Does insurance cover psychiatrist visits in Santa Monica, California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee. We work with: AetnaAetna-MedicareAnthem Blue CrossAnthem Blue Cross-MedicareBeaconBeacon-MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaCentivoCentral Health Plan of California-MedicareClaritev (MultiPlan PHCS)Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)-MedicareComPsychDevoted Health Plan-MedicareEvernorth (Cigna)Evernorth (Cigna)-EAPEvernorth (Cigna)-MedicareHealth NetHealth Net-EAPHealth Net-MedicareHealthSmartHumana-MedicareKaiser Permanente (NorCal)Kaiser Permanente (SoCal)Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)-MedicareMagellanMediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)MedicareNorthwell DirectOptum, UnitedHealthcareOptum, UnitedHealthcare-EAPOptum, UnitedHealthcare-MedicarePartners Direct HealthProvider Network of America (PNOA)Quest Behavioral HealthRailroad Medicare-MedicareSana BenefitsSana Benefits-MedicareTELUS Health (BHS)TELUS Health (BHS)-EAPTricare West (TriWest)Health Net-EAPMagellan-CommercialMagellan-Medicare If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.

I don’t have insurance. How much will a psychiatrist visit be in California?

Initial evaluations can be around $200-$300, with subsequent meetings around $150-$250. The psychiatrist may have to order blood work, lab tests, or psychological testing, and any other investigations in order to know that there are no other medical issues causing the psychological symptoms and signs which are normally covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, keep in mind that these costs will be out-of-pocket.

Do psychiatrists provide talk therapy?

Some psychiatrists can provide talk therapy as a part of their treatment plan. However, they may also choose to focus more on medication management for their patients, depending on their individual training and practice style. It is important to discuss your preferences and treatment options with your psychiatrist to ensure that you receive the best care possible. If you can benefit from talk therapy, and your psychiatrist only offers medication management, they will refer you to a therapist or a psychologist within the LifeStance network that already works with your insurance.

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

Once you have found your provider on the LifeStance directory, you will have an option to book an appointment online directly from the provider’s profile page or request a callback and a LifeStance representative will be in touch to help you with scheduling.

How do I find a psychiatrist in Santa Monica, California who offers in-person sessions?

LifeStance has approximately 45 offices in California, so if in-person visits are preferable to you, make sure that you select a psychiatrist that accepts patients in the mental health clinic close to you. You can also search by map to find locations in California near you. While some clients prefer in-person sessions because they offer a safe, neutral ground for the session to take place, for the widest range of psychiatrist options, consider expanding your search to also include doctors licensed in California who offer telehealth.

What questions should I ask my psychiatrist?

A few topics you may wish to ask your psychiatrist about include: diagnosis details, symptom treatment and management, medical care, treatment plans, side effects, and expectations for follow-up appointments.

Do I need to be under the care of a primary care physician (PCP) if I am considering seeing a psychiatrist?

If your insurance plan does not require a referral from your primary care physician, it is entirely up to you if you want to discuss with them about seeing a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists would prefer to see you only after you have first gone to your primary care doctor to get a referral, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to see an in-person or online psychiatrist without getting a referral from your primary care provider. You can contact your insurance company to check if you need a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Find Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Clinicians in Santa Monica, California

Choose from approximately 215 LifeStance supported psychiatrists & nurse practitioners that serve patients in Santa Monica, California. Our psychiatrists see patients in 45 local offices in California and also provide virtual appointments throughout the state.

Mojan Saberi, Nurse Practitioner

Mojan Saberi, PMHNP, is committed to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals across California. Serving adolescents, adults, and seniors, she specializes in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Mojan works with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs, utilizing both medication management and therapeutic interventions. With a deep understanding of the challenges that people face, her approach combines empathy with clinical expertise to help her patients achieve long-lasting well-being. One of Mojan’s primary passions is supporting patients dealing with PTSD, trauma, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. She also has a strong focus on helping individuals with sleep disorders, including insomnia, recognizing the critical impact of healthy sleep on overall mental health. Her expertise in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ensures that patients have access to diverse and effective treatments for their conditions. Mojan offers specialized care to various populations, including military veterans, first responders, and the LGBTQ+ community. She is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals navigating gender identity concerns, grief, and post-partum depression or anxiety. In addition to these focus areas, Mojan provides care for patients with co-occurring medical conditions and health psychology concerns, always seeking to understand the full scope of her clients’ mental and physical health. Outside of her practice, Mojan enjoys backpacking with her two dogs, reflecting her commitment to maintaining balance and personal well-being. Her love of nature and exploration mirrors her approach to mental health care, where she helps her patients explore new ways to heal and grow.

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Accepts: Aetna, Optum (UnitedHealthcare), Medicare See all

Specialties: Bipolar Disorder, Depression/feeling down See all

Ages Served: 6-64

0.51 miles away

Long Beach, CA

925-282-1778

4500 E Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 320

925-282-1778

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

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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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Accepts: Aetna, Centivo, Partners Direct Health See all

Specialties: Alcohol use, Drug/substance use See all

Ages Served: 18-75+

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

Long Beach, CA

925-282-1778

4500 E Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 320

925-282-1778

View Availability

Leah Silver, Nurse Practitioner

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Accepts: Aetna, Optum (UnitedHealthcare), Medicare See all

Specialties: Autism: generally independent, Sexual trauma See all

Ages Served: 15-75+

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

View Availability

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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Accepts: Aetna, Optum (UnitedHealthcare), Medicare See all

Specialties: Alcohol use, Anxiety See all

Ages Served: 18-75+

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

View Availability

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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Accepts: Aetna, Centivo, Partners Direct Health See all

Specialties: Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships, Early adulthood: Starting college or career See all

Ages Served: 18-64

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

View Availability

Luis Fitten, Psychiatrist

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Accepts: Aetna, Centivo, Partners Direct Health See all

Specialties: ADHD, Anxiety See all

Ages Served: 18-75+

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

Call for Availability

Gina In, Psychiatrist

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Accepts: Aetna, Optum (UnitedHealthcare), Medicare See all

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression/feeling down See all

Ages Served: 6-40

0.51 miles away

Santa Monica, CA

925-282-1778

1450 10th St, Suite 404

925-282-1778

Call for Availability

Our Top Rated Psychiatrists Serve the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

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

Our Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Clinicians 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 LifeStance supported psychiatrist in Santa Monica, California

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover psychiatrist visits, including the initial evaluation and regular sessions (check-ins). However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the insurance plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. Just like any other medical professional, if the psychiatrist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the psychiatrist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee.

We work with:

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

If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan (or so called “open access” plans), you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a psychiatrist out-of-network in California.

If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. LifeStance accepts most of the commercial health insurance plans.