How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15–20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 326, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

How to Find the Right Couples Therapist in Los Angeles + Free Guide

photo saying how to find the right couples therapist in los angeles

How to Find the Right Couples Therapist in Los Angeles
What to Look For, What to Ask, and the Free PDF That Will Save You Time and Stress

Quick Summary:
Searching for a couples therapist in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. You’re not just looking for a good listener—you’re looking for someone who knows how to guide two people toward real, lasting change. Whether you’re navigating recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, or infidelity, the therapist you choose matters.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what to look for, the essential questions to ask during consultations, and how to spot red flags—plus you’ll get a free, downloadable PDF checklist to help you choose with clarity and confidence.

📍 Ready to rebuild trust or deepen your connection? Book a free consultation with Lisa Chen & Associates.
🧾 Grab the Free PDF: The Couples’ Guide to Finding the Right Therapist in Los Angeles
(Includes 7 must-ask questions, red flags to avoid, and a printable checklist for choosing the right fit.)

Why Finding the Right Couples Therapist in LA Is So Important

In a city like Los Angeles, therapy options are endless—but not all therapists are trained or equipped to work with couples. Couples therapy is a unique clinical skill set. It requires more than just empathy. It requires emotional neutrality, specialized training, and the ability to hold two truths without taking sides.

Many people searching for a couples therapist near me end up sifting through long lists without knowing what makes one therapist stand out. This guide is designed to help you avoid that overwhelm and find a truly qualified provider.

Let’s walk through what to look for when searching for a couples therapist in LA—and how to make the process feel a little less daunting.

1. Look for Specialization (Not Just a Long List of Issues)

Many therapists say they “see couples,” but few are deeply trained in couples work. You want someone who doesn’t just include couples therapy on their website, but who has invested in real clinical training.

Look for therapists who:

Are trained in the Gottman Method, IFS Couples Therapy (IFIO), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), or another evidence-based modality
Specifically mention working with emotional disconnection, high-conflict couples, infidelity, or premarital support
Show a clear understanding of attachment dynamics, communication breakdowns, and relational trauma
Are licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with advanced training in couples work

2. Ask These Questions During a Consultation

You can’t judge a therapist solely by their website. Your consultation is a window into how they work. Use it to gather real information—not just about their availability, but about their depth, style, and emotional intelligence.

✅ Download the full list in our free Couples Therapist Checklist PDF
Here are a few highlights:

How do you handle sessions where one partner shuts down and the other pursues?
Have you worked with couples navigating infidelity or betrayal?
Do you use structured tools like the Gottman Method, or a more open-ended process?
How do you help couples rebuild emotional intimacy when it feels distant or gone?
Do you work with couples where external stress—work, parenting, ambition—is impacting connection?

3. Pay Attention to Emotional Fit

Your couples therapist should feel like a safe, neutral third party. You should both feel heard—especially in moments of tension. Great therapy doesn’t feel like taking sides or refereeing fights—it feels like someone is helping you both slow down, tune in, and reconnect at a deeper level.

Ask yourselves:

Do we both feel emotionally seen and heard?
Did the therapist offer thoughtful observations—not just generic advice?
Does it feel like they can hold the complexity of our dynamic?

4. Don’t Settle for a Generalist

Couples therapy isn’t just “individual therapy with two people in the room.” It requires a different skill set.

⚠️ Be cautious if:

The therapist primarily does individual work and only occasionally sees couples
They can’t clearly explain their approach to couples therapy
They don’t ask about your relationship dynamic in the consultation

5. Consider Format and Flexibility

In Los Angeles, time and traffic are real barriers. Many couples now opt for virtual sessions—or couples therapy intensives—to work deeply without weekly scheduling stress.

Ask yourselves:

Do we want weekly sessions or a half/full-day intensive to fast-track the work?
Are we open to virtual therapy to access the best-fit therapist?
What kind of structure or pacing works best for us?

Explore our Couples Intensives

🧾 Don’t Miss: The Free Downloadable PDF

Before you commit to anyone, download our Couples’ Guide to Finding the Right Therapist in Los Angeles.
It includes:

7 questions to ask before booking
Red flags to watch for
A printable checklist to assess emotional fit and clinical skill

Download your free guide here

FAQs

Q: What type of couples therapy is best for us?
It depends on your goals. Gottman is great for communication and structure. EFT is ideal for emotional reconnection. Many skilled therapists blend approaches.

Q: Can couples therapy help if only one of us is motivated?
Yes—if the therapist knows how to engage a more reluctant partner without shame or pressure. The first few sessions are key.

Q: Is it worth paying out-of-pocket for a specialist?
Absolutely. A well-trained couples therapist can help you avoid years of emotional disconnection, stress, or ineffective therapy. Whether you're searching for a marriage and family therapist in LA or a trauma-informed couples therapist near you, it's worth the investment.

Looking for a Couples Therapist in Los Angeles? Let’s Talk.

At Lisa Chen & Associates, we specialize in emotionally attuned, evidence-based couples therapy for high-functioning professionals, creatives, and parents who want more from their relationship.

Whether you’re considering weekly sessions or a couples intensive, we’ll help you find the right fit—both in format and therapist.

📍 Book your free 20 minute consultation.
🧾 How to Find the Right Couples Therapist Guide. Free Download.