Substance Use
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.
Trying to get a handle on your substance use and wondering how that will impact your life and relationships?
When substance use impacts your relationships, your work, or even just your sense of self and well-being, it’s important to take a hard look. Wondering if you have a problem?
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we understand the complexity of substance use and meet our clients wherever they are whether that’s assessing if it’s a problem, creating a moderation management plan, exploring a sober-ish lifestyle, or embracing sobriety or recovery.
It’s not always simple and easy, and it’s not always addiction. We get that.
Exploring sobriety or substance use issues is not always about being an addict or an alcoholic. Research is now showing how destructive even moderate alcohol use can be on cortisol levels and mood. Many people who are not addicts are reconsidering their relationship with substances.
We will help you meet your specific needs and goals. Sometimes, clients aren’t even sure what their goals are when they get to our office and that’s okay too. We can help you figure that out.
Together, we will explore paths that lead you toward feeling healthier and happier, and creating meaningful and sustainable relationships.
If you can identify with the following experiences, addiction therapy may be right for you:
Blacking out when drinking or behaving erratically in ways that damage relationships.
Concerns about social pressures to drink while also questioning its impact on overall mood and well-being.
Experiencing changes in sleep patterns, mood swings, or physical health issues related to substance use.
Experiencing difficulty maintaining responsibilities at work, home, or school.
Guilt, shame, or low self-esteem because of substance use or behaviors while using.
Finding it challenging to imagine life without substance use.
Overcoming addiction is a significant challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we are here to support you in your journey toward recovery, providing compassionate guidance and practical strategies for lasting change and renewed hope.
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, please go somewhere else. This is not what we do at Beach Cities Psychotherapy.
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. We want to help you heal and find the clarity you need in your life. Often people come to Beach Cities Psychotherapy when they feel like other therapists have skimmed the surface and they need more.
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.
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?
We Make Getting Started Easy
Step 1. Reach Out
Step 2. Schedule Your First Session
Step 3. Feel Like You Again
