I cannot recommend Amy Goldman highly enough. My teenager was completely closed off and resistant to the idea of family therapy after having experienced negative therapeutic experiences. Ms. Goldman approached her with incredible patience, empathy, and genuine respect, never pushing or forcing the process. Instead, she created a safe, supportive environment where my daughter feels comfortable opening up at her own pace. Over time, I have watched my daughter develop a level of trust in Ms. Goldman that I honestly wasn't sure was possible. She began expressing her thoughts and feelings more openly, communicating more effectively, and, most importantly, feeling genuinely heard, understood, and validated. Witnessing my daughter's growth and transformation has been incredibly meaningful. Ms. Goldman has a remarkable gift for connecting with teenagers. She is compassionate, insightful, and exceptionally skilled at navigating complex family dynamics with professionalism, warmth, and care. I am deeply grateful for the positive impact Ms. Goldman has had on my daughter and will forever appreciate what she accomplished in just the first three to four months of therapy--something prior therapists were unable to achieve even after much longer periods. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Goldman to any family seeking a therapist who truly listens, connects, and most importantly, cares. She is honest, ethical, and straightforward. She also has a wonderful dog, Mocha, who provides comfort and has captivated our hearts! read more

I've worked with Amy for a while virtually since I was looking for a very well decorated and professional LCSW. After initially meeting with several LCSWs, I knew Amy was a great fit! She has SO much experience in her field and is such a kind and caring LCSW. But that's not even it! Amy has allowed me to reach a level of improvement I've waited so long to achieve. Amy is thee LCSW! read more

Been working with Amy for over a year now virtually but decided to finally have an in-person session since I was visiting a friend in the area. Amy is an extremely talented and knowledgeable licensed clinical social worker. The work we've done together has put me leaps and bounds ahead in my emotional well-being. Having an in-person session finally was incredible and meeting her very cute and fluffy dog was the best part. Her office is in a very cool part of Santa Monica where there's always something going on. read more

If you want my opinion, a parent who's had to deal with Ms. Goldman first hand because my daughter saw her for reunification therapy, I would say avoid this person. Note: I had my first review removed by Yelp because it included my minor child's perspective, and I was served a demand letter by her attorney yesterday to try to silence my experience and continue the bullying. So while I cannot relay my child's horrific experience here, I can relay my first hand experience.. When I confronted Ms. Goldman about not addressing or reporting the abuse that my daughter reported to her, she told me that all children lie about sexual abuse. She then provided a report to the court citing me as the problem and dismissing any issues from the other party (my ex). It was only after CPS was involved that I was awarded sole legal and physical custody. She also constantly hounded me for money. The session would have not been over for more than a couple of minutes and she would start texting me for payment. I think it is imperative that the public know that this person was not a safe space for me and I witnessed my daughter suffer greatly after having an approximate year long experience with this therapist. I filed a complaint with state licensing board of California (they have a website where she is searchable, and where another complaint can be found : https://search.dca.ca.gov/details/2002/LCSW/23493/653993a19c8c2f311ad0e05c1130e78e) I also think it is reckless of yelp to not allow honest reviews from parents about their minor child's experience, especially when dealing with issues such as mental health, so I have rewritten my review to include only my first hand experiences. read more

I've worked with Dr. Amy Goldman for years now since the start of the Pandemic. With COVID happening and remote work happening so fast I found myself always at home and was often in my thoughts making a lot of issues surface. My anxiety spiked and it affected me pretty much in every aspect of my life. As a result, I tried out many different therapists as a until I came across Amy Goldman. Dr. Amy was the absolute gamechanger I needed to allow me to take my life back. She deeply cared about everything I had to say, and we worked together in many sessions to observe and unpack everything I was dealing with. My family and I sat in her lovely office, where my son would often see her friendly poodle who my wife absolutely loved as well. Amy worked very closely with my family and somehow always knew what approach to take. Thanks to Amy Goldman's help, today my family is much closer and my mental health is stronger than ever. Thank you Amy! read more

