Therapists in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or going through a life transition that feels harder than expected, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Anxiety may be taking up more space lately, or burnout may be making it harder to feel present. Questions around identity, belonging, or authenticity may also be part of what feels heavy. This can be a time when having a consistent space to slow down and be heard feels especially important.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or going through a life transition that feels harder than expected, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Anxiety may be taking up more space lately, or burnout may be making it harder to feel present. Questions around identity, belonging, or authenticity may also be part of what feels heavy. This can be a time when having a consistent space to slow down and be heard feels especially important.
Your experience is unique. Only you can live your life, no one else can walk your path. But if you are struggling or in pain, I can walk with you and witness what you’re going through. I can tell you honestly and openly what I see, what I think, what I feel, and add my intelligence and intuition to yours. Two pairs of eyes see more expansively than one. You won’t need me to give you advice. I can accompany you, as we unravel the knots. Not everything we experience can be rendered into words. What can be spoken about can be clarified through witness. You don’t have to face it alone, if someone else can hear you, and help you bear it.
Your experience is unique. Only you can live your life, no one else can walk your path. But if you are struggling or in pain, I can walk with you and witness what you’re going through. I can tell you honestly and openly what I see, what I think, what I feel, and add my intelligence and intuition to yours. Two pairs of eyes see more expansively than one. You won’t need me to give you advice. I can accompany you, as we unravel the knots. Not everything we experience can be rendered into words. What can be spoken about can be clarified through witness. You don’t have to face it alone, if someone else can hear you, and help you bear it.
Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong relationship I will help you work through core issues.
Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong relationship I will help you work through core issues.
Lately, it feels like your emotions are in charge, and you're struggle to regain control. You might be in constant loops- of difficult emotions, overthinking or the same argument with your partner. It feels exhausting, and I'm here to help. With compassionate space, guidance and the right tools, change and healing is possible. I help folks feel more in control: of their emotions, life and purpose. You will not only gain deeper self-insight, but you'll walk away with actual results, including more ease, skills to calm the constant loops, and a deep connection to your values.
Lately, it feels like your emotions are in charge, and you're struggle to regain control. You might be in constant loops- of difficult emotions, overthinking or the same argument with your partner. It feels exhausting, and I'm here to help. With compassionate space, guidance and the right tools, change and healing is possible. I help folks feel more in control: of their emotions, life and purpose. You will not only gain deeper self-insight, but you'll walk away with actual results, including more ease, skills to calm the constant loops, and a deep connection to your values.
Deborah Helt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, 106580
1 Endorsed
Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA 90026
I believe that each of our lives is an ecosystem, comprised of the interconnecting forces that influence our well-being. This includes our relationships with other people, with cultural and economic forces and even our own bodies. When we are out of balance or suffer trauma, we are often left feeling anxious, depressed or lost. I act as an ally in making the ecosystem of your life more healthy and vibrant. Clients often leave sessions with greater clarity, concrete tools, and renewed confidence in their abilities.
I believe that each of our lives is an ecosystem, comprised of the interconnecting forces that influence our well-being. This includes our relationships with other people, with cultural and economic forces and even our own bodies. When we are out of balance or suffer trauma, we are often left feeling anxious, depressed or lost. I act as an ally in making the ecosystem of your life more healthy and vibrant. Clients often leave sessions with greater clarity, concrete tools, and renewed confidence in their abilities.
The best advice I ever received about practicing psychotherapy was, “be a human first and a therapist second." To this day, I hold this sentiment in mind while sitting with my clients. While my approach is informed by robust training, I ultimately hold the view that you are the expert on your own life. I utilize our relationship to help you develop a stronger, more truthful relationship with yourself. From a place of deep awareness, you will feel more empowered to make choices that are right for you, more congruence, connection, and authenticity in your life, more freedom from what burdens you, and more control over your own story.
The best advice I ever received about practicing psychotherapy was, “be a human first and a therapist second." To this day, I hold this sentiment in mind while sitting with my clients. While my approach is informed by robust training, I ultimately hold the view that you are the expert on your own life. I utilize our relationship to help you develop a stronger, more truthful relationship with yourself. From a place of deep awareness, you will feel more empowered to make choices that are right for you, more congruence, connection, and authenticity in your life, more freedom from what burdens you, and more control over your own story.
