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

Start by identifying the type of care you need — whether that's medication management, a diagnostic evaluation, or ongoing psychiatric support. On Headway, you can browse psychiatrists and prescribers in Santa Monica, read detailed bios about their experience and approach, and book a session directly. Every provider listed is accepting new patients, and many offer a free phone consultation so you can see if it's a good match before committing.

The cost of a psychiatry session in Santa Monica depends on your insurance plan and the type of visit. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see an estimated session cost before you book. Many patients with in-network coverage pay as low as $0 per session, though your out-of-pocket cost may vary based on your specific plan and location. There is no cost to create an account or browse providers on Headway.

Most psychiatrists and prescribers on Headway accept insurance. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, Oscar, and many Optum affiliates. To confirm whether your specific plan is accepted by providers in Santa Monica, enter your insurance details on Headway and we can verify your coverage.

Yes, many psychiatrists and prescribers on Headway offer virtual sessions for patients in California. When you browse providers on Headway, you can see which ones are available for virtual appointments. Most insurance plans cover virtual visits, and you can confirm your specific telehealth coverage when you enter your insurance details.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk therapy to help you work through challenges like anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, but most focus primarily on medication management. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are another type of provider who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medication. On Headway, you can find both psychiatrists and therapists to match your specific needs.

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans allow you to book directly with a psychiatrist, while others may require a referral from a primary care provider. Check with your insurance company or review your plan details to confirm. On Headway, you can browse and book with psychiatrists directly — and if your plan requires a referral, your primary care provider can typically provide one.