Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Healista Holistic Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
At Healista, we believe everyone has the power within themselves to make a change in their lives. They just sometimes need a little help along the way. And that’s where we come in. We help our clients connect to their inner safety by nurturing their intuitive skills to cope with challenges, stressors, and traumas to feel more at ease and resilient in their daily lives. We believe in the power of slowing down and focusing on the whole picture of one’s socioemotional well being to regain embodied ease, overcome feelings of shame and loneliness, and find clarity on how to move forward.
At Healista, we believe everyone has the power within themselves to make a change in their lives. They just sometimes need a little help along the way. And that’s where we come in. We help our clients connect to their inner safety by nurturing their intuitive skills to cope with challenges, stressors, and traumas to feel more at ease and resilient in their daily lives. We believe in the power of slowing down and focusing on the whole picture of one’s socioemotional well being to regain embodied ease, overcome feelings of shame and loneliness, and find clarity on how to move forward.
Sophie Halavy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My goal as your therapist is to guide you in developing a deeper understanding of your identity, empowering you to make life choices that align with your values. Collaboratively, we will explore how past experiences have shaped present challenges, examining their impact on your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Within our therapeutic relationship, I prioritize authenticity, humor, warmth, and a sense of safety. This commitment creates a safe space for you to further your self-awareness and develop skills necessary to foster positive behavioral and emotional changes.
My goal as your therapist is to guide you in developing a deeper understanding of your identity, empowering you to make life choices that align with your values. Collaboratively, we will explore how past experiences have shaped present challenges, examining their impact on your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Within our therapeutic relationship, I prioritize authenticity, humor, warmth, and a sense of safety. This commitment creates a safe space for you to further your self-awareness and develop skills necessary to foster positive behavioral and emotional changes.
Perfectionist Solutions
Counselor, MA, MCC, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Wish you could turn your brain off? Or at least mute vicious voice in your head that judges e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g esp. YOU? Your Ferrari drive propels you rise in your career, but outside of work it feels like you’re crashing and burning. You’re tired of resentment building inside, taking it out on your partner and then feeling horrible for saying awful things you don’t actually mean. You just want some RELIEF from the anxious overthinking, people pleasing, getting upset when one thing goes awry and self-criticism. You worry how this is impacting your kids. You just want to FEEL as amazing inside as your life is on the outside.
Wish you could turn your brain off? Or at least mute vicious voice in your head that judges e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g esp. YOU? Your Ferrari drive propels you rise in your career, but outside of work it feels like you’re crashing and burning. You’re tired of resentment building inside, taking it out on your partner and then feeling horrible for saying awful things you don’t actually mean. You just want some RELIEF from the anxious overthinking, people pleasing, getting upset when one thing goes awry and self-criticism. You worry how this is impacting your kids. You just want to FEEL as amazing inside as your life is on the outside.
Jane Bryson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I provide a caring & objective atmosphere to encourage your self-awareness and emotional growth. One rare, unifying finding among all specialities of psychotherapy is that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to success. Therefore, I will be your partner throughout the process, both supporting & challenging you along the way. During the over 35 years I have provided therapy, I have developed many approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach now is eclectic and includes cognitive behavior therapy to facilitate observable change.
I provide a caring & objective atmosphere to encourage your self-awareness and emotional growth. One rare, unifying finding among all specialities of psychotherapy is that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to success. Therefore, I will be your partner throughout the process, both supporting & challenging you along the way. During the over 35 years I have provided therapy, I have developed many approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach now is eclectic and includes cognitive behavior therapy to facilitate observable change.
LA Teen Social Skills
Marriage & Family Therapist, (LMFT)
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
More than ever before, there is an increasing need for social skill-building experiences for young people. I help socially anxious adolescents to identify areas where they can improve their social skills, and then teach them tips and tricks to improve those skills. I can help your teen learn how to gain and keep more friends, as well as become more confident in social situations.
More than ever before, there is an increasing need for social skill-building experiences for young people. I help socially anxious adolescents to identify areas where they can improve their social skills, and then teach them tips and tricks to improve those skills. I can help your teen learn how to gain and keep more friends, as well as become more confident in social situations.
Janice Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
I offer a pragmatic approach designed to help clients identify and change behaviors that are preventing them from living the life they want. We all developed coping strategies when we were young to protect ourselves. While they helped us survive at the time, they are often the very things holding us back now.
I offer a pragmatic approach designed to help clients identify and change behaviors that are preventing them from living the life they want. We all developed coping strategies when we were young to protect ourselves. While they helped us survive at the time, they are often the very things holding us back now.
