Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Crystal Nash
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My clients like me because I am a very active therapist. You will not just get a "How does that make you feel?" question. Of course I want to know how something makes you feel, but I want for you to be able to get some answers and treatment that leads to a real change in your life. My website at Crystalnash.com states "Therapy can be intense, but it doesn't have to be drudgery. There is laughter through the tears, when we recognize our human frailty. The "Ah ha! Eureka!" moments give energy and hope for the future."
My clients like me because I am a very active therapist. You will not just get a "How does that make you feel?" question. Of course I want to know how something makes you feel, but I want for you to be able to get some answers and treatment that leads to a real change in your life. My website at Crystalnash.com states "Therapy can be intense, but it doesn't have to be drudgery. There is laughter through the tears, when we recognize our human frailty. The "Ah ha! Eureka!" moments give energy and hope for the future."
Emily Ferro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Therapy is for YOU. It is a space to explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. It is also a place to process how personal, intergenerational, and societal history has shaped your way of life. Therapy can support you in challenging yourself to make important life changes by developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful.
Therapy is for YOU. It is a space to explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. It is also a place to process how personal, intergenerational, and societal history has shaped your way of life. Therapy can support you in challenging yourself to make important life changes by developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful.
Annie Armstrong Miyao
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
As a psychotherapist I work from a compassionate and practical perspective. My work is holistic and includes a creative exploration of the client's life experience, building awareness and mindfulness, reconnecting to the cues the body gives, and reinforcing positive experiences. I help clients to identify undiscovered potential, create change, and work through a myriad of issues. These issues range from depression and anxiety to questions about where to go next in career and, "Why do I keep dating the wrong person?". Clients come to me to work through trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, low self-esteem, loss of meaning, and relationship issues.
As a psychotherapist I work from a compassionate and practical perspective. My work is holistic and includes a creative exploration of the client's life experience, building awareness and mindfulness, reconnecting to the cues the body gives, and reinforcing positive experiences. I help clients to identify undiscovered potential, create change, and work through a myriad of issues. These issues range from depression and anxiety to questions about where to go next in career and, "Why do I keep dating the wrong person?". Clients come to me to work through trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, low self-esteem, loss of meaning, and relationship issues.
Miriam Conde
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to working in mental health , I worked with children with special needs and developed skills to help families, parents and caregivers support their children to create a balanced environment.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to working in mental health , I worked with children with special needs and developed skills to help families, parents and caregivers support their children to create a balanced environment.
Debra Brunsten
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402
I work with adult individuals, couples and families to help you cope with not only life's daily struggles, but also provide support for crisis, traumas, challenging life transitions and relationship issues. I combine narrative and somatic therapies, as well as EMDR (trauma work), to help you decrease anxiety and depression, manage stress, cope with challenges and enhance your creativity and productivity. My approach is very conversational, interactive and solution- based. In contrast to heavy analysis, I strive to uncover and cultivate my client's strengths, abilities and values to help them overcome their problems.
I work with adult individuals, couples and families to help you cope with not only life's daily struggles, but also provide support for crisis, traumas, challenging life transitions and relationship issues. I combine narrative and somatic therapies, as well as EMDR (trauma work), to help you decrease anxiety and depression, manage stress, cope with challenges and enhance your creativity and productivity. My approach is very conversational, interactive and solution- based. In contrast to heavy analysis, I strive to uncover and cultivate my client's strengths, abilities and values to help them overcome their problems.
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.
Gabrielle Zhuang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
If you feel you are living a truncated life, overburdened by anxiety, depression or lacking a feeling of rich aliveness, connection and joy I hope we can work together. I offer an atmosphere of empathy and acceptance as we explore the individual and relational issues that are coming up for you. We will transform insight into actionable change.
If you feel you are living a truncated life, overburdened by anxiety, depression or lacking a feeling of rich aliveness, connection and joy I hope we can work together. I offer an atmosphere of empathy and acceptance as we explore the individual and relational issues that are coming up for you. We will transform insight into actionable change.
Araceli Hirtle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
I help women to better manage parenting, while maintaining her work/life balance. Is this you? Marriage and parenting are difficult. Often it is hard to find the energy to be patient, creative or loving. Do you struggle with solo parenting and feeling unseen? Do you want to feel more connected with your spouse? Do you want to feel like "you" again? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression and / or have experienced trauma but haven't "faced" it because "there is not enough time" or because you've "dealt with it this long", I get it and I can help you find the joy in your life again.
I help women to better manage parenting, while maintaining her work/life balance. Is this you? Marriage and parenting are difficult. Often it is hard to find the energy to be patient, creative or loving. Do you struggle with solo parenting and feeling unseen? Do you want to feel more connected with your spouse? Do you want to feel like "you" again? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression and / or have experienced trauma but haven't "faced" it because "there is not enough time" or because you've "dealt with it this long", I get it and I can help you find the joy in your life again.