I've been in treatment with Amy Goldman for over 2 and a half years now. She's extremely professional and her poodle Mocha is an amazing source of comfort. We have met all of the goals that we set out to achieve at the beginning of the treatment. I had a very complicated issue that I needed help with and Amy has been nothing short of a miracle that helped me to manage, cope, and even ultimately overcome this issue. Her office environment is extremely pleasant and welcoming. Not only is her office very pleasant, but we use time tested evidence based modalities such as; Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I highly recommend her to anyone would like to improve their life. read more

Where do I begin? Me and my wife worked very closely with Amy Goldman a few years ago. We came to her in a time of great need and it was the best decision we ever made as a couple. Amy worked very closely with us for many sessions. We had individual sessions and also sessions as a couple. Amy has a wealth of knowledge and experience given her extensive background and studies. Amy had a beautiful office in Santa Monica, not far from the beach. When me and my wife sat in the waiting room, we were so impressed how nice it was. Moreover, Amy Goldman helped us improve our marriage, and we can't thank her enough. read more

Amy is a talented and experienced child and family therapist. I feel I can confidently refer to her for parental alienation cases.

My teenager has been working with Amy Goldman for several years. When we first started my teen was having a lot of behavioral problems and wasn't doing very well in school. We had not ever been in therapy before. Amy made the sessions feel very safe, warm, and welcoming. Over the course of their work together my daughter has significantly improved in school. Her behavioral problems have since subsided, grades have increased, and social skills have improved. Amy has the world's cutest dog as her co-therapist even when he sleeps on the job. I strongly recommend Amy Goldman to anyone to wants to improve their life or their child's life. read more

Dr. Goldman has gone above and beyond in our reunification sessions with my son. She has created an environment that feels open and welcoming, and I feel she has his best interests in mind at all times. She is more than a silent passive ear. She is interactive, warm, and engaging. Our time with her feels natural and flowing. You really get the sense that her work is more than a profession, it is a deep calling to help those who are in need. If you need a reunification therapist, I couldn't recommend her more highly. read more

Amy Goldman is a knowledgeable compassionate therapist filled with numerous beneficial resources. If you want an empathetic extremely qualified professional who truly cares about the best interests of her clients, reach out to Amy. Prior to becoming Amy's client, I was uncomfortable with past therapists, would not consistently attend, and struggled with functioning daily. However, Amy's warmth guided me into such a healthier mindset and now I have many coping mechanisms at my disposal. Additionally Amy's co-therapist and service dog, Mocha, is also a pawsitive affectionate well-behaved influence. I recommend connecting with Amy for any therapy needs. I am thankful to be one of her clients. read more

I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Goldman for the past several months. She has been incredibly helpful. She goes above and beyond of what I expected. She is extremely professional with a wonderful office environment. She has a very high devotion to her work. She shows a genuine care for her clients and is always seeking the best possible remedy everyone. I highly recommend Ms. Goldman to anyone who is seeking positive change and support. read more

This therapist needs her own therapist, seriously. Two of my children and I had seen her for a few months last year for weekly family reunification therapy. The sessions were mostly just us playing games together but I thought that was what "play-based" therapy was. My kids were 8 and 6. Once she got to know that we would keep seeing her for more sessions (hence more income without making any effort for her), she became very inattentive. One time she totally ignored my kids and me for the entire session, eating her lunch and checking her computer, facing the other way from us. The only time she spoke was to demand my daughter to turn off the stuffed animal that was making noise as it was bothering her. On another occasion, she told my autistic son to behave better saying "you (my son) are making me feel uncomfortable." She was just so unprofessional all around. And she HAD to keep her own "therapy dog" for herself in the office, unleashed. The dog would bark or try to hamp at me and kids and she refused to restrain the dog. My son was screaming as he was so scared of the dog. She would also brag about her celebrity clients and disclose their "private" information which I believe is a violation of HIPAA. On top of all that, I found out that there has been an accusation to the license board pending further investigation to revoke her license. It is on the board's website. According to the attorney general's complaint, she had no formal training or certificate to conduct "play therapy" to children although on her website she says she has extensive experiences etc. it is surprising but also it now makes more sense that her sessions were a total joke and there was no improvement or progress but rather the kids started to hate attending sessions. I would recommended looking elsewhere if you are looking for a therapist for a young child. Also she is very greedy and unethical when it comes to billing. She does not provide any visit note but when you ask for it, she would say she would prepare one for an additional fee. read more

