Many women in Santa Monica, CA experience depression at some point in their lives and seek support to manage their mental health.
The city offers a wide variety of therapists who specialize in treating depression in women.
Finding the right therapist can help women feel heard, understood, and empowered to improve their well-being.
With access to local specialists, women in Santa Monica have options to get the help they need.
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1) Amy Goldman Counseling & Therapy
Amy Goldman Counseling & Therapy is based in Santa Monica, California.
The practice offers therapy for women dealing with depression, anxiety, and related concerns.
Amy works with individuals, couples, teens, and children.
Appointments can be scheduled for in-person or telemedicine sessions.
Amy brings extensive experience and a calm approach to her practice.
More details are available at the official website and through Psychology Today.
2) Dr. Ludmila Divinsky, PsyD
Dr. Ludmila Divinsky is a licensed psychologist who works in Santa Monica, CA.
She has more than 20 years of experience in mental health care, helping adults, children, and veterans.
She is a part of Octave, a group focused on raising the standard for behavioral health.
Dr. Divinsky is skilled in treating depression and other mental health issues for a wide range of clients.
Learn more about Dr. Divinsky at Psychology Today and Octave.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Peggy Barrett, LMFT
Peggy Barrett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Santa Monica.
She works with adults, including women facing depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Peggy helps clients explore what may be causing their feelings and supports them in finding better ways to cope.
She has experience with trauma, self-esteem, and loss.
Learn more about Peggy Barrett at her official website or through her TherapyTribe profile.
4) Joyce Houser, MA, MFT
Joyce Houser is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Monica.
She has over 35 years of experience helping people with issues like depression, anxiety, and relationships.
Joyce offers individual and couples therapy.
She is committed to normalizing therapy for everyone.
Her office is located at 610 Santa Monica Blvd.
More details can be found on her official website and her Psychology Today profile.
5) Patrice Harris, LMFT
Patrice Harris is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Monica, CA.
She has over 17 years of experience supporting people dealing with depression and other mental health concerns.
Patrice uses cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care in her practice.
She works with individuals, couples, families, and teens.
Patrice is dedicated to providing personalized support for her clients.
Learn more about Patrice Harris at Psychology Today and Kaiser Permanente.
6) Ericha Lutter, MA, APCC
Ericha Lutter is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Santa Monica, CA.
She works with women and others to help manage depression and other mental health challenges.
Ericha provides virtual counseling sessions as well as in-person support.
She earned her degree from New York University.
Her private practice is supervised by a licensed practitioner.
To learn more, visit her profile on Psychology Today or Zocdoc listing.
7) Tamara De Angelis, LMFT
Tamara De Angelis, LMFT, is a licensed clinical social worker in Santa Monica, CA.
She helps women manage depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Tamara has experience with issues related to perimenopause and menopause.
She works with clients dealing with mood swings, sleep problems, or emotional stress.
Tamara uses her skills to create a supportive and safe therapy space.
Learn more about her here and in the Santa Monica therapist list.
8) Rikki Rothenberg, LMFT
Rikki Rothenberg is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who serves clients in the Los Angeles area.
She uses approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational therapy, and trauma-informed care.
Rothenberg’s practice helps women address depression and related challenges in a supportive setting.
Her experience includes working with individuals and couples.
More about her background and style can be found on her Psychology Today profile and TherapyDen profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right depression therapist involves considering experience, specialization, and understanding of women’s mental health needs.
Therapy options in Santa Monica can include individual, group, and gender-specific therapy to address a wide range of situations, including postpartum depression.
What are the qualifications of a good depression therapist for women in Santa Monica, CA?
A good depression therapist for women in Santa Monica should have the proper licensing in California, such as LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), PsyD, or PhD.
Many experienced therapists, including those like Dr. Ludmila Divinsky, PsyD, and Peggy Barrett, LMFT, have advanced training and a history of working with women’s mental health.
It is also important that the therapist has experience dealing with depression and related women’s issues, such as trauma or anxiety.
Therapists with a focus on cognitive-behavioral work, like those at Amy Goldman Counseling & Therapy, can be especially helpful.
Can therapy help in dealing with postpartum depression?
Yes, therapy can help women manage and recover from postpartum depression.
Many therapists in Santa Monica are trained to recognize and support those going through this condition.
Sessions may focus on coping skills, managing stress, and building support systems.
Some therapists also offer specialized support for new mothers.
What should I look for in a therapist if I am a woman struggling with depression?
Women should look for therapists who understand their unique experiences and challenges.
Specialization in women’s issues and depression is valuable.
It helps if the therapist uses evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Experience working with issues such as work-life balance, motherhood, and trauma can also benefit women seeking support.
Are there depression therapy groups specifically for women in the Santa Monica area?
There are therapy groups in Santa Monica that focus on depression and women’s issues.
These groups may provide a space for women to share experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges.
Checking local mental health centers or professional listings, such as Psychology Today’s female therapists in Santa Monica, can help in finding group therapy options for women.
How often should I attend sessions with a depression therapist for optimal results?
The typical schedule for therapy is weekly sessions.
Some individuals may attend more or less often based on their needs and the therapist’s recommendation.
Therapists will discuss and adjust the session frequency depending on the severity of symptoms, progress, and personal schedules.
What are the benefits of gender-specific therapy for women with depression?
Gender-specific therapy helps address issues that are unique or more common for women. These may include reproductive health, hormonal changes, relationship challenges, and cultural expectations.
Having a therapist who specializes in women’s mental health can create an environment where clients feel understood and supported. This may lead to better outcomes.
