Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Erica Stephenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Not accepting new clients
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues in adolescents and young adults experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, peer issues, and school performance. I find it is so important to help adolescents, especially females, in their transition to young adulthood with a sense of self, worth, and purpose. With adults, I specialize in looking at life transitions and past experiences to bring about lasting change for the future.
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues in adolescents and young adults experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, peer issues, and school performance. I find it is so important to help adolescents, especially females, in their transition to young adulthood with a sense of self, worth, and purpose. With adults, I specialize in looking at life transitions and past experiences to bring about lasting change for the future.
Executive And Couples Therapist - Josh Ciszek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Accepting new clients! Are you an Executive or in a Leadership position? Congratulations! I was too and discovered that nothing prepares you for the lonely burden of carrying the weight of the business, the employees and the board of directors on your shoulders. Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, a lack of life balance and relationship struggles are big trade-offs to holding leadership roles. Mentors and coaches are great, but many aren't licensed to go deeper into feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress. You and I will unpack these challenges and move through them together. Speaking of relationships...
Accepting new clients! Are you an Executive or in a Leadership position? Congratulations! I was too and discovered that nothing prepares you for the lonely burden of carrying the weight of the business, the employees and the board of directors on your shoulders. Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, a lack of life balance and relationship struggles are big trade-offs to holding leadership roles. Mentors and coaches are great, but many aren't licensed to go deeper into feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress. You and I will unpack these challenges and move through them together. Speaking of relationships...
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.
Seana Diemer Iwanyk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
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.
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.
Sophie Halavy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My goal as your therapist is to guide you in developing a deeper understanding of your identity, empowering you to make life choices that align with your values. Collaboratively, we will explore how past experiences have shaped present challenges, examining their impact on your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Within our therapeutic relationship, I prioritize authenticity, humor, warmth, and a sense of safety. This commitment creates a safe space for you to further your self-awareness and develop skills necessary to foster positive behavioral and emotional changes.
My goal as your therapist is to guide you in developing a deeper understanding of your identity, empowering you to make life choices that align with your values. Collaboratively, we will explore how past experiences have shaped present challenges, examining their impact on your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Within our therapeutic relationship, I prioritize authenticity, humor, warmth, and a sense of safety. This commitment creates a safe space for you to further your self-awareness and develop skills necessary to foster positive behavioral and emotional changes.
Jane Bryson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I provide a caring & objective atmosphere to encourage your self-awareness and emotional growth. One rare, unifying finding among all specialities of psychotherapy is that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to success. Therefore, I will be your partner throughout the process, both supporting & challenging you along the way. During the over 35 years I have provided therapy, I have developed many approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach now is eclectic and includes cognitive behavior therapy to facilitate observable change.
I provide a caring & objective atmosphere to encourage your self-awareness and emotional growth. One rare, unifying finding among all specialities of psychotherapy is that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to success. Therefore, I will be your partner throughout the process, both supporting & challenging you along the way. During the over 35 years I have provided therapy, I have developed many approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach now is eclectic and includes cognitive behavior therapy to facilitate observable change.
Joyce Houser
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Love, work, and emotional health are the areas that challenge us. Whether you are single or in a relationship, love can be tough to find or keep. Don't settle for loneliness, fights, circular arguments or cold distance. Good communication can be learned. Affairs can often be survived. In your work life, are you suffering from anxiety, perfectionism, lack of confidence, or time crunch? I understand the specific challenges of being in the business world, and the needs of sensitive, creative personalities. Read what I have written about these subjects on my blog at: http://joycehouser.com/blog/
Love, work, and emotional health are the areas that challenge us. Whether you are single or in a relationship, love can be tough to find or keep. Don't settle for loneliness, fights, circular arguments or cold distance. Good communication can be learned. Affairs can often be survived. In your work life, are you suffering from anxiety, perfectionism, lack of confidence, or time crunch? I understand the specific challenges of being in the business world, and the needs of sensitive, creative personalities. Read what I have written about these subjects on my blog at: http://joycehouser.com/blog/
Leah Matson Ph.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Welcome on your search for a therapist. I love being a part of your experience, and I have spent my life training for and providing deep participation in improving the quality of life for my clients. Having been a teacher of psychology for years at Antioch University, Los Angeles, I will provide a full spectrum of theory and tools to use for your new life choices and design. I have had a private practice since 1990, and have seen the inspiring efforts that clients make, often in the face of great difficulty, to wrestle with their problems of living.
