Find a therapist in Santa Monica, CA — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Santa Monica, CA accepting new patients
Mental health care in Santa Monica is accessible through Headway's network of 8,405 providers. Whether you're in Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, West LA, or beyond, find compassionate support through virtual or in-person sessions covered by insurance with copays starting at $0.
Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.
My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.
I am licensed clinical psychologist in California. I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and MA in Counseling Psychology.
I am trained in the depth psychological tradition (psychoanalytic psychotherapy, psychodynamic and Jungian/analytic psychology). I listen to how deep-rooted beliefs, current dilemmas in daily life, socio-cultural factors, and emotional responses are communicating through the expression of psychological symptoms.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I’m a warm and compassionate therapist with several years of experience working in mental health. I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and work with people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply. I take a collaborative approach, tailoring our sessions to your unique needs and goals. My priority is creating a space where you feel supported, seen, and safe to explore whatever comes up.
Shana Bujake is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. She specializes in working with individuals who are recovering from narcissistic abuse, navigating life transitions, or struggling with relationship challenges and self-worth.
With a strong background in trauma-informed care, she provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, gain clarity, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Her work is deeply rooted in helping clients build resilience and create meaningful change in their lives.
Dr. Bacher is a holistic, trauma-informed psychologist with over 15 years experience working at many of the top residential treatment centers in the U.S. and Europe. He specializes in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship issues, and addiction. Dr. Bacher completed his undergraduate work in Psychology at Georgetown University, and his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. His dissertation research focused on Positive Psychology--specifically meaning making--and how to cultivate positive strengths in individuals.
I’m Emmanuel Garcia, a Mexican American therapist, first-generation college graduate, and founder of Radiate Hope Therapy. I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents navigating trauma, substance use, identity struggles, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Many of the people I work with feel weighed down by emotions or uncertain about their direction, especially during sobriety or recovery.
Growing up, I witnessed how mental health was often stigmatized and silenced, especially for men in Latino communities. I know how isolating that silence can feel. My own journey through therapy and recovery taught me that true strength isn’t in staying quiet, it’s in showing up for yourself and beginning to heal. That lived experience shapes the empathy, understanding, and care I bring to every session.
Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.
I have had the privilege of doing this work for more than 30 years, learning along the way and stopping only to learn more.
It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA
- 99%Anxiety
- 94%Relationship issues
- 93%Depression
- 85%Stress management
- 83%Family issues
- 99%Aetna
- 63%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 61%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 54%Providence Health Plan
- 49%Cigna
- 95%English
- 12%Spanish
- 7%Farsi
- 3%Armenian
- 2%French
- 96%In-person or online
- 4%In-person only
- 67%Woman
- 31%Man
- 2%Non-binary
- 65%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 13%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 5%Nurse Practitioner
- 100%Individual therapy
- 35%Family therapy
- 29%Couples therapy
- 12%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in Santa Monica
Searching for therapists in Santa Monica starts with finding someone whose training matches the kind of support you want. Therapists may focus on concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, work stress, or life transitions. As you compare options, look for specialties and approaches that match your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, or couples counseling. A therapist’s profile can also show how they describe their style, what to expect in sessions, and who they commonly work with.
In a smaller local market like Santa Monica, your best-fit therapist may be nearby, or they may offer virtual appointments from another part of California. In-person care may be easier if you want an office near your home, work, or regular route through Santa Monica, West LA, Brentwood, or Pacific Palisades. Virtual care can expand your options if you need more schedule flexibility or want to compare more therapists who are licensed in California. Before booking, check whether the therapist is accepting new patients, has appointment times that fit your calendar, offers a free phone consultation, and explains their approach clearly in their bio.
Therapy in Santa Monica can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you search for therapists who are accepting new patients, confirm your insurance details, and see an estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. You can browse profiles, compare virtual and in-person availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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