Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Shaina McPhetridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Life can lead us down some pretty confusing paths sometimes, leaving us feeling crazy, unsettled, and totally lost. You don't have to feel like this forever. I work with individuals, couples, and teens who are really going through it - anxiety, panic and stress, relationship issues, PTSD, and unresolved issues that continue to impact current life. Many of my clients are insightful, curious, growth-oriented people who are seeking something beyond traditional therapy. My focus is on helping you to UN-learn all the crap you've taken on over the years that is weighing you down and freeing up whatever it is that seems to be stuck.
Life can lead us down some pretty confusing paths sometimes, leaving us feeling crazy, unsettled, and totally lost. You don't have to feel like this forever. I work with individuals, couples, and teens who are really going through it - anxiety, panic and stress, relationship issues, PTSD, and unresolved issues that continue to impact current life. Many of my clients are insightful, curious, growth-oriented people who are seeking something beyond traditional therapy. My focus is on helping you to UN-learn all the crap you've taken on over the years that is weighing you down and freeing up whatever it is that seems to be stuck.
Mark B. Copeland
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
At various times in their lives people need help in recognizing what they want and are not getting. In an atmosphere of safety and support, we will look at patterns and beliefs that prevent each person from feeling cohesive and understood. We will also look at patterns that trigger feelings of depression, anger and anxiety, as well as longings that may be shameful and out of awareness. With support and understanding shame can be dealt with and reduced leading to a life that is less isolated and anxiety ridden.
At various times in their lives people need help in recognizing what they want and are not getting. In an atmosphere of safety and support, we will look at patterns and beliefs that prevent each person from feeling cohesive and understood. We will also look at patterns that trigger feelings of depression, anger and anxiety, as well as longings that may be shameful and out of awareness. With support and understanding shame can be dealt with and reduced leading to a life that is less isolated and anxiety ridden.
Brenda McDonald
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Clients often seek therapy in order to effect some form of change in their lives. My work is less about change and more about understanding and acceptance. Our work is a collaborative format in which I assist you in understanding your unconscious motivations and accepting yourself just as your are. In other words, meeting you where you are and encouraging you to do the same. Change is secondary to self-acceptance. It is only when we love and accept ourselves that we can extend this grace to others. Currently we are living in a time of unprecedented uncertainness. Acceptance leads to less stress and a healthier immune system.
Clients often seek therapy in order to effect some form of change in their lives. My work is less about change and more about understanding and acceptance. Our work is a collaborative format in which I assist you in understanding your unconscious motivations and accepting yourself just as your are. In other words, meeting you where you are and encouraging you to do the same. Change is secondary to self-acceptance. It is only when we love and accept ourselves that we can extend this grace to others. Currently we are living in a time of unprecedented uncertainness. Acceptance leads to less stress and a healthier immune system.
James D Babl
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University, and most recently spent a number of years as the Clinical Director at the UCLA Counseling Center. I have worked in VA and Community Mental Health settings, and received additional extended training at the UCLA Human Sexuality Program. I come across as warm, down to earth, and easy to trust and talk to. I offer confidential, professional services to adults and couples in a relaxed Santa Monica setting, where I have an integrative approach (using insight-oriented, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other orientations) tailored to your needs and concerns.
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University, and most recently spent a number of years as the Clinical Director at the UCLA Counseling Center. I have worked in VA and Community Mental Health settings, and received additional extended training at the UCLA Human Sexuality Program. I come across as warm, down to earth, and easy to trust and talk to. I offer confidential, professional services to adults and couples in a relaxed Santa Monica setting, where I have an integrative approach (using insight-oriented, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other orientations) tailored to your needs and concerns.
Negar Afshar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
Holly Hardgrove
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Throughout the many years I have been practicing, the greatest reward has been to help clients better understand themselves and find their own voice. We work together to examine the role their family of origin plays in their current choices and relationships. I have a particular expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. By providing a safe space to explore relationship issues and limiting thought patterns, I am able to assist clients to better understand and accept themselves, and reduce critical self beliefs.
Throughout the many years I have been practicing, the greatest reward has been to help clients better understand themselves and find their own voice. We work together to examine the role their family of origin plays in their current choices and relationships. I have a particular expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. By providing a safe space to explore relationship issues and limiting thought patterns, I am able to assist clients to better understand and accept themselves, and reduce critical self beliefs.
Sarah Kamdar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing on the westside of Los Angeles. I believe that the therapeutic process can be a healing experience that focuses on your specific needs, with the shared goal of improving quality of life, increasing happiness, creating connections, and enhancing awareness.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing on the westside of Los Angeles. I believe that the therapeutic process can be a healing experience that focuses on your specific needs, with the shared goal of improving quality of life, increasing happiness, creating connections, and enhancing awareness.
