Therapists in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
JK van der Gaag. MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Welcome! In the last 30 years I've helped people achieve their personal goals. Along the way I've helped people navigate fears, anxieties, depressions, traumas, addictions, work stressors, relationships (including abusive ones) and life pressures to get to a place of resilience, trust, regulation, calm, freedom and truly thrive in alignment with their values. I'm compassionate, engaging, well practiced and an informed therapist who integrates proven clinical approaches to create an individualized, goal-oriented, wholistic (mind, body, emotions, spirit) plan.
Welcome! In the last 30 years I've helped people achieve their personal goals. Along the way I've helped people navigate fears, anxieties, depressions, traumas, addictions, work stressors, relationships (including abusive ones) and life pressures to get to a place of resilience, trust, regulation, calm, freedom and truly thrive in alignment with their values. I'm compassionate, engaging, well practiced and an informed therapist who integrates proven clinical approaches to create an individualized, goal-oriented, wholistic (mind, body, emotions, spirit) plan.
Jose F Mata
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
12 Endorsed
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Healing is a delicate and powerful process of transformation that involves the emergence of an authentic autonomous self in the presence of an empathic other. Our work together will focus on the areas of your life that are inhibiting the power of your full potential. We all need our pain witnessed in an effort to move through where we feel stuck. With presence, active listening, curious explorations and a space that shelters vulnerability, I support clients process in an encouraging and straightforward approach.
Healing is a delicate and powerful process of transformation that involves the emergence of an authentic autonomous self in the presence of an empathic other. Our work together will focus on the areas of your life that are inhibiting the power of your full potential. We all need our pain witnessed in an effort to move through where we feel stuck. With presence, active listening, curious explorations and a space that shelters vulnerability, I support clients process in an encouraging and straightforward approach.
Exploring your life in partnership with a dedicated therapist can be a remarkable gift to yourself. I can help you gain insight into unhelpful patterns and difficulties in your life, and support you in realizing your hopes and goals. I view symptoms not merely as problems that need to be “fixed”; instead I seek to help you uncover their deeper causes. Problems then become opportunities for renewal and positive change. I believe a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the foundation of a successful therapeutic outcome. My goal is to provide a safe and collaborative environment in which lasting change and healing become possible.
Exploring your life in partnership with a dedicated therapist can be a remarkable gift to yourself. I can help you gain insight into unhelpful patterns and difficulties in your life, and support you in realizing your hopes and goals. I view symptoms not merely as problems that need to be “fixed”; instead I seek to help you uncover their deeper causes. Problems then become opportunities for renewal and positive change. I believe a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the foundation of a successful therapeutic outcome. My goal is to provide a safe and collaborative environment in which lasting change and healing become possible.
Each of us has a story. Stories shape our behaviors, thoughts and emotions, and influence how we form relationships, feel about life and ourselves. Sometimes, we hide parts of our stories to feel safe and lessen hurt. Over time, these missing parts can take root and cause suffering, leaving us drained, anxious, angry, depressed or just empty. I believe therapy is an opportunity to discover and make use of the healing power of our stories. Unearthing and reclaiming lost parts dissolves them of their power over us, alleviates our suffering and allows us to live a happier, more authentic life.
Each of us has a story. Stories shape our behaviors, thoughts and emotions, and influence how we form relationships, feel about life and ourselves. Sometimes, we hide parts of our stories to feel safe and lessen hurt. Over time, these missing parts can take root and cause suffering, leaving us drained, anxious, angry, depressed or just empty. I believe therapy is an opportunity to discover and make use of the healing power of our stories. Unearthing and reclaiming lost parts dissolves them of their power over us, alleviates our suffering and allows us to live a happier, more authentic life.
Yes, life can be difficult, and you're here looking for help. For 35 years I've helped people like you look at their lives. I've helped them find ways to directly look at the pain, fear, anger, shame, depression, trauma, and other struggles that feel overwhelming. More importantly, I've helped people move beyond today's focus on pain and struggle to discover new ways to manage their lives, to suffer less, to feel more space, trust, and aliveness. Our explorations together, building on your awareness and expert knowledge of your own life, will lead to your own version of a better life.
