The quaint town of South Pasadena has been the setting for many films such as La La Land, The Player, Freaky Friday, Halloween, Back to the Future, and The Terminator. It is also the setting for many television series’ such as Cold Case, CSI, Parenthood, and Desperate Housewives. In addition, there are quite a few awesome therapists based in South Pasadena. 

If you or someone you know is having trouble with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, it is essential that you talk to a professional. Contact one of the dedicated South Pasadena therapists right away to get treatment. 

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Kelli Prisbe

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issues

I believe that all people are intelligent and capable of helping themselves. With the assistance of a counselor who can ask you the right questions, provide a safe and supportive environment, and encourage you to express and process your feelings, you can harness your power and take control of your life. My name is Kelli Prisbe, and I have been a social worker and counselor for over 20 years. I obtained my master's degree in social work in 1994 and my clinical social work license in 1999. My areas of experience include children and adults with special needs and their families, general parenting, women's concerns, including life transitions, sexual assault, and domestic violence, depression/anxiety, and senior and end-of-life issues. I believe strongly in each person's self-determination and ability to maximize his/her strengths in order to make improvements and achieve a satisfying life. I take a cognitive-behavioral approach, helping my clients to recognize and challenge the thoughts and beliefs that are making them unhappy and learn to think in healthier ways. This active type of therapy, which sometimes includes short homework assignments, typically helps clients to improve their negative moods or behaviors more quickly. Outside of my counseling private practice, I am a mom to three beautiful children. I have personally dealt with infertility, premature birth of my twins and subsequent NICU stay, and raising a child on the autism spectrum. I also work part-time as a home health social worker. I enjoy exercise, hiking, reading, eating wonderful food, and mostly being with my family.

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Rajan Christian

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

My favorite clientele are adolescents, young adults, professionals, couples, and families. I address relational issues, family conflicts, depression, suicidality, underachievement, failure to launch, and lack of meaning or purpose in life. I have extensive experience with adolescents and adults in both non-profit and for profit settings, as well as on an outpatient and inpatient basis. I have worked for non-profit corporations, county behavioral health, school districts, and privately-owned for profit corporations. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma Resiliency and worked directly for several years with suicidal adolescents and adults on a crisis response team.

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Amanda Mills

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
4 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and play therapy. I am a gender affirming therapist who uses a humanistic approach and empathy to provide a safe space free of shame or judgement for clients. Since 2014, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings including non-profit organizations and education settings. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Kathryn Shafer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Eli Selkin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rebecca Prager

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 25 years of professional work experience with a wide range of young people, adults, families and community groups. I am also a massage therapist and birth doula, and approach therapy as part of healing your whole self. Our areas of focus could include: visioning your best life and taking the steps to get there; coping with stress, depression and/or anxiety; integrating trauma ; coping with grief and loss; building self-esteem and confidence. I believe that you hold wisdom in your story. You have innate strengths that will support you in facing and metabolizing challenges, which leads to healing and the ability to thrive. Taking the step to start therapy takes time, courage, curiosity and commitment. Thank you for starting on this journey and I look forward to working together!

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Georgia Roberts

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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VaJezatha Payne

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in assisting clients with life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, low/no motivation, poor self-esteem and low/no confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges that you are facing. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Welcome to behavioral health, where therapy and healing begin.

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Mary Holtom

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Dr. Mary Holtom is a licensed clinical psychologist in California. Dr. Holtom received her graduate degree from Rosemead School of Psychology and her undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Holtom’s training and experience has been in a variety of settings, including: nonprofit, inpatient rehab center, outpatient community mental health centers, a university counseling center, and online therapy. Given her background, she has experience in assisting adults from various backgrounds in gaining knowledge about their mental health and moving forward towards their goals in life. Dr. Holtom believes that the relationship between client and therapist is important and allows for a collaborative process in assisting the patient achieve a better quality of life. With the assistance of the therapist, clients are capable of finding solutions and not continuing their same patterns that are no longer effective. Dr. Holtom’s approach to therapy utilizes Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, balancing between a present-moment focus and gaining insight on one’s past in order to move forward into the future. Additionally, Dr. Holtom also uses Acceptance and Commitment therapy techniques to assist patients in making effective life changes. License: PSY31334

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Nancy Salvatierra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with first generation Latinx clients that are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in South Pasadena

Finding the best therapist close by in South Pasadena can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in South Pasadena. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in South Pasadena, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in South Pasadena or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater South Pasadena area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of South Pasadena, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the South Pasadena area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed South Pasadena therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in South Pasadena due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in South Pasadena may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in South Pasadena, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in South Pasadena above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in South Pasadena helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified South Pasadena therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a South Pasadena therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A South Pasadena therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 91030 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a South Pasadena counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A South Pasadena licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in South Pasadena, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

South Pasadena has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of South Pasadena.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in South Pasadena:

91030, 91031

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