As a Jungian analyst, I have a special tool I will share with you to work through life’s glitches, helping you to hone your communication skills and deepen self-understanding while nurturing trust and respect for yourself and others. We can work with your dreams to help improve self-awareness. We look at dreams as though they are a gift sent to us to access our own depth, our psyche. Together, we will explore and appreciate this gift carefully and sense its flavor and try to decipher and enjoy it. If you don't remember your dreams we can also use Jungian Sandplay Therapy. This powerful method, does not need any preparation.
As a Jungian analyst, I have a special tool I will share with you to work through life’s glitches, helping you to hone your communication skills and deepen self-understanding while nurturing trust and respect for yourself and others. We can work with your dreams to help improve self-awareness. We look at dreams as though they are a gift sent to us to access our own depth, our psyche. Together, we will explore and appreciate this gift carefully and sense its flavor and try to decipher and enjoy it. If you don't remember your dreams we can also use Jungian Sandplay Therapy. This powerful method, does not need any preparation.
Our past experiences can shape how we feel and act in the present. What was once an adaptive strategy to survive can now leave you stuck and miserable. You might feel like, even though you know better you continue to engage in the same patterns. I can help you develop insight into how your past shapes your present, and I can help you interrupt destructive patterns to feel more at ease, authentic, and agentic. In addition to helping folks understand the origins of their suffering, I also help people build the capacity to turn toward struggles with compassion. I believe that as we tend to our wounds, profound healing can occur.
Our past experiences can shape how we feel and act in the present. What was once an adaptive strategy to survive can now leave you stuck and miserable. You might feel like, even though you know better you continue to engage in the same patterns. I can help you develop insight into how your past shapes your present, and I can help you interrupt destructive patterns to feel more at ease, authentic, and agentic. In addition to helping folks understand the origins of their suffering, I also help people build the capacity to turn toward struggles with compassion. I believe that as we tend to our wounds, profound healing can occur.
Staying sane in an insane world is crazy-making! As our modern culture has become more complicated, so have our lives. Living at a fast pace, we may find ourselves feeling isolated, lost, or even hopeless. In these times I believe it is courageous to seek therapy when something "feels off." You already possess the skills you need to live the life you envision. I can help you identify and move past blockages and emotional clutter. My role in this process is to provide engagement and collaboration as we approach the discomfort, grief, or fear with curiosity and compassion.
Staying sane in an insane world is crazy-making! As our modern culture has become more complicated, so have our lives. Living at a fast pace, we may find ourselves feeling isolated, lost, or even hopeless. In these times I believe it is courageous to seek therapy when something "feels off." You already possess the skills you need to live the life you envision. I can help you identify and move past blockages and emotional clutter. My role in this process is to provide engagement and collaboration as we approach the discomfort, grief, or fear with curiosity and compassion.
Connect to life, nature & your authentic self. Cultural pressures, defenses, fears, fantasies & attachment styles serve as guides to a deep story about your origins, unique needs & desires. Rather than condemn symptoms, let's get curious and engage in creative exploration. You can mourn your losses, build resilience & embark on a meaningful relationship with personal goals to take ownership of your narrative. Together, we can unearth ingrained beliefs that do not serve your true purpose & desire to grow, discover tools to thrive, & reignite your authentic self expression, hopefulness, connection with others, & your life force.
Connect to life, nature & your authentic self. Cultural pressures, defenses, fears, fantasies & attachment styles serve as guides to a deep story about your origins, unique needs & desires. Rather than condemn symptoms, let's get curious and engage in creative exploration. You can mourn your losses, build resilience & embark on a meaningful relationship with personal goals to take ownership of your narrative. Together, we can unearth ingrained beliefs that do not serve your true purpose & desire to grow, discover tools to thrive, & reignite your authentic self expression, hopefulness, connection with others, & your life force.
Navigating the intersecting paths of career, family, and societal expectations is tough. I specialize in entertainment professionals, women's issues, and ADHD, including managing the stress and anxiety of trying to "do it all." I help creatives, execs, and those in transition balance myriad and sometimes conflicting priorities. Perhaps you are deluged by your parental, familial, or professional responsibilities. You feel exhausted, overwhelmed, defeated, or out of sync, nursing wounds left bandaged but unhealed. Through empathy, authenticity, and humor I collaborate with clients to reveal their healthiest, happiest selves.