My fiance and I have been going to Amy Goldman for a few months. We continue to work with her, it has been beneficial to my family life. She provides us with tools to support and understand each other. I am very happy with her professionalism and insight on family dynamics. read more

My fiance and I have been meeting with Amy. She is very professional. She helped us to set goals for treatment. We have worked on those goals. She has helped us to gain insight. It is a pleasure working with her. We highly recommend her for anyone in need of therapy. I look forward to my continued work with her. read more

I have been a client now for over two years. Amy Goldman, LCSW is nothing short of amazing! Her knowledge, experience, compassion, and professional expertise has served to be consistent and effective. I found her on the Los Angeles County court approved list, started during the pandemic, and I am more than pleased with her work. I read the Meg T. review of Amy and was appalled! I'm not sure why she would disclose her male child in her review. It appears her animosity caused her to breech her son's confidentiality...tacky. I have found Amy to be ethical, responsible, and considerate at all times. She goes above and beyond what I expected from a therapist. She is honest, accountable and doesn't waiver when things get rough. Amy is an asset to the therapeutic community. If you have the opportunity to work with her, I highly recommend it. She's a gem! read more

Amy is a godsend! I could not have imagined a better outcome working with her. She is brilliant! She lives up to the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a therapist who will fight for a child in need of justice! We need more people like Amy in this field! read more

Working with LCSW Amy Goldman has been an incredible experience for my fiancé and me. Her expertise and compassionate approach have significantly improved our communication and understanding of each other. With her guidance, we have been able to tackle our challenges as a team and create a stronger bond. Not only has our relationship benefited, but also our family dynamics with our son have vastly improved. Amy Goldman's support has had a positive impact on our entire household, and we are incredibly grateful for her help. We highly recommend her services to anyone seeking to strengthen their relationships and build a happier family life. Additionally, I greatly appreciate Amy Goldman's logical and intuitive approach in addressing the unique challenges in our lives. Her ability to discern honesty and sincerity has been invaluable during our sessions. She has skillfully guided us towards the most moral and ethical approaches to parenting, ensuring that we provide the best possible home for our relationship to flourish, alongside our son. Amy Goldman's expertise and guidance have been instrumental in bringing harmony and understanding to our family, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate and effective counseling. Lastly, her office is very peaceful and inviting. The view of the vibrant street below can be viewed from either her outdoor deck, or from the comfort of her couch by gazing through her sliding glass doors. I particularly enjoyed sharing while using some of her water paint brushes. I also appreciate how she is mindful of the safety and privacy of her clients by using a Ring doorbell at her entryway. read more

Amy is a highly respected therapist who works great with kids and families. She can be trusted to always do what is right. Her kindness, empathy, and compassion are what sets her apart from others. I would highly recommend her to those looking. The devotion to her work is nothing short of brilliant. She goes the extra mile for children in a way that I have never experienced. I just cannot express it fully into words what she has done for us. read more

I can't speak highly enough of Amy Goldman. I have been seeing her for a couple of months and from the moment I met her, I felt embraced by her warmth and understanding. She has empathy and a passion for what she does. She possesses an exceptional ability to create a safe and nurturing space for me and my 8 year old son. If you're searching for a therapist who is not only compassionate but also adept at helping you navigate life's challenges, Amy is truly exceptional. I'm endlessly grateful for her support and the profound impact she's had on my journey towards building a strong relationship with my son. read more

