Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Donald Schultz
Psychologist, PhD, ADODTS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Baby Boomers, those Americans born between 1946 and 1964, constitute about 30% of the US population, and are living significantly longer lives than any past generation did. How you prepare for your middle and late adulthood determines the conclusion and quite possibly the meaning of your life. I can help you develop a personal, individualized roadmap to happiness, fulfillment and especially, meaning.
The Baby Boomers, those Americans born between 1946 and 1964, constitute about 30% of the US population, and are living significantly longer lives than any past generation did. How you prepare for your middle and late adulthood determines the conclusion and quite possibly the meaning of your life. I can help you develop a personal, individualized roadmap to happiness, fulfillment and especially, meaning.
Maggie Gwinn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Creative people interest me--including those for whom the desire to create remains unfulfilled. I want to help you realize your potential as an artist and work through issues that prevent you from achieving your artistic and professional goals. Not infrequently, professional success (or lack of it) taxes one's relationships or allows one to avoid the arena of personal relationships entirely. We will explore the path of the creative life, with all its roses and thorns. Our goal is to locate that unique creative energy within you and to allow it expression within the context of a rich and rewarding personal life.
Creative people interest me--including those for whom the desire to create remains unfulfilled. I want to help you realize your potential as an artist and work through issues that prevent you from achieving your artistic and professional goals. Not infrequently, professional success (or lack of it) taxes one's relationships or allows one to avoid the arena of personal relationships entirely. We will explore the path of the creative life, with all its roses and thorns. Our goal is to locate that unique creative energy within you and to allow it expression within the context of a rich and rewarding personal life.
Paulina Solis-Loza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck or having a hard time coping? I specialize in working with women in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety, depression and self-confidence issues that may be preventing them from enjoying life to its fullest. In our work together, we may also focus on processing unresolved trauma and attachment issues that may be impacting your current relationships. We'll discuss how to navigate dating, relationship issues, and breakups. My goal is to help you connect with your emotions, navigate overwhelming feelings, and increase your coping skills in order to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
Are you feeling stuck or having a hard time coping? I specialize in working with women in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety, depression and self-confidence issues that may be preventing them from enjoying life to its fullest. In our work together, we may also focus on processing unresolved trauma and attachment issues that may be impacting your current relationships. We'll discuss how to navigate dating, relationship issues, and breakups. My goal is to help you connect with your emotions, navigate overwhelming feelings, and increase your coping skills in order to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
Megan Cser Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I am committed to helping clients formulate and realize their goals for their lives and relationships based on the values that are important to them. Grounded in research and clinical experience, I view the therapeutic relationship as an active partnership through which I assist clients with better understanding themselves and the ways in which they relate to others and the world. From there, I work with clients to identify opportunities for change and to develop and implement new tools in line with their distinct objectives.
I am committed to helping clients formulate and realize their goals for their lives and relationships based on the values that are important to them. Grounded in research and clinical experience, I view the therapeutic relationship as an active partnership through which I assist clients with better understanding themselves and the ways in which they relate to others and the world. From there, I work with clients to identify opportunities for change and to develop and implement new tools in line with their distinct objectives.
Ava Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
Patrycja (Pati) Szafran
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Hi! I’m Pati, and I’m so glad you're here seeking support. I offer help for families looking to improve their home environments, and support to kids and young adults struggling with relationships, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My clients often face the burden of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that affect their daily lives. Even if they appear fine on the outside, the persistent anxiety, obsessions, or rituals impact their relationships, school, or work. I use effective evidence-based treatments like ERP, with great success in providing relief and offering hope for an easier future.
Hi! I’m Pati, and I’m so glad you're here seeking support. I offer help for families looking to improve their home environments, and support to kids and young adults struggling with relationships, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My clients often face the burden of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that affect their daily lives. Even if they appear fine on the outside, the persistent anxiety, obsessions, or rituals impact their relationships, school, or work. I use effective evidence-based treatments like ERP, with great success in providing relief and offering hope for an easier future.
Brittany Couture
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PsyD, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Dr. Brittany Couture. In my virtual therapy practice I welcome individuals and couples with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and identities as well as all kinds of relationships. I am passionate about working with patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationships, motherhood, life transitions and those who are suffering from inner conflicts and/or life stressors. I specialize in anxiety and relationship counseling. I can help you create strong and healthy relationships and develop emotional connections.
Hi, I’m Dr. Brittany Couture. In my virtual therapy practice I welcome individuals and couples with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and identities as well as all kinds of relationships. I am passionate about working with patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationships, motherhood, life transitions and those who are suffering from inner conflicts and/or life stressors. I specialize in anxiety and relationship counseling. I can help you create strong and healthy relationships and develop emotional connections.