Navigating the intersecting paths of career, family, and societal expectations is tough. I specialize in entertainment professionals, women's issues, and ADHD, including managing the stress and anxiety of trying to "do it all." I help creatives, execs, and those in transition balance myriad and sometimes conflicting priorities. Perhaps you are deluged by your parental, familial, or professional responsibilities. You feel exhausted, overwhelmed, defeated, or out of sync, nursing wounds left bandaged but unhealed. Through empathy, authenticity, and humor I collaborate with clients to reveal their healthiest, happiest selves.
Seung-Wan Choi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA 90026
I'm Seung-Wan (pronounced like "I had SUNG a song" and "I waved my magic WANd" without the "D"). Let's be real, therapy is hard! It takes guts to want to look inward and it gets easier having someone with you on the journey. I try to make therapy approachable and collaborative, especially for first timers. I make space for healing and vulnerability and also believe there is room for human-ness and playfulness. This might look like me bringing up memes, pop-culture and analogies into our session to explain complex topics. I take therapy seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. So I’ll likely crack a joke or too in session.
I'm Seung-Wan (pronounced like "I had SUNG a song" and "I waved my magic WANd" without the "D"). Let's be real, therapy is hard! It takes guts to want to look inward and it gets easier having someone with you on the journey. I try to make therapy approachable and collaborative, especially for first timers. I make space for healing and vulnerability and also believe there is room for human-ness and playfulness. This might look like me bringing up memes, pop-culture and analogies into our session to explain complex topics. I take therapy seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. So I’ll likely crack a joke or too in session.
The stories we tell about ourselves can be complicated. Often times, how we see ourselves is based on how others see us, on societal expectations, or assumptions rooted in the past. I work with clients to help engage curiosity and exploration, detangling behaviors and feelings that get in the way of the life and relationships they desire. I believe the problems we face can actually serve as an important catalyst for achieving the things we value most in our lives. In session, we will work together to create new meaning, generating change when needed and exploring what all is possible.
The stories we tell about ourselves can be complicated. Often times, how we see ourselves is based on how others see us, on societal expectations, or assumptions rooted in the past. I work with clients to help engage curiosity and exploration, detangling behaviors and feelings that get in the way of the life and relationships they desire. I believe the problems we face can actually serve as an important catalyst for achieving the things we value most in our lives. In session, we will work together to create new meaning, generating change when needed and exploring what all is possible.
Self development is a strength and it is something we have to constantly dedicate ourselves to do. However, It is not easy to deal with all of the issues that we encounter as being human. Allow me to guide you and help bring forth your unique strengths of resilience. I want to hear about what's important to you and what your needs are. I have worked with clients on various issues such as separation, trauma, depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, and existential crises. I am currently not accepting clients; I can connect you with my colleagues trained in treating trauma, crisis, and couples.
Self development is a strength and it is something we have to constantly dedicate ourselves to do. However, It is not easy to deal with all of the issues that we encounter as being human. Allow me to guide you and help bring forth your unique strengths of resilience. I want to hear about what's important to you and what your needs are. I have worked with clients on various issues such as separation, trauma, depression, anxiety, family issues, relationship issues, and existential crises. I am currently not accepting clients; I can connect you with my colleagues trained in treating trauma, crisis, and couples.
Do you find yourself in a stalemate with life? I will help you use your anxiety, anger, & sadness to gradually lead you to (instead of thwarting) your agency. We will make sense out the past & how its shaped your ideas about yourself & your relationships with others. We will identify unhelpful beliefs & behaviors, slowly letting them go so that you can (re)gain the freedom & joy that is your birthright–despite what your life's narrative claims. Working with adults, teens & couples, I treat a wide range of issues, for which there are solutions & new experiences that can be found together.
Do you find yourself in a stalemate with life? I will help you use your anxiety, anger, & sadness to gradually lead you to (instead of thwarting) your agency. We will make sense out the past & how its shaped your ideas about yourself & your relationships with others. We will identify unhelpful beliefs & behaviors, slowly letting them go so that you can (re)gain the freedom & joy that is your birthright–despite what your life's narrative claims. Working with adults, teens & couples, I treat a wide range of issues, for which there are solutions & new experiences that can be found together.
