a major life transition—becoming a parent, shifting identities, navigating complex relationships, or questioning long-held patterns. You want space to make sense of it all, to feel less alone, and to connect more deeply with yourself and others. You may be experiencing overwhelm, grief, or uncertainty, and are looking for a therapist who can hold the nuance of your lived experience with warmth, curiosity, and care.
We seek therapy when we feel stuck. When bumps in the road have caused us to become trapped in ways of thinking, feeling, or being that keep us from reaching our goals in life. Worries and negative thoughts fill our heads and cause us to feel that we are incapable of succeeding. We lose sight of experiencing any other way of being – of living without the anxiety, sadness, grief, loneliness, or stress.
We seek therapy when we feel stuck. When bumps in the road have caused us to become trapped in ways of thinking, feeling, or being that keep us from reaching our goals in life. Worries and negative thoughts fill our heads and cause us to feel that we are incapable of succeeding. We lose sight of experiencing any other way of being – of living without the anxiety, sadness, grief, loneliness, or stress.
If you're feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or overwhelmed, it can seem like life will never get better. I would love to help you understand more about what's getting in your way and begin moving toward a life filled with purpose and connection. I specialize in individual and couple therapy for adults, including those experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma as well as common concerns like stress, relationship difficulties, challenges with work or school, and grief and loss. I often work with high achieving professionals who find themselves feeling unfulfilled or overly stressed despite their many successes.
If you're feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or overwhelmed, it can seem like life will never get better. I would love to help you understand more about what's getting in your way and begin moving toward a life filled with purpose and connection. I specialize in individual and couple therapy for adults, including those experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma as well as common concerns like stress, relationship difficulties, challenges with work or school, and grief and loss. I often work with high achieving professionals who find themselves feeling unfulfilled or overly stressed despite their many successes.
You've already tried it on your own. Maybe you've found partial solutions, but find yourself or your relationship repeating the same patterns. Not to mention that life sometimes throws us into sudden quagmires! Seeing an experienced therapist means finding much quicker relief for problems related to relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, pet loss, and lately, the emotional toll of our current national crisis. We can form a solution-oriented partnership for real change. To meet your needs, I have evening & W/E appointments.
You've already tried it on your own. Maybe you've found partial solutions, but find yourself or your relationship repeating the same patterns. Not to mention that life sometimes throws us into sudden quagmires! Seeing an experienced therapist means finding much quicker relief for problems related to relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, pet loss, and lately, the emotional toll of our current national crisis. We can form a solution-oriented partnership for real change. To meet your needs, I have evening & W/E appointments.
Psychedelic Therapy ~Insurance Coverage Available
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal. Feya accepts Medicare for in-network coverage for all of our services!
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal. Feya accepts Medicare for in-network coverage for all of our services!
You're in the chaos right now - relationship just ended, porn use spiraling, recovering from a narcissistic ex, or stuck in anxious-avoidant dating patterns. You need someone who gets it and can help you understand why you keep ending up here.
I work with people ready to examine the hard stuff: attachment patterns, relationship choices, building real self-worth. I'm passionate about helping people date healthier (learned this the hard way myself). I see therapists needing their own space too.
Specialties: sexuality, sex/porn addiction, narcissistic abuse recovery, LGBTQ+ issues, attachment/dating/poly, self-esteem.
Ready? Lets talk
You're in the chaos right now - relationship just ended, porn use spiraling, recovering from a narcissistic ex, or stuck in anxious-avoidant dating patterns. You need someone who gets it and can help you understand why you keep ending up here.
I work with people ready to examine the hard stuff: attachment patterns, relationship choices, building real self-worth. I'm passionate about helping people date healthier (learned this the hard way myself). I see therapists needing their own space too.
Specialties: sexuality, sex/porn addiction, narcissistic abuse recovery, LGBTQ+ issues, attachment/dating/poly, self-esteem.