Brooke Baldwin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. It is hard asking for help and it can be scary to think about finding the right therapist, but it does not have to be. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in my sessions I create space to explore with care, kindness and collaboration.
Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. It is hard asking for help and it can be scary to think about finding the right therapist, but it does not have to be. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in my sessions I create space to explore with care, kindness and collaboration.
Penny Jacobs
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
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.
Rachel Fintzy Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Do you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, shame, or not feeling "good enough"? Are you unhappy with your weight, food, and your body image or compulsively overeat? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Have you experienced trauma and still feel impacted? Have you lost touch with (or feel you've never found) your inner wisdom? If so, there is hope. Together we can bolster your resilience, courage, and ability to make constructive changes in your life. As a relationship specialist, I can also help you to improve your communication skills and relationship dynamics, so you can connect better to other people - and to yourself.
Do you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, shame, or not feeling "good enough"? Are you unhappy with your weight, food, and your body image or compulsively overeat? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Have you experienced trauma and still feel impacted? Have you lost touch with (or feel you've never found) your inner wisdom? If so, there is hope. Together we can bolster your resilience, courage, and ability to make constructive changes in your life. As a relationship specialist, I can also help you to improve your communication skills and relationship dynamics, so you can connect better to other people - and to yourself.
Jill Howe-Vercos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Heal the past. Be present. Have a future. You are not broken -- you already have the tools you need. My goal is to help you access those tools and remove any obstacles that prevent you from feeling like yourself. Whether you're struggling with old wounds or need support for current life challenges, we'll work together to build on your strengths -- and uncover ones you may not yet know you have.
Heal the past. Be present. Have a future. You are not broken -- you already have the tools you need. My goal is to help you access those tools and remove any obstacles that prevent you from feeling like yourself. Whether you're struggling with old wounds or need support for current life challenges, we'll work together to build on your strengths -- and uncover ones you may not yet know you have.
Maggie Gwinn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Creative people interest me--including those for whom the desire to create remains unfulfilled. I want to help you realize your potential as an artist and work through issues that prevent you from achieving your artistic and professional goals. Not infrequently, professional success (or lack of it) taxes one's relationships or allows one to avoid the arena of personal relationships entirely. We will explore the path of the creative life, with all its roses and thorns. Our goal is to locate that unique creative energy within you and to allow it expression within the context of a rich and rewarding personal life.
Creative people interest me--including those for whom the desire to create remains unfulfilled. I want to help you realize your potential as an artist and work through issues that prevent you from achieving your artistic and professional goals. Not infrequently, professional success (or lack of it) taxes one's relationships or allows one to avoid the arena of personal relationships entirely. We will explore the path of the creative life, with all its roses and thorns. Our goal is to locate that unique creative energy within you and to allow it expression within the context of a rich and rewarding personal life.
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Nicole L Bravo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
I love supporting women through their fight against breast cancer. I have experience working with women in all stages of cancer treatment including working through the initial shock of receiving the diagnosis to transitioning out of treatment into their new normal. I work hard to provide my clients with the space they need to process all aspects of treatment. It is important to me that my clients feel safe and comfortable to share how they feel in an unfiltered and honest way. My clients have described our sessions as supportive and find themselves leaning on our sessions to get through doctor’s appointments, medical scans, etc.
I love supporting women through their fight against breast cancer. I have experience working with women in all stages of cancer treatment including working through the initial shock of receiving the diagnosis to transitioning out of treatment into their new normal. I work hard to provide my clients with the space they need to process all aspects of treatment. It is important to me that my clients feel safe and comfortable to share how they feel in an unfiltered and honest way. My clients have described our sessions as supportive and find themselves leaning on our sessions to get through doctor’s appointments, medical scans, etc.
Kristin Sheehan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in patterns of anxious thoughts, disordered eating, or unhealthy relationships? Do you feel unsafe in your body due to trauma or chronic illness? I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Therapy to help clients get unstuck and reconnect to the wisdom and safety of their body. I use an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach to help clients identify their unhelpful narratives, challenge them, and take healthy risks. If you are ready to go deeper than traditional talk therapy and crave a healing connection with your mind, body, and spirit, I am here to help.
Do you feel stuck in patterns of anxious thoughts, disordered eating, or unhealthy relationships? Do you feel unsafe in your body due to trauma or chronic illness? I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Therapy to help clients get unstuck and reconnect to the wisdom and safety of their body. I use an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach to help clients identify their unhelpful narratives, challenge them, and take healthy risks. If you are ready to go deeper than traditional talk therapy and crave a healing connection with your mind, body, and spirit, I am here to help.
