Book grief and loss therapy, covered by insurance
Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Monica, CA


Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Loss of a loved one—whether a parent, partner, sibling, or friend—deserves compassionate care. Santa Monica residents can find grief counseling and trauma-informed support through Headway's network of providers trained in Complicated Grief Treatment and meaning-making approaches. Sessions are flexible, affordable, and often covered by insurance.
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.
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 partner with clients to support healing, growth, and positive transformation. I offer an intimate space that’s grounded in empathy and curiosity. But I'm also real, direct, and sometimes a little playful. Therapy with me isn’t stiff or clinical; it's human, heartfelt, and intuitive. I’ve helped clients reframe and navigate anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, depression, and shame, offering relief from painful symptoms and limiting beliefs. I’m EMDR trained and bring over 25 years of yoga and meditation practice into the room with us.
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.
I am Amaka Iheaka, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 8 years of inpatient mental health experience. My path in mental health began as a mental health worker and progressed through nursing and leadership roles, including charge nurse and house supervisor. That's given me broad experience with a wide range of mental health needs. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and veterans from diverse backgrounds and provide comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. My treatment areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, stress, and relationship and family concerns, with an interest in women's mental health. I'm passionate about helping people understand their mental health and feel empowered to take an active role in their care.
I graduated from Pepperdine University and have been licensed since 2009. I have extensive experience working with children and families struggling with anxiety, depression, symptoms of trauma and natural life stressors. I have supervised Intern and Licensed Clinicians and have enjoyed serving diverse populations.
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.
Hi! Are you curious about what therapy would be like? Or maybe you’ve gone before and are back for more? One of my first goals is to make sure you feel at ease with the therapeutic process. You don’t have to worry about what to say or where to start. It’s my honor and duty to ask the questions and listen intently. I’m here for you!
I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.
I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.
I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA who help people navigate grief and loss



- 100%Grief or loss
- 99%Anxiety
- 95%Depression
- 93%Stress management
- 93%Relationship issues

- 100%Aetna
- 60%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 51%Cigna
- 45%Providence Health Plan
- 42%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

- 97%English
- 11%Spanish
- 7%Farsi
- 3%French
- 3%Portuguese

- 100%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 23%Man
- 4%Non-binary

- 63%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 12%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 10%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 8%Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Clinical Psychologist

- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 33%Couples therapy
- 12%Child or adolescent therapy
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Headway makes it easy to find a therapist who can support you through loss — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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