Find a therapist in South Pasadena, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in South Pasadena, CA accepting new patients
South Pasadena residents can connect with warm, solution-oriented providers through Headway's network of 9,004 licensed professionals. Whether you're in Arroyo, Marengo, or near the historic downtown, virtual and in-person sessions are available with appointments as soon as tomorrow.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my masters from CSU Northridge. I have worked with kids, teens, and adults, and have been trained in Somatic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other modalities. I have a bachelor's in nutrition and see health and wellbeing through a holistic lens.
What we see as flaws often echo patterns rooted in early experiences that shaped our connections with ourselves and others. Trauma, unknowingly, informs these unconscious ways of being that once helped us navigate emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
With 4+ years of experience treating eating disorders, trauma, and navigating life transitions across outpatient, intensive day programs (IOP/PHP), and residential settings, I bring a trauma-informed approach to help unravel these patterns.
I’m Elba Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in relationships — with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. I hold space for people navigating the quiet weight of expectations, the complexity of identity, and the patterns that shape how we show up in the world.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and I have been providing therapy since 2018.
My orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy influenced by philosophy. The foundation of therapy is acceptance, unconditional positive regard and emotional support. The therapist partners with the client to clarify their thoughts to provide new skills and insights which increase the client coping skills and resiliency He educates and teaches about psychiatric disorders as depression and anxiety and the skills to overcome tthm.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have invested in clinical training as a graduate professor for the past 11 years, helping students move through their education into their careers. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, I also held the title of Lead Faculty and Faculty Advisor for the University of Phoenix, providing expertise in clinical supervision, assessment, and treatment planning.
I am a licensed therapist who has been working in the field since 2014 with diverse individuals in different settings. I attended California State Polytechnic University for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and the University of Southern California for my Masters in Social Work. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues and grief and loss issues. On a personal note, I love to hike, cook and watch movies.
Hi, I'm glad you're here. Starting or coming back to therapy can feel like the right step and still feel difficult. Life is full of both/ands: "I am struggling and I will be okay," "I have a great job and I'm still feeling depressed." I am here to support you through the dualities of life and help you carry and navigate both. My approach is warm, friendly, gentle, and at times directive. I won't ever tell you what decision to make, but I will support you in figuring out what makes sense for you.
Welcome! As a bilingual licensed therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges by providing emotional support and personalized coping tools. Whether you’re taking your first step into therapy or continuing a journey you’ve been on before, I’m committed to creating a safe space where all of your feelings and life experiences are welcome.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and work with the Spanish-speaking and LGBTQ community as well.
I am a bilingual therapist offering therapy in both English and Spanish, and I work with couples, families, adolescents, young adults, and children through many different stages of life. I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, so I strive to create a warm, accepting space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, trauma, family concerns, or a difficult season of life, my goal is to help you feel supported as you heal, grow, and work toward the life and relationships you want.
I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.
My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. My work has focused on caregiver burnout, aging and end-of-life issues, veteran support, adjustment to new or serious medical diagnoses, and family conflict. My background also includes working with foster children, foster/adoptive parents, and parents of children with ADHD, as well as helping immigrants and expatriates navigate culture shock and identity adjustment.
Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.
My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.
I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.
Go beyond coping and create real, lasting change by transforming the patterns at the root. Less time circling the problem. More time transforming it.
Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of South Pasadena, CA



- 96%Anxiety
- 89%Depression
- 88%Relationship issues
- 82%Stress management
- 78%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 69%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 68%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 48%Providence Health Plan
- 46%Cigna

- 94%English
- 16%Spanish
- 4%Armenian
- 3%Farsi
- 2%Arabic

- 96%In-person or online
- 4%In-person only

- 71%Woman
- 28%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 57%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 18%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 12%Clinical Psychologist
- 6%Nurse Practitioner
- 6%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 99%Individual therapy
- 33%Family therapy
- 26%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in South Pasadena
Searching for therapists in South Pasadena starts with knowing what kind of care and approach may fit your needs. Therapists can support people with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, work stress, and life transitions. As you compare options, look for therapists whose listed specialties and training match what you want support with. A bio that mentions approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or trauma-informed care can help you understand how a therapist may structure sessions.
South Pasadena has a smaller local therapy market than nearby Pasadena and Los Angeles, so virtual care can expand the number of therapists available to you. You may prefer an office near Arroyo, Marengo, or downtown South Pasadena, or a virtual session that fits more easily into your schedule. Beyond location and format, review whether a therapist is accepting new patients, offers appointment times that work for you, and provides a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before booking can help you compare communication style, areas of focus, and what to expect in a first session.
Therapy in South Pasadena can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your expected out-of-pocket expense before you book. Headway helps you search for therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, verify your benefits, view estimated costs, and book directly when you’re ready.
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