Therapist in Santa Monica
Rita Balakhane, LMFT, works with adults, couples, and families from Santa Monica, in person at her nearby West Los Angeles office, or online. She specializes in depression, anxiety, and grief.
- 22+ years licensed experience
- Therapy in English and Farsi (Persian)
- Free 15-minute phone consultation
- Insurance via Rula and Headway
Services
Anxiety Therapy
Learn to manage anxiety and find calm through personalized, compassionate therapy.
Learn moreDepression Therapy
Find clarity and hope through compassionate, evidence-based therapy for depression.
Learn moreGrief Therapy
Navigate loss and find meaning through supportive, compassionate grief therapy.
Learn moreSanta Monica
Between coastal living and demanding professional spheres, individuals in Santa Monica frequently encounter unique pressures, like striving to maintain balance while coping with demanding careers, creative burnout, or relational changes.
Rita Balakhane, LMFT, provides confidential, supportive therapy for clients located in Santa Monica, in person at her office in nearby West Los Angeles or online. Drawing on more than two decades of licensed clinical experience, Rita helps adults and couples process complex emotions, develop resilience, and build authentic lives.
In Person or Online
Choose the format that lets you prioritize your well-being:
- In Person in Nearby West LA: A warm, focused space for an empathetic, collaborative therapeutic relationship.
- Online When It’s Easier: Fit 45 to 50-minute sessions into your workday, lunch hour, or early evening without coastal traffic or parking meters.
- Consistent Support: Continue your therapeutic journey without disruption when traveling within California.
Approach
Every person’s emotional landscape is distinct. Rita integrates diverse clinical methodologies to meet your personal needs:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Unpack recurring negative self-talk and replace stress-inducing patterns with grounding, pragmatic strategies.
- Psychodynamic & Attachment Therapy: Delve into how past relationships and formative events influence your current emotional responses and choices.
- Mindfulness & Compassion-Focused Techniques: Cultivate inner calmness, somatic awareness, and self-compassion when facing acute stress or grief.
Getting Started
Whether you are coping with persistent anxiety, overcoming a difficult loss, or seeking greater purpose in your daily life, therapy offers a path forward. Contact Rita today to get started.
Nearest Office
Rita's West Los Angeles office
2001 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Directions from Santa MonicaAbout the West Los Angeles office
How It Works
Free 15-minute call
Call or email to set up a brief, relaxed phone conversation about what brings you to therapy. Rita typically responds within 24–48 hours.
First session
A thorough assessment of your history, current concerns, and goals, in person or online.
Ongoing support
45–50 minute sessions, usually weekly, adjusted to what you need.
FAQ
Can I see you in person if I live in Santa Monica?
Yes. Rita's nearest office is in West Los Angeles, at 2001 S. Barrington Ave. Secure online sessions are also available if you'd rather not make the drive.
What issues do you specialize in for Santa Monica clients?
Rita specializes in depression, anxiety, and grief, as well as relational concerns, perfectionism, divorce, and major life transitions.
Can I use insurance?
Rita accepts insurance through Rula and Headway, and provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement for clients with PPO plans.