Dr. Lavonda Mickens

LP, 15 years of experience
Rated 4.9 stars out of 515 ratings
Empowering
Authentic
Warm
VirtualAvailable

Greetings! I’m a Black woman who is also a mother, wife, sister, daughter and a proud community member. I believe that we all (as humans) are each others’ keeper. I’m a native Los Angelean and I practice with multiple methods but often view individuals through psychodynamic and cultural lenses. Any religious or spiritual background that prioritizes kindness is my jam.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Expect to be asked what the “best case scenario” is for you in 3-6 months. I will ask about goals and what you have already tried. I will also attempt to normalize and illuminate painful thoughts or feelings that may not otherwise be easily shared.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

The ability to make an individual feel seen and offer compassion. One of my catch phrases is “Low opinion, High empathy.”

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Professional women, men, persons, people of color and members of the LGBQT+ community who seek personal growth and healing. A niche area are those who are new mothers or parents and/or Active Duty and Veterans.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Psychodynamic

“You are worth the effort.” Early childhood experiences, trauma, defense mechanisms and self-awareness can informed our existence as humans. In my practice, we seek to understand, take accountability, accept self and other compassion, and grow. Furthermore, the cultural context of who we are cannot be understated. Candidly, my practice seeks to illuminate Black and Brown psychological and practical struggles and the experiences of those often left in the margins.

Trauma Informed Care

My experience includes psychological first aid in Emergency Room and in community settings. I have also been privileged to work with Active Duty and Veteran families in within the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Trauma-focused modalities include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-informed treatments.

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 15 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

November 25, 2025

She’s so easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and dove right in with actionable advice. Highly recommend!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Dr.

October 27, 2025

Dr. Mickens has been a steady source of support and clarity during a very stressful period. She has an empowering and solution-oriented approach that helps me process emotions while focusing on practical steps forward. I appreciate how she listens without judgment and helps me understand the deeper patterns behind my stress. Each session leaves me feeling more grounded, confident, and ready to take on what’s ahead.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Dr.

June 13, 2025

Such an authentic provider! Easy to talk to & makes difficult topics easy to digest. Thank you!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Dr.