Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Besan Hanna
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I believe that we each hold the solutions to our lives and sometimes we just need support as we figure things out. That’s my role! I get the privilege to walk beside you on your life journey and help you find solutions you already have. We get to do this together via a strength-based and solution-oriented approach that reminds you of your capabilities and just how powerful you truly are.
I believe that we each hold the solutions to our lives and sometimes we just need support as we figure things out. That’s my role! I get the privilege to walk beside you on your life journey and help you find solutions you already have. We get to do this together via a strength-based and solution-oriented approach that reminds you of your capabilities and just how powerful you truly are.
Stephanie Rotuno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I specialize in guiding people towards healing from trauma and finding health and well-being in their lives and relationships. I realize that my clients often seek therapy to heal from some of their deepest wounds. Sometimes they carry shame, fear, and anxiety or depression due to these experiences. I'll welcome you with an open, warm, and deeply present therapeutic experience. Therapy is designed to provide an emotionally safe and supportive space where we do very sensitive work.
I specialize in guiding people towards healing from trauma and finding health and well-being in their lives and relationships. I realize that my clients often seek therapy to heal from some of their deepest wounds. Sometimes they carry shame, fear, and anxiety or depression due to these experiences. I'll welcome you with an open, warm, and deeply present therapeutic experience. Therapy is designed to provide an emotionally safe and supportive space where we do very sensitive work.
Neuro-Somatic Therapy - Parvin Naficy, Psy D.
MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.
Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.
Nakisa Choupani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments.
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments.
Morgan Sorenson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Therapy is a unique space to explore and organize your internal emotional experiences, feel more satisfied in your interpersonal relationships, better manage and tolerate a broad range of emotions, and experience new ways of relating more meaningfully to yourself and others. Through carefully exploring your emotional and relational experiences, both past and present, you may develop a deeper sense of self-understanding, wholeness, and a renewed capacity for joy and purpose. I work from a primarily relational and psychodynamic orientation, though I am flexible in engaging with the specific needs of each client.
Therapy is a unique space to explore and organize your internal emotional experiences, feel more satisfied in your interpersonal relationships, better manage and tolerate a broad range of emotions, and experience new ways of relating more meaningfully to yourself and others. Through carefully exploring your emotional and relational experiences, both past and present, you may develop a deeper sense of self-understanding, wholeness, and a renewed capacity for joy and purpose. I work from a primarily relational and psychodynamic orientation, though I am flexible in engaging with the specific needs of each client.
Sule Ozler
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
If you are experiencing challenges in your life, or struggling emotionally, do not wait until your suffering gets worse. Seeking help is a sign of inner strength and courage. My specialties are psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Evidence shows that individuals who undertake psychodynamic psychotherapy preserve therapeutic gains and continue improvement even after the end of the treatment. For over 19 years I helped individuals or couples on their different types of challenges, including relationship difficulties, career or school difficulties, anxiety and depression, trauma, loss, separation.
If you are experiencing challenges in your life, or struggling emotionally, do not wait until your suffering gets worse. Seeking help is a sign of inner strength and courage. My specialties are psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Evidence shows that individuals who undertake psychodynamic psychotherapy preserve therapeutic gains and continue improvement even after the end of the treatment. For over 19 years I helped individuals or couples on their different types of challenges, including relationship difficulties, career or school difficulties, anxiety and depression, trauma, loss, separation.
Shirldawn Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities. I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too.
Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities. I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too.
Clear Mind Treatment
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
This program contains an in-person component and a telemedicine component, but is ultimately tailored to meet your individual needs. Depending on your needs, this may consist of some combination of ketamine/esketamine, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, neurofeedback, group therapy (including couples and family therapy), individual therapy, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy. Note that while some of these modalities are optional, attending group therapy is an insurance-mandated requirement to attend our program.
This program contains an in-person component and a telemedicine component, but is ultimately tailored to meet your individual needs. Depending on your needs, this may consist of some combination of ketamine/esketamine, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, neurofeedback, group therapy (including couples and family therapy), individual therapy, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy. Note that while some of these modalities are optional, attending group therapy is an insurance-mandated requirement to attend our program.
Slobodan Nesovic
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
You are successful in your career, but a feeling of unease, anxiety, or emotional numbness seems to always be with you. The stress of your work has gotten to be too much, and maybe your physical health, and well as your happiness, has begun to suffer. You desire a meaningful relationship, but your reluctance to vulnerability, likely a result of past traumas, is getting in the way. You find yourself often plagued with a sense of emptiness, or lack of purpose in your life, despite your financial and professional success. You hold yourself to a high standard, but your harsh inner critic has left you feeling like you aren’t good enough.
You are successful in your career, but a feeling of unease, anxiety, or emotional numbness seems to always be with you. The stress of your work has gotten to be too much, and maybe your physical health, and well as your happiness, has begun to suffer. You desire a meaningful relationship, but your reluctance to vulnerability, likely a result of past traumas, is getting in the way. You find yourself often plagued with a sense of emptiness, or lack of purpose in your life, despite your financial and professional success. You hold yourself to a high standard, but your harsh inner critic has left you feeling like you aren’t good enough.
Couples Counseling of Santa Monica/Dr John Drimmer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I teach couples tools and I give homework. My background is in Positive Psychology. People describe me as warm, down-to-earth and they say I have a good sense of humor. I think couples therapy should be uplifting -- and show results. I help all kinds of couples: married and unmarried, straight, gay, and couples soon to marry. I'm dedicated to helping couples overcome their problems. I'm even-handed and I find solutions. (And on a personal note, I've been happily married for 30 years). I combine Positive Psychology, CBT, mindfulness, Gottman, and the best of contemporary psychology. I taught in the medical school at UCLA.
