Hi, I’m a licensed therapist in California with several years of experience supporting individuals through life’s toughest challenges. I earned my degree from the University of Southern California, and my background is rooted in community mental health, where I worked closely with individuals healing from trauma, navigating homelessness, and living with co-occurring disorders such as substance use, psychotic, and mood disorders. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from many walks of life, each bringing their own unique stories, identities, and strengths. I strive to honor each client’s unique identity and experience, and to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and respectful of where you come from and where you’re going.
Along with my professional training, I also bring my own lived experience to the therapeutic process. As someone who was adopted and has personally faced mental health challenges, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate complex emotions and relationships. My adoption story has given me a unique perspective that deeply informs how I approach therapy.
These personal experiences have shaped how I show up for my clients—with compassion, empathy, and a strong sense of authenticity. I offer meaningful guidance rooted in my own journey of self-discovery and healing. My goal is to hold space in a nonjudgmental, respectful, and committed way, so you feel supported as you move through your own growth.
Through my work, I’ve developed strong skills in crisis intervention and treatment planning, helping clients stabilize during acute situations while also building sustainable paths toward healing. I’ve supported people through a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, and addiction.
My approach to therapy is person-centered and trauma-informed, grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices—including cognitive behavioral therapy, seeking safety, motivational interviewing, and task-centered therapy—to support insight, self-efficacy, and meaningful change at your own pace.
I believe that you are the expert of your own story, and my role is to walk alongside you with support, curiosity, and care. Starting therapy takes courage, and I’m truly honored to be a part of your journey.
Please note: I do not provide crisis or emergency services. If you're in crisis, call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Attachment issues, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Drug and alcohol addiction, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Paranoia, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
CA LCSW 127660
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Darla Cozzarelli. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I’ve had nothing but great sessions with Darla. It’s only been a few sessions so far but I already am seeing many tangible changes in my life and my mindset with concrete ways to improve. Darla is easy to talk to, safe, comforting, and quick.
Written on May 03, 2025 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Darla has been amazing helping me out and has been helping me improve ever since. She’s nice, kind and very understanding towards my situation.
Written on May 01, 2025 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
I was going down a bad road in my life and had no one to talk to. Dr. Cozzarelli has helped me immensely in taking action in my life. It’s so difficult to get to see a therapist with insurance. It takes forever, BETTER HELP is a great option.
Written on May 01, 2025 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
She is very detailed oriented and actually wants to listen to your story and she has many engaging questions and continues conversations rather than ask me what I want to talk about because I don’t always know
Written on Apr 30, 2025 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Darla has been the breath of fresh air I have been longing for. She is caring, actively listens, and responds professionally yet humanly. I feel like she is a best friend with the sage advice without the judgment. I feel seen. I feel heard. I feel taken care of.
Written on Apr 30, 2025 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue