Therapists in 90403
Seana Diemer Iwanyk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Specializing in supporting creatives, LGBTQ+ individuals, and "former gifted kids," I understand the unique stressors these groups face and the burnout that can result.
We all have a story, but when burnout spirals into deeper struggles like anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue, we can lose sight of that narrative. Pressures like work stress, relationship issues, societal expectations, identity struggles, or pursuit of perfection can engulf us to the point that we can't handle the burden. This impacts our creativity, relationships, and sense of direction. But burnout isn't the end of the story; with support, a new chapter can unfold. I love stories because they foster understanding. Throughout history, stories have been our tools for making sense of ourselves and the world.
Specializing in supporting creatives, LGBTQ+ individuals, and "former gifted kids," I understand the unique stressors these groups face and the burnout that can result.
We all have a story, but when burnout spirals into deeper struggles like anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue, we can lose sight of that narrative. Pressures like work stress, relationship issues, societal expectations, identity struggles, or pursuit of perfection can engulf us to the point that we can't handle the burden. This impacts our creativity, relationships, and sense of direction. But burnout isn't the end of the story; with support, a new chapter can unfold. I love stories because they foster understanding. Throughout history, stories have been our tools for making sense of ourselves and the world.
Shimul Hyder
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am an LGBTQ affirming therapist who sees teens, individuals & couples in Santa Monica, Beverly Grove & online.
If your anxiety is at an all-time high and you’re searching for relief, then you’re in the right place. I know how difficult it can be to step into your authentic self and navigate relationships and/or life changes when your anxiety is so severe. You may be struggling to assimilate into a new culture or attempting to heal intergenerational trauma. You may be afraid that people are judging you, won’t like you, or worry that what you have to offer in your personal and professional life just isn’t enough. If your anxiety is debilitating and causing you to feel like you have no ground under your feet, therapy can help.
I am an LGBTQ affirming therapist who sees teens, individuals & couples in Santa Monica, Beverly Grove & online.
If your anxiety is at an all-time high and you’re searching for relief, then you’re in the right place. I know how difficult it can be to step into your authentic self and navigate relationships and/or life changes when your anxiety is so severe. You may be struggling to assimilate into a new culture or attempting to heal intergenerational trauma. You may be afraid that people are judging you, won’t like you, or worry that what you have to offer in your personal and professional life just isn’t enough. If your anxiety is debilitating and causing you to feel like you have no ground under your feet, therapy can help.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages on life transitions, personal growth, healing, and transformation.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages on life transitions, personal growth, healing, and transformation.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
My expertise addresses: anxiety and worry, addictions, disordered eating, depression, self-esteem, relationships, men's/women's issues, gay/ lesbian issues.
Well-being involves having awareness of and connection to your self plus good connections with others. If you have struggled with distracting from your own experience, are lost in negative self evaluation, or if you have lost your curiousity about the world, face roadblocks or obstacles to your creativity and want to get relief, reclaim a sense of aliveness, vitality, presence, purpose or optimism - then I can be of help to you. I developed Emotional Pilates - the focus is on helping you build your core emotional strength, balance, flexibility and resilience, including learning how to speak your true experience.
My expertise addresses: anxiety and worry, addictions, disordered eating, depression, self-esteem, relationships, men's/women's issues, gay/ lesbian issues.
Well-being involves having awareness of and connection to your self plus good connections with others. If you have struggled with distracting from your own experience, are lost in negative self evaluation, or if you have lost your curiousity about the world, face roadblocks or obstacles to your creativity and want to get relief, reclaim a sense of aliveness, vitality, presence, purpose or optimism - then I can be of help to you. I developed Emotional Pilates - the focus is on helping you build your core emotional strength, balance, flexibility and resilience, including learning how to speak your true experience.
Dr. Andrea F Polard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
I am dedicated to working with marginalized communities, social justice is a strong value of mine, and I am particularly interested in serving the LGBTQIA community.
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
I am dedicated to working with marginalized communities, social justice is a strong value of mine, and I am particularly interested in serving the LGBTQIA community.
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
Adam Boardman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am LGBTQ+ affirmative, poly-and kink-supporting.
Hi there! Thanks for checking me out. It's hard to find the right therapist, so here's a little about me that might help. My goal for any client or couple is to meet you exactly where you are to move forward with strength and authenticity. No matter how depressed, discouraged, anxious, or confused you might be I believe in your ability to know yourself, heal yourself, and grow yourself. I support your ability to tune into yourself to live more authentically, to figure yourself out and have richer, deeper relationships. I am passionate about working with athletes, overachievers, adult men, and smart/sensitive types of all kinds.
I am LGBTQ+ affirmative, poly-and kink-supporting.
