Do mental health care clinicians in Santa Monica, California accept insurance?

Yes, most health insurance carriers in Santa Monica, California cover mental health care including psychotherapy and psychiatry. Calculating the exact amount of coverage will be based on the plan details and whether the selected mental health clinician is in-network or out-of-network. LifeStance is in-network with most insurance plans in California, so you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. We work with Quest Behavioral HealthNorthwell DirectCurativeHealth Net-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcareAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareMedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaOptum, UnitedHealthcare-MedicareAetna-MedicareAnthem Blue CrossAetnaDevoted Health Plan-MedicareBeaconPartners Direct HealthCentivoBeacon-MedicareCentral Health Plan of California-MedicareMediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)Magellan-CommercialKaiser Permanente (SoCal)Provider Network of America (PNOA)Magellan-MedicareBlue Shield of California-MedicareHealthSmartSana BenefitsTricare West (TriWest)Evernorth (Cigna)Sana Benefits-MedicareEvernorth (Cigna)-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcareHumana-MedicareTELUS Health (BHS)Health Net-MedicareAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareHealth NetKaiser Permanente (SoCal)-MedicareLakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-MedicareClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)Health NetKaiser Permanente (NorCal)Anthem Blue CrossClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-MedicareLakeside Medical (Regal Medical)Blue Shield of CaliforniaMagellanKaiser Permanente (NorCal)-MedicareLucet (SCAN Health Plan)-MedicareOptum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare However, even in cases when a LifeStance provider is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company especially If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan that LifeStance is out of network with, you likely cannot receive a reimbursement and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. Our mental health provider rates vary based on experience, we would be happy to assist you with clarifying the rate and finding you the right provider.

How can I make an appointment with a clinician in Santa Monica, California?

Once you have found a provider in Santa Monica, California you want to make an appointment with, you can proceed with booking an appointment online via a link on the provider’s profile or request a callback so our office will call you at the time that is convenient for you. This is especially important for new patients, as normally your provider will schedule your next appointment with you before the end of the session. If you are a new patient or want to schedule a session with another provider, the LifeStance scheduling specialist will go over your scheduling preferences and provider’s availability in-person or online. If your treatment involves scheduling appointments in group settings, our specialist will follow up with days and times with you over a phone call.

Find Mental Health Care in Santa Monica, California

Choose from approximately 20 LifeStance supported mental health clinicians that serve patients in Santa Monica, California. Our mental health clinicians see patients in 47 local offices in California and also provide online appointments throughout the state.

Adrianne Averbukh, Therapist

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Taylor Waller, Therapist

A necessary component of a rich and fulfilling life involves experiencing a full range of emotions. The pride of accomplishment, the sadness of loss, the security of trust and the pain when it is broken, the joy of love, and the disappointment of mistakes and missed opportunities all play an important role in our lives. We all deserve to appreciate our own successes and good fortunes, and to be able to grow through and from our misfortunes. We also all deserve help navigating through them. I began my career in the field in 2007 at an acute psychiatric hospital, primarily in the child/adolescent unit. While there, I worked as a Behavioral Health Child Specialist and treated patients from a wide variety of backgrounds with histories of trauma and abuse, abandonment, mood disorders, grief, anxiety, behavioral problems, anger, and impulse control issues, among others. I have worked with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults, and seniors), including one-on-one, families, and couples, while working with children on the autism spectrum and continuing my work with at-risk adolescents. I work with my clients toward improved relationships with others and with one’s self, increasing insight and awareness. My therapeutic orientation is eclectic, adopting aspects from different theoretical perspectives to suit the individual client(s), borrowing from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and others. It is my goal as a therapist to have you feel comfortable and safe from judgment while exploring whatever may be contributing to your distress. My personal style is very relaxed and informal, acknowledging, and respecting your personal autonomy. I act merely as a collaborator alongside you in reaching your personal goals. I plan to continue my work with adolescents (15 years and older), adults, couples, and families.

