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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
Addiction recovery in Santa Monica doesn't mean going it alone. Headway's network includes providers specializing in substance use disorders, cravings management, and withdrawal support through modalities like ACT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Schedule a free intake call and connect with someone experienced—availability within days.
I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.
I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.
I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.
I'm a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (English and Spanish) with 13 years of clinical experience, and I work entirely via telehealth across California. My clients range from children and adolescents to adults and seniors, and often I'm working with whole families at once.
A lot of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or major life transitions, and many are doing it while also managing the weight of cultural expectations, immigration history, or intergenerational patterns that don't always have easy names.
My sessions are judgment-free, bicultural, and built around what actually helps you move forward.
I help Gen Zers and Millennials to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress that the fast-paced world of today causes. Whether the ever-evolving world is making it difficult for you to navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, parenthood, work pressures, romantic partnerships, emotional trauma, or interpersonal relationships, I am prepared to aid in rebuilding your confidence and developing a powerful toolkit for combatting mental health blocks.
As a proud Mexican woman, it’s important to me to provide a space for marginalized groups to feel understood and validated. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply passionate about supporting the queer community with compassion and empathy. I am also sex-positive and have helped many of my clients overcome barriers and concerns regarding sex and physical intimacy.
I graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2016. I began seeing clients in 2014, and in the years since, I have worked in substance abuse programs, behavioral health hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and numerous group practices. Today, I enjoy managing my own practice and seeing my clients thrive as they tackle treatment goals. I am located in Los Angeles and am exclusively offering virtual therapy at this time, making it convenient for you to meet for your sessions in the comfort of your chosen space.
I've built my career working in adult medicine, with a deep focus on addiction and medication assisted treatment. Anxiety and depression are areas where I find this work especially rewarding. Regardless of what brings you here, I come to every session with genuine curiosity and a commitment to building real rapport. I see clients virtually, and I keep afternoon and evening hours on weekdays so scheduling can work around your life. Strong patient retention has always been a hallmark of how I practice, and I look forward to building that same kind of relationship with you.
I am a LCSW. My background includes working in the prison system, medical social work, school social work and the foster care system. I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ people, veterans, trauma victims, first responders, and survivors of domestic abuse.
I have always had a deep passion for working with children, teens, and their families. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, which I earned in 2012. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young people through many of life’s challenges.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with individuals across ages, cultures, and experiences. This connection is grounded in authenticity and relatability, which is nurtured through a strong therapeutic alliance. I believe therapy offers a safe space to explore, learn, and grow—and I strive to help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop into their best selves.
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist for more than 13 years. I have worked with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
My goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and many of the other effects and challenges.
Thank you for considering me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California where I studied Adult Mental Health an Wellness and Military Social Work. I specialize in the Veteran and First Responder populations.
My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.
Hey there! You being here is huge, and I am honored to partner with you on your journey toward wellness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and U.S. Navy veteran, having earned both my BA and Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. My professional background includes extensive experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, specializing in helping individuals navigate complex psychosocial needs, trauma, and substance use. Ultimately, I am deeply committed to helping you break down life's barriers, adapt to major transitions, and successfully reclaim your stability
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use located within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 100%Anxiety
- 93%PTSD
- 93%Depression
- 88%Stress management

- 100%Aetna
- 76%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 62%Cigna
- 60%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 50%Providence Health Plan

- 95%English
- 10%Spanish
- 7%Armenian
- 5%Farsi
- 5%French

- 100%In-person or online

- 52%Woman
- 45%Man
- 2%Non-binary

- 62%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 19%Nurse Practitioner
- 10%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 5%Clinical Psychologist
- 2%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 55%Family therapy
- 45%Couples therapy
- 21%Child or adolescent therapy
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