Well where do I start!?!? First and foremost, Amy Goldman is a very sincere and genuine person, both as a therapist and as an individual. Immediately Amy's goal in working with new clients is to make them feel comfortable and where she did just that! I typically like to go with professionals who are very direct and straight to the point. Amy definitely does that but she does so in a very compassionate manner and where I would imagine she evaluates each client and then works accordingly. However, I did let Ms. Goldman know right from the start that I would prefer her to be direct, honest, and frank. After all, that's why I was there while wanting and needing to seek guidance and help from a legit and caring professional. I found Ms. Goldman to be extremely open and nonjudgmental making it easy for me to open up and share with her an array of things and where I was never left feeling awkward or wanting to put my foot in my mouth afterwards. I know firsthand that Ms. Goldman's clients are her number one priority and where she handles them with the utmost care. She is very passionate about her profession and where that can be displayed through her regular practice of going the extra mile while also going out of her way to make additional time when requested by her clients and often taking time out of what was supposed to be her down time. Amy also sent me educational pieces to read and get familiar with and when reviewing her accomplishments and work history, it speaks volumes in and of itself. In addition, her colleagues speak highly of Ms. Goldman. In fact, I came into working with Ms. Amy Goldman after being referred to her by another therapist who is no longer in the states and where I couldn't be more thankful and appreciative! A few key points I should mention, Ms. Goldman's office is always clean and pristine. The parking is always easy and available and where she's extremely punctual. You don't have to worry about waiting or being placed on hold for your appointment to begin and where I have never once had to experience such practice as you do often with other professionals. All in all, I highly recommend Ms. Amy Goldman. I initially reached out to her for reunification therapy between my daughter and I as well as direction on dealing with parental alienation and where she's been nothing but help and a pleasure to work with. I can assure you, you will be welcomed with a smiling face and leave feeling as though you have a solid support and trust in whatever your needs are that may bring you to this outstanding and extremely kind individual. read more

Amy has been my therapist for over 20 years. She is truly empathic, kind, professional, and because of my work with her, I am a much happier person. I had looked for years for a good therapist and when I finally found Amy Goldman, we set goals and have achieved all of them. I did my homework and researched Amy. She is so well respected. Her reputation is impeccable. I was referred by other clients of hers who speak very highly of her and Amy has lived up to every thing positive they said about her and more. I would not be where I am without the help of Amy. I know that she is an LA Superior court therapist too and works on some if the hardest cases. She has the tough job of helping kids caught in high conflict child custody battles where parents can lose their kids.  She does gods work. She works tirelessly. She changed my life for the better and I am so grateful for her. I see that one-star review below by some guy and that can't be a client of Amy's as she would never do any of those things.  That's terrible that someone is pretending to be Amy's client who never met with her. I have been meeting with Amy for many many years and she is very professional. Who-ever wrote that one star review needs therapy for making up lies. I highly recommend Amy to anyone who wants to change their life for the better read more

Amy Goldman helped repair my relationship with my son who had developed a lot of anger and resentment towards me due to a high conflict custody battle. We were court ordered to reunification therapy. When we first started he would barely look me in the eye. It was excrutiating. There was also an additional layer of extreme stress due to a misguided DCFS intervention that led to my kids being moved to their dads house - the person who had involve DCFS as a means to get custody. Amy provided a safe space for my son and to be together and leave all of other drama outside. We had fun - we talked about school, we talked about his interests, and eventually we got to talk about what had happened and dispel some of the misunderstandings. Eventually our relationship healed. She never pressured him or me, it all happened so naturally but she had such a gentle yet precise way to create the space for healing to occur. She also wrote thorough progress updates and made sure she spoke to everyone involved - the social worker, the father, myself, the minors councel, everyone so that we were all on the same page. She gave me such helpful feedback and made me see the world from my sons eyes. He didnt hate me - he had been made to fear me. All I really had to do was to be myself, the mother he had always known and loved - for him to witness with his own eyes that I was not the monster that some had tried to convince him I was. It worked. Finally 10 months later, I got my kids back. My son and I are doing great. We were able to complete therapy for now, as we have a strong foundation of trust and love again. WE COULDNT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT AMY. She is a fierce advocate for children and families and she doesn't take sides. She sees the good that is there and builds on it. The process feels somewhat counterintuitive and simple, there is no crying or pouring your heart out. It is simple and calm and it is a process that takes time. But she knows what she is doing. I was a wreck when this first started and she gave me the confidence and support I needed to stay calm and poised throughout the battle of my life, all the while improving myself and healing my relationship with my son in the process. I can't thank her enough for going so above and beyond what I ever expected was possible. read more

