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

Your goals are most important to me, but I do recommend goals when needed. I accept you just as you are. I will work together with you to achieve an improved quality of life. I have over 30 years experience working in mental health counseling, and 10 1/2 years as a licensed provider. In that time, I have learned to use a variety of modalities. I tailor the type of therapy to my client and to his/her needs, so I might introduce more than one type during our work together. The issues I work with most include depression, anxiety, and trauma, I am also certified in addiction recovery, and neurodivergent issues.

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.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

Hi, I'm Travis Buchanan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC). I know that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps a person takes, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate life's challenges.

Over the years, I've worked with individuals facing a wide range of struggles, including relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, and the impact of unhealthy or abusive relationships. My experience has taught me that while our challenges may shape us, they do not define us.

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique story. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel understood, gain insight, and discover new ways of moving forward.

Drawing from Adlerian principles and other evidence-based approaches, I help clients identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck, strengthen their relationships, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, struggling with addiction, or simply seeking a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, therapy can provide a path toward a healthier and more meaningful life.

My goal is to help you not only overcome obstacles but also build the confidence, connection, and sense of direction needed to thrive. Wherever you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone.

Hi, my name is Ning! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past seven years, I have worked with children, teens, adults, and older adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, complex mental health conditions. My clinical work focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, and I combine cognitive and somatic techniques with talk therapy to address root causes and foster lasting personal growth.

I specialize in EMDR therapy for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety related to chronic stress and difficult life experiences. I work with adults seeking lasting relief from trauma symptoms, including first responders and individuals recovering from overwhelming or life-changing events.

I help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.

With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.

Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Welcome to my Headway Profile! I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve their full potential. With 22 experience years of experience, I specialize in anxiety and trauma. I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual I work with.

Brandy earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology from California State University of Long Beach in 2006 and earned her Masters of Social Work from California State University Fullerton in 2013. Brandy brings with her over twenty years of experience working in diverse clinical settings.