Arab and Middle Eastern Therapists in Valley Village, CA

Nicole Akhrem, Teen & Child Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
11 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
If your child seems withdrawn, anxious, struggling with relationships, overwhelmed by school, suddenly acting out, or constantly caught in conflict at home, it can be difficult to know how to help. I work with pre-teens & adolescents as they navigate challenges, move towards goals, and strengthen mood, identity, and relationships. As a child of immigrants, I also understand how much our cultural backgrounds can influence our emotional lives. I approach all families with curiosity rather than a purely Western lens. Other areas of focus include food & body image, people-pleasing, ADHD, addictive behaviors, and codependency.
If your child seems withdrawn, anxious, struggling with relationships, overwhelmed by school, suddenly acting out, or constantly caught in conflict at home, it can be difficult to know how to help. I work with pre-teens & adolescents as they navigate challenges, move towards goals, and strengthen mood, identity, and relationships. As a child of immigrants, I also understand how much our cultural backgrounds can influence our emotional lives. I approach all families with curiosity rather than a purely Western lens. Other areas of focus include food & body image, people-pleasing, ADHD, addictive behaviors, and codependency.
(323) 529-0740 View (323) 529-0740
Elianora G Adamian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My ideal clients are adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem concerns, body image challenges, burnout, and boundary-setting, as well as couples facing communication difficulties, trust issues, relationship conflict, and life transitions. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive, client-centered space where clients can gain insight, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and build confidence. Together, we work toward meaningful and lasting change that aligns with their goals and values.
My ideal clients are adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem concerns, body image challenges, burnout, and boundary-setting, as well as couples facing communication difficulties, trust issues, relationship conflict, and life transitions. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive, client-centered space where clients can gain insight, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and build confidence. Together, we work toward meaningful and lasting change that aligns with their goals and values.
(323) 405-8841 View (323) 405-8841
Meechal Itzkowitz Hall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Grief profoundly alters the way you experience yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. Perhaps you are grieving the death of a loved one, the impact of a life-changing diagnosis, or a version of life you expected and no longer recognize. Maybe you are feeling stuck, confused, or trying to survive day by day. You don't have to do it alone. I specialize in grief, loss, and bereavement, and I can support you in finding sturdier ground and healthy ways of living with loss.
Grief profoundly alters the way you experience yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. Perhaps you are grieving the death of a loved one, the impact of a life-changing diagnosis, or a version of life you expected and no longer recognize. Maybe you are feeling stuck, confused, or trying to survive day by day. You don't have to do it alone. I specialize in grief, loss, and bereavement, and I can support you in finding sturdier ground and healthy ways of living with loss.
(831) 282-9166 View (831) 282-9166
Yossi Benperlas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Very familiar with issues related to Jewish orthodox (frum) way of life as well as Persian, Israeli, and Moroccan culture.
As a therapist who has worked with individuals and families within the community for the last 20 years, it is my goal to provide you with an opportunity to create change in areas of your life where you feel stuck. Whether your struggle is in a relationship or stress related to some other circumstance, we will discuss the issues so that you can feel empowered to take action that will lead to positive changes. I am licensed in California and am approved to perform online video sessions for couples and individuals who live in Florida & Missouri.
Very familiar with issues related to Jewish orthodox (frum) way of life as well as Persian, Israeli, and Moroccan culture.
As a therapist who has worked with individuals and families within the community for the last 20 years, it is my goal to provide you with an opportunity to create change in areas of your life where you feel stuck. Whether your struggle is in a relationship or stress related to some other circumstance, we will discuss the issues so that you can feel empowered to take action that will lead to positive changes. I am licensed in California and am approved to perform online video sessions for couples and individuals who live in Florida & Missouri.
(310) 361-4275 View (310) 361-4275
Elizabeth Francis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
10 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people who feel disconnected from their emotions, stuck in their relationships, or unsure how to fully identify what they feel. In our work together, you’ll have a supportive, attuned space to slow down, process your feelings, and develop greater emotional awareness. My approach is warm and nurturing, while also honest and direct when something important needs attention. Together, we’ll identify your relational patterns and talk through how they may be limiting you, so new ways of relating can emerge.
I work with people who feel disconnected from their emotions, stuck in their relationships, or unsure how to fully identify what they feel. In our work together, you’ll have a supportive, attuned space to slow down, process your feelings, and develop greater emotional awareness. My approach is warm and nurturing, while also honest and direct when something important needs attention. Together, we’ll identify your relational patterns and talk through how they may be limiting you, so new ways of relating can emerge.
(323) 825-6226 View (323) 825-6226