Valerie Yarema
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I believe growth happens best in the context of supportive relationships. Consequently, my style is dedicated to fostering trust and rapport between us, establishing a therapeutic space where you can cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion. My approach to therapy is nurturing, warm, and open, and my aim is to guide you towards discovering more moments of joy, hope, and peace in your everyday life. In our collaborative journey, we will reflect together, explore patterns, and unearth core beliefs. I use a strengths-based approach, building upon the strengths you already possess.
I believe growth happens best in the context of supportive relationships. Consequently, my style is dedicated to fostering trust and rapport between us, establishing a therapeutic space where you can cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion. My approach to therapy is nurturing, warm, and open, and my aim is to guide you towards discovering more moments of joy, hope, and peace in your everyday life. In our collaborative journey, we will reflect together, explore patterns, and unearth core beliefs. I use a strengths-based approach, building upon the strengths you already possess.
Julia Feil-Warren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am a licensed clinical social worker that uses a strength based and trauma informed approach to caring for my clients. My goal is to help you manage your anxiety, depression, anger and relationship issues. I have worked in community and public school-based settings providing individual and family therapy to children, teens and adults. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, solution-focused, problem-solving, mindfulness and grief and loss to help clients decrease and manage depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that uses a strength based and trauma informed approach to caring for my clients. My goal is to help you manage your anxiety, depression, anger and relationship issues. I have worked in community and public school-based settings providing individual and family therapy to children, teens and adults. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, solution-focused, problem-solving, mindfulness and grief and loss to help clients decrease and manage depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and relationship issues.
Yael Adef Eiserike
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90407 (Online Only)
As a lawyer-turned-therapist, I know the power of a good question. My clients are anxious professionals who have taken all the “right” steps only to wonder why they aren’t feeling satisfied. They share that I have helped them work through anxiety, insomnia, or stress from high-intensity careers. I enjoy helping people find sustainable work-life balance, in addition to moving through grief and loss. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a career, or way of life, I can be a strong partner for you. My pragmatic approach is tailored and collaborative, helping you identify and implement strategies to both resolve and prevent problems.
As a lawyer-turned-therapist, I know the power of a good question. My clients are anxious professionals who have taken all the “right” steps only to wonder why they aren’t feeling satisfied. They share that I have helped them work through anxiety, insomnia, or stress from high-intensity careers. I enjoy helping people find sustainable work-life balance, in addition to moving through grief and loss. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a career, or way of life, I can be a strong partner for you. My pragmatic approach is tailored and collaborative, helping you identify and implement strategies to both resolve and prevent problems.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
If you’re reading this right now, you might be feeling down, confused, and maybe even stuck with what to do or where to go. Life IS tough, and I want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. I feel deeply honored to help people explore, understand, and learn to accept themselves. I strive to create a casual, comfortable, and authentic feel to our therapy sessions to help us build a safe environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. My clients have commented and shared that they appreciate my genuine and compassionate nature, as well as my curiosity for them and their life stories.
If you’re reading this right now, you might be feeling down, confused, and maybe even stuck with what to do or where to go. Life IS tough, and I want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. I feel deeply honored to help people explore, understand, and learn to accept themselves. I strive to create a casual, comfortable, and authentic feel to our therapy sessions to help us build a safe environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. My clients have commented and shared that they appreciate my genuine and compassionate nature, as well as my curiosity for them and their life stories.
Eri Nagai Ashlock - Anxiety - Self Esteem
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I have joy, passion, and success working with minority, biracial, and 1st generation/immigrants who experience challenges adjusting to blended families and new/blended cultures. I help my clients identify reasonable solutions to current challenges and we collaborate to create coping skills that build resilience and allow you to thrive. My clients appreciate the gentle, warm, and supportive work we do together. They enjoy being seen, heard, and challenged to deepen self-awareness and overcome sadness, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and anxiety.
I have joy, passion, and success working with minority, biracial, and 1st generation/immigrants who experience challenges adjusting to blended families and new/blended cultures. I help my clients identify reasonable solutions to current challenges and we collaborate to create coping skills that build resilience and allow you to thrive. My clients appreciate the gentle, warm, and supportive work we do together. They enjoy being seen, heard, and challenged to deepen self-awareness and overcome sadness, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and anxiety.
Darcy Manav
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
My therapeutic intention is to cultivate a collaborative space to foster personal growth, healing and self-awareness. You will feel supported each step of the way as we navigate your inner landscape and life, identifying any issues keeping you feeling lost, stuck or disconnected. We’ll explore tools to promote emotional resilience, process unresolved traumas and experience a more grounded and empowered sense of self. Because therapy is not a one size fits all experience, sessions and treatment goals are tailored to meet your specific needs and desires for positive growth and change.
