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. 

This is Virginia Gutman's avatar and link to their profile

Virginia Gutman

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

Welcome! My intent is to create a non-judgmental space for you to share what you need to talk about most. I empower individuals and couples by teaching them practical tools so that they can better navigate through life's tough spots. After listening and getting an understanding of what you'd like to be better, I tailor my intervention to match your treatment goals. While I’m a versatile therapist my niche is guiding people through depression/sadness, anxiety/worries, and relationship/communication issues while teaching them lasting skills to address their challenges. In case you're curious to know or are looking for something specific about what interventions I use- I typically use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). However I also have experience with a psychodynamic psychotherapy. No matter what I use I'm tailoring the intervention to my clients and my approach is ALWAYS strength-based. Meaning I view all my clients as people with strengths and resiliency no matter what their circumstance, and I aim to help them use that to be empowered. When I'm not helping people getting to a better place in life (my favorite!) I like going to new places/trying new things, hiking, and being outside in general. But I also really enjoy a good lazy weekend afternoon watching six episodes of a TV show. Balance is key!

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This is Elizabeth Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Lee

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Elizabeth Johnson Lee MA, LMFT Hi, I’m Liz. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and angry or having trouble in your relationships? I’m here to help! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and my area of expertise is in helping people develop a better relationship with themselves and with the world. I provide encouragement, support and validation with a nonjudgmental and accepting, empathetic and compassionate style, with an emphasis on what’s needed most to help you. I am good at seeing patterns in people’s lives and in bringing them to their awareness so that they can learn from them. Some patterns you may want to change, but others may be hidden strengths, talents and other assets that you can use to empower yourself and improve your life. I also use paradoxical approaches to help you flip weaknesses and painful experiences into strengths and benefits. I am experienced in teaching communication skills to help you improve your relationships in all areas of your life. By combining an exploration of your past relationships with a focus on the here-and-now, I can guide you in seeing how the past has affected you and how you can make changes in the present to transform your life. I received my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1988 and my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 1998. I have worked with survivors of rape, incest, domestic abuse and other traumas, family problems, relationship issues, parenting issues, grief and loss, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, suicidality, psychosis, personality disorders, inter-faith spiritual issues and more. I use an eclectic style to tailor my approach to the needs of each client. I also use a whole-person approach to address the person from a mind, body, and spirit perspective. I look forward to working with you. Let’s get started! Specialties: Anxiety Depression Suicidal thinking Sexual assault Trauma Domestic abuse Addiction Communication skills Relationship issues Years of experience 22

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This is Claudia Young's avatar and link to their profile

Claudia Young

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Northern California with over 14 years experience in the mental health field. I obtained a Master's Degree from California State University, Chico. My nature is to offer an empathic attuned presence. I have an energetic and dynamic personality. My therapy style is non judgemental, energetic and warm. My focus for all clients is to provide a safe , inviting place to hold space. My priority is to meet each client where they are, encourage and support them in guiding their treatment. My hope is to be the place where a client can reflect, process and proceed in being their best selves, meeting their potential, finding peace, fulfillment and satisfaction in life. I also priotize providing a trauma informed approach. I have worked with clients of varying backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. I have training in play therapy with very young children, as well as training in treating depression and anxiety, trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy. I also have obtained EMDR training. I have worked with families, children, couples and individuals who have experienced various concerns, including anxiety, depression, low motivation, adjustment issues, life changes and stressors, relationship issues, divorce, conflict and career changes. I look forward to working with you.

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This is Hoang Tran's avatar and link to their profile

Hoang Tran

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
18 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist, licensed in California with over 13 years of experience working as therapist. I have worked with clients between the ages of 7 to 70, with issues ranging from ADHD, depression, anxiety, marriage, divorce, relationships, parenting, anger management, and co-parenting. My therapeutic orientation is Client-Centered, Gestalt, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I use different modalities of treatments, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), rational-emotive therapy, motivational interviewing, from studies and data to help clients achieve maximum recovery. I know the ultimate decision is the client’s and often times a sounding board from someone who is objective, caring and verse in the helping field is all that one needs. We will be partners in developing a treatment plan that will meet your needs and unique lifestyle. Know that you are loved.

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This is Daryl Austin's avatar and link to their profile

Daryl Austin

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuse
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 40 years working in the mental health field in varied capacities from beginning as a mental health worker to later on doing case management work in a County Mental Health Outpatient Clinic. I worked earlier in my career in an acute in-patient setting for 4 years. I went back to school in my 50's to get my Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from National University in Fresno, California. My undergraduate degree was in Recreation Administration from Fresno State University. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, as most client's in the County Mental Health System unfortunately have trauma in their background. I use an eclectic therapy approach that is tailored to the individual client. I was the main facilitator for short term Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups for several years in the county I worked for. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment. I retired from the County Mental Health system in June 2022. My goal now is to provide and integrate Christian faith into the therapy I provide. It is not mandatory that any client holds the same beliefs as myself, but I desire for individuals that desire faith based treatment have an alternative to secular, humanistic logic and wisdom. I do have experience and training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I am very client centered and supportive. 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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This is Dr. Carlton Oler's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carlton Oler

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a licensed Psychologist in California and New York and have been fortunate to amass 40+ years of clinical and teaching experience (e.g., clinical psychologist, clinical supervisor, consultant, seminar presenter, professor of psychology) in a variety of mental health and academic settings around the United States. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions (both substance and activities), relationship issues (especially marital), and building greater self-esteem, confidence and assertiveness. Also, I have had training and professional experience helping clients to achieve academic success, enhance their spiritual growth, and develop overall (holistic) health. I believe that every client has the ability to overcome the challenges they are facing, but many require someone to come alongside them to support, encourage and empower them to be the best version of themself. I strongly believe that psychotherapy must be a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can be who they really are and tell it like it is. Therefore, I strive to be open and tailor my approach to the needs of my client's. I use an integrative model of counseling that includes cognitive analytic, systemic, multicultural, and spiritual perspectives to help clients better understand and overcome their challenges.

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This is Charesse Branch's avatar and link to their profile

Charesse Branch

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have 15 years of Social work experience working with children and families. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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This is Christin Grice's avatar and link to their profile

Christin Grice

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Sex Therapist in the state of California with over 10 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQIA+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I have extensive training in sex therapy and work primarily with men around issues related to excessive and/or compulsive porn viewing, masturbation, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and infidelity. As a sex positive therapist I also support people in navigating monogamous or ethical non-monogamous relationships, BDSM, kink, etc. 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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This is Lori Rolf's avatar and link to their profile

Lori Rolf

Offering therapy in CA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and California with over 15 years experience working as a counselor and therapist. I have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, eating disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues, emotion management, stress, work/life balance, and trauma. My therapy style is empathic and accepting. My approach combines cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, solution focused and relational-cultural therapy. I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a therapeutic partnership that is genuine, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive of client choices. I respect and value the experiences in your life that contribute to you choosing therapy. Our work together will be based on your individual treatment plan goals with a focus on building skills to create changes in your life. It takes courage and hope to reach out for help. I am honored to be part of your journey toward health and wellness!

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This is Dr. Judith Gebhardt's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Judith Gebhardt

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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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 91031 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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

Popular cities near South Pasadena, CA

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