Positive Psychology Ctr - Dr John Drimmer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Not accepting new clients
I use Positive Psychology to inspire and help people thrive. I'm told I'm warm, down to earth, and that I have a good sense of humor. I believe therapy needs to show results. Not years later — but soon. I see both individuals and couples. My approach combines Positive Psychology and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), with mindfulness and a powerful mix of the best approaches known to modern psychology. I take an uplifting holistic approach
I use Positive Psychology to inspire and help people thrive. I'm told I'm warm, down to earth, and that I have a good sense of humor. I believe therapy needs to show results. Not years later — but soon. I see both individuals and couples. My approach combines Positive Psychology and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), with mindfulness and a powerful mix of the best approaches known to modern psychology. I take an uplifting holistic approach
Kathryn Sparks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402
With a background in the entertainment business, I have always been fascinated with other people and their stories. I see therapy as a creative, collaborative process in which I work closely with individuals, couples and families to find new ways of understanding their unique narrative. I believe I can help clients find acceptance, empowerment and purpose.
With a background in the entertainment business, I have always been fascinated with other people and their stories. I see therapy as a creative, collaborative process in which I work closely with individuals, couples and families to find new ways of understanding their unique narrative. I believe I can help clients find acceptance, empowerment and purpose.
Natalie Kazarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Beginning therapy takes courage and you've already taken the first step. My goal is to help you create a more fulfilling life. I provide a safe space to work collaboratively with you. I will listen and use my knowledge base to help address the parts of your life that feel challenging. I work in both short term and long term treatment modalities.
Beginning therapy takes courage and you've already taken the first step. My goal is to help you create a more fulfilling life. I provide a safe space to work collaboratively with you. I will listen and use my knowledge base to help address the parts of your life that feel challenging. I work in both short term and long term treatment modalities.
Natalia Boucher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Welcome! The challenges of everyday living can seem overwhelming. Life at times presents us with struggles and setbacks, but sometimes the same problems will keep on recurring unless you make a change. Therapy can help you find the underlying causes of why you feel the way you do and finally move towards relief. I would be honored to work together with you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. My therapy style offers a safe, warm and compassionate environment while encouraging my clients to recognize their strengths and weaknesses within themselves.
Welcome! The challenges of everyday living can seem overwhelming. Life at times presents us with struggles and setbacks, but sometimes the same problems will keep on recurring unless you make a change. Therapy can help you find the underlying causes of why you feel the way you do and finally move towards relief. I would be honored to work together with you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. My therapy style offers a safe, warm and compassionate environment while encouraging my clients to recognize their strengths and weaknesses within themselves.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Being and feeling seen is healing. I believe that healing is a deep understanding of our past and ownership of the future we are creating for ourselves. I support clients who feel unprepared for life, love, or parenting. Maybe you have found yourself noticing unhealed stuff; sensations, thoughts, urges or feelings that are too big to ignore? You're not alone, growing into our best self requires self awareness and now that you have that the rest can become clearer. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life takes courage, I am here to support you in evolving on purpose
Being and feeling seen is healing. I believe that healing is a deep understanding of our past and ownership of the future we are creating for ourselves. I support clients who feel unprepared for life, love, or parenting. Maybe you have found yourself noticing unhealed stuff; sensations, thoughts, urges or feelings that are too big to ignore? You're not alone, growing into our best self requires self awareness and now that you have that the rest can become clearer. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life takes courage, I am here to support you in evolving on purpose
Leslie E
Pre-Licensed Professional, PPSC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
You work, pay bills, socialize, maybe exercise (or not) and wake up to do it all over again. There is more to life than running the “rat race”. If you are starting to question your values, your thought processes, even your choices because you know there is more; Let’s dig a little deeper. Let us take a journey in your life by going back to childhood experiences that have shaped you or at the minimum, had some effect on your current position in life. Addressing personal, relational, and professional issues can be difficult but from the famous saying “whether you believe that you can or cannot you are right.”
You work, pay bills, socialize, maybe exercise (or not) and wake up to do it all over again. There is more to life than running the “rat race”. If you are starting to question your values, your thought processes, even your choices because you know there is more; Let’s dig a little deeper. Let us take a journey in your life by going back to childhood experiences that have shaped you or at the minimum, had some effect on your current position in life. Addressing personal, relational, and professional issues can be difficult but from the famous saying “whether you believe that you can or cannot you are right.”