I am very thankful to Ms. Goldman for helping me re-build my relationship with my kids. I had no contact with them for over a year and on the first week we had dinner together. After our first session with Ms. Goldman she walked us over the street so the kids and I could have ice cream, she followed up the same evening checking to make sure everything went well. The process is not easy, but Ms. Goldman always put the kids first and gives them time without any pressure. She always keeps me focused on the end goal and that is me having a relationship with my kids. She is a big believer of families having positive relationships! I would recommend Ms. Goldman! read more

Amy has gone above and beyond. In a difficult situation she has done her best for my daughter. She is patient, understanding, caring, and has plenty of knowledge in her expertise. read more

Amy is a wonderful therapist. I've worked with her and my children and the results have been wonderful. She's very professional and has a great office environment. I'd recommend her to anyone at any time. read more

I have been going to Amy Goldman almost every week since a very young age. An amazing therapist and person as a whole she has provided never-ending support and counseling to me through everything. Extremely qualified and knowledgeable, she is able to tackle any issue you bring to her, and is always a genuine comfort to talk to. I cannot recommend a single person more if you are looking for a therapist. She is absolutely life-changing. read more

I am writing as a parent who has been ordered to engage in therapy, specifically with Ms. Goldman. I have been nervous about this appointment from the San Francisco court but Ms. Goldman has shown herself to be a Champion of Children and Families, and she seems to know what that looks and feels like. Ms. Goldman has been practicing for decades; while I was nervous and not sure when she was intaking our family, I have learned to trust Ms. Goldman's analysis of our family, and so has our family court Judge. She is the *first* professional our family has hired that is dedicated to our child. I have seen many professionals who let the "in parent" take control of the narrative. This is not the case with Ms. Goldman. I have watched her respond with care and even love while still enforcing boundaries with all parties that may try to "steamroll" over those boundaries. I have seen her tell the truth and be brave while she describes our family system to the Judge. Her devotion to the truth, the objective truth, as facts play out in front of her, is stellar. I don't know who alleged she saw Ms. Goldman behave in a less-than-ethical-way but I cast doubt upon their mischaracterization of Ms. Goldman, as a parent, court-ordered to participate, professionally, with her. I can only say that she has demonstrated the highest integrity and concern for my daughter's well-being. Perhaps the parent that left a one-star review was not acting with integrity, but Ms. Goldman has NEVER hurt my daughter. In fact, she has supported my daughter even at my "expense." It's one of the reasons I trust Ms. Goldman, because she has kept my daughter the focal point of our therapy, not me and "my motives" whatever they may be described as in family court in SF. Ms. Goldman has stayed focused on my daughter, who is the Most Important Person In My Life, Ever. No one can replace my child. Ms. Goldman seems to understand that, and at the same time, she gains the trust of my daughter. There are no words for the gratitude I feel for Ms. Goldman's intervention. Anyone who claims that she is anything less than a caring, boundaried, experienced, and professional therapist is dishonest. No matter how difficult of a position Ms. Goldman has been placed in, in my Family Law matter, she holds her head high, as she upholds the children she is ordered to protect. She is one of the few that takes her job seriously and she will hear you, if your efforts and intent are in your child's best interests, truly and genuinely. I'm grateful to this clinician, even though I wasn't sure about her and didn't understand how in the heck I got here. Ms. Goldman focused on my DAUGHTER, not me, and she won me over by that fact. Don't trust a pro whose allegiance is to anyone but your child. Ms. Goldman is one of the few that can deal with your case, if you truly want the best for your child. She will understand how to navigate a complex case when other (similar) pros may fail. My appreciation is forever, as she has been my link to my child, who has obviously been unduly influenced by a malicious parent. I'm not hating on the other parent, I'm just grateful that someone can SEE that which is OBVIOUS, unlike California family court judges, who are only privy to a snapshot in time. Ms. Goldman is looking out for your kid. Hire her if you want the best for your child. read more

Amy is/was a lifesaver, she asssited me with my reunification therapy with my daughter and I. she is truly dedicated to her work and and her clients, she took my case on a short notice which is/was highly litigated. She helped me reunite with my daughter after 8 years!!! and words cannot express my gratitude. I will highly recommend Amy. Thank you Amy Goldman for your above and beyond therapy!! Sincerly, The Negrete Family read more

