Darshana Lele (she, her)

Ph.D.
Accepting Clients

I'm a Psychologist who helps with ethnic/racial minorities (BIPOC), sexual/gender minorities (LGBTQ+), dep., anx., trauma & Couples'

Psychologist in South Pasadena, CA

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Family

About My Clients

You've survived a lot in life, but struggle to feel like it's behind you. You are usually the one emotionally taking care of others, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, & yet never feel good-enough. Have you been marginalized? Scared of having a 'target' on your back or afraid of being found out? That's lonely but as much as you love being around others, they drain you. If you are fed up of living for others, I am someone who wants to help you feel safe, be successful & most importantly, happy.

My Background and Approach

I am a Psychologist (Ph.D.) who’s trained in Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Mindfulness, Relational & Cog.-Behavioral (CBT) Therapy, practicing in NY & now in CA, for almost 20 years. Initially, we will build up your coping skills and relieve you of any emotional distresss. I am interested in your experiences, understanding your emotional needs and finding meaning in your life. Together, we will look at how your inner critic, internalized racism, homo or transphobic views, are hurting you from living your life freely. Whether you feel distraught over past experiences or worried about your future, I can help you find a deeper understanding into your experiences, find closure & enable you to live in the moment without constant worry or fear. My style is direct, empathic, supportive & I also hold you accountable. By creating a safe space, practicing cultural humility & working deeper into your unconsious, I’ve helped clients overcome current issues but also, prevent future problems. Call!

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I don't believe in destiny because if that were true, most of us wouldn't be here today! I firmly believe that by understanding your thoughts, having deeper insight into your emotions and identifying what brings meaning to your life are building blocks of positive mental health. Most people have unconsciously learned negative behaviors or poor defense mechanism (yes, there are good defenses!) growing up. Many have even had a cluster of negative experiences that put together, have been traumatic for them, but have no idea of how it's impacted them or their current relationships. Therapy involves replacing poor learned behaviors, embracing you unique self & making unconscious unhealthy beliefs conscious in order to achieve deeper intimacy . I believe everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, deserve equal opportunities, even if this is not always our reality. I am an advocate of Black Lives Matter, educate South Asians (&myself) about anti-racism & serve as an LGBTQ+ ally

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Beacon
  • Blue Cross of California
  • California Health and Wellness Plan
  • California Physicians' Service
  • Chinese Community Health Plan
  • Cigna
  • Community Care Health Plan, Inc.
  • Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP)
  • County of Ventura
  • Health Net
  • Holman Professional Counseling Centers
  • Kaiser
  • L.A. Care Health Plan Joint Powers Authority
  • Managed Health Network
  • MediCal
  • Medicare
  • Oscar
  • San Francisco Health Plan
  • Santa Clara County
  • Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced Managed Med. Care Comm.
  • Scripps
  • Sharp
  • SIMNSA
  • Sutter
  • U. S. Behavioral Health Plan
  • ValueOptions
  • Western Health Advantage
  • Anthem
  • ComPsych
  • Humana
  • Magellan Behavioral Health
  • Optum
  • TRICARE
  • TriWest
  • United Healthcare
  • Molina
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
  • Healthcomp
  • MBIPA (Coastal insurance)
  • HMC Healthworks
  • Lyra Health
  • Modern Health insurance
  • Kern Legacy
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Hinduism

At A Glance

  • Experience: 23 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Hindi
  • Rate: $250 - 285/session

Info

626-214-5366 Email Darshana
719 Fremont Avenune
South Pasadena, CA 91030

Reach out to Darshana