Therapists in Topanga, CA

I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .
I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .

Psychotherapy is a sacred trust. The feelings and issues that bring you to therapy can be seen as messages from deep inside, urging you to grow, to heal, and to achieve your true potential. How you form a relationship with your therapist and with yourself inaugurates a process that can change your life. Having been a therapist for over 40 years, I deeply value honesty, authenticity, and the power of embodied presence. Together, we blend compassion and insight, challenge and support, and always respect your own inner wisdom as a guiding light for the healing of body, mind, heart and spirit.
Psychotherapy is a sacred trust. The feelings and issues that bring you to therapy can be seen as messages from deep inside, urging you to grow, to heal, and to achieve your true potential. How you form a relationship with your therapist and with yourself inaugurates a process that can change your life. Having been a therapist for over 40 years, I deeply value honesty, authenticity, and the power of embodied presence. Together, we blend compassion and insight, challenge and support, and always respect your own inner wisdom as a guiding light for the healing of body, mind, heart and spirit.

In therapy, we look to grow, and we seek help with real-life problems. I enjoy working with both this “growth” therapy as well as with those seeking relief. I enjoy helping clients who struggle with unhappiness, anxiety, or loneliness. I work with new parents who struggle with the challenge of having a child and/or being working parents. I have a strong commitment to serving women who are finding their voice, to the LBGTQ+ community and minorities. I am also well-versed with clients who are on the Autism Spectrum. I enjoy creating a safe place to talk for women and those who feel excluded.
In therapy, we look to grow, and we seek help with real-life problems. I enjoy working with both this “growth” therapy as well as with those seeking relief. I enjoy helping clients who struggle with unhappiness, anxiety, or loneliness. I work with new parents who struggle with the challenge of having a child and/or being working parents. I have a strong commitment to serving women who are finding their voice, to the LBGTQ+ community and minorities. I am also well-versed with clients who are on the Autism Spectrum. I enjoy creating a safe place to talk for women and those who feel excluded.

Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.
Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.

I'm a Gestalt Therapist grounded in experiential phenomenon. Perhaps you're telling yourself things are not going so well, while you try and console yourself what's going wrong? Transpersonal Psychology researched healthy attitudes and optimal creative functioning. I can share what attitudes and expectations to hold that help you to understand the power of the flow of actuality. Your life's mission is to help you grow into your highest and best self and develop a strong inner sense of being. Allow me the opportunity to help you to understand the optimal ways to view your moment to moment experience to enhance your journey.
I'm a Gestalt Therapist grounded in experiential phenomenon. Perhaps you're telling yourself things are not going so well, while you try and console yourself what's going wrong? Transpersonal Psychology researched healthy attitudes and optimal creative functioning. I can share what attitudes and expectations to hold that help you to understand the power of the flow of actuality. Your life's mission is to help you grow into your highest and best self and develop a strong inner sense of being. Allow me the opportunity to help you to understand the optimal ways to view your moment to moment experience to enhance your journey.

Drawing on my training in Somatic Experiencing and a lifelong creative practice, I am able to be of unique service to my clients. Whether it be depression, anxiety, single event trauma, complex trauma, or perhaps something you don’t have words for, I am open, non-judgmental, and curious. I pride myself on working with clients who are new to therapy, suspicious of therapy, or previously had a challenging experience with therapy. For folks who feel stuck, let's work together to find creative ways to invite movement into your life.
Drawing on my training in Somatic Experiencing and a lifelong creative practice, I am able to be of unique service to my clients. Whether it be depression, anxiety, single event trauma, complex trauma, or perhaps something you don’t have words for, I am open, non-judgmental, and curious. I pride myself on working with clients who are new to therapy, suspicious of therapy, or previously had a challenging experience with therapy. For folks who feel stuck, let's work together to find creative ways to invite movement into your life.

I strive to bring light into the places and spaces where I used to try and find it. My personal experiences with addiction and my more recent transformation into motherhood have been the biggest driving forces behind my passion for helping others to find freedom, compassion, and wholeness.
I strive to bring light into the places and spaces where I used to try and find it. My personal experiences with addiction and my more recent transformation into motherhood have been the biggest driving forces behind my passion for helping others to find freedom, compassion, and wholeness.

Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.
Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.

