In-person psychotherapy in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Telehealth in New York

I’m Ira Israel, a licensed psychotherapist in Santa Monica, CA, with 17 years of experience helping people who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD and relationship issues.

I offer in-person therapy in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and online therapy for New York clients. Call 310-430-5150.

Who I work with

I have been extremely effective with couples and for individuals I specialize in creative professionals — writers, filmmakers, musicians, artists — who are dealing with::

Anxiety, depression, burnout, or feeling stuck
ADHD, OCD, trauma, or codependency
Relationship conflict, infidelity, or painful breakups
Family conflict, parenting challenges, or grief
Addiction, dating and intimacy issues, or career distress
Major life transitions, or questions about meaning and purpose

My approach

My style is authentic, compassionate, and solution-focused. I integrate Buddhist psychology, Vedanta, Kabbalah, and other contemplative and spiritual traditions with evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, existential, attachment and narrative therapy. Together, we will clarify what’s going on with you, identify your priorities, and build a practical path to ameliorate your symptoms and solve your problems.

I have 17 years of experience helping individuals quickly identify deep-rooted wounds and giving them practical tools to release trauma and ease anxiety and depression. Couples frequently report greater understanding, compassion, and intimacy after just one or two sessions.

Call 310-430-5150 to schedule a session.

authentic

“Ira is an amazing therapist. I have been to many therapists over the years— Ira’s ability to create a safe, loving environment to navigate intense and vulnerable places is rare. He is dedicated and thoughtful—I would highly recommend him to anyone.” ~ MB

compassionate

“Ira is authentic, compassionate and honors the people he encounters with true connection. He has a unique gift, through his brilliance and empathy, to inspire you, make you laugh and make you think. If you have a chance to work with him or learn from him, don’t hesitate, as it may just change your life!” ~ SG

solutions

“Working with Ira has been a life altering experience that has brought our marriage to place we knew was possible but that we were unable to reach on our own. He is thoughtful in his approach and if you are willing to do the work he will be there to push and support your efforts to make positive change.” ~ VL

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer in-person or online therapy?
In-person therapy is available at my Santa Monica office for Los Angeles clients. I offer telehealth for clients based in New York.

Do you work with couples?
Yes! I have an amazing protocol that reframes relationships and gives highly-effective communication tools to help each party validate the other person’s emotional experience irrespective of whether they agree with them or not.

What issues do you treat individual clients for?
I treat anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, codependency, burnout, grief, addiction, and relationship issues including infidelity, dating, intimacy, and parenting conflict. I also work with clients on life transitions and questions of meaning and purpose.

Do you accept insurance?
I’m an in-network provider for United Healthcare, Cigna, Optum, and Oscar. Motion Picture Industry (MPI) health plans often route through Optum. For all others I give superbills to submit to their insurance companies for reimbursement.

How do I find out what my co-pay and deductible are?
Email your date of birth and a photo of your insurance card to Ira@IraIsrael.com and I’ll confirm your co-pay and deductible before your first session.

How long have you been practicing?
I’ve worked in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist for 17 years.

What is your therapeutic approach?
I combine Buddhist psychology, Vedanta (Upanishads), and Kabbalah with CBT, DBT, existential, attachment and narrative therapy, tailored to each client.