Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
James Whisenhunt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Whisenhunt believes in the value of spirituality and the humanities in maximizing each patient's potential beyond what can be achieved through neuroscience and chemistry alone. Dr. Whisenhunt specializes in the treatment of adults with psychiatric and substance use disorders. He has worked in emergency, inpatient, residential, outpatient, intensive outpatient, detoxification, and correctional settings. He completed his residency training at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine and LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, serving as chief resident in his fourth year.
Dr. Whisenhunt believes in the value of spirituality and the humanities in maximizing each patient's potential beyond what can be achieved through neuroscience and chemistry alone. Dr. Whisenhunt specializes in the treatment of adults with psychiatric and substance use disorders. He has worked in emergency, inpatient, residential, outpatient, intensive outpatient, detoxification, and correctional settings. He completed his residency training at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine and LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, serving as chief resident in his fourth year.
Bernadette Grosjean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 19 years in a NGO based in the Asian community. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient as well as with his or her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 19 years in a NGO based in the Asian community. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient as well as with his or her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Kalyan Rao
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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. 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. Moreover, I have a special interest in working with adult professionals who are struggling with substance use disorders.
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. 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. Moreover, I have a special interest in working with adult professionals who are struggling with substance use disorders.
Jamie Plaxco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
Jamie is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, OCD and mood disorders. She works closely with a residential treatment center in West Los Angeles that offers more intensive treatment for trauma and OCD.
David Taylor
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hello, my name is David Taylor MD, and I am a board certified psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at UCLA.
As a physician, I am able to offer both therapy and medications to my patients. Although some people choose to have a separate therapist and psychiatrist, I believe that symptom improvement is enhanced when both treatments are provided by one professional.
Hello, my name is David Taylor MD, and I am a board certified psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at UCLA.
As a physician, I am able to offer both therapy and medications to my patients. Although some people choose to have a separate therapist and psychiatrist, I believe that symptom improvement is enhanced when both treatments are provided by one professional.
Amir E Ettekal
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
*Offices in Hermosa Beach & Santa Monica.* I am a psychiatrist specialized in understanding both the biological and psychological factors of human emotions. I take the time to understand what my patients need and through a collaborative approach, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Through my work in clinical trials, I stay on the forefront of medication innovation and safety, giving me first-hand experience in the most effective, and safe treatments. Through my training in psychotherapy I continue to address the emotional and psychological aspects of that person.
*Offices in Hermosa Beach & Santa Monica.* I am a psychiatrist specialized in understanding both the biological and psychological factors of human emotions. I take the time to understand what my patients need and through a collaborative approach, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Through my work in clinical trials, I stay on the forefront of medication innovation and safety, giving me first-hand experience in the most effective, and safe treatments. Through my training in psychotherapy I continue to address the emotional and psychological aspects of that person.
Dr. Tongtong Zhu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Mental distress is not simply confined to the mind. It also manifests in our bodies and impairs our sense of wellbeing. I employ pharmacological interventions and psychodynamic psychotherapy to treat everyone as a person rather than a disorder. I account for the context of his or her community and culture. I have a B.A. in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania and obtained my medical degree from the University of Tennessee, where I grew up. I completed my psychiatry residency at UCLA/Greater LA VA with an additional fellowship in geriatric psychiatry from UCLA.
Mental distress is not simply confined to the mind. It also manifests in our bodies and impairs our sense of wellbeing. I employ pharmacological interventions and psychodynamic psychotherapy to treat everyone as a person rather than a disorder. I account for the context of his or her community and culture. I have a B.A. in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania and obtained my medical degree from the University of Tennessee, where I grew up. I completed my psychiatry residency at UCLA/Greater LA VA with an additional fellowship in geriatric psychiatry from UCLA.
Dan Begel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Begel received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. At Yale he studied the conceptual foundations of psychiatry and the core principles of diverse treatment methods. Today he treats people for a wide variety of issues, from the seemingly mild to the severe. He is up to date on psychiatric research and treatment, and utilizes the full range of methods in his work, including genetic analysis, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Dr. Begel received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. At Yale he studied the conceptual foundations of psychiatry and the core principles of diverse treatment methods. Today he treats people for a wide variety of issues, from the seemingly mild to the severe. He is up to date on psychiatric research and treatment, and utilizes the full range of methods in his work, including genetic analysis, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Charles Wuhl
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
My approach is to build on a person's strengths and positive aspects of mental health. I believe in collaborating with my clients to determine their goals, both in terms of symptom relief and through self- understanding. I aim to achieve results quickly by giving them the tools they need to deal with life's challenges. In addition to individuals, my practice also provides counseling to couples and families through psychotherapy and medication management, as well as a combination of the two. I believe in a conservative and personalized approach to the use of medication.
My approach is to build on a person's strengths and positive aspects of mental health. I believe in collaborating with my clients to determine their goals, both in terms of symptom relief and through self- understanding. I aim to achieve results quickly by giving them the tools they need to deal with life's challenges. In addition to individuals, my practice also provides counseling to couples and families through psychotherapy and medication management, as well as a combination of the two. I believe in a conservative and personalized approach to the use of medication.
