7 Tips for Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
client shaking hands with therapist after Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles

Finding a therapist in Los Angeles can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. There is an easier way, and it involves making the right connections. By contacting a treatment center and providing basic information, they can connect you with the best therapist. You can spend less time searching and more time focusing on the benefits of treatment. Finding a therapist in Los Angeles can be overwhelming due to the city’s vast size and numerous options. This uncertainty and multitude of choices can lead to frustration, especially for those already experiencing with mental health challenges. Navigating this process without guidance can feel like an insurmountable barrier to receiving care. This article provides seven tips for finding a therapist in Los Angeles. Finding a Therapist in Los Angeles Finding a therapist in Los Angeles presents a unique challenge due to the city’s sheer size and the overwhelming number of available professionals. It is …

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The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
two pairs of hands holding mental health awareness ribbon as an expression of the importance of mental health awareness

Mental health awareness is crucial as it reduces stigma, promotes early intervention, and supports individuals seeking help. By fostering understanding and acceptance, awareness encourages a supportive community, improves access to mental health services, and enhances overall well-being. Recognizing mental health’s importance leads to better outcomes for individuals and society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five young people and adults experience a mental health condition. Many people struggle with mental health issues in silence due to stigma and lack of understanding. Raising mental health awareness helps reduce this stigma, encouraging individuals to seek the help they need. Promoting awareness creates a more supportive community, leading to early intervention and better overall well-being for everyone. This article explores the importance of mental health awareness. Mental Health Awareness Month Since 1949, every May, the United States has observed Mental Health Awareness Month, a program started …

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Proactive Counseling for Blended Families

blended families

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. About Blended Families. A blended family, also known as a stepfamily, develops when you and your partner make a life together with the children from one or both of your previous relationships; this can simultaneously be a challenging and rewarding experience as you and your family find a new equilibrium. According to the Step Family Foundation, nearly 1,300 new stepfamilies form each day and over 50% of families in the United States are recoupled (2023).  Blended Family Challenges. When families are blended, challenges can arise as differences in parenting, lifestyle, or discipline become apparent, at times becoming a source of frustration for children in the family system. The following are difficulties that many blended families face: Parental inexperience may pose an issue, as one stepparent may have never been a parent before. Therefore, these parents may have little to no experience supporting children through the various …

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6 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder

blended families

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health disorder where an individual collects a large amount of possessions and experiences difficulty parting with possessions to the point where parting with possessions prompts profound emotional distress. Approximately 2% to 6% of people in the United States have hoarding disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously classified hoarding disorder as a subtype of OCD, “however, healthcare providers were encountering people with hoarding behaviors who didn’t have any other mental health conditions. After more research, hoarding disorder was included as an isolated condition, in the OCD spectrum, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is the most recent edition” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  Similar to many of us, people with hoarding disorder keep objects due to their sentimentality, aesthetics, and usefulness. These …

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How Does Psychotherapy Work?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman asking therapists "how does psychotherapy work?"

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, establishes a therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to explore their emotions and thoughts with a trained therapist. This process fosters self-awareness, helps identify and address underlying issues, teaches coping strategies, and encourages personal growth. It effectively manages emotional distress, leading to improved mental health and behavioral changes. Psychotherapy, a nuanced and transformative process, delves into the complexities of the human mind to foster mental wellness and resilience. It creates a safe, confidential space where individuals can explore and address their emotional challenges with a trained therapist. This process leads to self-discovery, emotional healing, and behavioral changes, which are crucial for mental health. In this article, we explore the question: how does psychotherapy work? Understanding Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy, is a systematic approach used by mental health professionals to help individuals confront and manage their emotional and psychological issues. It involves various techniques …

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