Hi there! Thanks for checking me out. It's hard to find the right therapist, so here's a little about me that might help. My goal for any client or couple is to meet you exactly where you are to move forward with strength and authenticity. No matter how depressed, discouraged, anxious, or confused you might be I believe in your ability to know yourself, heal yourself, and grow yourself. I support your ability to tune into yourself to live more authentically, to figure yourself out and have richer, deeper relationships. I am passionate about working with athletes, overachievers, adult men, and smart/sensitive types of all kinds.
Aviv Michael Linden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I work with people from all walks of life. Everyone is unique and so each client has a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. People who see me for psychological treatment are often experiencing low mood, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, excessive criticism and low self esteem. Many have experienced a significant loss or a traumatic life event. I will help you to better understand how your present responses (emotional, behavioral, emotional and physical) are influenced by your past experiences. Working collaboratively with you, I will facilitate a safe space for you to reflect, process and grow.
I work with people from all walks of life. Everyone is unique and so each client has a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. People who see me for psychological treatment are often experiencing low mood, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, excessive criticism and low self esteem. Many have experienced a significant loss or a traumatic life event. I will help you to better understand how your present responses (emotional, behavioral, emotional and physical) are influenced by your past experiences. Working collaboratively with you, I will facilitate a safe space for you to reflect, process and grow.
Jamie Rudden
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I assist clients in navigating various challenges such as relational conflicts, significant life transitions, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression.
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
I assist clients in navigating various challenges such as relational conflicts, significant life transitions, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression.
People come to therapy at all different points in their life. Whether you're returning to better understand a new situation or coming for the first time to explore opportunities for growth, I am here to meet you where you're at. In my experience, people seek change when they are not fully aligned with the person they want to be. Our work together will be to identify these misalignments, to learn how to empathize with how they came to be, and to find strategies for letting go of things that that no longer serve in order to find a sense of self we can feel proud of.
Patrick Brian Dickey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
Eric is passionate about providing individuals with a safe and supportive space to explore their inner selves, free from judgment and external pressures. He recognizes that the journey of human existence is multifaceted and often laden with an array of emotions and challenges, shaping our relationships, careers, and self-perceptions. Eric’s clinical experiences span a spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, challenges of masculinity and what it means to be a man, LGBTQI2A+ identity, and the stressors of high-performance work environments. He works with adolescents and adults, couples and families.
Eric is passionate about providing individuals with a safe and supportive space to explore their inner selves, free from judgment and external pressures. He recognizes that the journey of human existence is multifaceted and often laden with an array of emotions and challenges, shaping our relationships, careers, and self-perceptions. Eric’s clinical experiences span a spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, challenges of masculinity and what it means to be a man, LGBTQI2A+ identity, and the stressors of high-performance work environments. He works with adolescents and adults, couples and families.
15 Second Videos
Andrea F Polard
Adam Boardman
J. Lancaster
Catalina Lawsin
Sam Hopper
David Ibrahim
Nicole T. Isbell
Robyn Blythe
Molly Schaffer
Caroline Kalai
Erica N. Thrower
Eva Kuncewicki
Jeffrey Nord
Generally, I treat groups, couples, and individuals--21 years of age or older. I am best suited to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcohol/drug issues, personality disorders, anger, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, employment difficulties, military/veterans, spiritual issues, and relationship problems.
Generally, I treat groups, couples, and individuals--21 years of age or older. I am best suited to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcohol/drug issues, personality disorders, anger, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, employment difficulties, military/veterans, spiritual issues, and relationship problems.
Deirdre J. Newell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I believe that healing and wellness are rooted in the safety of an authentic and transparent therapeutic relationship.
Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to explore vulnerable dimensions of oneself and explore meaning in life’s experiences. Therapy with me is rooted in relationship. I understand that value of a trusting, authentic relationship between therapist and client, and I offer insight, support, compassion, and curiosity in a nurturing way that allows clients to examine patterns that both aid or hinder individuals’ potential for wholeness. I work from a depth-oriented, psychodynamic framework, understanding that one’s self is a manifestation of one’s whole life experiences. I provide both short and long term therapy.
I believe that healing and wellness are rooted in the safety of an authentic and transparent therapeutic relationship.
Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to explore vulnerable dimensions of oneself and explore meaning in life’s experiences. Therapy with me is rooted in relationship. I understand that value of a trusting, authentic relationship between therapist and client, and I offer insight, support, compassion, and curiosity in a nurturing way that allows clients to examine patterns that both aid or hinder individuals’ potential for wholeness. I work from a depth-oriented, psychodynamic framework, understanding that one’s self is a manifestation of one’s whole life experiences. I provide both short and long term therapy.
We collaborate to identify areas of “stuck-ness” to create actionable steps towards change, and process the emotions that come up along the way. We are not often taught how to tolerate discomfort, but I want to help you reshape those feelings into pathways towards growth, self-esteem and fulfillment. Using evidenced based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy, I hope to create a safe and goal-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on the client’s wellbeing and context.