Ready? Lets talk
You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself or your partner, even while managing the demands of daily life. Perhaps you’re navigating the transition into parenthood, balancing a demanding career with family life, or facing relationship stress, anxiety, and changes in mood. On the outside, you may appear high-functioning, yet internally feel stuck and depleted. My goal is to help you gain clarity, shift unhelpful patterns, and move forward in greater alignment with your values so you can experience deeper connection and meaning.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself or your partner, even while managing the demands of daily life. Perhaps you’re navigating the transition into parenthood, balancing a demanding career with family life, or facing relationship stress, anxiety, and changes in mood. On the outside, you may appear high-functioning, yet internally feel stuck and depleted. My goal is to help you gain clarity, shift unhelpful patterns, and move forward in greater alignment with your values so you can experience deeper connection and meaning.
During difficult times or circumstances fears and anxiety can be amplified and hard to manage. Even your typically most solid connections with those you love, may need shoring up. My focus is to work with the strengths, which are unique to each person to help metabolize experiences and understandable anxiety in these situations, and try to provide this in a flexible compassionate style with a focus on your individuality. I will also attend to your psychological history which may play a role in the challenges of today. I am available to work in a visual medium/online or via phone if an auditory connection is your preference.
During difficult times or circumstances fears and anxiety can be amplified and hard to manage. Even your typically most solid connections with those you love, may need shoring up. My focus is to work with the strengths, which are unique to each person to help metabolize experiences and understandable anxiety in these situations, and try to provide this in a flexible compassionate style with a focus on your individuality. I will also attend to your psychological history which may play a role in the challenges of today. I am available to work in a visual medium/online or via phone if an auditory connection is your preference.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
Erica Stephenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Not accepting new clients
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.
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.
Rooted in depth psychology, mind body and complementary practice, integrating trauma based psychotherapy and other evidence based psychological methodologies and modalities, I see adults, teens, couples struggling with personal, emotional, relational, parental challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, disillusionment, as well, young adults navigating individuation, contending with middle, high school, university and post graduate adjustments. I offer a safe, focused, compassionate sphere which invites radical honesty.
Rooted in depth psychology, mind body and complementary practice, integrating trauma based psychotherapy and other evidence based psychological methodologies and modalities, I see adults, teens, couples struggling with personal, emotional, relational, parental challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, disillusionment, as well, young adults navigating individuation, contending with middle, high school, university and post graduate adjustments. I offer a safe, focused, compassionate sphere which invites radical honesty.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles. I work with adolescents, adults, older adults, and substance abusers. My specialties are: mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and psychotic spectrum disorders. I utilize CBT and DBT, Psychodynamic intervention, and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients make progress and feel better
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles. I work with adolescents, adults, older adults, and substance abusers. My specialties are: mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and psychotic spectrum disorders. I utilize CBT and DBT, Psychodynamic intervention, and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients make progress and feel better
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
I’ve worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and in a variety of settings. I see many people dealing with stress, anxiety and depression, and I specialize in life transitions and adjustment, including experiences such as adjusting to a new job, beginning college, becoming a new parent or transitioning to more than one child in the family, and family structural changes like separation & divorce. I also specialize in both academic research and clinical work on the role of fathers in the family and issues that fathers face.
I’ve worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and in a variety of settings. I see many people dealing with stress, anxiety and depression, and I specialize in life transitions and adjustment, including experiences such as adjusting to a new job, beginning college, becoming a new parent or transitioning to more than one child in the family, and family structural changes like separation & divorce. I also specialize in both academic research and clinical work on the role of fathers in the family and issues that fathers face.
Unwritten Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, BSP
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Not accepting new clients
It is a passion of mine to work with others toward becoming better versions of themselves, and live a life that fulfills them. Taking that first step in starting therapy can be intimidating, but so worth it. I work with young and middle-age adults focusing on anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, academic/career stress, self worth, dating/relational challenges, LGBTQIA+ identity + experience, and desire for individual growth. I also work with trainees, associates, and licensed therapists, offering support for imposter syndrome, work/life balance, burnout, identity and systemic challenges in mental healthcare.