I studied at UCLA and Pepperdine and worked in UCLA's Marriage Lab studying what makes great marriages. Early on I counseled both elementary school children and homeless schizophrenic people in New York City. I have special training in grief therapy and sex therapy and enjoy working with matters of both loss and sex. I've spent a lot of time working with creative entrepreneurs, couples, and lots and lots of women. If I had to choose a favorite group...I just couldn't. It's all important and fulfilling to me.
I studied at UCLA and Pepperdine and worked in UCLA's Marriage Lab studying what makes great marriages. Early on I counseled both elementary school children and homeless schizophrenic people in New York City. I have special training in grief therapy and sex therapy and enjoy working with matters of both loss and sex. I've spent a lot of time working with creative entrepreneurs, couples, and lots and lots of women. If I had to choose a favorite group...I just couldn't. It's all important and fulfilling to me.

Do you struggle with self-worth, anxiety, or people-pleasing? You're likely someone who feels deeply, cares intensely, and holds yourself to impossibly high standards. On the outside, you appear composed—but inside, you feel disconnected, anxious, or uncertain of your true self. You silence your needs and avoid conflict to maintain peace. These patterns once helped you survive, but now they're blocking the authentic connection, inner freedom, and quiet confidence you deeply desire. Therapy offers a sacred space to reconnect with your truth and begin inhabiting your life more fully, with less second-guessing and more self-trust.
Do you struggle with self-worth, anxiety, or people-pleasing? You're likely someone who feels deeply, cares intensely, and holds yourself to impossibly high standards. On the outside, you appear composed—but inside, you feel disconnected, anxious, or uncertain of your true self. You silence your needs and avoid conflict to maintain peace. These patterns once helped you survive, but now they're blocking the authentic connection, inner freedom, and quiet confidence you deeply desire. Therapy offers a sacred space to reconnect with your truth and begin inhabiting your life more fully, with less second-guessing and more self-trust.

My clients are often working through spiritual crises, life transitions, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, and past trauma. Together, we will explore & dismantle the stories & patterns of relating that no longer support you and find the path to living a more authentic life filled with joy and purpose.
My clients are often working through spiritual crises, life transitions, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, and past trauma. Together, we will explore & dismantle the stories & patterns of relating that no longer support you and find the path to living a more authentic life filled with joy and purpose.
Meet Our Therapists

Do you struggle with dissociation, trauma, depression, anxiety, difficulty with setting boundaries, low self esteem or creativity blocks? I draw from modalities such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and the STAIR framework to address these symptoms in an integrative way. My approach to therapy differs from traditional "talk therapy" in that it emphasizes you accessing your own Adult Self and harnessing it to its full power rather than looking externally for answers. I see myself as a guide, working collaboratively with you on addressing symptoms effectively and reaching your goals.
Do you struggle with dissociation, trauma, depression, anxiety, difficulty with setting boundaries, low self esteem or creativity blocks? I draw from modalities such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and the STAIR framework to address these symptoms in an integrative way. My approach to therapy differs from traditional "talk therapy" in that it emphasizes you accessing your own Adult Self and harnessing it to its full power rather than looking externally for answers. I see myself as a guide, working collaboratively with you on addressing symptoms effectively and reaching your goals.

I have two primary areas of focus: couples and men. When couples feel stuck they tend to limit their perspectives and possibilities and blame each other. I work to identify entrenched patterns of dysfunction and offer realistic and practical forms of communication that foster improved connection, trust and hope. I encourage couples to take responsibility for the relationship they have created and support them to embody their authentic selves within their relationship. I utilize Psychodynamic, Family Systems & Attachment-Focused therapy to focus on how your history impacts your current relationships.
I have two primary areas of focus: couples and men. When couples feel stuck they tend to limit their perspectives and possibilities and blame each other. I work to identify entrenched patterns of dysfunction and offer realistic and practical forms of communication that foster improved connection, trust and hope. I encourage couples to take responsibility for the relationship they have created and support them to embody their authentic selves within their relationship. I utilize Psychodynamic, Family Systems & Attachment-Focused therapy to focus on how your history impacts your current relationships.

I am a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma informed care using EMDR, sex & gender affirmative therapy and addiction & recovery support. With a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their experiences, I bring a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and compassion to my practice. I have honed my skills in trauma therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for my clients to process their past experiences and find healing. I understand the profound impact of trauma and I’m committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their sense of self, and move forward with resilience.
I am a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma informed care using EMDR, sex & gender affirmative therapy and addiction & recovery support. With a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their experiences, I bring a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and compassion to my practice. I have honed my skills in trauma therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for my clients to process their past experiences and find healing. I understand the profound impact of trauma and I’m committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their sense of self, and move forward with resilience.

