You are not alone - Let's do this together
Many of us struggle to manage life’s many obligations, which can leave us feeling anxious, fearful, hopeless and overwhelmed. Therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in which to unpack and unload some of the emotional baggage that has been weighing you down. I offer a warm, supportive, non-judgmental approach, and believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key. Collaboratively we can work together to remove the obstacles that are preventing you from being your best self, while promoting emotional health and wellness.
About Me
For most of my life, I have felt a strong calling to be of service to others. I started this practice because I understand the need for a little extra support during different stages of life.
I received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Sociology from UCLA and a Master’s in Social Work from USC. During my time at USC, I specialized in mental health and the severely mentally ill patient population. My training included working with patients in a hospital setting at Harbor UCLA and in the community as part of an Assertive Community Treatment team. I earned my doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Applied Clinical Psychology program, with a focus on individuals who, like yourself, sometimes struggle to meet life’s demands.
I am both a Licensed Psychologist (#35327) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#26308). For over 20 years, I have worked to promote mental health and wellness in various capacities, including as an Adjunct Professor at Los Angeles Southwest College, a clinician and clinical supervisor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and providing crisis intervention as a member of the Psychiatric Mobile Response Team.
I believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy life-work balance for emotional well-being. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, staying active, pursuing my faith, and traveling. I look forward to working with you.
Services
I provide therapy to individuals, couples and adolescents with a wide variety of concerns; which include, but are not limited to, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, communication, and issues related to attachment. I offer an eclectic approach that places a heavy emphasis on the patient-therapist relationship, to help you gain insight, and develop the tools to make lasting life changes. The modalities I utilize are Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Solution-Focussed Therapy.
I believe in a collaborative approach, and tailor treatment to the needs of each of my clients.
The Space
Located in the heart of West Los Angeles, my office is designed to offer patients a comfortable setting to explore themselves during our work together. There is a dedicated waiting room to ensure all patients have privacy upon arrival.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that has demonstrated positive results in helping alleviate the negative effects of traumatic and adverse life events. When you experience a traumatic event, the effects can be both physical and psychological. Many of the symptoms people report experiencing are distressing memories of the event, feeling on edge, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, social isolation, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, hopelessness, and a desire to avoid things that remind them of the event. In addition, an intense physical and emotional reaction may occur when triggered by things that remind you of the event. This is because your brain’s fight or flight response has been rewired to respond as if you are in danger, even in times when there is nothing to fear. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help patients access the memories of their painful life events, so that they can be reprocessed in a safe, therapeutic environment. The treatment focuses on identifying resources and developing coping skills, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and the reprocessing of traumatic events, all with the goal of decreasing distress related to the trauma. If you believe you may be a candidate for EMDR therapy, contact me today.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What can I expect during my first session?Prior to the session beginning, you will be asked to complete a minimal amount of paperwork that outlines office policies and consent for services. The first session is designed to discuss what is bringing you to therapy at this time, any ideas or expectations you may have about treatment, and the goals you would like to accomplish through the course of therapy. The relationship between therapist and patient is integral to the therapeutic process, therefore, the first session is also a time to determine whether or not we are a good fit for each other.
-
Do you take insurance?I do not currently take insurance, which means treatment, such as diagnosis, type of treatment provided and number of sessions are not dictated by an insurance company. In addition, information regarding your therapy is not disclosed to anyone without your written consent.
-
What should I do if I am in crisis?While I frequently access my voicemail, I may not be available at the exact time patients are in crisis. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please contact your local hospital, police department, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (800-854-7771), or 9-1-1.
-
How long are sessions?Each session is 50 minutes, unless otherwise specified and agree upon.
-
Where do I check in when I arrive?Access to the downstairs lobby can be obtained on Washington Blvd. Please check in with the front desk staff, and they will contact me and direct you to my office. If you are arriving prior to your scheduled appointment time, you may either wait in the downstairs lobby, or in the waiting room upstairs, adjacent to my office.
-
What is your cancellation policy?Appointment scheduling involves the reservation of time, as a result, a minimum of 24-hour notice is required for rescheduling or canceling an appointment.
-
Where can I park?There is metered parking directly in front of the building. You can also park in the neighborhood across the street. If you utilize neighbourhood parking, please observe all signage and allow extra time to cross the street at the nearest intersection on Redwood and Washington.
-
Good Faith EstimateUnder the No Surprises Act, you are entitled to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of what the charges could be for the services provided to you. It is not possible for a therapist to know, in advance, how many sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person upon the initiation of therapy. Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services listed, nor does it include any services rendered to you that are not identified here. If you receive a bill at least $400 more than your GFE, you may dispute or appeal the bill.
Resources
Please consider the following resources for either yourself or someone you care about:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
916.567.0163
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800.273.8255 (available 24/7)
UCLA Rape Treatment Center
https://www.uclahealth.org/rtc/default.cfm
424.259.7208 (available 24/7)
Encino West Psychological Services
https://www.encinowestpsychologicalservices.com
323.304.0573
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
800.656.4673 (available 24/7)
LA County Psychiatric Mobile Response Team
800.854.7771
211 LA County
In-person & Virtual
We offer both in-person and virtual sessions. Our office is conveniently located on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, and teletherapy is conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
Phone: 310-895-4267
Address: 13101 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Email: contact@drstaciatkins.com