1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles
Credentials: Practice comprised of doctoral-level psychologists (PhD and PsyD). All clinicians are licensed clinical psychologists specializing in evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety, performance anxiety, phobias, stress management.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Populations Served: Adults and children experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, and sleep difficulties. Clients seeking structured, goal-oriented therapy with measurable outcomes.
Background: Clinicians include faculty members at graduate psychology programs who both treat clients and train future psychologists. The practice emphasizes outcome tracking from the first session to measure progress. Many therapists trained at UCLA and other academic medical centers.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information. Out-of-network superbills provided for reimbursement.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Westwood/Brentwood, Pasadena, and Silver Lake/Glendale offices. Telehealth available throughout California.
Location: 11645 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1030, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Westwood/Brentwood) and 444 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 (Pasadena) and 715 N. Central Ave., Suite 108, Glendale, CA 91203 (Silver Lake/Glendale)
Contact: (310) 254-9748 or (888) 813-9613 | https://cogbtherapy.com
Initial Consultation: Free 15-minute consultation available. Book through website.
2. Behavioral Associates Los Angeles
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologists and supervised clinicians licensed by the California Board of Psychology or the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Director of Training: Michelle Dexter, PhD.
Specialization: Social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, body dysmorphic disorder, PTSD, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, performance anxiety, insomnia.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders.
Populations Served: Adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and mood disorders. The practice serves as a regional clinic for the National Social Anxiety Center.
Background: Dr. Michelle Dexter serves on the Board of Directors for the National Social Anxiety Center and specializes in mindfulness-based, empirically-supported treatments. Clinicians have experience implementing treatments in both group and individual settings. The practice offers individual and group supervision for mental health professionals.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for current insurance information and fee structure.
Session Format: Individual and group CBT treatment available. Both in-person and telehealth options offered.
Location: 462 North Linden Drive, Suite 430, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Contact: (310) 205-0523 | https://behavioralassociatesla.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation scheduling and treatment information.
3. CBT California
Credentials: Practice founded by Lynn McFarr, PhD, former UCLA professor and Board Member of the World Confederation of CBT. Staff includes licensed psychologists and therapists.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, panic disorder, chronic depression, insomnia, OCD, trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
Populations Served: Adults seeking evidence-based treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. Individuals dealing with chronic depression and personality disorders.
Background: Dr. Lynn McFarr has international recognition in CBT and has trained clinicians worldwide. The practice offers training opportunities for graduate students, research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and mental health professionals.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information and fee structure.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Beverly Hills/Los Angeles and Torrance/South Bay offices. Telehealth services available throughout California.
Location: Beverly Hills/Los Angeles and Torrance/South Bay (contact for specific addresses)
Contact: https://cbtcalifornia.com
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to schedule consultation and discuss treatment approach.
4. Therapy Lab Los Angeles
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologists with advanced degrees and specialized training in evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, ADHD assessment, autism spectrum assessment, relationship difficulties, heartbreak recovery, neuropsychological assessment.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), evidence-based assessment protocols for ADHD and autism.
Populations Served: Adults in Los Angeles experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and burnout. Individuals seeking diagnostic clarity for ADHD or autism. Clients navigating relationship patterns and heartbreak.
Background: Clinicians have extensive experience working with clients navigating pressures specific to Los Angeles, including entertainment industry stress, gig economy challenges, comparison culture, and the city’s unique social dynamics.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person and virtual appointments available. Hybrid-AI model available as more affordable option.
Location: Los Angeles (contact for specific address)
Contact: (213) 712-9595 | https://www.therapylab.com/locations/los-angeles-therapists
Initial Consultation: Book a welcome call through website with therapist or care coordinator.
5. UCLA Health Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinic
Credentials: University-based clinic staffed by licensed psychologists and supervised trainees within the UCLA Department of Psychiatry.
Specialization: Pervasive depressed mood, anxiety disorders that are excessive or disproportionate to circumstances.
Therapy Approaches: Evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in structured format.
Populations Served: Adults between 18 and 70 years old experiencing depression, mood disorders, and anxiety.
