Licensed to practice in California and accepts 37 insurances. Specializes in Depression, LGBTQ, Trauma and PTSD
(he/him)
My name is Arakel Aristakessian and I am a first generation American of Armenian immigrants. There is never a lack of drama in my family and I think it is important to be mindful of cultural expectations and norms when navigating conflict. In this fashion, I use an individualized approach to meet my clients' needs. My style of therapy is grounded in the person-centered approach. I practice listening with empathy to my client’s lived experiences. I remind myself that it is not my place to judge anyone for their past choices. It is my responsibility to respond honestly and respectfully. My hope is to mediate shame, so that people feel comfortable and safe in opening up about what is troubling them. Once the therapeutic space feels safe, only then can various treatment methods truly be effective.
The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and explore goals and needs. I am ready to answer any questions clients may have about therapy so that they move forward feeling assured.
I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the helping field. I practice what I preach by seeing my own therapist when I need to work through thoughts and feelings. I am fluent in Spanish and Armenian and have had the opportuntiy to immerse myself in different cultures.
Personally, I can relate to clients coping with trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, and integrating into a new culture.
I identify as
Cash - $200 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
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
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Integrative
My style of therapy is grounded in the person-centered approach. I practice listening with empathy to my clients' lived experiences. I remind myself that it is not my place to judge anyone for their past choices. It is my responsibility to respond honestly and respectfully. My hope is to mediate shame, so that people feel comfortable and safe in opening up about what is troubling them. Once the therapeutic space feels safe, only then can various treatment methods truly be effective.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use various CBT strategies because it helps us consider various perspectives, find solutions, and modify our behaviors according to our values.
Gestalt
I like practicing Gestalt techniques because they allow us to profoundly explore our feelings and possibly uncover unmet needs.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a great way to learn various ways of regulating our reactions so that they are thoughtful responses. It is important to express ourselves honestly and yet respectfully.
Grief Therapy
The process of bringing closure to a relationship or losing somebody we care for deeply is a painful process and there are various ways of healing.
9 ratings with written reviews
November 6, 2025
Arakel, is helpful and excellent! I am very happy to be working with him.
September 30, 2025
Arakel gives excellent insights and it is much appreciated.
September 10, 2025
Arakel is amazing listener and very down to earth. He makes his clients feel heard and seen. Would recommend seeing! 5/5