Christian F Reusche
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Psychiatry should not just be about providing medicine and treating an acute medical problem, but to help you understand yourself, enjoy life, cope with adversity, and help discover your true inner self. Therapy is a collaborative process of uncovering, embracing, adapting, and making changes you're willing to make in order to better yourself. I look forward to collaboratively working on what you'd like to understand and learn about yourself; to providing a safe place where you can express yourself, feel open to discuss anything, and explore further into your inner and outer world.
Psychiatry should not just be about providing medicine and treating an acute medical problem, but to help you understand yourself, enjoy life, cope with adversity, and help discover your true inner self. Therapy is a collaborative process of uncovering, embracing, adapting, and making changes you're willing to make in order to better yourself. I look forward to collaboratively working on what you'd like to understand and learn about yourself; to providing a safe place where you can express yourself, feel open to discuss anything, and explore further into your inner and outer world.
Meredith Sagan
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
With extensive expertise in psychiatric medication management, homeopathy, and mind-body medicine psychotherapies, Dr. Sagan offers a unique combination of treatments to help you or your loved one find stability, peace and balance, safely and effectively. At your first appointment Dr. Sagan will review and adjust any medication you may be taking to the most safe and effective regimen possible, or start new medications if indicated. At subsequent appointments, in a dynamic and highly intuitive environment, you will develop a deep understanding of yourself through mind-body techniques that are also designed to eventually replace your medication if practiced regularly.
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Kayse Budd
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a holistic psychiatrist who's also an artist, yoga instructor, & astrologer. I spent 12 years working with Andrew Weil MD's Integrative Medicine Program at the Univ of Arizona & Deepak Chopra/Chopra Center in Southern CA. I love helping people find purpose, live healthy + balanced lifestyles, & reach their potential. Mild depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, path-finding, & burnout are my specialties. My practice is entirely online. Though conventionally trained at Duke University, Univ of Michigan Med School, & Univ of Arizona Psychiatry Residency, I practice in a unique & integrative way.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a holistic psychiatrist who's also an artist, yoga instructor, & astrologer. I spent 12 years working with Andrew Weil MD's Integrative Medicine Program at the Univ of Arizona & Deepak Chopra/Chopra Center in Southern CA. I love helping people find purpose, live healthy + balanced lifestyles, & reach their potential. Mild depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, path-finding, & burnout are my specialties. My practice is entirely online. Though conventionally trained at Duke University, Univ of Michigan Med School, & Univ of Arizona Psychiatry Residency, I practice in a unique & integrative way.
Mallory DeGray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
Bryson Lochte
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Accepting New Patients (Jan 2024). There are two forces within every person. One force moves towards change, flourishing, and self-actualization. The other force, developed from painful experiences, seeks safety and familiarity. The balance between these two forces results in unconscious patterns of behavior that largely determine a person’s current relationships, level of success and quality of life. By working together, we can examine the unconscious forces in your life, allowing them to become accessible for change.
Accepting New Patients (Jan 2024). There are two forces within every person. One force moves towards change, flourishing, and self-actualization. The other force, developed from painful experiences, seeks safety and familiarity. The balance between these two forces results in unconscious patterns of behavior that largely determine a person’s current relationships, level of success and quality of life. By working together, we can examine the unconscious forces in your life, allowing them to become accessible for change.
Josephine McNary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
Orlando J. Cartaya
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Eclectic, experienced, well trained psychopharmacologist & therapist. Ketamine & Bupinorphine prescriber. Holistic clinician. Med: USC/ Residency: UCLA/ Fellowship - NIMH Cross-Cultural Psychiatry/Additional qualifications in substance use & related concerns. ‘Best outcomes: as little as necessary, to be as best symptom free as possible’.
Eclectic, experienced, well trained psychopharmacologist & therapist. Ketamine & Bupinorphine prescriber. Holistic clinician. Med: USC/ Residency: UCLA/ Fellowship - NIMH Cross-Cultural Psychiatry/Additional qualifications in substance use & related concerns. ‘Best outcomes: as little as necessary, to be as best symptom free as possible’.
Roberto Figueroa
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specialize in treating anxiety and depression. I use an integrated approach that combines cognitive behavioral (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy with medication treatment when indicated. I have 15 years of experience and advanced specialization in psychopharmacology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Columbia University.
I specialize in treating anxiety and depression. I use an integrated approach that combines cognitive behavioral (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy with medication treatment when indicated. I have 15 years of experience and advanced specialization in psychopharmacology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Columbia University.
Face Together Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Private psychiatry practice committed to helping individuals enjoy meaningful lives. Face Together Wellness is grounded in a person feeling safe and heard. Dr. Agrawal’s treatment approach is personalized, thorough, caring, and forthright.
Private psychiatry practice committed to helping individuals enjoy meaningful lives. Face Together Wellness is grounded in a person feeling safe and heard. Dr. Agrawal’s treatment approach is personalized, thorough, caring, and forthright.
The Moment By Dr. Stacy Cohen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
Nancy Wu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$350
Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
87% | Medication Management |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
81% | Optum |
76% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
53% | Female | |
47% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Santa Monica?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.