More Therapists Nearby

Anahita Shahbazi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, Certifi, EMDR, ERP
Online Only
If trauma is still running your life, OCD has you trapped in cycles you can't break, or depression has left you feeling numb, stuck, and disconnected from the life you used to want—I want you to know: this can change, and you don't have to face it alone. My path to this work started with my own mental health journey. I know what it feels like to struggle from the inside—and I know how life-changing the right support can be. That's exactly why I bring deep empathy, zero judgment, and evidence-based tools designed to create real, lasting change—not just coping, but building a life that feels like yours again.
If trauma is still running your life, OCD has you trapped in cycles you can't break, or depression has left you feeling numb, stuck, and disconnected from the life you used to want—I want you to know: this can change, and you don't have to face it alone. My path to this work started with my own mental health journey. I know what it feels like to struggle from the inside—and I know how life-changing the right support can be. That's exactly why I bring deep empathy, zero judgment, and evidence-based tools designed to create real, lasting change—not just coping, but building a life that feels like yours again.
(858) 683-1235 View (858) 683-1235
Julie Afighom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You’re insightful and self-aware, but lately something feels off balance. You might find yourself caught in patterns that don’t serve you— feeling disconnected in your relationship, anxious about doing it all, or unsure how to quiet your mind. You’re looking for a space that feels grounding and restorative—somewhere safe to pause, be seen, and begin to heal the parts of you that have been running on autopilot for too long.
You’re insightful and self-aware, but lately something feels off balance. You might find yourself caught in patterns that don’t serve you— feeling disconnected in your relationship, anxious about doing it all, or unsure how to quiet your mind. You’re looking for a space that feels grounding and restorative—somewhere safe to pause, be seen, and begin to heal the parts of you that have been running on autopilot for too long.
(424) 500-5735 View (424) 500-5735
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
9 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90230
Imagine what it would feel like to wake up without the constant weight of anxiety—to move through your day with a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re navigating the overwhelming weight of anxiety, panic attacks or OCD, or the complexities of life transitions—there is hope. I specialize in helping individuals find relief, clarity, and confidence. Anxiety can feel isolating and all-consuming, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to feel grounded again.
Imagine what it would feel like to wake up without the constant weight of anxiety—to move through your day with a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re navigating the overwhelming weight of anxiety, panic attacks or OCD, or the complexities of life transitions—there is hope. I specialize in helping individuals find relief, clarity, and confidence. Anxiety can feel isolating and all-consuming, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to feel grounded again.
(818) 396-8465 View (818) 396-8465
SWS Mental Health Counseling and Psychology
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Don’t let worry, stress, resentment, and negative feelings fester and root themselves in your mind, heart, and body. Learn to let go of what holds you back and start reorganizing your life. There are healthy, positive solutions to help you bounce forward. Each of our therapists offer an attentive and supportive environment for exploring your present life and current relationships and with the belief that exploring your past and present experiences helps you move and overcome the heavy obstacles that may be holding you back and standing in the way of you and your future goals.
Don’t let worry, stress, resentment, and negative feelings fester and root themselves in your mind, heart, and body. Learn to let go of what holds you back and start reorganizing your life. There are healthy, positive solutions to help you bounce forward. Each of our therapists offer an attentive and supportive environment for exploring your present life and current relationships and with the belief that exploring your past and present experiences helps you move and overcome the heavy obstacles that may be holding you back and standing in the way of you and your future goals.
(209) 340-0681 View (209) 340-0681
Dr. Bianca Cohan
Psychologist, PsyD
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Navigating the complexities of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where children, teens, and young adults can explore their emotions and experiences. My goal is to help them develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. I enjoy supporting young individuals as they navigate challenges related to OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Navigating the complexities of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where children, teens, and young adults can explore their emotions and experiences. My goal is to help them develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. I enjoy supporting young individuals as they navigate challenges related to OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
(323) 746-4427 View (323) 746-4427
Ani Kirakosyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I typically work with adults dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, stress management and life transitions. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and have a special interest in providing culturally competent therapy.
I typically work with adults dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, stress management and life transitions. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and have a special interest in providing culturally competent therapy.
(747) 293-4968 View (747) 293-4968
Roya Ferozi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I am glad you are here. I work with adults and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life's many ups and downs. My approach is client-centered and rooted in collaboration. Together, we create a supportive space where your goals guide the work we do. I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance and strive to empower each client to build insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward meaningful change.
I am glad you are here. I work with adults and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life's many ups and downs. My approach is client-centered and rooted in collaboration. Together, we create a supportive space where your goals guide the work we do. I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance and strive to empower each client to build insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward meaningful change.
(213) 672-0566 View (213) 672-0566
Yasmin Vishram-Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90232