I teach couples tools and I give homework. My background is in Positive Psychology. People describe me as warm, down-to-earth and they say I have a good sense of humor. I think couples therapy should be uplifting -- and show results. I help all kinds of couples: married and unmarried, straight, gay, and couples soon to marry. I'm dedicated to helping couples overcome their problems. I'm even-handed and I find solutions. (And on a personal note, I've been happily married for 30 years). I combine Positive Psychology, CBT, mindfulness, Gottman, and the best of contemporary psychology. I taught in the medical school at UCLA.
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
Santa Monica Psychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
We are a team of Stanford and UCLA educated psychologists with expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, and trauma. Our approach to therapy helps you identify patterns of thinking that no longer serve you and manage emotions that interfere with living your best life. Our goal is to teach you techniques that, once mastered, will allow you to continue the work of therapy independently. Our treatment approaches include CBT, ACT, DBT, and the gold-standard trauma treatments, CPT and PE.
We are a team of Stanford and UCLA educated psychologists with expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, and trauma. Our approach to therapy helps you identify patterns of thinking that no longer serve you and manage emotions that interfere with living your best life. Our goal is to teach you techniques that, once mastered, will allow you to continue the work of therapy independently. Our treatment approaches include CBT, ACT, DBT, and the gold-standard trauma treatments, CPT and PE.
Beverly Ibeh
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Thrive Psychology is the premier therapy & counseling center dedicated to women’s wellness. We empower clients to overcome life’s toughest challenges and reach their highest potential. Thrive has helped thousands of clients live their best lives through a growing network of in-person and online services. Thrive therapists are the top of their field and use on.
Thrive Psychology is the premier therapy & counseling center dedicated to women’s wellness. We empower clients to overcome life’s toughest challenges and reach their highest potential. Thrive has helped thousands of clients live their best lives through a growing network of in-person and online services. Thrive therapists are the top of their field and use on.
Christopher E Getto
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Welcome. Sometimes things are complicated. We keep feeling a certain way or doing something and don't understand why. Sometimes things are more simple. We understand what we want, maybe even how to get there but just need a little support along the way. I work with individuals, couples and families to help them achieve the changes they wish to see in their lives, big or small, complicated or not.
Welcome. Sometimes things are complicated. We keep feeling a certain way or doing something and don't understand why. Sometimes things are more simple. We understand what we want, maybe even how to get there but just need a little support along the way. I work with individuals, couples and families to help them achieve the changes they wish to see in their lives, big or small, complicated or not.
Douglas Browne
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I work with a broad range of people at different stages of life, who experience a variety of personal struggles, inner and outer conflicts, and painful emotional and mental health challenges. I have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults (individuals and couples). Regardless of age or phase of life, I enjoy working with people who are hungry to discover and possess more of themselves, to answer the questions that elude them, and to know the sources of their frustration and pain in the hope of living more pleasurably and creatively.
I work with a broad range of people at different stages of life, who experience a variety of personal struggles, inner and outer conflicts, and painful emotional and mental health challenges. I have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults (individuals and couples). Regardless of age or phase of life, I enjoy working with people who are hungry to discover and possess more of themselves, to answer the questions that elude them, and to know the sources of their frustration and pain in the hope of living more pleasurably and creatively.
Robin Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Life will sometimes nudge and then shout at us when we need to pause and look within ourselves. It often comes at times when we feel sad, hurt, anxious, or depressed. It may be at times when relationship struggles, self-doubt, or loss arise. Whether you are returning to therapy or preparing to enter it for the first time, with this step change is already underway. As I see it, the therapy process is a journey to resolve painful experiences, gain insight, and develop strengths and new abilities, all which help to navigate life’s challenges. Healing is possible as well as clarity on how to move forward.
Life will sometimes nudge and then shout at us when we need to pause and look within ourselves. It often comes at times when we feel sad, hurt, anxious, or depressed. It may be at times when relationship struggles, self-doubt, or loss arise. Whether you are returning to therapy or preparing to enter it for the first time, with this step change is already underway. As I see it, the therapy process is a journey to resolve painful experiences, gain insight, and develop strengths and new abilities, all which help to navigate life’s challenges. Healing is possible as well as clarity on how to move forward.
Monisha Brewer: Couples - Teens - Parents
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I believe that relationships are truly the foundation of our well-being, which means that improving the quality of our relationships is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a couple who want to improve your communication, or a parent and teenager who just can't seem to connect, I am here to help you achieve the type of relationship you have been desperate to build. We will work together to improve even the rockiest of relationships by deepening connections and building necessary skills.
I believe that relationships are truly the foundation of our well-being, which means that improving the quality of our relationships is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a couple who want to improve your communication, or a parent and teenager who just can't seem to connect, I am here to help you achieve the type of relationship you have been desperate to build. We will work together to improve even the rockiest of relationships by deepening connections and building necessary skills.
Molly Schaffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
People find their way to therapy for various reasons. You may be in crisis or you may be wanting to work on long-standing patterns that aren't working for you anymore. I am committed to helping people explore their lives: what's not working and why. I help people heal, find comfort, self-acceptance, and more successful relationships and careers. In a non-judgmental space, we will endeavor to figure out how to make things better to get you functioning well and hopefully, thriving.
People find their way to therapy for various reasons. You may be in crisis or you may be wanting to work on long-standing patterns that aren't working for you anymore. I am committed to helping people explore their lives: what's not working and why. I help people heal, find comfort, self-acceptance, and more successful relationships and careers. In a non-judgmental space, we will endeavor to figure out how to make things better to get you functioning well and hopefully, thriving.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
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.