Yes, life can be difficult, and you're here looking for help. For 35 years I've helped people like you look at their lives. I've helped them find ways to directly look at the pain, fear, anger, shame, depression, trauma, and other struggles that feel overwhelming. More importantly, I've helped people move beyond today's focus on pain and struggle to discover new ways to manage their lives, to suffer less, to feel more space, trust, and aliveness. Our explorations together, building on your awareness and expert knowledge of your own life, will lead to your own version of a better life.
You're capable. You're self-aware. And something still feels stuck.
You show up for people, you handle what needs to get done, and from the outside things look fine. But underneath that there's anxiety you can't shake, relationship patterns that keep repeating, and a gap between how well you understand yourself and how you actually feel day to day. You've done the reading, the reflecting, the talking. You know yourself pretty well. And yet here you are, still caught in the same cycles, still waiting for something to actually shift.
You're capable. You're self-aware. And something still feels stuck.
You show up for people, you handle what needs to get done, and from the outside things look fine. But underneath that there's anxiety you can't shake, relationship patterns that keep repeating, and a gap between how well you understand yourself and how you actually feel day to day. You've done the reading, the reflecting, the talking. You know yourself pretty well. And yet here you are, still caught in the same cycles, still waiting for something to actually shift.
You may feel stuck in self-doubt, anxious in your relationships, or struggle with OCD. My clients often appear “put together” on the outside but feel disconnected inside — from themselves or others. You might be navigating depression, anxiety, a life transition, grieving a loss, or trying to heal from childhood wounds. You want to feel more grounded, emotionally present, and free to show up fully as yourself — without shame, guilt, or fear of being “too much.”
You may feel stuck in self-doubt, anxious in your relationships, or struggle with OCD. My clients often appear “put together” on the outside but feel disconnected inside — from themselves or others. You might be navigating depression, anxiety, a life transition, grieving a loss, or trying to heal from childhood wounds. You want to feel more grounded, emotionally present, and free to show up fully as yourself — without shame, guilt, or fear of being “too much.”
Dr. Howard C. Samuels Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90028
You want to overcome addiction, substance use disorder, relationship or family issues but don't know how or where to begin.
You want to overcome addiction, substance use disorder, relationship or family issues but don't know how or where to begin.
PhD clinical psychologist who provides a creative positive-minded approach to working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and other psychological challenges. My work includes a blend of traditional and Jungian psychotherapy with philosophical strategies for optimizing a healthier lifestyle. I value the importance of creating a safe space that allows for trust and connection. With a lifetime of spiritual growth and training, my approach to psychology is designed to guide clients towards knowing an integrated Self using human-driven communications and connection. Yes - I actually smile and exchange ideas with compassion.
PhD clinical psychologist who provides a creative positive-minded approach to working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and other psychological challenges. My work includes a blend of traditional and Jungian psychotherapy with philosophical strategies for optimizing a healthier lifestyle. I value the importance of creating a safe space that allows for trust and connection. With a lifetime of spiritual growth and training, my approach to psychology is designed to guide clients towards knowing an integrated Self using human-driven communications and connection. Yes - I actually smile and exchange ideas with compassion.
Christopher Joel Tromba
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90028
You deserve a safe environment where you feel free to express yourself and seek to understand what makes you, you. I am excited about the power of the therapeutic process, and believe that working together we may achieve the change you seek.
You deserve a safe environment where you feel free to express yourself and seek to understand what makes you, you. I am excited about the power of the therapeutic process, and believe that working together we may achieve the change you seek.
Therapy facilitates a process that can produce new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I work with individuals whose struggles have led them to become curious about how life can change.
I meet with adults, teenagers, and children who confront anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, unwanted states of mind, spiritual or existential crises, and confusion or concerns about their current circumstances.
Therapy facilitates a process that can produce new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I work with individuals whose struggles have led them to become curious about how life can change.