Therapy can feel intimidating at every stage—from making that first call to attending your initial session and engaging in the work itself. This is especially true when you’re navigating difficult moments or revisiting experiences you’ve carried for a long time, and beginning to recognize how they may be holding you back from fully expressing yourself. In our work together, I offer compassion and steady support as we explore the underlying causes of your distress. I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak freely, reflect openly, and move toward greater understanding and healing.
Therapy can feel intimidating at every stage—from making that first call to attending your initial session and engaging in the work itself. This is especially true when you’re navigating difficult moments or revisiting experiences you’ve carried for a long time, and beginning to recognize how they may be holding you back from fully expressing yourself. In our work together, I offer compassion and steady support as we explore the underlying causes of your distress. I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak freely, reflect openly, and move toward greater understanding and healing.
(310) 340-1891 View (310) 340-1891
Elisheva Dorfman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Do you struggle with food? Do you cycle through diet after diet and find yourself unable to stick to any? Do you binge eat? Are you afraid of food? Do you hate your body or wish it looked different? Do food and body issues take up a lot of your energy? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder and don't know where to turn? Alternatively, do you find yourself weighed down by anxiety? Do you find it hard to sleep, eat normally, and live in the way that you want? I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and eating disorders. I am trained in a number of modalities and I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
Do you struggle with food? Do you cycle through diet after diet and find yourself unable to stick to any? Do you binge eat? Are you afraid of food? Do you hate your body or wish it looked different? Do food and body issues take up a lot of your energy? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder and don't know where to turn? Alternatively, do you find yourself weighed down by anxiety? Do you find it hard to sleep, eat normally, and live in the way that you want? I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and eating disorders. I am trained in a number of modalities and I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
(619) 374-4485 View (619) 374-4485
Dr. Nusha Nouhi
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am the psychologist for people who do not have time to fall apart. My clients are high-achieving adults who are excelling on the outside and quietly eroding on the inside. They come in navigating burnout, identity strain, decision fatigue, and major life transitions. They are not broken. They are carrying an enormous amount at the highest level, and something needs to shift. Together we move beyond surviving success to sustaining it, restoring internal direction, clarity, and aligned forward movement.
I am the psychologist for people who do not have time to fall apart. My clients are high-achieving adults who are excelling on the outside and quietly eroding on the inside. They come in navigating burnout, identity strain, decision fatigue, and major life transitions. They are not broken. They are carrying an enormous amount at the highest level, and something needs to shift. Together we move beyond surviving success to sustaining it, restoring internal direction, clarity, and aligned forward movement.
(562) 501-3162 View (562) 501-3162
Sheherezad Shashaani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
(424) 329-6941 View (424) 329-6941
The Brain Psychologist
Psychologist
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Our clients fall into two groups: attorneys needing an objective forensic opinion, and individuals and families noticing changes in memory, attention, mood, or sleep. Attorneys come to us for defensible IMEs, record reviews, and expert consultation in brain injury and emotional injury cases. Patients come to us after an injury, diagnosis, or developmental concern, or with chronic insomnia. We help both move forward with rigorous, evidence-based evaluations, clear answers, and, for insomnia, focused CBT-I treatment that produces measurable improvement.
Our clients fall into two groups: attorneys needing an objective forensic opinion, and individuals and families noticing changes in memory, attention, mood, or sleep. Attorneys come to us for defensible IMEs, record reviews, and expert consultation in brain injury and emotional injury cases. Patients come to us after an injury, diagnosis, or developmental concern, or with chronic insomnia. We help both move forward with rigorous, evidence-based evaluations, clear answers, and, for insomnia, focused CBT-I treatment that produces measurable improvement.
(323) 310-9374 View (323) 310-9374
Dr. Behin Abedi
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to empowering and helping people live fuller and more enriching lives. I have a supportive and collaborative treatment approach and adapt the therapeutic process to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. In doing so, I integrate different treatment modalities and evidence-based practices to help people become unstuck and improve their overall well-being. I'm skilled in treating a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, career stress/change, self-esteem, identity, and other cultural-related stressors.
I'm a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to empowering and helping people live fuller and more enriching lives. I have a supportive and collaborative treatment approach and adapt the therapeutic process to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. In doing so, I integrate different treatment modalities and evidence-based practices to help people become unstuck and improve their overall well-being. I'm skilled in treating a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, career stress/change, self-esteem, identity, and other cultural-related stressors.
(415) 268-8705 View (415) 268-8705
Souna Mohseni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Los Angeles, CA 90002
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
(323) 310-9975 View (323) 310-9975
Hanouf Alahmari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning adults who feel emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in recurring relationship patterns. They may struggle with trauma, anxiety, or difficulty feeling secure in close relationships despite outward success. Many come from high-responsibility roles or multicultural backgrounds and seek deeper self-understanding, emotional stability, and the ability to feel more grounded, secure, and connected within themselves and their relationships.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning adults who feel emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in recurring relationship patterns. They may struggle with trauma, anxiety, or difficulty feeling secure in close relationships despite outward success. Many come from high-responsibility roles or multicultural backgrounds and seek deeper self-understanding, emotional stability, and the ability to feel more grounded, secure, and connected within themselves and their relationships.
(310) 861-7873 View (310) 861-7873