Diana Beck
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Therapy is a platform to identify and nurture your strengths, explore emotionally charged topics, and discover potentials in order to create a strong, loving relationship with yourself. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I work from an integrative framework, combining mindfulness, somatic interventions, and strengths based approaches.
Therapy is a platform to identify and nurture your strengths, explore emotionally charged topics, and discover potentials in order to create a strong, loving relationship with yourself. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I work from an integrative framework, combining mindfulness, somatic interventions, and strengths based approaches.
Jeffrey Nord
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Not accepting new clients
Every couple is different, every couple is complicated, and every couple has trouble talking about one or more key issues. In your first session I will quickly assess what isn't working in your relationship and build a plan to eliminate the problem. I will help facilitate effective communication, make sure the sessions are emotionally safe, and teach practical methods for getting your thoughts and feelings across. My job is not to figure out who is right and who is wrong, my job is to help. I tend to work with couples each week for 8-12 weeks.
Every couple is different, every couple is complicated, and every couple has trouble talking about one or more key issues. In your first session I will quickly assess what isn't working in your relationship and build a plan to eliminate the problem. I will help facilitate effective communication, make sure the sessions are emotionally safe, and teach practical methods for getting your thoughts and feelings across. My job is not to figure out who is right and who is wrong, my job is to help. I tend to work with couples each week for 8-12 weeks.
Marina Vicario
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I've been in the mental health field for over nine years working with a wide range of individuals in different stages of life. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Over the years, I have grown to appreciate and value working with clients to improve their quality of life. My goal is to accompany you in overcoming setbacks, and challenges, and processing stressful or traumatic events to find balance and be able to enjoy life a bit more.
I've been in the mental health field for over nine years working with a wide range of individuals in different stages of life. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Over the years, I have grown to appreciate and value working with clients to improve their quality of life. My goal is to accompany you in overcoming setbacks, and challenges, and processing stressful or traumatic events to find balance and be able to enjoy life a bit more.
Melissa Seka
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I have training in many theoretical approaches and tend to work from an eclectic orientation. I believe in client-centered care, and enjoy supporting individuals through therapy. My primary goal always is to hear you and to understand your life from your perspective. I believe that with the appropriate therapeutic support, we can all become more skilled at navigating through difficult times, as well make effective and enduring life changes. Honesty, kindness, and humor are core values of mine. I have worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
I have training in many theoretical approaches and tend to work from an eclectic orientation. I believe in client-centered care, and enjoy supporting individuals through therapy. My primary goal always is to hear you and to understand your life from your perspective. I believe that with the appropriate therapeutic support, we can all become more skilled at navigating through difficult times, as well make effective and enduring life changes. Honesty, kindness, and humor are core values of mine. I have worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
15 Second Videos
Jeffrey Nord
Paul Carter
Sam Hopper
Darcy Manav
Allison Zeen- Eating Disorder Therapist
Gloria Lakin
LA Teen Whisperer - Emerging Adulthood Specialist
Hannah Schaler
Cadisha Gravesande
Kristin Sheehan
Darlene Lancer
Caroline Kalai
Leah Matson Ph.D.
Jon Sorensen
Angela Repetti Miller
Savannah Shizuko Okada
Jessica Roux
Tracy Kovacs Bevington
Christine Quynh Anh Nguyen
Bronwyn Wrobel
Maija E Vance
Cynthia Eddings
Rachel McCarron
Beth Kadlec, MA LCSW, PC
Caroline Lockett-Corwell
Coaching With Rachel
Alex Frank
Alexandra Neff
Valeriya Pestrikova
Allan Silverstein
Madeleine (Maddie) Zimmerman
Kathleen Carroll-Wray
Karlyn Michél Webb
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Maryann Newsom - California Telehealth Counseling
Alice Kuhns
Tanya Gaum
Eri Nagai Ashlock
L.A. Teen Therapist & Parenting Teens Coach
Andrew Iskandar
Shana Bujake
Katie Merrill
Karla Arriaran
Nicole L Bravo
Kyana Barakett
Yael Adef Eiserike
Araceli Hirtle
Jasmine N Gibson
Lexi Berard Couples Therapist
Sherry Alamdari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
You are there for everyone. Whenever. Wherever. You spend so much time being there for others that there’s no room for yourself. And let’s be honest, you’d rather not think about that. Giving the outside world what it needs is easy. Giving that to yourself is hard. It’s painful. You feel so awkward and uncertain of who you are in the world. You’re drowning in the muck inside you with no way of knowing how to get out.
