Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Psychotherapy is an opportunity to experience an awareness of yourself and the obstacles that hinder your emotional growth and connection to others. In this courageous journey, the match between you and your therapist is essential. I view our work as an important collaborative journey and welcome all of your experiences. We will work together to identify your goals as well engage in a meaningful way in your life. My role is to provide a genuine and safe environment to make life-affirming changes.

Dr. Diamond has been practicing psychotherapy for 45 years and is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. He is the author of Anger, Madness, and the Daimonic: The Psychological Genesis of Violence, Evil and Creativity (1996), and contributed chapters to Meeting the Shadow (1990), Spirituality & Psychological Health (2005), Encyclopedia of Psychology & Religion (2009), and Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling & Psychotherapy (SAGE, 2015). Diamond's unique treatment approach (Existential Depth Psychology) is a fusion of psychodynamic and existential therapy, with an emphasis on C.G. Jung's analytical psychology.

I work with a wide range of diverse presenting problems affecting individuals, couples, families, and groups. I bring a wealth of experience treating populations with substance use disorders, process addictions, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, mental health issues, and forensics for people interacting with the legal system. Some areas of specialty include Trauma, Addiction, Gambling Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, and Life Transitions.

"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.

Psychotherapy is essentially a collaborative process where the feedback between the therapist and the person is without any sense of judgement or agenda.Therapy is about what works from the perspective of each person's unique personal experience. It allows for a fluid perspective to be understood and worked through. I am an active participant, providing descriptions along with mutually agreed upon insights and interpretations. I believe that the essential process within oneself and in a therapeutic setting should always contain compassion, understanding, respect and empathy. The goal is to develop a positive relationship with oneself and with others.

I practice general psychology and works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum issues, anger, parenting challenges, and couples issues. I also have a concentrated interest in the family of origin trauma.