Welcome on your search for a therapist. I love being a part of your experience, and I have spent my life training for and providing deep participation in improving the quality of life for my clients. Having been a teacher of psychology for years at Antioch University, Los Angeles, I will provide a full spectrum of theory and tools to use for your new life choices and design. I have had a private practice since 1990, and have seen the inspiring efforts that clients make, often in the face of great difficulty, to wrestle with their problems of living.
Flow House Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Yay! You’re thinking about trying therapy, but going through these profiles is A LOT. Life is overwhelming enough, let us help make this part easy. Schedule a free consult call, have a nice little chat, and get matched immediately with someone personally chosen for you. There are 8 of us - with different styles, personalities, specialities, and schedules - so odds are high of finding a good match.
Yay! You’re thinking about trying therapy, but going through these profiles is A LOT. Life is overwhelming enough, let us help make this part easy. Schedule a free consult call, have a nice little chat, and get matched immediately with someone personally chosen for you. There are 8 of us - with different styles, personalities, specialities, and schedules - so odds are high of finding a good match.
Dr. Margie Mirell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? To help you recover and gain a sense of healthy self-esteem, I have specialized techniques for dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, sexual issues, addiction, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. Sometimes we need to talk it out. Not for sympathy, but to find truth that guides us to our purpose and peace within ourselves. Discover satisfaction in every aspect of your life. I can teach you to avoid pain, change behavior patterns, and dialogue for more creative, productive, and healing solutions.
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? To help you recover and gain a sense of healthy self-esteem, I have specialized techniques for dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, sexual issues, addiction, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. Sometimes we need to talk it out. Not for sympathy, but to find truth that guides us to our purpose and peace within ourselves. Discover satisfaction in every aspect of your life. I can teach you to avoid pain, change behavior patterns, and dialogue for more creative, productive, and healing solutions.
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.
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Caitlin Blue
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
I am looking to create solid therapeutic alliances to help my clients further their understanding of psychological patterns and unconscious motivations.
I am looking to create solid therapeutic alliances to help my clients further their understanding of psychological patterns and unconscious motivations.
Bridget Ann (Benninger) Kushwah
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMIP, CIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Finding fulfillment and meaning in life isn’t easy. Just when we think we have it together, new circumstances pull us apart. When we experience stress, anxiety and depression, it is important to find support. Trauma, relationship conflicts, transitioning to a new phase of life such as parenthood, feeling lost or confused. All these situations deserve attention and compassion. I am here to support you in finding stability, balance, and fulfillment. I work well with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children because I am passionate about building healthier relationships and facilitating positive development and growth.
Finding fulfillment and meaning in life isn’t easy. Just when we think we have it together, new circumstances pull us apart. When we experience stress, anxiety and depression, it is important to find support. Trauma, relationship conflicts, transitioning to a new phase of life such as parenthood, feeling lost or confused. All these situations deserve attention and compassion. I am here to support you in finding stability, balance, and fulfillment. I work well with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children because I am passionate about building healthier relationships and facilitating positive development and growth.
Stacey Sampo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hi, I’m Stacey. Whether your child has struggled for a while or has just recently started to exhibit certain behaviors, I know it's never easy to ask for help - which is why I'm so glad you're here. I believe children are always moving towards wholeness but sometimes need help from compassionate and knowledgeable adults. My work with your child will integrate the science of interpersonal neurobiology, child development, trauma-informed care, expressive arts, and play to strengthen the understanding, love, and security between you and your child.
Hi, I’m Stacey. Whether your child has struggled for a while or has just recently started to exhibit certain behaviors, I know it's never easy to ask for help - which is why I'm so glad you're here. I believe children are always moving towards wholeness but sometimes need help from compassionate and knowledgeable adults. My work with your child will integrate the science of interpersonal neurobiology, child development, trauma-informed care, expressive arts, and play to strengthen the understanding, love, and security between you and your child.
Mick Kubiak
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
You have the answers you seek inside you, but something is in the way of you accessing your inner knowing. My job as a therapist is to help you reconnect and remember, and to offer you tools for working (and playing) with the fears and anxieties that make life more challenging than it needs to be.
You have the answers you seek inside you, but something is in the way of you accessing your inner knowing. My job as a therapist is to help you reconnect and remember, and to offer you tools for working (and playing) with the fears and anxieties that make life more challenging than it needs to be.
