Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Rita Balakhane is licensed in California and provides online therapy to clients throughout the state. In-person sessions are also available at her offices in Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles.

For therapy, no. Rita Balakhane is licensed in California, so therapy is only for clients who are physically located in California at the time of each session, in person or online. If you will be traveling out of state, let her know ahead of time so you can plan around it. Outside California, she offers online coaching and consultations worldwide, in English and Farsi (Persian). Coaching is not therapy.

Rita Balakhane sees clients in person at two offices: 420 S Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, and 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Online therapy is available to clients located anywhere in California.

Individual therapy sessions are $220 and couples sessions are $280. Sessions are typically 45–50 minutes.

I offer a limited number of reduced-fee sessions based on individual circumstances. Please feel free to reach out to discuss available options.

Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit and to briefly discuss what you’re looking for in therapy.

When you first reach out to me, we can have a brief, relaxed phone conversation about what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for. This is simply an opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about your concerns, and see if I might be the right person to support you. I’ll share a little about how I work, and you can ask me any questions you may have. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and understood. There is no pressure or expectation. You should feel that the connection is right for you, too. If we both feel that we’re a good fit, we can take the next step together.

Rita does not bill insurance directly, but she is in network with many plans through Rula and Headway. She can also provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Sessions are 45–50 minutes. Sessions are typically held weekly, but if you’re experiencing a crisis or need additional support, we can adjust the frequency of our meetings based on what feels most helpful for you.

I want you to know that you don’t have to have everything figured out before your first session. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will take the time to understand what you’re going through, what you need, and what you hope to achieve. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. You can come exactly as you are.

I conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the client’s history, current concerns, and presenting problems. I also take the time to get to know the client, establish rapport, and build trust so they feel safe, heard, and understood. From the beginning, I want to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where we can develop a strong therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively toward their goals.

Rita Balakhane offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. She specializes in depression, anxiety, and grief, and also works with clients experiencing relational issues, divorce, mood disorders, and more.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic and draws upon various orientations, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive, existential, gestalt, humanistic, and person-centered mindfulness approaches, advanced training in attachment theory, and a blend of Eastern and Western modalities. I provide psychotherapy, and my approach varies depending on what works best for each client. I first conduct a thorough assessment and then determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach based on the client’s individual needs.

I truly believe that people have the ability to look within themselves and find the answers they need. Often, they don’t need someone to solve their problems for them. They simply need support, guidance, and a safe space to explore what they are experiencing. Therapy can provide that space and help people reconnect with their own strength, insight, and ability to move forward.

I work with adults from diverse cultures and backgrounds, supporting them through a wide range of life challenges. I work with people from all backgrounds and stages of life who are motivated to make meaningful changes and open to growth, self-reflection, and new perspectives.

Rita Balakhane provides therapy in English and Farsi (Persian).

You can reach Rita by phone at (310) 850-6926 or by email at rita@balakhanetherapy.com. She typically responds within 24–48 hours.

A cancellation fee of $150 applies for late cancellations or missed sessions. Please contact Rita as early as possible if you need to reschedule.

Yes. Rita Balakhane provides couples therapy using a combination of approaches including Gottman Method, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioral techniques.

Trusting your instinct. Some people may be more genetically predisposed to mental health challenges, while others may be more vulnerable to them during times of stress. However, everyone can benefit from support when they need it. Just as we check on our physical health, it is equally important to take care of our mental health because the two are closely connected and can significantly impact one another. People who are motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives tend to benefit most from my therapy style.