Monica Chernoff, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#150951)
Based in Hermosa Beach, CA – Serving the South Bay Area

I’m Monica Chernoff, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#150951) who specializes in child, adolescent, and athlete mental health. I offer in-person and telehealth sessions to individuals and families in the Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Torrance areas. I support children, teens, and student-athletes (elementary to professional level) who struggle with academic/ performance stress, anxiety, body image issues, behavioral challenges, and the impacts of divorce. As a former All-American and All-SCIAC water polo player at Occidental College and a member of the Philippine National Team, I bring a unique perspective to my work with athletes & families. I am received my Masters in Science of Marriage & Family Therapy at University of Southern California & Bachelors of Psychology at Occidental College. My therapeutic approach incorporates Humanistic techniques, Play therapy (for young children), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Family Systems methods, making me one of the leading therapists for teens and young athletes in the South Bay.

Beyond the therapy room, I am a passionate advocate for athlete mental health. I am on the Clinical Advisory Board for the Hidden Opponent, been featured on podcasts and in articles, served on the medical psychology team for the LA Marathon, and regularly partners with local and collegiate teams to provide workshops, public speaking, and performance mindset training. In addition, I have unique trainings making me a leading and sought-after therapist in South Bay for children and student athletes. My extensive training includes training in Play Therapy from Dr. Brenna Hicks, a renowned Child-Centered Play Therapist & podcast host, and Dr. Jake Insler, a top sports psychologist in California, focused on high-performance training for all athlete levels including Olympians & professionals.

I am also trained in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy by renowned psychologist Dr. Norma Barretta, offering clients additional support for issues like sleep disorders, performance blocks, panic, and stress. My diverse experiences drive my passion for helping children, teens, and their families navigate mental health challenges in sports and school.