Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're seeking help for your child or a loved one. At CARE-LA, we understand that beginning mental health treatment often comes with questions, uncertainty, and hope. Our goal is to make the process as welcoming, supportive, and personalized as possible from your very first phone call.

 

As a multidisciplinary practice specializing in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, CARE-LA provides comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Whether you are seeking therapy for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, school-related concerns, or another challenge, our experienced team works collaboratively to understand your unique situation and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your goals, strengths, and needs.

 

Unlike practices that use a one-size-fits-all approach, CARE-LA carefully matches every client with the clinician whose expertise, personality, and therapeutic approach are the best fit. We believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important predictors of successful treatment.

​

Step 1: Contact CARE-LA

Your journey begins with a conversation. During your initial phone call or inquiry, our team will learn about your concerns, answer your questions, explain our services, and help determine which clinician may be the best fit for you or your child.

 

Whether you're concerned about anxiety, OCD, ADHD, school refusal, emotional regulation, trauma, parenting challenges, or another mental health concern, we'll guide you toward the services that best meet your needs.

​

Step 2: Comprehensive Initial Evaluation

The first appointment is designed to help us understand the whole person—not simply the symptoms.

 

Your clinician will spend time learning about areas such as:

​

• Current concerns

• Emotional and behavioral symptoms

• Medical and developmental history

• School or work functioning

• Family relationships

• Previous therapy or treatment

• Strengths and interests

• Personal goals for treatment

​

For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are often an important part of the evaluation and help provide valuable developmental and family history.

 

Our clinicians recognize that every individual is unique, and evaluations are conducted at a pace that feels comfortable, collaborative, and developmentally appropriate.

​

Step 3: Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan

After the evaluation, your clinician will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

​

Depending on your goals, treatment recommendations may include:

​

• Individual psychotherapy

• Parent coaching and support

• Family therapy

• Psychiatry

• Psychological or neuropsychological testing

• Executive Function Coaching

• Neurofeedback

• Student Advocacy & Tutoring

• Mind-body services

• Group therapy

​

Many clients benefit from combining multiple services as part of a coordinated treatment plan.

​

Step 4: Beginning Treatment

Once treatment begins, sessions focus on building practical skills that help clients succeed both inside and outside the therapy office.

​

Depending on your treatment goals, therapy may focus on:

​

• Managing anxiety

• Building emotional regulation

• Reducing avoidance behaviors

• Improving confidence

• Strengthening coping skills

• Processing traumatic experiences

• Improving executive functioning

• Strengthening family communication

• Developing resilience

​

Treatment is collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored as progress is made.

​

Step 5: Ongoing Collaboration

One of CARE-LA's greatest strengths is our collaborative approach.

​

When appropriate, clinicians work together with:

​

• Parents

• Teachers

• Pediatricians

• Psychiatrists

• Educational consultants

• Tutors

• Other healthcare providers

​

This coordinated model helps ensure that progress made in therapy carries over into everyday life.

​

A Whole-Person Approach to Mental Health

At CARE-LA, we believe successful treatment extends beyond reducing symptoms. Our goal is to help children, adolescents, adults, and families develop the skills, confidence, resilience, and self-understanding needed for long-term emotional wellness.

 

By combining evidence-based psychotherapy with psychiatry, parent support, educational consultation, executive function coaching, neurofeedback, and integrative mind-body services when appropriate, we provide comprehensive care that addresses every aspect of mental health.

 

Whether you're seeking help for yourself, your child, or your family, our team is committed to making the process supportive, personalized, and focused on lasting change.

​

FAQs: What to Expect When Starting Therapy at CARE-LA

​

What happens during the first therapy appointment?

The first appointment focuses on getting to know you or your child. Your clinician will discuss your concerns, gather background information, ask questions about emotional, behavioral, academic, medical, and family history, and begin developing an individualized treatment plan. The goal is to understand the whole person—not simply assign a diagnosis.

​

Do parents attend the first appointment?

For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are typically involved in the initial evaluation and often participate in portions of ongoing treatment. Parent involvement helps clinicians better understand the child's developmental history and provides families with tools to support progress at home.

​

How do you match clients with the right therapist?

CARE-LA carefully considers each client's age, presenting concerns, personality, treatment goals, and clinical needs before recommending a therapist. Our multidisciplinary team allows us to match families with clinicians whose expertise best fits their unique situation.

​

What if I'm not sure what type of therapy is needed?

That's completely okay. You don't need to know which therapy is right before contacting CARE-LA. Your clinician will conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend evidence-based treatment approaches based on your individual needs and goals.

​

How often will therapy sessions be scheduled?

Most clients begin with weekly therapy sessions, although frequency may vary depending on symptoms, treatment goals, and clinical recommendations. As progress is made, appointments may become less frequent.

​

Will my therapist coordinate with my child's school or other providers?

Yes. With your written permission, CARE-LA frequently collaborates with schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists, educational consultants, and other professionals to provide coordinated, comprehensive care that supports treatment across environments.

​

How long does therapy usually last?

Every person's treatment journey is different. Some individuals experience significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. Progress is reviewed regularly, and treatment recommendations evolve as goals are achieved.

​

What if my child needs more than therapy?

Because CARE-LA offers multiple services under one roof—including psychiatry, psychological testing, executive function coaching, educational consultation, neurofeedback, parent support, group therapy, and mind-body services—we can develop comprehensive treatment plans that address multiple areas of need without requiring families to coordinate care across different practices.

​

Is everything discussed in therapy confidential?

Yes. Therapy is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions related to safety or situations required by law. Your clinician will review confidentiality policies during your first appointment and answer any questions you may have.

​

How do I schedule an appointment at CARE-LA?

Simply contact CARE-LA by phone or through our website to begin the process. Our team will answer your questions, discuss your concerns, and help match you or your child with the clinician whose expertise is the best fit.