You are there for everyone. Whenever. Wherever. You spend so much time being there for others that there’s no room for yourself. And let’s be honest, you’d rather not think about that. Giving the outside world what it needs is easy. Giving that to yourself is hard. It’s painful. You feel so awkward and uncertain of who you are in the world. You’re drowning in the muck inside you with no way of knowing how to get out.
Allison Duplechain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Not accepting new clients
I am a psychotherapist currently in private practice in Santa Monica. I have been working with patients since 2010 and am currently a Ph.D. candidate at Pacifica Graduate Institute where I also earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. My therapeutic style integrates my academic education with training and experience in various modalities. I draw from a diverse clinical background to meet the particular needs and goals of each individual. While I am most influenced by Jungian and Buddhist psychology, intersubjective and attachment theory as well as somatic approaches highly inform my work.
I am a psychotherapist currently in private practice in Santa Monica. I have been working with patients since 2010 and am currently a Ph.D. candidate at Pacifica Graduate Institute where I also earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. My therapeutic style integrates my academic education with training and experience in various modalities. I draw from a diverse clinical background to meet the particular needs and goals of each individual. While I am most influenced by Jungian and Buddhist psychology, intersubjective and attachment theory as well as somatic approaches highly inform my work.
Casey Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Welcome. If you’re here, likely something is going on in your life that you would like to change. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed, sad, anxious, tired, in pain, on edge, bingeing on a substance or the internet, or having sleep issues. Trouble communicating with loved ones? Disconnected rather than connected? Maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but life just isn’t what it was, what you thought it would be, or what you would like. Anger, sadness, anxiety, disappointment, worry all play a part in everyone’s life, but sometimes it increases to the point where it’s just too much to bare alone.
Welcome. If you’re here, likely something is going on in your life that you would like to change. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed, sad, anxious, tired, in pain, on edge, bingeing on a substance or the internet, or having sleep issues. Trouble communicating with loved ones? Disconnected rather than connected? Maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but life just isn’t what it was, what you thought it would be, or what you would like. Anger, sadness, anxiety, disappointment, worry all play a part in everyone’s life, but sometimes it increases to the point where it’s just too much to bare alone.
Paul Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My teenage clients report that I have greatly helped in reducing depression and anxiety by providing a non-judgmental space where they can explore communication challenges, self-esteem issues and work on difficulties that create a challenge in their day-to-day life. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, which can help teens reframe negativity, develop long-term coping skills, and be more fully present in their lives. Clients can recognize that their thoughts and emotions do not have to get in the way of taking action toward meeting their goals and making meaningful connections.
My teenage clients report that I have greatly helped in reducing depression and anxiety by providing a non-judgmental space where they can explore communication challenges, self-esteem issues and work on difficulties that create a challenge in their day-to-day life. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, which can help teens reframe negativity, develop long-term coping skills, and be more fully present in their lives. Clients can recognize that their thoughts and emotions do not have to get in the way of taking action toward meeting their goals and making meaningful connections.
Sam Hopper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
Cat Donohue
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
With empathy and curiosity, I provide transparent and collaborative therapy for teens, adults, couples, and families. If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, interpersonal conflict, or life's inevitable challenges we will work together to help you gain insight, enhance your intuition, and address your patterns of behavior. I have advanced training in trauma processing and EMDR. - (I offer a limited number of appointments at a sliding scale fee for individuals and couples who may require financial assistance.)
With empathy and curiosity, I provide transparent and collaborative therapy for teens, adults, couples, and families. If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, interpersonal conflict, or life's inevitable challenges we will work together to help you gain insight, enhance your intuition, and address your patterns of behavior. I have advanced training in trauma processing and EMDR. - (I offer a limited number of appointments at a sliding scale fee for individuals and couples who may require financial assistance.)
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.
Shirin Moheet
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
We all have those moments where we feel overwhelmed with life. Sometimes what we need is to develop new skills and to approach our lives from a different perspective. I place emphasis on creating a safe and supportive space where each individual client can explore and address their inner struggles to bring about a more resilient, steady, and content life.
We all have those moments where we feel overwhelmed with life. Sometimes what we need is to develop new skills and to approach our lives from a different perspective. I place emphasis on creating a safe and supportive space where each individual client can explore and address their inner struggles to bring about a more resilient, steady, and content life.
Sourena Haj-Mohamadi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Life can be challenging at times with the demands of today’s day and age. Therapy can be the place to tackle those challenges in order to improve overall health and well-being through personal development. Through therapy, one can process and focus on what is most important to them, which will help guide and create a healthy lifestyle.
Life can be challenging at times with the demands of today’s day and age. Therapy can be the place to tackle those challenges in order to improve overall health and well-being through personal development. Through therapy, one can process and focus on what is most important to them, which will help guide and create a healthy lifestyle.
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
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | 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.