Can I contact you via email and tell you what I want?

Yes.  You are more than welcomed to write to me and tell me about your needs/interests.  My contact information is: 

PHONE: (323) 638-4152

EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How does psychotherapy work?

First and foremost, Psychotherapy works by allowing you a safe, comfortable environment where you are free to be with your feelings. In therapy you will be heard, seen, and understood. Developing a collaborative, emotionally enriched relationship with your therapist occurs with time, and through the relationship you can begin to discover new ideas, and approaches to life. For this reason it is important for you to feel a good fit with your therapist, and vice versa. 

At times, therapy involves learning. You may learn practical, life skills in therapy such as how to reduce the duration of panic attacks, decision making, organization and budgetting skills, parenting skills, effective communication, assertiveness, and creating healthier relationships. You and your therapist work together to understand your thoughts, feelings and actions, illuminate patterns that are no longer working for you, and create healthier patterns. Learning about ourselves in a non-judgemental environment helps us to change.

What is an MFT?

An MFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, requiring an Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, or Clinical Psychology from an accredited university, 3000 intern hours of supervised work experience, and the successful passing of two rigorous licensing exams. MFT’s are not limited to working only with marriages and families. They are licensed psychotherapists who work with individuals, couples, groups, and families using a variety of therapeutic techniques. 

What other languages do you speak?

I am fluent in Farsi.

Do you take insurance?

Therapy can be very costly, and many of us wish to save money. I can easily provide you with a Superbill at the end of each month that you yourself can submit to your insurance company which may reimburse you for part of the cost of therapy, provided your insurance company provides coverage for out of network, outpatient therapy. If you would like the entire cost of therapy to be covered by insurance, contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers. You will be able to have a limited number of sessions with a licensed psychotherapist.

I am currently NOT on panels and do not accept insurance at this time. I always recommend that clients pay for therapy out of pocket.  It has been my experience that using insurance to pay for therapy has several disadvantages for clients and psychotherapists alike.  Here are some of the concerns I have about insurance that you may want to take under advisement before you begin therapy:

For clients:  Insurance companies normally require a diagnosis in order to reimburse for services.  In many cases, they require a diagnosis severe enough to meet something called "medical necessity", where the mental disorder in question is seriously impairing a person's daily functioning.  This diagnosis stays with clients and follows them as a "pre-existing condition", making it very difficult and/or costly to obtain future insurance.  Information about much of the work between a therapist and a client is required in reports to insurance companies which basically means your personal psychological information loses the confidentiality that it deserves.

For therapists:  Insurance companies make it difficult for therapists to be reimbursed with untimely and low payments.  Long term therapy is usually not covered, and many theoretical orientations that are not cognitive-behavioral and are more relationship and feeling based are not reimbursed.  And finally, time that should be spent focusing on client issues and professional consultation is spent on completing insurance company paperwork.

What kind of problems do you work with?

I am skilled in the treatment of disorders resulting from relationship issues, life transitions, trauma, or abuse. These include Depression, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Phobias, OCD, problems with intimacy, problems maintaining relationships, parenting issues, vocational dilemmas, issues of gender variant and the LGBT community just to mention a few.   I have a particular interest in anxiety and panic attacks. I am also bi-cultural, and am interested in the treatment of individuals who are bi-cultural, and are going through issues of assimilating to a new country.  

I also work with couples who have tried to problem solve their relationship issues, and are now seeking an alternative method of dealing with each other and their problems.  I have found that enlightening couples on their communication styles and helping them communicate effectively can be very helpful.  I work to resolve problems that arise from parenting, career differences, lack of commonalities, partner drug/alcohol abuse, difficult relationship with inlaws, special issues of gay and lesbian relationships, and other couple anxieties. 

What are your qualifications?

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UCLA, and my Master's Degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology.  I have published several articles on various online resources for anxiety treatment, psychotherapy and other mental health issues. As part of LA Therapy Network, I regularly hone my therapeutic skills by keeping up to date with the latest research, therapeutic styles, and theories.  I attend trainings and workshops regularly for continuing education.  I have over 13 years of experience in the field of psychology in various settings treating adults, children, couples, families, and groups.  I have been both part 1 and 2 trained in EMDR through the EMDR Institute, an EMDRIA approved institution.

Where are you located?

I currently work out of two office locations.  My office in Los Angeles, close to the intersection of La Cienega and Olympic, is a home based practice where I can offer my clients a welcoming,  intimate setting.  

My second office location as part of LA Therapy Network is in Santa Monica, close to the beach on 7th street and Broadway.  The office itself is cozy with a small balcony.  It is set near restaurants, shops and of course, the ocean.  I hope you will find it as inspiring and conducive to the work as I do.

What is your fee?

After speaking on the phone we make an appointment for an initial consultation session.  The initial consultation session is $50, and is 50 minutes.  This is the first session where you and I meet, and decide whether or not we feel good about moving forward into a working relationship.

My full customary fee for sessions after that is $100-125 for the Los Angeles office, and $125-150 for the Santa Monica office.  It is my priority to offer effective, expert services to those who need it, and am willing to negotiate a fee that is both  practical for you and affordable for me.  Discussion and setting of fees will be done during the initial consultation session. 

What methods of payment do you take?

You are welcomed to pay with cash, check, and most major credit cards.

What if I just can't afford therapy and don't have insurance?

There are a number of low fee/sliding scale clinics in the area, and I will be more than happy to refer you. Your therapist, at these clinics, will most likely be an intern working under the supervision of a licensed therapist.