Frequently Asked Questions

I do not accept or bill insurance directly. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed. Please contact your insurance company to understand your out-of-network benefits. Sliding scale is available when appropriate.

My practice is primarily telehealth. I am licensed in California and New York and provide telehealth to clients physically located in either state during their sessions. If you are interested in future in-person appointments in Los Angeles, please mention that in your inquiry.

There is no fixed timeline for therapy, as progress and goals differ for each individual. Therapy is not designed to be lifelong; rather, it is a supportive process aimed at helping you develop insight, skills, and change. Some clients benefit from shorter-term therapy, while others may return at different points in life for additional support.

Starting therapy for the first time can feel unfamiliar or even a little intimidating, and that’s completely normal. In the beginning, sessions typically focus on getting to know you—your concerns, goals, background, and what led you to seek therapy now. You’re not expected to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out.

Therapy is a collaborative and supportive process. Sessions are a space to talk openly, explore patterns, build insight, and learn practical tools to help you feel more grounded and empowered in your daily life.

My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and active. This means we’ll work together toward your goals while also creating a space where you feel heard and supported.

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and finding the right fit is important. When selecting a provider, consider their training, licensure, and experience working with your specific concerns, as well as their therapeutic approach. It’s also helpful to notice how you feel when speaking with them, as feeling comfortable, respected, and understood matters.

A good provider should be able to explain their approach, collaborate with you on goals, and create a space that feels supportive while also encouraging growth. It’s okay to ask questions and take time to find someone who feels like the right match for you or your child.

I work with teens through virtual therapy, adapting care to their age, concerns, strengths, and goals. Children may also be seen virtually when telehealth is clinically appropriate; children are a secondary focus of my current virtual practice. Parent involvement or separate parent sessions may be included as needed. We balance caregiver support with the young person’s privacy and developmental needs, while building practical skills for emotions, school, friendships, and family life.

My main areas of focus are anxiety, OCD, depression and mood concerns. I work primarily with teens, emerging adults, young adults, and early-career professionals, including clients in their 20s and 30s. I also help with emotional regulation, school-related challenges, relationships, sibling and family relationships, life stressors, and transitions. Older adults are welcome. Children may be seen virtually when clinically appropriate, with parent involvement as needed. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy, including ERP, in English and Farsi.

My approach to treatment is collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. I integrate proven therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients better understand patterns, build practical skills, and create meaningful change. Therapy is active and goal-oriented, while still providing a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered throughout the process.

In CBT, we work on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, understanding how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected, and developing practical strategies to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.

In DBT, we focus on building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and effective communication, helping clients feel more balanced and in control during intense emotional moments.

In ACT, we focus on helping you relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify personal values, and take meaningful action—even in the presence of discomfort—so anxiety or mood symptoms no longer dictate your choices.

In ERP, which is a gold-standard treatment for anxiety and OCD, we gradually and safely face feared situations or thoughts while learning to respond differently, reducing avoidance and helping anxiety lose its grip over time.

I offer a free 15-minute introductory consultation call. Session length, frequency, intensive arrangements, and current fees are discussed during consultation and depend on clinical needs, fit, and availability. Sliding scale is available when appropriate. Please ask about couples or family therapy details during your inquiry. To get started, text (310) 595-4917 or email info@drtinahalabian.com. I am currently accepting new telehealth clients.