(Shayna) Jean Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Online Only)
I am excited to add a new element to my practice! Soul Retrieval! Learn how to tap your intuition and your authentic self through the use of spiritual,not religious,tools. If you are suffering from past or present traumas,abuse, poor communication or just not feeling cherished, now is the time to seek help. I am able to serve you with solution based and spiritual counseling. I listen deeply with great intention as I work with individuals using techniques that are tailored for you and your situation. We will work toward new awareness for resolution and healing. My intention is to see the authenticity and ‘holy’ soul in everyone.
I am excited to add a new element to my practice! Soul Retrieval! Learn how to tap your intuition and your authentic self through the use of spiritual,not religious,tools. If you are suffering from past or present traumas,abuse, poor communication or just not feeling cherished, now is the time to seek help. I am able to serve you with solution based and spiritual counseling. I listen deeply with great intention as I work with individuals using techniques that are tailored for you and your situation. We will work toward new awareness for resolution and healing. My intention is to see the authenticity and ‘holy’ soul in everyone.
Lisa Lichtenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CHT, NLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I am a licensed psychotherapist (MFT) specializing in hypnosis and NLP (Neuro- Linguistic Programming). I help people live the life they dream of, which includes removing unhealthy patterns and assisting in goal achievement. I work with individuals, couples and families. In a safe and warm environment I combine psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and/or neuro-linguistic programming with emotional support and tools to transform you into your highest potential self. I am proficient in eliminating or decreasing depression, anxiety, panic attacks and fears/phobias. In addition, I work with increasing healthy self-confidence.
I am a licensed psychotherapist (MFT) specializing in hypnosis and NLP (Neuro- Linguistic Programming). I help people live the life they dream of, which includes removing unhealthy patterns and assisting in goal achievement. I work with individuals, couples and families. In a safe and warm environment I combine psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and/or neuro-linguistic programming with emotional support and tools to transform you into your highest potential self. I am proficient in eliminating or decreasing depression, anxiety, panic attacks and fears/phobias. In addition, I work with increasing healthy self-confidence.
Ann Epifanio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
I believe everyone has inherent strengths and abilities — let me help you discover yours. In my work, I focus on helping patients achieve change, discover their inherent strengths and abilities, shift to a solution-focused mindset, and increase awareness of their thoughts/feelings/behaviors. If we're hitting roadblocks, we work on identifying those roadblocks and getting "unstuck" — together.
Benjamin Nakanishi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Not accepting new clients
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.
Dr. Karla Arriaran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Are you successful on the surface, but anxious or unhappy underneath? Are fear and stress robbing your ability to enjoy life and be present? We’ve all been there- overloaded, struggling to make decisions, wanting a work-life balance, feeling like an imposter, or having difficulty managing relationships. My clients are often overachievers who constantly add to their workload until they reach the point of total shutdown. I enjoy working with young adults and working professionals who are successful but need support to prevent burnout.
Are you successful on the surface, but anxious or unhappy underneath? Are fear and stress robbing your ability to enjoy life and be present? We’ve all been there- overloaded, struggling to make decisions, wanting a work-life balance, feeling like an imposter, or having difficulty managing relationships. My clients are often overachievers who constantly add to their workload until they reach the point of total shutdown. I enjoy working with young adults and working professionals who are successful but need support to prevent burnout.
Tracy A. Pollack
Psychologist, PsyD, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders and body image issues, also self-injurious behaviors. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and incorporate as needed
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples and families. I offer a warm, collaborative and confidential place where you will feel heard and understood while working together to identify issues of conflict and remove the obstacles that are getting in the way of your life. My specialties include eating disorders and body image issues, also self-injurious behaviors. My practice also focuses on women's issues such as those related to beginning a family, fertility challenges and perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I am EMDR trained and incorporate as needed
Jori Adler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
A Warm Welcome & Hello! Finding the right therapist involves that certain combo of chemistry & expertise. If you’re looking to expand your consciousness, you’re in the right place. What I do is more than talk therapy. It’s more holistic & innovative and blends elements from all the things that helped me personally - EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Eastern Philosophy, Spirituality.
A Warm Welcome & Hello! Finding the right therapist involves that certain combo of chemistry & expertise. If you’re looking to expand your consciousness, you’re in the right place. What I do is more than talk therapy. It’s more holistic & innovative and blends elements from all the things that helped me personally - EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Eastern Philosophy, Spirituality.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
85% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Grief |
65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
58% | Aetna |
48% | Cigna and Evernorth |
42% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
20% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Santa Monica?
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.