I meet with adults, teenagers, and children who confront anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, unwanted states of mind, spiritual or existential crises, and confusion or concerns about their current circumstances.
You may be facing a life event that’s shaken your sense of safety—grief, illness, trauma, or family change. Or perhaps you've lived through hardship for so long that emotional distress feels familiar. I work with people navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and major transitions, including illness, divorce, or caregiving stress. Some clients come with a clear focus; others arrive with a sense that something is “off.” Either way, therapy can provide the structure and support you need to process the past, clarify the present, and move forward with greater ease and resilience.
You may be facing a life event that’s shaken your sense of safety—grief, illness, trauma, or family change. Or perhaps you've lived through hardship for so long that emotional distress feels familiar. I work with people navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and major transitions, including illness, divorce, or caregiving stress. Some clients come with a clear focus; others arrive with a sense that something is “off.” Either way, therapy can provide the structure and support you need to process the past, clarify the present, and move forward with greater ease and resilience.
I work best with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. Many feel stuck in patterns, weighed down by past experiences, or unsure how to move forward. Using an eclectic, client-centered approach, I help clients build insight, process trauma, and develop practical tools for change—supporting both healing from the past and hope for the future.
I work best with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. Many feel stuck in patterns, weighed down by past experiences, or unsure how to move forward. Using an eclectic, client-centered approach, I help clients build insight, process trauma, and develop practical tools for change—supporting both healing from the past and hope for the future.
Brian X Dunphey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, JD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90069
I have over 15 years experience working in residential, intensive outpatient & outpatient settings, with people living successfully with mood disorders, substance abuse & dependence, disordered eating, and creating meaningful sense of interpersonal & relational patterns. My career has afforded me the privilege to work with young adults, professionals and aging adults throughout the Southern California area. I believe that as my clients, you know intuitively how you wish to grow and it's my job to listen with care so you can determine the route, means & hope to navigate a hopeful worthwhile path. I work hard with you in charge.
I have over 15 years experience working in residential, intensive outpatient & outpatient settings, with people living successfully with mood disorders, substance abuse & dependence, disordered eating, and creating meaningful sense of interpersonal & relational patterns. My career has afforded me the privilege to work with young adults, professionals and aging adults throughout the Southern California area. I believe that as my clients, you know intuitively how you wish to grow and it's my job to listen with care so you can determine the route, means & hope to navigate a hopeful worthwhile path. I work hard with you in charge.
For 30 years, I have enjoyed assisting clients in working through a range of problems including anxiety and depression, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, career concerns, life transitions and creative blocks. My style is integrative and I tailor my approach to the specific needs of each client. I specialize in working with couples who are struggling with communication and intimacy problems. I work collaboratively to help both individuals and couples find a greater sense of well-being. Clients have said they appreciate my sense of humor, approachability and the relaxing environment I provide.
For 30 years, I have enjoyed assisting clients in working through a range of problems including anxiety and depression, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, career concerns, life transitions and creative blocks. My style is integrative and I tailor my approach to the specific needs of each client. I specialize in working with couples who are struggling with communication and intimacy problems. I work collaboratively to help both individuals and couples find a greater sense of well-being. Clients have said they appreciate my sense of humor, approachability and the relaxing environment I provide.
You can have complete trust in my competency as a therapist. I deeply care and offer a bespoke service to help people make profound shifts into better feeling places. Everything you share will be held in a compassionate, highly confidential and sacred space. You will gain personal insights, expanded awareness and the ability to make intuitive decisions. You will feel much lighter, connected to a deep intelligence and in a natural flow. You will rediscover yourself and be yourself...maybe for the first time.
You can have complete trust in my competency as a therapist. I deeply care and offer a bespoke service to help people make profound shifts into better feeling places. Everything you share will be held in a compassionate, highly confidential and sacred space. You will gain personal insights, expanded awareness and the ability to make intuitive decisions. You will feel much lighter, connected to a deep intelligence and in a natural flow. You will rediscover yourself and be yourself...maybe for the first time.