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Christina M. Reichert, Nurse Practitioner

Christina Reichert, PMHNP, helps teens, adults, and older adults achieve stability and meaningful improvement in mental health through comprehensive psychiatric care. She provides medication management and higher levels of care at LifeStance Health for patients across California, supporting individuals who are navigating complex symptoms, co-occurring conditions, or transitions between levels of treatment. Her approach is thoughtful, evidence-based, and centered on helping patients feel informed, supported, and empowered in their care. Christina’s clinical focus includes ADHD, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use issues, with extensive experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. She works with teens, adults, and seniors experiencing mood instability, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and sleep concerns, carefully tailoring treatment plans to each person’s medical history, life circumstances, and goals. Her background in addiction medicine and dual diagnosis care allows her to address both psychiatric and substance-related needs in an integrated, coordinated way. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals who have been recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital and those involved in court-ordered treatment. Christina understands that these situations often come with heightened stress, uncertainty, and risk of relapse. She focuses on continuity of care, medication stabilization, and clear treatment planning to help patients regain footing, reduce hospitalization risk, and move toward long-term recovery with structure and support. Christina provides psychiatric medication management, substance use medication management, and care within Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). She has experience working with populations including first responders, military veterans, and individuals with head injuries, and she offers additional areas of focus beyond her primary specialties. Outside of clinical work, Christina enjoys painting, music, home design projects, gardening, hiking, camping, and staying active. She has a deep appreciation for animals and nature, interests that reinforce balance, creativity, and emotional regulation—principles she values in mental health and addiction recovery.

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

Long Beach , CA

562-585-1372

4500 E Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 320

562-585-1372

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Elena Burdick, Therapist

Elena Burdick, LCSW, helps adults across California navigate life’s most challenging moments with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at LifeStance Health, she provides individual and couples therapy for adults facing anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported while building practical tools for lasting emotional wellness. Elena has a strong clinical focus on anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use issues, while also supporting individuals and couples working through relationship challenges and life transitions. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients better understand patterns, regulate emotions, and strengthen communication. She also has experience working with first responders and military/veteran populations, offering culturally informed care that respects the unique stressors these groups face. Elena supports individuals recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital and those navigating court-ordered treatments. Elena provides structured, compassionate care during these critical transitions, helping clients stabilize, rebuild routines, and move toward greater independence and resilience. Her work in these areas reflects a deep commitment to meeting clients where they are and fostering meaningful, sustainable progress. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys playing pickleball, walking her dog, spending time at the beach, exploring new restaurants, and attending theater performances.

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Kalyan Rao, Psychiatrist

What motivates someone to see a psychiatrist? While some of us may need someone to listen and understand what it’s like to be in our shoes, others may need a professional to help them tap into their highest potential. Perhaps we have finally reached our respective breaking points as a consequence of us hitting the lowest possible level of our life (marked by social or occupational consequences) after an extended period of succumbing to behaviors or substances that bring momentary relief at the expense of a better quality of life or overwhelming symptoms that render us functionless after a lifetime of putting everyone else’s needs first. Or maybe they are convinced that their current medications are no longer working for them. Or, perhaps, they are currently on a complicated medication regimen that they wish to simplify. Whatever the reason may be that brings us together, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. While the treatment of anxiety disorders (including OCD, PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) mood disorders (including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder) and personality disorders would be right up my alley, my style is especially suited to individuals who are grappling with substance abuse, co-morbid/dual-diagnoses, and behavioral addictions. Moreover, I have a special interest in working with adult professionals who are struggling with substance use disorders. Regardless of the problems we face as individuals, I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance can overcome such obstacles. Throughout the years, I have been told that the ability to make a patient comfortable and heard is one of my greatest strengths. I would characterize my approach as being conservative, personalized, collaborative, and results oriented. Moreover, I would consider myself to be a cautious diagnostician and a prudent prescriber with the goal of using the least number of medications and the lowest effective doses to achieve the most rapid results with a zero tolerance policy for side effects. More than being just a “band aid”, medications can be the “bridge” towards finding a more balanced life. By integrating psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and guidance on lifestyle modifications, I strive to instill a sense of hope, provide insight, eliminate suffering, and assist my patients in achieving their highest level of mental and emotional well-being via emotional expression and personal growth. Understanding that taking this first step towards mental health can be intimidating and make you feel vulnerable, I wish to make this process as comfortable and easy for you as possible. I look forward to working with you soon.

