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Find a therapist in Santa Monica, CA — covered by insurance

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top therapists in Santa Monica, CA accepting new patients

Mental health care in Santa Monica is accessible through Headway's network of 8,414 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.

Sarah Scheidler

Sarah Scheidler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Sierra Madre, CA


“I believe deeply in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Curtis Lehmann

Dr. Curtis Lehmann

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • West Covina, CA


“My biggest boast as a therapist is that I make people feel like I've been where they are, regardless if that's the brink of divorce, the mires of depression, or the self-defeating loop of addiction.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Moen

Jennifer Moen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Huntington Beach, CA


“I use EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-responsive interventions in a direct and grounded way to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Family issues
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Heather Jensen

Heather Jensen

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and steady. I integrate evidence‐based modalities with a grounded therapeutic presence, creating a space where clients can explore openly, build insight, and move toward greater clarity and resilience.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Hannah Greenbaum

Hannah Greenbaum

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Long Beach, CA


“My style is warm, curious, and direct, with an emphasis on helping clients better understand themselves and build a life that feels meaningful and manageable.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vimal Patel

Vimal Patel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Juan Banda

Juan Banda

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


“His clinical approach integrates EMDR-informed, trauma-focused, and solution-focused interventions to help clients reduce emotional distress, build resilience, improve self-efficacy, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Challenging, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


“I believe that mental wellness is the foundation for a fulfilling life, yet I know that reaching out for help is often the hardest step.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Aaron Kellogg

Aaron Kellogg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Valencia, CA


“Aaron believes life-changing therapy stems from the union of evidence-based practices appropriately applied to client's lives.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, PTSD
Direct, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michelle Luzi

Michelle Luzi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Santa Clarita, CA


“I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in discovering their own motivation and direction.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Iris King

Iris King

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Whittier, CA


“My goal is to help my clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves by exploring the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and body.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tongqing Zhu

Tongqing Zhu

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I focus on healing the family as a whole, not just the individual with compassion and attachment-based methods...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a depth-oriented form of therapy... Together, we explore the connections between your past and present — including processing past trauma and recurring relationship patterns.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Seima Diaz

Dr. Seima Diaz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Anaheim, CA


“I combine insight with practical tools to create meaningful, measurable change in adolescents and adults.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jason Lambert

Jason Lambert

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Palmdale, CA


“I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can grow at their own pace and feel supported throughout the process.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lucinda Guarino

Lucinda Guarino

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • Pasadena, CA


“My overarching purpose is to see others mentally and emotionally empowered and prepared with tools that promote successful career and personal development.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ese Ogbetuo

Ese Ogbetuo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Montclair, CA


“I use a holistic approach in managing various disorders enabling individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Energetic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Reri Uku

Dr. Reri Uku

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Montclair, CA


I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mahsan Behnoud

Mahsan Behnoud

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“Together we can identify mental/emotional blocks, reprocess past disturbing memories, and develop mental agility to experience the life you deserve to flourish in.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Steven Aird

Steven Aird

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Lake Forest, CA


“I focus on establishing a safe, collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, creating the framework for the work we will do together.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Darlene Violas

Darlene Violas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Laguna Beach, CA


“I will not only challenge you to grow, but also provide unwavering support as you navigate your personal path towards healing and self-discovery.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ijeoma Mbadugha

Ijeoma Mbadugha

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Rancho Cucamonga, CA


“I believe that our patients and families deserve the best in healthcare delivery. My purpose is to help eliminate the stigma and barriers to mental healthcare...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Janet Gichau

Janet Gichau

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Corona, CA


“My open-minded strategic approach and accepting individualism help me let the patient guide in discussing their personal health struggles.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shinpei Chai

Shinpei Chai

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and honest, with a focus on helping clients feel safe, understood, and supported.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Owen Akenzua

Owen Akenzua

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I take a calm, down-to-earth approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused strategies to help you build insight and create meaningful change.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sally Amaya

Sally Amaya

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, CA


“I also bring a personal understanding of what it means to prioritize well-being and manage stress after going through my own life-changing health journey.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Laguna Niguel, CA


I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sharon Chan

Sharon Chan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mission Viejo, CA


Hello! My name is Sharon Chan and I've have over 14 years of experience. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma. I also have experience working with the highly sensitive person.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Andrew Hey

Andrew Hey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mission Viejo, CA


“I'm a laid-back, warm, and nonjudgmental therapist who works with adults and older adolescents navigating stress, burnout, identity concerns, and life transitions.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Infertility
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Marissa Melhuse

Marissa Melhuse

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, offering practical tools, fresh perspectives, and compassionate support to help ease the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Cuevas

Andrew Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a safe space where people should feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Janet Croteau

Janet Croteau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Felton, CA


“I'm a "inclusiastic" therapist who invites you to use our relationship as a template to find the sweet spot between safety and your growing edge as a human.”
Anger management, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sara Sanchez

Sara Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have nearly two decades of clinical experience providing care to individuals during life's most challenging times.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Giovanni Tapia

Giovanni Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment, which encourages my clients to move towards positive transformations without fear or apprehension.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Christopher Grasso

Christopher Grasso

Therapist

Virtual • California


Greetings,

My name is Christopher M Grasso, LPCC and I am a psychotherapist and professional clinical counselor. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Addiction studies with Integrated Recovery for Cooccurring Disorders and hold the professional license of LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I have 7 years experience as a LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in a residential recovery environment, and more than 2 years as an LPCC. I have been conducting one on one and group therapy, both in-person and remote, for the last 8 years and my specialized areas of treatment include:

· Addiction Related Behaviors

· Substance Abuse

· Trauma

· PTSD

· Depression

· General Anxiety

· Performance Anxiety

· Life Transitions

· And Grief & Loss

My goal is to be your partner in finding the change you desire.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Danetra Smith-Wheeler

Danetra Smith-Wheeler

Therapist

Virtual • California


“During the first session I would answer any questions and address any concerns my client may have about therapy.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alexander Sanchez

Alexander Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness to help you identify unhelpful thought patterns while building greater awareness and self-compassion.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Diana (Didi) Orozco

Diana (Didi) Orozco

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a safe enough space where you can show up exactly as you are—tears, laughter, uncertainty, and all.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
201 - 240 of

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Santa Monica, CA
There are over 127 therapists in Santa Monica, CA accepting new patients.
127+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 94%Relationship issues
  • 93%Depression
  • 85%Stress management
  • 83%Family issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 99%Aetna
  • 63%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 61%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 54%Providence Health Plan
  • 49%Cigna
Languages spoken
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  • 95%English
  • 12%Spanish
  • 7%Farsi
  • 3%Armenian
  • 2%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 96%In-person or online
  • 4%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 67%Woman
  • 31%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 65%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 13%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 5%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 35%Family therapy
  • 29%Couples therapy
  • 12%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Happy patient looking away

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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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.