Nay Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specializes in MFT and ABA. While working with clients, I supports their work by identifying behavior patterns, identifying healthy replacement behaviors, and support my client’s understanding of emotional and cognitive states. Through the understanding of the self, my clients learn how their behaviors impact their environments. And more importantly how they can make changes to enhance their life, relationships, and experiences in their daily environments. I have experience working with adults, couples, groups, and children.
I specializes in MFT and ABA. While working with clients, I supports their work by identifying behavior patterns, identifying healthy replacement behaviors, and support my client’s understanding of emotional and cognitive states. Through the understanding of the self, my clients learn how their behaviors impact their environments. And more importantly how they can make changes to enhance their life, relationships, and experiences in their daily environments. I have experience working with adults, couples, groups, and children.
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.
Adrienne Salick
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specialize in therapy with children, adolescents, parents, and families, dealing with life transitions and crises impacting social, emotional, academic, and interpersonal functioning. Goals may include working through a difficult transition, relieving specific troubling symptoms, building coping strategies to manage difficult feelings (anxiety, depression, frustration), improving communication, improving the quality of relationships, increasing social skills, reducing conflict, improving conflict resolution and problem solving skills, and gaining greater insight and awareness for personal growth.
I specialize in therapy with children, adolescents, parents, and families, dealing with life transitions and crises impacting social, emotional, academic, and interpersonal functioning. Goals may include working through a difficult transition, relieving specific troubling symptoms, building coping strategies to manage difficult feelings (anxiety, depression, frustration), improving communication, improving the quality of relationships, increasing social skills, reducing conflict, improving conflict resolution and problem solving skills, and gaining greater insight and awareness for personal growth.
Meggie Purpura
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Are you struggling to confidently engage in your life and relationships because of anxiety or a negative internal voice? My approach is kind, curious, and collaborative as we explore how you got here and identify the steps needed to make empowered changes in your life. We will challenge outdated belief systems and shift behavioral patterns that are negatively impacting your confidence and self-worth. I create a safe and trusting space to process and heal from past traumas, and to work through difficult relational dynamics. I'll be your compassionate and supportive guide as you build an independent and more meaningful life.
Are you struggling to confidently engage in your life and relationships because of anxiety or a negative internal voice? My approach is kind, curious, and collaborative as we explore how you got here and identify the steps needed to make empowered changes in your life. We will challenge outdated belief systems and shift behavioral patterns that are negatively impacting your confidence and self-worth. I create a safe and trusting space to process and heal from past traumas, and to work through difficult relational dynamics. I'll be your compassionate and supportive guide as you build an independent and more meaningful life.
Nicole Widmyer Perkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Are you feeling stuck, alone or uncertain in where you want to go in your life? Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? You have taken the first step toward improving the quality of your life. I can help you with the next step, which is to develop insight into your thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns to help you make lasting changes to achieve greater satisfaction in your relationships and in your life.
Are you feeling stuck, alone or uncertain in where you want to go in your life? Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? You have taken the first step toward improving the quality of your life. I can help you with the next step, which is to develop insight into your thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns to help you make lasting changes to achieve greater satisfaction in your relationships and in your life.
Susan Kleinman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I offer and prefer to deliver services via TeleHealth, but I am also open to meeting you in person if it's imperative to the meaningfulness of our work together. I have specific experience in helping those with Trauma, Maternity issues, Relationship issues (family or couples), Lupus and specifically those who suffer from neurological movement disorders such Tourette's disorder, Parkinson's or TD.
I offer and prefer to deliver services via TeleHealth, but I am also open to meeting you in person if it's imperative to the meaningfulness of our work together. I have specific experience in helping those with Trauma, Maternity issues, Relationship issues (family or couples), Lupus and specifically those who suffer from neurological movement disorders such Tourette's disorder, Parkinson's or TD.
Emily Caroline Pernoll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
My deepest intention is to grow compassion and human connection. My greatest hope through our work together is for you to know you are whole and worthy of love and belonging. With over 10 years as a therapist, educator and mindfulness facilitator, I offer integrative psychotherapy, spiritual coaching and group programs. My work is informed by mindfulness and compassion practices, the neuroscience of trauma and attachment and the mind-body connection.
My deepest intention is to grow compassion and human connection. My greatest hope through our work together is for you to know you are whole and worthy of love and belonging. With over 10 years as a therapist, educator and mindfulness facilitator, I offer integrative psychotherapy, spiritual coaching and group programs. My work is informed by mindfulness and compassion practices, the neuroscience of trauma and attachment and the mind-body connection.
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.