See more therapy options for Valley Village

FAQ - Arab and Middle Eastern Counseling
What can an Arab and Middle Eastern therapist help with?
An Arab and Middle Eastern therapist can support clients with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and major life transitions. However, what may make their approach unique is their ability to integrate an understanding of the cultural, family, and social factors that may be shaping your mental health concerns. If you identify with a Middle Eastern background, such as Arab, North African, Lebanese, Syrian, Iraqi, or Palestinian, working with a therapist who is familiar with values surrounding family loyalty, community expectations, religion, marriage, and caregiving responsibilities can help reduce the need to explain yourself in sessions and better support your healing in the context of your background.

How does cultural background influence the therapy experience?
A therapist who personally identifies as Arab or Middle Eastern may offer a deeper understanding of cultural norms, family dynamics, religious beliefs, migration experiences, and the stigma that may surround mental health in some communities. This shared cultural framework can make it easier to build trust and focus more directly on healing. It is also important to note that a therapist does not have to share your background to provide effective therapy. In some cases, finding a culturally competent therapist may be just as important as finding one who shares your background.

What role can language play in therapy?
Language plays a central role in how people process and express emotions. Even for individuals who are fluent in English, certain feelings, memories, or experiences may be easier to describe in the language they grew up speaking or thinking in, such as Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Kurdish, or Turkish. Clients may feel more comfortable expressing themselves without having to translate their thoughts, which can reduce the risk of losing meaning or nuance. For many Arab and Middle Eastern clients, language is also closely tied to family relationships. Being able to move between English and your native language in therapy can help reflect real-life dynamics, such as communicating with family members in one language and navigating work or school in another. This flexibility to move between languages in sessions can make therapy feel more natural and relevant to daily life.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Arab and Middle Eastern clients?
If cultural background is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Arab and Middle Eastern clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask whether they have worked with concerns related to cultural identity, immigration, family expectations, intergenerational conflict, discrimination, or stigma around mental health. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A strong therapeutic alliance does not necessarily require a therapist to share your background, but they should respond to your concerns with respect and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your background constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.

Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Arab and Middle Eastern therapists?
The directory of Arab and Middle Eastern therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists who have personally identified as Arab or Middle Eastern is limited, the directory may also show therapists with experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.