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Lydia Liu, Psychiatrist

Dr. Lydia Liu, MD, helps adults across California find clarity, stability, and renewed confidence through thoughtful and evidence-based psychiatric care. She provides medication management for young adults through older adults, supporting individuals who are seeking relief from disruptive mood symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. At LifeStance Health, Dr. Liu offers focused care for several key conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. She also works extensively with patients dealing with pivotal life transitions and the complexities of cultural identity. She focuses on helping patients navigate changes such as career shifts, relocation, family transitions, and personal growth, while also addressing the unique challenges that arise from cross-cultural experiences. Her practice places a special emphasis on helping Asian American young adults traverse the unique challenges of balancing cultural expectations, identity development, and the pressures of emerging adulthood. She brings a calm, attentive presence to her work and tailors care to meet the needs of diverse populations, including first responders, military/veteran communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Liu is particularly passionate about helping patients stabilize mood, improve sleep, and manage the complex interplay between mental health and physical symptoms. She also treats additional concerns such as trauma-related symptoms and postpartum anxiety. Using a collaborative and patient-centered approach, she helps individuals understand their symptoms, explore treatment options, and establish plans that promote long-term emotional wellness. Outside of her work, Dr. Liu enjoys traveling to new destinations and spending quiet time reading, both of which help her recharge and stay grounded.

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Leah Silver, Nurse Practitioner

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Gina In, Psychiatrist

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Luis Fitten, Psychiatrist

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0.57 miles away

Santa Monica , CA

424-490-5911

1450 10th St, Suite 404

424-490-5911

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Katherine Austin, Nurse Practitioner

Katherine Austin, PMHNP, helps patients across California stabilize their mental health, strengthen daily functioning, and move toward meaningful recovery through comprehensive medication management. She provides care for adults and teens, offering a grounded and compassionate approach for individuals navigating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. As a prescriber at LifeStance Health, she partners with patients to understand their symptoms, clarify treatment goals, and develop medication plans that support long-term well-being. Katherine is especially passionate about assisting individuals recently discharged from psychiatric hospitalization and those needing support with disability-related documentation. She understands the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany these circumstances and strives to make the transition back into daily life feel safer, more structured, and medically supported. Her clinical approach emphasizes clear communication, accessible guidance, and thoughtful coordination of care. In her broader practice, Katherine works frequently with people experiencing ADHD, PTSD/trauma, and sleep disorders, along with additional mental health concerns. She supports diverse populations including individuals in adoption or foster care systems, autistic and developmentally diverse patients, and LGBTQ+ communities, while also welcoming first responders and military/veteran patients. Her interventions include gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations, faith-based treatment when requested, and medical procedure evaluations. She offers additional services and expertise beyond those highlighted here. Katherine views each therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership grounded in respect and attentive listening. Patients appreciate her warm presence and steady, practical guidance through challenges, life transitions, and complex emotional experiences. Outside of her clinical work, Katherine finds joy in spending time with her chihuahua mix, Pebbles. She enjoys concerts, movies, and social activities that keep her connected to the community she serves in California.

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3.82 miles away

Marina Del Rey , CA

424-565-0353

13160 Mindaneo Way, Suite 213

424-565-0353

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Moorea Pugliese, Nurse Practitioner

