Licensed to practice in California and accepts 48 insurances. Specializes in Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Trauma and PTSD and 3 more.
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
Welcome! I’m Lanelle P. Laws, LMFT. For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate trauma, incarceration, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ identity. My passion is empowering individuals to build self-esteem, reclaim their voice, and thrive. I offer a warm, non-judgmental, comfortable, and encouraging environment grounded in a BIPOC-centered approach. What makes my work different is that I bring both professional expertise and lived experience. I understand what it means to need help and not always feel seen, understood, or represented within the mental health system. I have dedicated my life to breaking generational cycles of trauma and bringing awareness to the experiences of underserved and marginalized communities. I believe healing begins with awareness...understanding our stories, recognizing our patterns, acknowledging our wounds, and discovering the strengths and power we already possess. I always say, “I’m not your average therapist!” Not because I’m better, but because my approach has been elevated to reach individuals who may have fallen through the cracks or developed an unhealthy relationship with therapy. I believe therapy should be a space where you can be honest about where you’ve been, explore where you are, and become intentional about where you want to go. I know what it feels like to need help and not always know where to find it. That understanding is at the heart of my work. At Heal(Thy) Self Wellness, healing is more than getting through...it’s getting to know yourself, understand your story, and reclaim your power. Know Your Story. Heal Your Wounds. Own Your Wellness.
From the first session, you can expect to experience a warm, understanding, and genuinely supportive therapeutic relationship. This initial meeting will build a strong foundation for future growth and healing.
My approach to therapy centers on creating a safe and comfortable space where clients feel truly seen and heard. I believe this begins with being a knowledgeable and culturally empathetic listener, adept at communicating clearly and adapting my approach to meet individual needs. My emotional intelligence and self-awareness allow me to build trust and rapport, fostering a collaborative and flexible therapeutic environment. I am committed to ethical practice and believe that therapy should be a conversation – an opportunity for shared learning and growth as we process life's challenges together. Ultimately, my goal is to empower individuals to cultivate self-love, self-acceptance, and a compassionate understanding that it’s okay not to be okay.
I am best positioned to serve BIPOC communities, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those navigating re-entry after incarceration. My work is grounded in understanding how systemic, cultural, and personal experiences intersect and impact mental health. I provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that brings awareness to the ways oppression, marginalization, trauma, and life experiences can shape how clients see themselves and navigate the world. My goal is to create a safe, validating space where clients feel seen and understood while developing resilience, self-esteem, and a stronger sense of agency. I believe healing begins with awareness. I help clients understand their experiences, recognize patterns, identify their strengths, and realize they have the power to create a different path forward. I honor each client’s lived experience while supporting them in moving from survival toward healing, growth, and self-determination.
Cash - $250 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
I will use CBT to help clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I will bring awareness to negative thought patterns and help clients challenge beliefs that may be keeping them stuck, while developing healthier and more intentional ways of responding.
I will use SFBT to help clients identify their strengths, resources, and possibilities rather than focusing solely on the problem. I want clients to recognize what is already working, identify the changes they want to make, and take manageable steps toward the future they envision.
I will use Trauma-Focused CBT to help clients understand how trauma can influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. My approach will center on creating safety, building awareness, developing coping skills, and helping clients process experiences at a pace that respects their readiness and resilience.
I will use Motivational Interviewing to meet clients where they are and explore their own reasons for change. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I will use curiosity, reflection, and collaboration to help them identify their motivation, strengthen their confidence, and recognize their capacity to make change.
At the foundation of my practice will be a person-centered, humanistic approach. I believe clients deserve to feel seen, heard, respected, and accepted without judgment. I will create a therapeutic relationship where clients can be authentic and explore their experiences while recognizing their inherent strengths, autonomy, and ability to grow.
10 ratings with written reviews
March 12, 2026
I’m so excited to grow in therapy with Lanelle
March 6, 2026
I really appreciate Lanelle’s approach. Lanelle created an empowering, warm, and authentic space. Lanelle’s intelligence and awareness paired with a mindful and direct delivery.. I felt so safe, comfortable and seen. This intake session truly affirmed my decision to start therapy.
January 29, 2026
I think she very progressive in her treatment layer by layer.