Office policy is that clients pay directly for services rendered. It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier’s behavioral health department to find out what benefits are covered under your plan. We will provide the necessary documentation so that your insurance carrier may reimburse you if psychotherapy is covered.

We are available for phone consultations and can be reached at (818) 706-0040. We will get back to you promptly (usually the same day) to discuss your concerns and the best options to assist you.

Late afternoon and evening appointments are available Monday through Thursday. Limited weekend appointments are also available.

• Finding positive ways to cope with stress, loss, anxiety, and change.
• Developing skills to better manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - Learn how to validate others and reflect understanding and empathy. Learn skills to communicate so that others hear/understand you and are better able to meet your needs.
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering positive ways to solve problems and diffuse parent/child conflict
• Improving interpersonal, emotional, social, academic, and work functioning
• Helping parents set realistic expectations that their child/teen can meet
• Improving self-esteem, self-confidence, and developing a stronger sense of self

How will I know when a family member needs help?

•  You notice changes in behavior or mood (depression, anxiety, isolation, aggression) that effect social relationships, and functioning at school/work
•  You or a family member has experienced loss or trauma that they can’t seem to recover from
•  Your family can’t find solutions to help your loved one
•  You suspect a family member is using drugs or alcohol
•  A family member is engaging in behavior that is self-harmful or harmful to others
•  A family member has trouble resolving conflict and has trouble de-escalating when angry
•  Family stress continues to increase due to a family member’s behavioral and/or emotional challenges

Both brief and long term therapy is offered from the following therapeutic models and can be delivered in individual and/or family sessions.

Mindfulness Therapy is focused on giving clients tools to help them live in the present and enjoy life to the fullest as it unfolds moment by moment. Our Client's develop and employ tools they can use on a day-to-day basis to increase their awareness of the present moment and decrease distress. Usually, the more we connect with the present moment, the more we realize that “everything is okay” right now. A great deal of emotional distress can be distilled down to one core problem – that is, living out of the current moment. Being stuck in the past or worrying excessively about the future leads to depression and anxiety, amongst other uncomfortable feelings. However, the reality is that life is only happening in this very moment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors. Distorted beliefs, thoughts and perceptions are examined, challenged, and altered to facilitate behavioral and emotional change. CBT is especially helpful when treating children that experience depression, anxiety, and negative self-esteem.

Psychodynamic Therapy helps client’s gain an understanding of how past relationships, experiences and behavioral patterns influence the way they currently function. By helping clients become aware of reoccurring negative relational and behavioral patterns, they are able to make more positive and satisfying life decisions.

Family Systems Therapy focuses on the interplay of family roles and relationships in contributing to both the origin and solution of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Therapeutic interventions are aimed at strengthening communication, redefining roles and restoring healthy boundaries. Improved individual and family functioning can result from a more balanced, open relational style.

Psychotherapists are not permitted to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and other medical doctors may prescribe medication. We prefer to collaborate with psychiatrists who not only work with adults but also are board certified Child and Adolescent psychiatrists. Research suggests that for some childhood and adolescent problems, medication along with psychotherapy is the best course of treatment. In the event your child’s symptoms and behaviors indicate a need for psychiatric intervention, a referral will be discussed and provided.

All information that a patient discloses in psychotherapy, including the therapist’s written notes and records, is confidential except under special circumstances where disclosure is required by law. Some circumstances where the law requires disclosure include:

Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse: The Psychotherapists are required by law to report such occurrances to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious imminent bodily harm to another person or persons: Psychotherapists must notify the police and inform the intended victim. In addition, it may be necessary for the therapist to notify authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.
If a client intends to harm himself/herself or is gravely disabled: Psychotherapists will make every effort to enlist the client’s cooperation in ensuring safety. Further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety. This can include notifying authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.
When appropriate, and for the benefit of the client, written permission for release of information may be given by the parent to allow consultation with third parties.