Dr. Amy Goldman is wonderful I wish her business well. She is patient and understanding. I haven't met anyone that communicates as well as Dr. Amy Goldman. What a treat to me and the family. We are blessed to have found her. Dr.Amy Goldman you rock!! Affordable, Friendly Ladies and Gentlemen Dr. Amy Goldman is a miracle worker. You'll See read more

This therapist needs to be in therapy herself Although well educated and seems to have some experience her manner with my child was unacceptable. She was having a panic attack in front of both of us because my son showed up clean but with shoes that had been worn on the street. She directed him to take his shoes off then told him he couldn't sit on her chair because of covid. Which makes no sense he sat in the same chair the week prior and is double vaccinated and tested negative each week at school. So she then made him sit in the middle of a room on a wooden stool to which he was fidgeting too much for her comfort. She took the stool away and had him sit on the floor. Then got upset he was wiggling and touched her table. Any 5 year old can't sit still on a stool in the middle of a room much less one with ptsd who is seeking help. She needs to get her priorities straight: to help her clients rather than making herself feel comfortable. I would absolutely never recommend her to anyone. read more

Amy has been a constant source of positivity and strength in my and my family's life. Helping to steer us through rough times with a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Results oriented and as smart as they come! Amy is a wonderful person and we are so grateful to have her as our therapist. read more

Amy has been seeing my son and his father for reunification therapy. Since day one her focus has been on our son and his comfort level. My son is super shy upon first meeting someone, and especially doesn't like FaceTime with strangers. She was very gentle in her approach to bring him out of his shell. She has been instrumental in the relationship of father and son. I am confident at the end of their therapy together the bond between father and son will be not only formed but stronger. read more

A very caring and knowledgable therapist. Contact Amy and she will genuinely listen to you. Cares about her patients and will make sure she does all she can to help! read more

I've been seeing Amy for the past 2 years and it has been such an amazing experience,She is very ethical,very observant,and such a great listener.She has seen me at my lowest and always managed to help me feel better. I am able to talk to her like if i am talking to a bestfriend she will always give me good advice and it's really a therapeutic journey having her work on my case. even during the pandemic I was always welcomed to sit on her couches and pet her dog mocha (who is an amazing smart dog must i say). Amy would do no such thing to make others uncomfortable or have an unpleasant time in her office.I highly recommend Amy to work on your case. read more

Amy is a gem. I was referred to her for reunification therapy with my teenage son. We have been seeing her for about eight weeks and already I have seen so much progress in the relationship. My son wasn't talking to me and was being extremely disrespectful and cold, and this had been going on for a while during a very difficult divorce with his father. It has been so devastating, feeling like I was losing my son who I used to have an amazing loving relationship with, and it felt like no matter what I did, things kept getting worse and more strained. When we started with Amy I was somewhat skeptical, as the kind of therapy Amy does for reunification is different than other kinds of therapy I have done in the past. The sessions are so comfortable, she gets us talking about our lives and my son seems to actually enjoy being there. Her little dog is hilarious. The sessions seem so casual and fun, I did not expect it to work. But what Amy does is Magic, she has an expertise and knows what she is doing. She is extremely kind, warm, welcoming, and creates a safe and fun atmosphere where my son and I get to be together and have fun conversations and start getting to know each other again in a very non-threatening way for him. Amy was great in explaining the process of reunification to me and really helping me understand what my son was experiencing so that I could empathise with him and support him with unconditional love, to remind him of the good times, and to start rebuilding our trust and connection. My son feels very comfortable with Amy. Within two sessions, he started to let his guard down and has started calling me mom again and hugging me again. He recently asked me to take him shopping for his graduation dance, and wanted me to wait outside the dressing room so I could give him advice on his outfit. He asked me for help rolling up his sleeves just the right way, and I got to do that for him and it was not lost on me that a few months ago he would recoil if I came near him. This is a kid who would barely look me in the eye, and recently we were laughing hysterically in our session after my son told a story about his unibrow. I'm getting back those little moments with him that I have missed dearly. wonderful little tidbits of his life that I have missed so much. Amy feels like a family member she cares so deeply for her clients and goes above and beyond. The sense of relief I feel now knowing that she is working with us is life changing. I know we are in good hands, and that we are on the right path, and that the future is looking brighter than it has been a while. read more