Lisa A. Golden
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I work with Adults of all ages, from 18 to the end of life. I have extensive experience treating couples and families, and have special skills around family adjustment to health crises. I like to work with parents of teens and parents of newborns as well as couples considering children and even coping with aging parents. I work with many individual adults facing normal life stressors as well as more significant issues such as chronic anxiety, and depression.I see Spanish speaking individuals and couples. I have worked with many families of Veterans and other patients with traumatic injuries of all kinds.
I work with Adults of all ages, from 18 to the end of life. I have extensive experience treating couples and families, and have special skills around family adjustment to health crises. I like to work with parents of teens and parents of newborns as well as couples considering children and even coping with aging parents. I work with many individual adults facing normal life stressors as well as more significant issues such as chronic anxiety, and depression.I see Spanish speaking individuals and couples. I have worked with many families of Veterans and other patients with traumatic injuries of all kinds.
Darlene Lancer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Online Only)
Relationships bring happiness, but also create longing and loneliness. They can preoccupy us and destroy our sense of safety and self-respect. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, afraid, or lost, or are unable to decide about staying or leaving, have irresolvable conflicts, unmet needs, or feel devalued, I can help - also if you seek guidance with codependency, trauma, communication, intimacy or self-esteem. You'll gain awareness in your first session and quickly see changes in handling emotions, conflict, and boundaries. Whether seeking individual or couple counseling, you'll find solutions, empower, and an improved sense of well-being
Relationships bring happiness, but also create longing and loneliness. They can preoccupy us and destroy our sense of safety and self-respect. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, afraid, or lost, or are unable to decide about staying or leaving, have irresolvable conflicts, unmet needs, or feel devalued, I can help - also if you seek guidance with codependency, trauma, communication, intimacy or self-esteem. You'll gain awareness in your first session and quickly see changes in handling emotions, conflict, and boundaries. Whether seeking individual or couple counseling, you'll find solutions, empower, and an improved sense of well-being
Heidi Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
She specializes in working with individual clients experiencing low self-esteem, family of origin issues, childhood relational trauma, difficulties with assertiveness, and existential concerns. Using an integrative approach tailored to the needs of the individual, she strives to help her clients understand and find practical ways to cope with their challenges. She primarily draws upon person-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches to therapy. As your therapist, she aims to create a warm, respectful, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences.
She specializes in working with individual clients experiencing low self-esteem, family of origin issues, childhood relational trauma, difficulties with assertiveness, and existential concerns. Using an integrative approach tailored to the needs of the individual, she strives to help her clients understand and find practical ways to cope with their challenges. She primarily draws upon person-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches to therapy. As your therapist, she aims to create a warm, respectful, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences.
Allison Nurse-Hofer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
You've been feeling like your life just wasn’t supposed to go this way… like you were once on solid ground, but now you’re swimming through quicksand. Maybe the pain of infertility or miscarriage has left you feeling completely hopeless...or you're a new mom wondering why no one ever told you how tough it would be. Maybe difficult memories you thought you'd buried long ago are beginning to sabotage your life…or the promising future you were headed for as an athlete, dancer or performing artist seems to have vanished. You feel lost in an overwhelming sea of emotion..things just aren’t working out…something has got to change.
You've been feeling like your life just wasn’t supposed to go this way… like you were once on solid ground, but now you’re swimming through quicksand. Maybe the pain of infertility or miscarriage has left you feeling completely hopeless...or you're a new mom wondering why no one ever told you how tough it would be. Maybe difficult memories you thought you'd buried long ago are beginning to sabotage your life…or the promising future you were headed for as an athlete, dancer or performing artist seems to have vanished. You feel lost in an overwhelming sea of emotion..things just aren’t working out…something has got to change.
Allan Silverstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
A good therapist has wisdom, compassion and the ability to connect deeply with you, while creating a safe healing environment. These are among the strengths that my patients ascribed to me during my many years as a Pediatrician... and that ultimately led me to a career in psychotherapy. Having raised two preadolescent daughters after my wife died, I have experienced many of life's tragedies, celebrations, anxieties and fears. With empathy, expertise, and kindness, I've helped countless individuals and families work through their issues. I would look forward to doing the same with you. I employ HUMOR when appropriate and useful.
A good therapist has wisdom, compassion and the ability to connect deeply with you, while creating a safe healing environment. These are among the strengths that my patients ascribed to me during my many years as a Pediatrician... and that ultimately led me to a career in psychotherapy. Having raised two preadolescent daughters after my wife died, I have experienced many of life's tragedies, celebrations, anxieties and fears. With empathy, expertise, and kindness, I've helped countless individuals and families work through their issues. I would look forward to doing the same with you. I employ HUMOR when appropriate and useful.
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.