Moorea Pugliese, APN, helps adults across California find stability, healing, and renewed purpose through compassionate and evidence-based psychiatric care. She provides medication management to support patients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and other mood and behavioral health conditions. Moorea believes that effective treatment begins with genuine understanding, and she partners closely with each patient to create personalized care plans that promote emotional balance, self-awareness, and lasting well-being. Moorea works extensively with individuals recovering from recent psychiatric hospitalizations, offering a supportive bridge between inpatient and outpatient care. She is passionate about helping patients rebuild their confidence, manage medications safely, and regain a sense of control over their daily lives. With a calm, attentive approach, Moorea helps patients navigate complex transitions and maintain progress as they reintegrate into work, family, and community life. Her clinical interests include treating anxiety, depression, and ADHD—conditions that can significantly impact relationships, focus, and overall quality of life. She integrates mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies into her medication management sessions, empowering patients to build healthy coping skills alongside their pharmacological care. Moorea also works with populations such as first responders, women, and military veterans, addressing the unique stressors these groups often face. Outside of her practice, Moorea enjoys watching softball, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her daughters and their cat, Oregano. She finds that these moments of connection and creativity reinforce her belief in balance and self-care—values she encourages in her patients as part of their recovery journey.

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3.82 miles away

Marina Del Rey , CA

424-565-0353

13160 Mindaneo Way, Suite 213

424-565-0353

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Merima-Misirca Jurici, Psychiatrist

I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning. I see patients age 4 and up. I am an internationally trained psychiatrist with basic medical education in Romania. I received my adult psychiatry training at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and then completed the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. I lived and practiced medicine and psychiatry both in Europe and United States. During my career I practiced and served as an Assistant Professor at the Medical University in Romania. My teaching career continued as a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at George Washington University of Medicine for medical students and Walter Reed psychiatry residents. I have continuous involvement in the teaching /training/supervision of other medical providers including the nurse practitioners. I worked as a psychiatrist on the East Coast (New York, Washington DC and Massachusetts) for 10 years. For the past few years , I have been involved in leadership programs at Pacific Coast Psychiatric Associates- Lifestance both in clinical and research practice. I am fluent in Romanian, Serbian and understand French and Spanish. It is an honor to be a part of LifeStance.

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3.82 miles away

Marina Del Rey , CA

424-565-0353

13160 Mindaneo Way, Suite 213

424-565-0353

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Our Top Rated Mental Health Clinicians Serve the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice, West Hollywood

Our Mental Health Serve the Following Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Neighborhoods:

Santa Monica is a coastal city in California with distinct neighborhoods. Ocean Park offers a laid-back beach vibe, while Montana Avenue boasts upscale shops and eateries. Downtown Santa Monica is a bustling hub with the famous Third Street Promenade. The Pico neighborhood is known for its diverse culinary scene and cultural attractions.

FAQs about how to find a clinician in Santa Monica, California

Find a provider near you in Santa Monica, California on LifeStance. To find your perfect match use filters like insurance accepted, therapy specialty, and provider identity. Mental health care clinicians on LifeStance are highly rated and vetted for their extensive experience treating individual adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. They offer both in-person and telehealth care.

Yes, most health insurance carriers in Santa Monica, California cover mental health care including psychotherapy and psychiatry. Calculating the exact amount of coverage will be based on the plan details and whether the selected mental health clinician is in-network or out-of-network. LifeStance is in-network with most insurance plans in California, so you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible.

We work with

Quest Behavioral Health
Northwell Direct
Curative
⁠Health Net-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Medicare
Blue Shield of California
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare
Aetna-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross
Aetna
Devoted Health Plan-Medicare
Beacon
Partners Direct Health
Centivo
Beacon-Medicare
Central Health Plan of California-Medicare
MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
⁠Magellan-Commercial
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)
Provider Network of America (PNOA)
⁠Magellan-Medicare
Blue Shield of California-Medicare
HealthSmart
Sana Benefits
Tricare West (TriWest)
Evernorth (Cigna)
Sana Benefits-Medicare
Evernorth (Cigna)-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare
Humana-Medicare
TELUS Health (BHS)
Health Net-Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross-Medicare
Health Net
Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)-Medicare
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)-Medicare
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
Health Net
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
Anthem Blue Cross
Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-Medicare
Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
Blue Shield of California
Magellan
Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)-Medicare
Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)-Medicare
Optum, UnitedHealthcare-Medicare

However, even in cases when a LifeStance provider is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company especially If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan that LifeStance is out of network with, you likely cannot receive a reimbursement and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. Our mental health provider rates vary based on experience, we would be happy to assist you with clarifying the rate and finding you the right provider.