My therapeutic intention is to cultivate a collaborative space to foster personal growth, healing and self-awareness. You will feel supported each step of the way as we navigate your inner landscape and life, identifying any issues keeping you feeling lost, stuck or disconnected. We’ll explore tools to promote emotional resilience, process unresolved traumas and experience a more grounded and empowered sense of self. Because therapy is not a one size fits all experience, sessions and treatment goals are tailored to meet your specific needs and desires for positive growth and change.
Anne Ricketts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma, both developmental and shock. If you have experienced trauma then you know first hand how it can impact you in life, work, and relationships. There is possibility for real change. Science has discovered we can create new pathways in the brain, and the body is able to discharge trauma. I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also am trained in Brainspotting. Both modalities help heal trauma on a very deep organic level. Creating that change together is the journey that I am here to help support in my clients.
I specialize in trauma, both developmental and shock. If you have experienced trauma then you know first hand how it can impact you in life, work, and relationships. There is possibility for real change. Science has discovered we can create new pathways in the brain, and the body is able to discharge trauma. I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also am trained in Brainspotting. Both modalities help heal trauma on a very deep organic level. Creating that change together is the journey that I am here to help support in my clients.
Analia Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
I am a clinical social worker with a passion for working with clients who are new to mental health services, especially those from underserved populations. In my past experience, I've had the opportunity to provide telehealth services and witness the profound impact that accessible mental health care can have on clients. I enjoy building a strong therapeutic alliance and collaborating with clients in order to explore and discover what tools work best to address their counseling goals.
I am a clinical social worker with a passion for working with clients who are new to mental health services, especially those from underserved populations. In my past experience, I've had the opportunity to provide telehealth services and witness the profound impact that accessible mental health care can have on clients. I enjoy building a strong therapeutic alliance and collaborating with clients in order to explore and discover what tools work best to address their counseling goals.
Dr. Lauren Ahlquist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My goal as your therapist is to help you discover a deep sense of who you are so that you feel empowered to make choices for your life in line with your values. Together, we will explore root causes of current problems and work to change old patterns that are keeping you stuck. Throughout our work, you will learn new skills, gain self-awareness, and develop the courage to move towards greater freedom and joy.
My goal as your therapist is to help you discover a deep sense of who you are so that you feel empowered to make choices for your life in line with your values. Together, we will explore root causes of current problems and work to change old patterns that are keeping you stuck. Throughout our work, you will learn new skills, gain self-awareness, and develop the courage to move towards greater freedom and joy.
Jennifer Clarissa Alonzo
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Do you feel disconnected from people in your life? You are not alone. Relationships are often difficult because people struggle to connect with themselves. Connection is a basic human need. We long to connect with others and it starts by connecting with ourselves. This can be complicated by painful life experiences that lead to fear, mistrust, and hurt that can manifest in relationships with others, taint how we feel in the world at large, and impact how we see ourselves.
Do you feel disconnected from people in your life? You are not alone. Relationships are often difficult because people struggle to connect with themselves. Connection is a basic human need. We long to connect with others and it starts by connecting with ourselves. This can be complicated by painful life experiences that lead to fear, mistrust, and hurt that can manifest in relationships with others, taint how we feel in the world at large, and impact how we see ourselves.
Elena Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I believe in giving it to you straight wrapped with warmth and love. I believe we all have the power to make change but sometimes need a little help along the way.
I provide individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I have an array of experience from working to outpatient mental health clinics where I supervised psychology and social work interns to consulting at local schools to coordinating clinical programs.
In addition I also enjoy weaving eastern and western philosophies into my practice.
I believe in giving it to you straight wrapped with warmth and love. I believe we all have the power to make change but sometimes need a little help along the way.
I provide individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I have an array of experience from working to outpatient mental health clinics where I supervised psychology and social work interns to consulting at local schools to coordinating clinical programs.
In addition I also enjoy weaving eastern and western philosophies into my practice.
Robin S Cohen
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
An examined life IS worth living. In this stressful world, many of us are troubled by anxiety, worry, sadness and depression, as well as frustration in our relationships. Although it is easy to feel helpless to make changes in our lives, I have been a part of many amazing transformations coming about through therapy. Therapy is a collaboration and I am dedicated to and active in the process. I have extensive training and experience and I use a multiplicity of approaches, including psychotherapy, relational psychoanalysis, hypnosis, EMDR, somatic and mindfulness practices, to help change the mind and the brain.
An examined life IS worth living. In this stressful world, many of us are troubled by anxiety, worry, sadness and depression, as well as frustration in our relationships. Although it is easy to feel helpless to make changes in our lives, I have been a part of many amazing transformations coming about through therapy. Therapy is a collaboration and I am dedicated to and active in the process. I have extensive training and experience and I use a multiplicity of approaches, including psychotherapy, relational psychoanalysis, hypnosis, EMDR, somatic and mindfulness practices, to help change the mind and the brain.
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.