Depression
Beach Cities Psychotherapy
Serving the South Bay Communities of Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Palos Verdes and surrounding Beach Cities.
We will get in the trenches with you and help you get to the root. We are not nodding-head therapists.
It’s not because you’re lazy. Depression is real and also treatable. Therapy helps.
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we understand how dark life can look and feel under the cloud of depression. When you’re under that cloud, simple tasks can feel impossible. Our therapists see that cloud, and will help you get out from under it.
When working with depression, our therapists work with you to understand what your depression looks and feels like, and help you create meaningful change by exploring your personal experiences and challenges, and equipping you with strategies to restore hope and balance.
While depression sometimes looks like the commercials where you can’t get out of bed or eat, people are sometimes very good at hiding it. They may be successful at work and over-functioning. They may cloak their depression in smiles. We understand the complexity of depression and how different it is experienced by different people.
Depression is often layered with grief, trauma, imposter syndrome, anxiety, relationship problems and other challenges. Sometimes it comes with substance use struggles too. Our therapists organize around you and your experience with depression.
Our approach is collaborative, tailored to meet your specific challenges and goals so that you can enjoy your life, and move forward without having to fight against that cloud.
If you can identify with the following experiences, therapy may help you navigate depression.
Feeling sadness and loss of interest in activities which were previously enjoyed.
Difficulty making decisions, even simple daily decisions.
Battling feelings of worthlessness and intense self-doubt. Low self-esteem.
Struggling with indecision and poor concentration, impacting work or school.
Withdrawing from social activities, deepening feelings of loneliness.
Suffering from erratic sleep patterns, adding to irritability and exhaustion.
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we support you in your healing journey. Sometimes, pain fuels growth.
Why Beach Cities Psychotherapy?
Are you looking for a therapist who lights pretty candles, smiles and nods while you talk about the same problems week after week?
If you are, that’s not us.
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we ask the challenging questions and get in the trenches with you. Sometimes trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or identity issues get in our way.
You may feel empty, broken or even worthless when other people may think you have it all.
We help you make the shifts you need to live the life you want and feel able to appreciate it. Our goal at Beach Cities Psychotherapy is to cultivate change and healing by asking you the hard questions, addressing the areas where you are stuck, and confronting pain with treatment and healing.
We are direct, hands-on and we value humor above candles. Our therapists are not scared of your pain, your fear, your struggles. We will delve beneath the surface when you are ready.
We value your mental health, your time and your resources too much to talk about the same problems in the same ways that you always have.
Often people come to Beach Cities Psychotherapy when they feel like other therapists have skimmed the surface and they need more.
We want to help you heal and find the clarity you need in your life.
Meet Your Therapists:
Shannon Meena, ACSW
For people struggling with ruminating thoughts or who feel trapped by their anxiety, Shannon Meena is a lifeline. Shannon’s CBT skill set gives her the ability to offer tools to transform anxiety and her empathic approach and ability to connect to clients is her superpower.
Shannon creates a safe space where clients can explore their feelings, learn effective communication skills, and strengthen their self-esteem.
In addition to working with anxiety and life transitions, Shannon is also experienced working with depression and has training TF-CBT to help teens and pre-teens with issues relating to trauma. She works with adults and also has a unique ability to connect with pre-teens and teenagers.
Read her full bio here.
Gabby Nahle, AMFT
For individuals grappling with career transitions, relationship challenges, or self-esteem issues, Gabby Nahle is a beacon of support. Gabby’s expertise in psychodynamic theories, attachment theory, and CBT equips her to provide tailored interventions that open the door to personal growth and healing. Her empathic approach allows her to build meaningful connections with her clients.
Gabby fosters an environment of trust and openness, empowering clients to explore their emotions, develop effective communication skills, and build their self-worth.
In addition to working with anxiety and depression, Gabby is experienced with trauma, providing specialized support to teens and adults dealing with PTSD and other trauma-related issues. She effectively addresses a wide range of issues across diverse client backgrounds, from children to adults.
Read her full bio here.
We Offer Walk and Talk Therapy
Our location offers us a unique opportunity to bring clients to the beach in Hermosa for sessions by the ocean when clients request it.
Walking during therapy creates an alternating rhythm of our steps on the pavement and stimulates alternating sides of our brain which facilitates processing.
Fresh air and nature are also helpful to healing. Moving when we feel stuck can also help us to move through life’s obstacles and create a tangible, very real momentum that is both literal and metaphorical.
While our therapists also work with clients in the office, Walk & Talk sessions are beneficial for clients who don’t want to sit on a sofa for an hour.
It’s okay to alternate between Walk and Talk sessions and in-office sessions. Our therapists understand that not every day feels like a good day for a walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made with cash, check, credit card, or Zelle.
What is the cost of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy fees vary depending on which therapist you select to work with as well as which service you are seeking. Feel free to contact us to discuss the exact fee.
Are psychotherapy fees covered by health insurance?
We are not in-network with any insurance companies. If you have a PPO plan or a plan with out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse you for services. This means that you will be responsible to pay for our services up-front and then we provide you with forms to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
You can check your specific mental health benefits with your health insurance and ask the following questions:
- Do I have benefits for outpatient psychotherapy services with an out-of-network provider?
- Do I have a deductible and has it been met? If my deductible has not been met, what deductible needs to be met for insurance to reimburse?
- What will insurance reimburse after that deductible has been met and what do I need to do or provide in order to get reimbursed?
- How many psychotherapy sessions will be covered per year?