Licensed to practice in California and accepts 37 insurances. Specializes in Depression, LGBTQ, Trauma and PTSD
(he/him)
Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change. My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences. My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable working relationship. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, explore the challenges you're currently facing, discuss what you're hoping to achieve, and answer any questions you have about the therapy process. Depending on your comfort level, I may ask several questions to better understand your background, so the first session may feel a bit like an interview at times. I also adapt to where you are emotionally. If you're feeling nervous or overwhelmed, we can slow down and focus on helping you feel comfortable first. My hope is that you'll leave our first session feeling heard, respected, and optimistic about the work we'll do together.
One of my greatest strengths is creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel emotionally safe enough to be honest without fear of judgment. I believe meaningful change begins with trust, curiosity, and genuine collaboration. Therapy is most effective when it is grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship, where we work together to identify goals that are meaningful to you while recognizing that those goals may evolve as your needs, priorities, and insights change over time. I check in regularly to ensure our work continues to feel relevant and aligned with what matters most to you. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, mindfulness, and DBT-informed skills, to help you better understand the underlying patterns shaping your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Together, we'll build practical tools to regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and make choices that align with your values, with the goal of creating meaningful and lasting change. I bring nearly 20 years of experience across the helping professions, including supporting children and young adults with autism, career counseling, college and university students, and adults in community mental health and rehabilitation settings.. These diverse experiences have strengthened my ability to meet clients where they are while adapting my approach to each person's unique needs. I also believe therapists should continue doing their own personal work, and I engage in my own therapy when needed to remain self-aware and fully present with my clients. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants who provides therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, I value cultural humility and strive to offer affirming care that honors each person's unique experiences, identity, and background.
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.
11 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 16, 2025
Arakel is an amazing therapist. It feels like you’ve known him your whole life and can share anything in a safe nonjudgmental place. He is a great listener and guides you to understand who you are and how you’re feeling in ways you may not have considered. He is extremely intelligent and helps you understand any situation and how to navigate it, and all he has to do is restate what you said and poof it just all makes sense. So happy I found such an authentic genuine kindhearted therapist!!!