I have helped countless people grow, heal emotional wounds, improve their relationships, and overcome anxiety, depression, sadness, and anger. I have had the privilege of engaging in work that has helped individuals, couples and families, who are struggling with various interpersonal challenges, to make choices that will support increased self-confidence, as well as fortify healthier, fulfilling relationships.
I have helped countless people grow, heal emotional wounds, improve their relationships, and overcome anxiety, depression, sadness, and anger. I have had the privilege of engaging in work that has helped individuals, couples and families, who are struggling with various interpersonal challenges, to make choices that will support increased self-confidence, as well as fortify healthier, fulfilling relationships.
What if therapy became a space for curiosity and transformation, not just a place to unload? You want to feel more creative, connected, and social, yet free time slips into doomscrolling, spiraling thoughts, avoidance, and procrastination. The more you withdraw, the more disconnected you feel. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, or existential concerns, we’ll build tools to help you reconnect and thrive on your own terms. I offer an affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of all backgrounds.
What if therapy became a space for curiosity and transformation, not just a place to unload? You want to feel more creative, connected, and social, yet free time slips into doomscrolling, spiraling thoughts, avoidance, and procrastination. The more you withdraw, the more disconnected you feel. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, or existential concerns, we’ll build tools to help you reconnect and thrive on your own terms. I offer an affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of all backgrounds.
Let's do less thinking and more feeling! My treatment is body-centered and attachment-focused, weaving trauma-informed modalities like Hakomi, EMDR, IFS/parts work and EFT tapping as well as equine-assisted therapy (including equine-assisted EMDR). Together we use mindfulness to access the wisdom of your subconscious and heal wounded patterns at the source through gentle sensory and energetic explorations of feelings, experiences, belief systems, and relationships. The result is... letting go of results! And cultivating loving connection with yourself. If you crave holistic, experiential, embodied therapy my approach may be for you.
Let's do less thinking and more feeling! My treatment is body-centered and attachment-focused, weaving trauma-informed modalities like Hakomi, EMDR, IFS/parts work and EFT tapping as well as equine-assisted therapy (including equine-assisted EMDR). Together we use mindfulness to access the wisdom of your subconscious and heal wounded patterns at the source through gentle sensory and energetic explorations of feelings, experiences, belief systems, and relationships. The result is... letting go of results! And cultivating loving connection with yourself. If you crave holistic, experiential, embodied therapy my approach may be for you.
We meet you where you're at and build on your resilience. We welcome you and invite you to start on your self care. We value diversity and acceptance; we work with all faiths, LBGTQ+, and all backgrounds.
We meet you where you're at and build on your resilience. We welcome you and invite you to start on your self care. We value diversity and acceptance; we work with all faiths, LBGTQ+, and all backgrounds.
Hi there, thank you for looking at my page. I know that seeking therapy can be intimidating and I aim to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. I provide a safe space where you will never feel judged and always feel supported. I prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I specialize in working with people of all ages, races, genders, orientations, and identities who are navigating addiction and recovery. This means I also have extensive experience helping all types of people living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, attachment issues, grief and loss, and other challenges.
Hi there, thank you for looking at my page. I know that seeking therapy can be intimidating and I aim to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. I provide a safe space where you will never feel judged and always feel supported. I prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I specialize in working with people of all ages, races, genders, orientations, and identities who are navigating addiction and recovery. This means I also have extensive experience helping all types of people living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, attachment issues, grief and loss, and other challenges.
See more therapy options for Echo Park, Los Angeles
Nearby Searches for Echo Park, Los Angeles
- Chinatown
- Civic Center-Little Tokyo
- Cypress Park
- Downtown
- Elysian Park
- Glassell Park
- Little Tokyo
- Montecito Heights
- New Downtown
- Silver Lake
- Westlake
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
| 96% | Anxiety |
| 89% | Depression |
| 81% | Relationship Issues |
| 79% | Self Esteem |
| 74% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 69% | Grief |
| 65% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 86% | Aetna |
| 65% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 57% | Optum |
How Therapists in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA see their clients
| 59% | In Person and Online | |
| 41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 74% | Female | |
| 22% | Male | |
| 4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Echo Park, Los Angeles?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.