Background: Academic medical center clinic with clinicians trained in research-validated CBT protocols. Part of UCLA Health system with access to integrated psychiatric care when needed.
Insurance Accepted: UCLA Health accepts most major insurance plans. Contact clinic to verify specific coverage.
Session Format: Individual one-on-one therapy and small group treatment settings available.
Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles (contact for specific clinic address)
Contact: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/adult/cognitive-behavioral-therapy
Initial Consultation: Contact UCLA Health scheduling to arrange initial evaluation.
Mental Health Industry in California
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Los Angeles range from $150 to $350 per session for licensed therapists, with doctoral-level psychologists typically charging $200 to $400. Psychiatrists may charge $300 to $500 for sessions including medication management. Couples therapy sessions generally range from $200 to $450. Group therapy sessions are more affordable, typically $50 to $100 per session. The average cost of therapy in California is approximately $167 per session according to recent data, though Los Angeles rates trend higher due to cost of living.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in California, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology from an accredited institution. Candidates must accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, with at least 1,500 hours completed after receiving the doctoral degree. Two examinations are required: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). Pre-licensure coursework is required in six areas: human sexuality, alcohol and chemical dependency, child abuse assessment, partner abuse assessment, aging, and long-term care. The California Board of Psychology administers licensure. License renewal requires 36 hours of Continuing Professional Development every two years.
Telehealth Regulations
California permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. California is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth services. Many practices expanded virtual service availability during the pandemic and continue offering this option.
Mental Health Parity Laws
California’s Mental Health Parity Act requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equal to coverage for physical health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans. California’s Network Adequacy Standards require insurers to maintain sufficient mental health provider networks. California law prohibits prior authorization requirements for outpatient mental health services that are more restrictive than those for medical services.
Professional Organizations
The California Psychological Association (CPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Los Angeles County Psychological Association provides local networking and professional development. The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) supports licensed marriage and family therapists.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
California employs more psychologists than any other state. Despite this, wait times for new patients in Los Angeles can range from two to eight weeks depending on provider specialty and insurance acceptance. Specialized services such as OCD treatment, trauma therapy, or ADHD assessment may have longer wait times. Providers accepting Medi-Cal often have extensive wait lists.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In the Los Angeles region, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, relationship difficulties, stress and burnout (particularly in entertainment and high-pressure industries), body image concerns, addiction, and adjustment disorders related to career transitions.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Each county in California operates a Department of Mental Health providing services to residents regardless of ability to pay. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health provides crisis services, outpatient treatment, and case management. California’s Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63) funds community mental health programs. The California Department of Health Care Services oversees Medi-Cal mental health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cost of therapy in Los Angeles without insurance?
Private pay rates in Los Angeles typically range from $175 to $350 per 50-minute session with a licensed therapist. Sessions with doctoral-level psychologists (PhD or PsyD) generally cost between $225 and $400. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. Some practices offer reduced rates for ongoing treatment or package pricing.
How do I verify that a psychologist is licensed in California?
The California Board of Psychology maintains an online license verification system at the Department of Consumer Affairs website (search.dca.ca.gov) where you can search by name or license number. This database shows current license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. All practicing psychologists must maintain active licensure and keep their registration current.
What is the difference between the EPPP and CPLEE exams that California psychologists must pass?
The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) is a national standardized test covering psychological knowledge required for practice. California requires a minimum passing score of 500. The CPLEE (California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination) is a state-specific exam covering California laws, regulations, and ethical requirements for psychologists. Both exams must be passed for licensure.
Can California psychologists provide telehealth to clients in other states?
California psychologists can provide telehealth to clients in other states if the psychologist holds licensure in that state or if both states are PSYPACT members and the psychologist has obtained E.Passport credentials. California is a PSYPACT member state. For clients located within California, any California-licensed psychologist can provide telehealth services throughout the state.
How long is the typical wait to see a new therapist in Los Angeles?
Wait times vary significantly based on the provider, specialty needed, and insurance status. Private pay clients may find appointments within one to three weeks with many providers. Those using insurance may experience wait times of three to eight weeks. Specialized services such as trauma therapy, OCD treatment, or psychological assessment may have longer wait times due to higher demand for trained specialists.