Hello, my name is Dr. Carder Stout. I want to thank you for joining me. You may be here because something in your life is not working. As a Depth Psychologist I believe that everyone has the capacity to be happy. My aim as a therapist is to heal those parts of you that are standing in the way. Let me help you connect with the joy in your life. I have been described as compassionate, calm and insightful. My patients tell me that I am present with them as a good listener and guide.
Hello, my name is Dr. Carder Stout. I want to thank you for joining me. You may be here because something in your life is not working. As a Depth Psychologist I believe that everyone has the capacity to be happy. My aim as a therapist is to heal those parts of you that are standing in the way. Let me help you connect with the joy in your life. I have been described as compassionate, calm and insightful. My patients tell me that I am present with them as a good listener and guide.

My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

As a trauma specialist, I provide healing resources for clients, and training resources for healing professionals. For clients, I provide 1:1 as well as group-based work in person and virtually. For healing professionals such as therapists, I offer workshops and trainings throughout the year, as well as on demand.
My website is the best resource to review my background and integral, multi-modal approach to address issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep issues, chronic pain, digestive and GI problems, ADHD, procrastination, relationship difficulties, troubles with intimacy or sexuality, and compulsions/addiction.
As a trauma specialist, I provide healing resources for clients, and training resources for healing professionals. For clients, I provide 1:1 as well as group-based work in person and virtually. For healing professionals such as therapists, I offer workshops and trainings throughout the year, as well as on demand.
My website is the best resource to review my background and integral, multi-modal approach to address issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep issues, chronic pain, digestive and GI problems, ADHD, procrastination, relationship difficulties, troubles with intimacy or sexuality, and compulsions/addiction.

Being a human is a beautiful and painful experience. When we don't have enough supports in place, things can become off balance. If you are looking to feel more connected then you may be on track here. I offer a free initial phone consultation so you can get to know me and my approach and I can hear a little about why you decided to seek therapy.
Being a human is a beautiful and painful experience. When we don't have enough supports in place, things can become off balance. If you are looking to feel more connected then you may be on track here. I offer a free initial phone consultation so you can get to know me and my approach and I can hear a little about why you decided to seek therapy.

Welcome! Looking for a therapist is a definite sign of strength. However you feel right now, you are welcome here. You may be experiencing conflicts in relationships or within yourself. You may need someone to listen, understand, and join you in a way that helps develop your capacity to deal with the emotional distress or relational conflicts you're experiencing right now. I offer a way to discuss things that will help you develop capacities within yourself that will result in more confidence in the future. I welcome all genders, races, religions, or none, and all ages above 18. I love working with individuals, couples, and parents.
Welcome! Looking for a therapist is a definite sign of strength. However you feel right now, you are welcome here. You may be experiencing conflicts in relationships or within yourself. You may need someone to listen, understand, and join you in a way that helps develop your capacity to deal with the emotional distress or relational conflicts you're experiencing right now. I offer a way to discuss things that will help you develop capacities within yourself that will result in more confidence in the future. I welcome all genders, races, religions, or none, and all ages above 18. I love working with individuals, couples, and parents.

I work with Older Millennial/Xennial/Gen X’ers who are spiritual seekers, ready to reclaim more of themselves and their power in mid-life so they can have deeper presence, joy, aliveness & connection. I also hold space for psychedelic journeys for people who want to go deep into consciousness to better understand themselves and life’s great mysteries (ind/grp/couples.) In addition, I teach and mentor other therapists and wellness practitioners on how to bring energy work into their practices to better support themselves and their clients so they can experience feeling more energized and inspired as they share their wisdom and gifts.
I work with Older Millennial/Xennial/Gen X’ers who are spiritual seekers, ready to reclaim more of themselves and their power in mid-life so they can have deeper presence, joy, aliveness & connection. I also hold space for psychedelic journeys for people who want to go deep into consciousness to better understand themselves and life’s great mysteries (ind/grp/couples.) In addition, I teach and mentor other therapists and wellness practitioners on how to bring energy work into their practices to better support themselves and their clients so they can experience feeling more energized and inspired as they share their wisdom and gifts.
See more therapy options for Topanga
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Topanga, CA
30+
Average cost per session
$195
Therapists in Topanga, CA who prioritize treating:
97% | Relationship Issues |
94% | Anxiety |
94% | Self Esteem |
87% | Depression |
74% | Grief |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
78% | Aetna |
56% | Optum |
44% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Topanga, CA see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Topanga?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.