We collaborate to identify areas of “stuck-ness” to create actionable steps towards change, and process the emotions that come up along the way. We are not often taught how to tolerate discomfort, but I want to help you reshape those feelings into pathways towards growth, self-esteem and fulfillment. Using evidenced based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy, I hope to create a safe and goal-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on the client’s wellbeing and context.
Eleanore Baidoo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with your life and your emotions? Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with others, trouble at home, anxiety, an addiction, or just a really challenging personal situation that you feel alone with. Perhaps you want your life to be different somehow but are feeling stuck. I would like to help you. It may feel hopeless right now, but you will have my years of experience and wisdom, skills and compassion with you - and together we will increase the quality of your life so that you may move forward with increased well-being , satisfaction, and meaning in your life.
Are you struggling with your life and your emotions? Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with others, trouble at home, anxiety, an addiction, or just a really challenging personal situation that you feel alone with. Perhaps you want your life to be different somehow but are feeling stuck. I would like to help you. It may feel hopeless right now, but you will have my years of experience and wisdom, skills and compassion with you - and together we will increase the quality of your life so that you may move forward with increased well-being , satisfaction, and meaning in your life.
Seth Schulweis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
With adults, it is transitions connected with work and love.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 32 years experience helping clients through life transitions. I bring good judgment and experience to the challenges that accompany such transitions and personal crises. I am a problem-solver and specialize in periods of change so that you are at your best as you work to achieve your goals. If you are seeking supportive, safe and productive therapy for yourself or someone in your family, I am ready to meet, talk and help. My practice focuses on transitions facing adults, adolescents, and children, as well as working with families and teams.
With adults, it is transitions connected with work and love.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 32 years experience helping clients through life transitions. I bring good judgment and experience to the challenges that accompany such transitions and personal crises. I am a problem-solver and specialize in periods of change so that you are at your best as you work to achieve your goals. If you are seeking supportive, safe and productive therapy for yourself or someone in your family, I am ready to meet, talk and help. My practice focuses on transitions facing adults, adolescents, and children, as well as working with families and teams.
I work with motivated, loving clients and with folks who are ready to heal from childhood wounding. My clients engage in self-study, discovering who they are and how to love and re-parent themselves. I work with teens, young adults, and families. I offer parent coaching to parents who want to learn how to effectively communicate and intervene with their children. My style is warm, curious, direct, and relationship focused. In the course of our work together, my clients learn skills that are accessible yet powerful. I've been in the field over eighteen years and feel lucky to support such incredible people on their healing path.
I work with motivated, loving clients and with folks who are ready to heal from childhood wounding. My clients engage in self-study, discovering who they are and how to love and re-parent themselves. I work with teens, young adults, and families. I offer parent coaching to parents who want to learn how to effectively communicate and intervene with their children. My style is warm, curious, direct, and relationship focused. In the course of our work together, my clients learn skills that are accessible yet powerful. I've been in the field over eighteen years and feel lucky to support such incredible people on their healing path.
The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
Maxine J Dusig, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
It is a privilege to work with you. I am committed to assist you in discovering any emotional issues that may be troubling. Some of the issues may be relationships, depression, anxiety or any crisis. I am understanding of life's difficulties. I will help you discover how they are affecting you. You will gain more knowledge about yourself as well as others. You may need to learn new tools in managing difficult situations. I will help you to grow, gain more knowledge of yourself, and to set better boundaries In communication. I look forward to meeting with you and establishing a good working relationship.
It is a privilege to work with you. I am committed to assist you in discovering any emotional issues that may be troubling. Some of the issues may be relationships, depression, anxiety or any crisis. I am understanding of life's difficulties. I will help you discover how they are affecting you. You will gain more knowledge about yourself as well as others. You may need to learn new tools in managing difficult situations. I will help you to grow, gain more knowledge of yourself, and to set better boundaries In communication. I look forward to meeting with you and establishing a good working relationship.
You’re in midlife, craving more from your relationships and yourself. You’re ready to reclaim your sexuality and reconnect with who you are, not who the world expects you to be. Maybe you feel disconnected, lost in your intimate life, or unsure how to find passion again. Deep down, you know you deserve more—more connection, more pleasure, more freedom to be authentically you. You want to feel desired, alive, and empowered in every facet of your life, starting with intimacy. Your goal is to break free from the "shoulds" and discover a life where your desires are front and center.
You’re in midlife, craving more from your relationships and yourself. You’re ready to reclaim your sexuality and reconnect with who you are, not who the world expects you to be. Maybe you feel disconnected, lost in your intimate life, or unsure how to find passion again. Deep down, you know you deserve more—more connection, more pleasure, more freedom to be authentically you. You want to feel desired, alive, and empowered in every facet of your life, starting with intimacy. Your goal is to break free from the "shoulds" and discover a life where your desires are front and center.
See more therapy options for 90403
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.