Find an Aetna therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Monica, CA covered by Aetna
Top Aetna-covered therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
Find Aetna-covered mental health support in Santa Monica with Headway. Access 8,607 licensed providers for talk therapy and medication management, with copays around $30. Sessions are available in-person or virtually, often starting within days.
You know those moments of feeling truly authentic with another person, when you are real, not hiding, and seen with eyes of love and non judgement? It can be a rare moment. As a therapist what I love most is the authentic and honest connection with my clients. I have loved connecting with others since childhood. This led me on a path of becoming a high school teacher, a social worker, to opening my own therapy private practice.
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Brown University. Since 2008, I’ve maintained a private therapy practice in Los Angeles, working with adults, teens, and parents, and facilitating support groups for families and youth, and leading educational workshops for parents.
My professional training includes certification as an Insight Mindfulness Teacher, completion of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and specialized programs in family and adolescent psychology through organizations such as Spirit Rock, The Gottman Institute, and the Maple Counseling Center. I have also worked as a Special Education teacher in LAUSD.
I continue to learn and evolve through my wonderful clients and the myriad of life experiences they bring into the room.
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.
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.
I work collaboratively to explore patterns that may leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy can offer space to gain insight and create meaningful change. I specialize in working with those who overthink, worry, people-please, struggle with boundaries, or put others’ needs first. Therapy can help you better understand these patterns, develop a stronger sense of self, and build practical coping skills. I offer an open, nonjudgmental space to explore these topics with compassion and a sense of humor.
Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor University and post master’s from Maryville University in St. Louis. Also board certified in Ambulatory Care and have been caring for people with mental health issues in/out of the hospital for over 18 years. I have a strong critical care background and treat different issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, men’s health issues, postpartum depression amongst others.
What type of therapy does Aetna cover?
Aetna plans can vary, but many cover a range of therapy types. Below are some common options that may be included in your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Affordable care that fits you — and your Aetna plan
Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.