Teen Therapists in Sherman Oaks, CA

As humans, we are hard-wired with a need for deeply felt connections. Feeling valued and finding a sense of belonging are both essential human needs. Even with the best of intentions, authentic feelings of love and attachment can be elusive, sometimes leaving us feeling disconnected and quite possibly anxious or depressed. That deficit can be profound. I provide a warm, empathic and collaborative space to explore, feel, and put words to these powerful emotions that have often been neglected. Together, we begin healing when we attend to these feelings allowing us to move forward to a more connected and joyful life.

My approach to therapy is grounded in Post Modern Narrative Theory, which emphasizes client strengths in the collaborative creation of a client's preferred life. I am passionate about creating hope and collaborating with clients to effectuate change. I work with individuals, couples and families.

You have made the most important step of reaching out for help. Are you, or your child dealing with overwhelming amount of stress that has left you with a shattered sense of security? A traumatic event involves one, or repeating experiences that can eventually lead to serious negative consequences such as, Shock, denial, Anger, shame, sadness, and Anxiety. With a myriad of experience working with children, and adults dealing with various psychological issues and with a collaborative approach, I will help you remove barriers that have kept you from achieving your true potential and living your best life possible.

Finding the right therapist is difficult. My work uses an affirmative, nurturing approach where I provide a safe place for my clients to explore how their lives may be more connected to loved ones, friends, family, and self. In our work together I provide passion, curiosity, a sense of humor, and ways to help overcome unhealthy patterns and find inner peace.

Do you find it difficult to understand your child or teenager ? Parenting is an overwhelming job and can sometimes leave you feeling powerless. If your child is having challenges in school, or at home, or with his/her friends, I can give you insights and provide a safe space to understand what is going on and how to approach the situation.

I am a clinical psychologist specializing in Adult, Adolescent , and Couples Psychotherapy. I offer both in-office as well as Telehealth video based appointments. I've been fortunate to treat a wide range of clinical issues and disorders over the course of several decades. My clients and colleagues have observed that I possess a down-to-earth, warm, friendly therapeutic style, with a strong emphasis on change (behavioral and cognitive). ​In addition to my private practice, I also serve as the Director of Psychology at UCLA in the division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine.

Encino West Psychological Services provides comprehensive psychological assessments for school-aged children experiencing challenges in an academic setting. As a parent with two children, I understand the anxiety that can come from dropping your children off at school every morning, knowing they will be out of your care for the next 6-8 hours. I have been advocating for the educational needs of children for many years and this journey has shed light on how important it is to know what a child or adolescent may be struggling with while at school.

My counseling approach is to help individuals reach their personal goals and desires in life within a safe and trusting environment. With more than 25 years experience as a Marriage and Family counselor my areas of expertise include: individuals, couples/relationship issues, family and blended family issues, as well as conjoint and adolescent counseling, specializing in cross-cultural counseling, substance abuse, domestic violence, victims of crime, and post-traumatic stress disorders. By making positive changes in your life, I believe clients can reach their goals and experience a better quality of life.

Navigating modern times as a teen and adult is challenging especially coming from an immigrant family. My firsthand experience in that realm has allowed me to specialize in supporting those trying to balance self-identity with old traditions. I believe therapy is a collaborative relationship and my approach is to meet you wherever you are reaching from. Through compassion, patience, and direction I hope to guide you to a space where you find a peace mind and greater love for yourself.

Having issues with your teens? Don't worry it's not you. The adolescent years can be brutal, especially for teens today who feel pressured by their peers and social media. As Dr. Stephen Illardi points out, we simply weren't designed to live in such a fast-paced plugged in society. I help teens navigate thoughts and emotions that overwhelm them so that they can feel confident in their skin. The teens I work with go on to enjoy both emotional and academic success. I work with women as well. If you're going through a major life transition like divorce, career change, or postpartum challenges, I'd love to work with you!

For over 26 years I have been working with some of the most difficult and challenging life dynamics that individuals, families and relationships encounter. I also work with adolescents and the Juvenile Justice System closely. My experience includes locked and unlocked settings, public and private sectors, community treatment facilities, inpatient psychiatric, juvenile hall, probation mental health camp, group home's, private practice as well as in home counseling to probation youth. My background in law enforcement enhances my expertise in Juvenile Justice issues for teen and adult legal issues.

I know that choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. Selecting someone who has experience working with your concerns and to whom you can connect is essential. I have been practicing for over 20 years and work effectively with individuals, couples and families who find themselves struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions and interpersonal conflicts. Through guided exploration, clients have been able to understand their difficulties more fully, develop more productive coping strategies and live more satisfying, complete lives.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who experience anxiety, mood disorders, and difficulties with life transitions. I approach therapy with empathy and respect and facilitate an environment that is supportive and nonjudgmental. In addition to therapy, I also complete comprehensive psychoeducational assessments.

As a clinician with over 25 years of experience, I guide my clients through their journey of self-discovery by providing a safe, private and non-judgemental environment. It is an interactive process of identifying areas of concern and potential roadblocks that may impede your ability to live a full and meaningful life. I work with individuals and couples ranging in age from pre- teen to older adults. The primary areas of focus are issues concerning; depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexual molestation, grief & loss, health concerns, transgender, work & career issues, infertility, adoption & post-partum depression.

Dr. Alexander Gantman, received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA; and he obtained Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University - Stanford University Medical School Psy.D Consortium in 2008. Until recently, when he decided to move into private practice, he was a Clinical Psychologist at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, as well as an Assistant Director of the UCLA PEERS Program. Dr. Gantman was also an Autism Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Tarjan Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

STRESS RELIEF FOR EMERGING ADULTS, TEENS AND PARENTS. Are you a young adult unsure of your life direction or having trouble reaching your goals? Is depression or anxiety interfering with your school success in college? Are you the parent of a teen who is withdrawn, unmotivated or unhappy? My goal is to help young people resolve the emotional distractions that can interfere with school success or create challenges in relationships with family, friends or in the workplace.