Katie Pfeffer Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hi, I am a Narrative Therapy, AEDP and EMDR trained psychotherapist with a speciality in attachment trauma recovery. In the face of life's challenges, it can be all too easy to define ourselves by what pains us and to gauge our self-worth by our problems. However, I work from the premise that you are not the problem, the problem is the problem. By changing our relationship to our past trauma and current problems, we can gain control of and achieve peace with our emotional selves.
Hi, I am a Narrative Therapy, AEDP and EMDR trained psychotherapist with a speciality in attachment trauma recovery. In the face of life's challenges, it can be all too easy to define ourselves by what pains us and to gauge our self-worth by our problems. However, I work from the premise that you are not the problem, the problem is the problem. By changing our relationship to our past trauma and current problems, we can gain control of and achieve peace with our emotional selves.
If you identify as Poly/Non-monogamous, Kinky/fetishistic, Queer/Trans, or Anti-capitalist you already know the tyrannical way normativity polices “others” who deviate from conventional cultural scripts. Even more so when your preferred expressions of intimacy and embodiment are deemed “problematic”. I do not equate “healthy” with “normal”, nor aim to be prescriptive about how you “ought“ to experience being in this world. Living along the fringes of normativity isn’t an easy choice. But it can be a worthy choice, fulfilling and purposeful! Yet it may also be accompanied by high costs that feel compromising to dignity & self-worth.
If you identify as Poly/Non-monogamous, Kinky/fetishistic, Queer/Trans, or Anti-capitalist you already know the tyrannical way normativity polices “others” who deviate from conventional cultural scripts. Even more so when your preferred expressions of intimacy and embodiment are deemed “problematic”. I do not equate “healthy” with “normal”, nor aim to be prescriptive about how you “ought“ to experience being in this world. Living along the fringes of normativity isn’t an easy choice. But it can be a worthy choice, fulfilling and purposeful! Yet it may also be accompanied by high costs that feel compromising to dignity & self-worth.
Therapy Is
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR
1 Endorsed
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90028
You may be exhausted from holding everything together while battling a loud inner critic that tells you you’re not enough. Many of my clients—gay men included—struggle with shame, unmet needs, and confusion about how to feel secure in themselves or their relationships. I help you understand where these patterns come from, quiet the self-judgment, and rebuild a more grounded connection with yourself. From there, we address anxiety, depression, sexuality, sex/porn struggles, infidelity, and relationship challenges with clarity and confidence.
You may be exhausted from holding everything together while battling a loud inner critic that tells you you’re not enough. Many of my clients—gay men included—struggle with shame, unmet needs, and confusion about how to feel secure in themselves or their relationships. I help you understand where these patterns come from, quiet the self-judgment, and rebuild a more grounded connection with yourself. From there, we address anxiety, depression, sexuality, sex/porn struggles, infidelity, and relationship challenges with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Dana Anderson is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist providing comprehensive psycho-legal evaluations to assist the courts in informed, fair decision-making. Whether court-appointed or privately retained, she brings professionalism, objectivity, and clarity to every case. Dr. Anderson specializes in clinical forensic psychological evaluations and holds annual contracts with law firms, public defenders, and government agencies.
Dr. Dana Anderson is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist providing comprehensive psycho-legal evaluations to assist the courts in informed, fair decision-making. Whether court-appointed or privately retained, she brings professionalism, objectivity, and clarity to every case. Dr. Anderson specializes in clinical forensic psychological evaluations and holds annual contracts with law firms, public defenders, and government agencies.
See more therapy options for Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
Nearby Searches for Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
- Beverly Glen
- Carthay Square
- Griffith Park
- Hollywood
- Koreatown
- Los Feliz
- Mid City West
- Mid Wilshire
- Miracle Mile
- Pico-Robertson
- Wilshire Center
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
800+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 76% | Relationship Issues |
| 73% | Self Esteem |
| 68% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 60% | Grief |
| 59% | Marriage Counseling |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 85% | Aetna |
| 71% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 63% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA see their clients
| 51% | Online Only | |
| 49% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 67% | Female | |
| 31% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Hollywood Hills, 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.

