At Annia Raja PhD Therapy, we believe understanding what a psychologist does is the first step to getting the right help. A psychologist is a mental health professional with advanced training (typically a PhD or PsyD) in understanding human behavior, emotions, and thought patterns. Unlike psychiatrists (who are medical doctors and can prescribe medication), psychologists focus on evidence-based talk therapy and psychological assessment to help individuals navigate mental health challenges, relationship issues, career stress, and personal growth.

• Who psychologists help: Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, career stress, burnout, and personal growth challenges.

• Key characteristic: Use evidence-based talk therapy (not medication) — approaches include CBT, psychodynamic, DBT, and others.

• Where psychologists practice: Private offices, clinics, hospitals, and via telehealth (online therapy) — many serve specific populations like physicians, executives, or children.

• How they differ from psychiatrists: Psychologists provide therapy and assessment; psychiatrists are MDs who prescribe medication. Many patients benefit from working with both.

• Education required: PhD or PsyD (4–7 years of graduate training beyond a bachelor's degree), plus supervised clinical hours and state licensure.

Types of Psychologists

Psychologists specialize in different areas depending on the populations they serve and the approaches they use:

• Clinical Psychologists treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.

• Neuropsychologists assess and treat cognitive issues related to brain injury, stroke, or neurological conditions.

• Health Psychologists work with individuals managing chronic illness, pain, or medical stress.

• Organizational/Industrial Psychologists support workplace mental health, leadership development, and burnout prevention.

How to Become a Psychologist

The educational pathway is rigorous. It requires a bachelor's degree, followed by a doctoral program (PhD or PsyD, taking 4–7 years). After graduation, candidates must complete supervised clinical hours (1,500–3,000 hours depending on the state), pass a national licensure exam (the EPPP), and secure a state license.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists help clients:

• Identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to distress.

• Develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.

• Navigate life transitions such as career changes, relationship endings, or major health diagnoses.

• Improve self-awareness and emotional regulation through structured therapy sessions.

• Process complex emotions related to identity, purpose, and personal fulfillment.

Therapy typically occurs in weekly 50-minute sessions, though frequency may vary based on individual needs.

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist vs. Therapist: What's the Difference?

When to See a Psychologist vs. When to See a Psychiatrist

Note: Many individuals benefit from working with both simultaneously.

How to Find the Right Psychologist

1. Identify your goals. Are you seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career stress, or personal growth?

2. Check insurance coverage. Contact your provider for a list of in-network psychologists, or explore self-pay options for more flexibility and privacy.

3. Use professional directories. Platforms like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, and GoodTherapy allow you to filter by specialty.

4. Consider telehealth. Online therapy expands your options beyond your immediate geographic area.

5. Schedule consultations. Many psychologists offer brief phone consultations to determine if they're a good fit for your goals.

When Should You See a Psychologist?

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Common reasons people seek psychological support include:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm that interfere with daily life.

• Difficulty managing stress from work, relationships, or major life changes.

• Unresolved trauma or grief from past experiences.

• A desire for personal growth, self-exploration, or better self-understanding.

Psychologists are also uniquely equipped to support therapy for executives and high-achieving professionals who struggle with burnout, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to maintain perfection in demanding careers.

Finding a Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA

The Los Angeles and West LA areas have a vibrant mental health community, but finding the right fit for highly specialized needs requires care. At Annia Raja PhD Therapy, located in the heart of Santa Monica at 3019 Ocean Park Blvd, we provide specialized psychodynamic therapy to professionals who are used to functioning at the top of their game but are quietly struggling. Through secure telehealth, we also extend our services seamlessly to clients located anywhere in California, Texas, and 42 other PsyPACT participating states.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals.

Psychologist in Santa Monica — Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to see a psychologist in Santa Monica?

Therapy sessions with a psychologist in Santa Monica typically range from $150–$350 per 50-minute session for self-pay clients, depending on the psychologist's experience and specialization. Many psychologists accept insurance, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost to a copay of $20–$60 per session. Contact your insurance provider to check your mental health benefits, or ask the psychologist's office about sliding scale options.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No — in California, you do not need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist. You can contact a psychologist directly to schedule an initial consultation. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so check with your provider.

What happens in the first session with a psychologist?

In the first session (often called an intake), a psychologist will ask about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This session typically lasts 50–60 minutes and helps both you and the psychologist determine whether you're a good fit for working together. Treatment plans are usually discussed within the first 2–3 sessions.

Is a psychologist the same as a therapist?

Not exactly. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) with advanced training in psychological assessment and research, while "therapist" is a broader term that includes counselors (master's-level), social workers (LCSW), and marriage and family therapists (LMFT). All provide therapy, but psychologists have more extensive graduate training.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

The main difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication, while psychologists (PhD or PsyD) focus on therapy and psychological assessment. Many people benefit from working with both — a psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist for medication management.

How do I verify that a psychologist is licensed in California?

You can verify any psychologist's license through the California Board of Psychology's license verification tool at psychology.ca.gov. Search by the psychologist's name or license number to confirm their license is active and in good standing.

Is therapy with a psychologist confidential?

Yes. Therapy sessions are protected by strict confidentiality laws in California. Your psychologist cannot share what you discuss in sessions without your written consent, with very limited exceptions (imminent danger to yourself or others, child or elder abuse). Seeking therapy does not affect your employment, professional licensing, or medical records unless you choose to disclose it.

Can I see a psychologist online in California?

Yes. Licensed psychologists in California can provide telehealth (online therapy) to anyone located in the state. Online sessions use secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms and are as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. This is especially helpful if you're in a different part of Los Angeles or California.