It is a passion of mine to work with others toward becoming better versions of themselves, and live a life that fulfills them. Taking that first step in starting therapy can be intimidating, but so worth it. I work with young and middle-age adults focusing on anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, academic/career stress, self worth, dating/relational challenges, LGBTQIA+ identity + experience, and desire for individual growth. I also work with trainees, associates, and licensed therapists, offering support for imposter syndrome, work/life balance, burnout, identity and systemic challenges in mental healthcare.
I've been practicing therapy since 2011. My style is warm and empathetic, offering clear reflections to create a safe space for growth. My approach begins with a comprehensive overview of your family background. Many of our maladaptive behaviors stem from survival tactics we developed in childhood that once served us, but they often require adjustment in our adult lives. While patient and reflective, I also provide direct feedback to encourage meaningful change. I prioritize trust and respect, tailoring evidence-based interventions to support your unique needs and empower personal transformation.
I've been practicing therapy since 2011. My style is warm and empathetic, offering clear reflections to create a safe space for growth. My approach begins with a comprehensive overview of your family background. Many of our maladaptive behaviors stem from survival tactics we developed in childhood that once served us, but they often require adjustment in our adult lives. While patient and reflective, I also provide direct feedback to encourage meaningful change. I prioritize trust and respect, tailoring evidence-based interventions to support your unique needs and empower personal transformation.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
Are you looking for greater balance and harmony in your life? I am aware of the interaction between mind, body, and spirit and how challenges to these components can be opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. We are all unique individuals so my approach to each person varies to suit each particular issue and patient. By focusing on your core values, I will actively help you to reach your potential. I see therapy as a collaborative process with myself here to facilitate the building of your resources and strengths to empower you.
You may be afraid that your pain, loneliness, or turmoil will never end. I can help relieve troublesome problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationships with chronic conflict or painful distance. You may have tried therapy in the past, hoping that your life would improve. Maybe it helped, but eventually, you found yourself right back where you were feeling even more despair. If you’re stuck and discouraged, I want you to know that there is a way out. You might doubt that you can have a more peaceful and fulfilling life. However, the deep healing system I offer is highly effective. All you have to do is give it a try.
You may be afraid that your pain, loneliness, or turmoil will never end. I can help relieve troublesome problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationships with chronic conflict or painful distance. You may have tried therapy in the past, hoping that your life would improve. Maybe it helped, but eventually, you found yourself right back where you were feeling even more despair. If you’re stuck and discouraged, I want you to know that there is a way out. You might doubt that you can have a more peaceful and fulfilling life. However, the deep healing system I offer is highly effective. All you have to do is give it a try.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
Paula Verbit, MA, LMFT (CA MFT 135095) — I work collaboratively with you to shape a healing journey rooted in self-discovery and growth. In one role, I serve as a guide, helping you cultivate self-awareness, insight, empowerment, and joy. In another, I am a facilitator, supporting you through deep emotional work, including somatic practices and trauma healing. Together, we’ll explore pathways to uncover your true passion and purpose. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adult families.
Paula Verbit, MA, LMFT (CA MFT 135095) — I work collaboratively with you to shape a healing journey rooted in self-discovery and growth. In one role, I serve as a guide, helping you cultivate self-awareness, insight, empowerment, and joy. In another, I am a facilitator, supporting you through deep emotional work, including somatic practices and trauma healing. Together, we’ll explore pathways to uncover your true passion and purpose. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adult families.
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
$204
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 94% | Social Anxiety |
| 94% | Health Anxiety |
| 94% | Driving Anxiety |
| 87% | Depression |
| 82% | Relationship Issues |
| 79% | Relationship Anxiety |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 84% | Aetna |
| 61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 53% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
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 |


