Stay safe with social distancing amid COVID-19! Telehealth, or videoconference, available.

Are you a young adult or professional experiencing stress, burnout, a life adjustment, issues with work or school, problems with self-esteem, perfectionism, relationship distress, depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse? Are you feeling stuck? I can help you learn how to reclaim your life!

About Me

I obtained a doctor in psychology degree from Pepperdine University's APA-Accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology after completing my master's degree at Columbia University and my undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University. 

I have worked in a multitude of settings including an intimate partner and sexual violence center, a substance abuse center, and the department of mental health as part of a mobile crisis outreach team. I also have experience at community counseling centers, an adolescent psychiatric hospital, and the VA. I completed my Internship at an APA-Accredited Internship program and my Postdoctoral Residency in Clinical Psychology at the VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center.

My education and experience has allowed me to cultivate a well-rounded and sophisticated skill set in working with diverse individuals, including BIPOC and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have a range of issues including stress, depression, anxiety, phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic attacks/panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse/addiction. 

I work with adults of all ages and especially enjoy working with emerging adults and young professionals. 

  I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 30196) and see clients as a part of Golden Hour Therapy.

I am an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology and teach the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. 

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I am also a board member of the Southern California Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).

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I strongly believe in evidence-based practice, and specialize in third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), that emphasize an acceptance and mindfulness-based approach. 

I also draw from my experience with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindful self-compassion (MSC), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP).  

Third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies focus on increasing awareness and acceptance of one's internal experience in order to reduce unhealthy ways of coping. The ultimate goal of third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies is to help individuals live a value-driven life.

I can help you learn how to relate to your distress in a new way, with a sense of acceptance, kindness, and compassion, and build not only a life worth living, but one filled with happiness, peace, and joy.

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Please know that whatever you may be struggling with, you are not broken; you are fundamentally, unconditionally whole, and in possession of everything that is needed to engage in a meaningful life.

My Approach

Guided Meditations

Services & Fees

Therapy

I offer individual therapy at the rate of $250 per session,  each of which are approximately 60 minutes long, with evening and weekend appointments available. 

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A limited number of reduced fee slots are reserved for those experiencing financial hardship.

I am not affiliated with any insurance companies. If you are interested in using your insurance, please contact your insurance company directly and inquire if they provide partial reimbursement for an out-of-network Psychologist for the following service codes: 90791 Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation & 90837 Psychotherapy. Also, inquire if you have a deductible that needs to be met. I will provide you with a  monthly superbill to submit for reimbursement. You may also be able to use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for therapy.

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I require a credit card to be on file and have a full fee 24-hour cancelation policy. 

Location

As a result of COVID-19, I am currently seeing all clients through telehealth, or videoconference, until further notice.

Kajima Building

(Top of the building reads California Bank & Trust)

Golden Hour Therapy

250 East 1st St

Suite 300

 Los Angeles, CA 90012

I am located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and conveniently located near the University of Southern California (USC). 

I also see individuals located throughout the state of California remotely through telehealth or videoconference.

Parking 

 There is parking available in the building, the Kajima Building Parking Lot. It is cash only for a fee of $1.50 each 20 minutes and a flat fee of $6 or $7 after 5:00pm and on the weekends. Parking is also available at the Aiso Parking Lot, which is just across the street (101 North Judge John Aiso St Los Angeles, CA 90012), for a fee of $1 each hour for the first two hours or a flat fee of $3 after 5:00pm. There is also metered parking available on the street. 

If you park in the Kajima Building Parking Lot, you will enter the building on the 2nd floor lobby. The Kajima building can also be accessed from 1st street or via the stairwell near the restaurant Fuga. 

After 6:30pm and on the weekend, you will need to check-in at security on the 2nd floor so they can use their key card to grant access to the 3rd floor. If you have any trouble you can call security at 213-212-1431. 

Contact Me

213.632.9296 

dr.carissa.gustafson@gmail.com