Giving you heart through the hardships

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Therapy services based in Pasadena, California

If you’re here because you’ve been struggling with a life change, feel overwhelmed by anxiety, you want to improve your relationships, or you’re seeking support for other challenges, then you’ve come to the right place.

As a licensed clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, I specialize in treating adults, couples, teens, and families with the highs and lows that life can bring.

I create a non-judgmental, warm, and welcoming space for each of my clients and it would be an honor to share some time with you.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. 

  • Meet Dr. Lauren Cook

    Learn more about my background, professional training, experience, and approach.

  • Specialties

    I assist clients with a wide variety of situations, including life transitions, anxiety and OCD, couples dynamics, identity formation, and more.

  • Services Offered

    What kind of session would work best for you? I offer individual, couples, and family therapy in-person or virtually.

Support & Skills for all Life Stages

I’m Dr. Lauren Cook and I’m a licensed clinical psychologist based in the Pasadena community. I specialize in supporting clients going through life transitions, such as starting school, beginning or ending relationships, career changes, or deciding to start a family.

With my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, I also enjoy practicing couples therapy and family therapy.

I am also very experienced in treating anxiety, including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and OCD. As someone who has suffered from anxiety, I know firsthand how effective and life changing treatment can be.

FAQs

  • I treasure each and every one of the clients that I have had the opportunity to work with. Many clients would describe me as warm, motivating, and surprisingly funny at times (that’s right--not every minute in therapy has to be so serious!). I’m grateful to say that I’ve had many clients work with me for months and years because they have found our therapeutic relationship beneficial for their lives. That doesn’t mean I can’t help you solve your problems in a timely way as I’m also trained in short-term therapy. I take a client-centered approach so we’ll collaborate together to ensure we’re meeting your goals within your timeline.

  • I love that you’re thinking about this. You’re right--I likely haven’t lived the same experience as you, whether it relates to your race, gender, ability status, religion, or sexual orientation, as just a few examples. That being said, I’m very comfortable talking about intersecting identities and I always try to bring a sense of cultural humility into our sessions. While I never expect you to educate me about your cultural experiences (I take the time to learn outside of session), I also approach cultural integration from a place of openness and care. Your identities matter to me and all identities are welcome in my practice.

  • I do identify as a Christian and I enjoy integrating faith into conversations when clients request this specifically. That being said, I never force my beliefs onto any client and I fully accept and welcome clients of all beliefs. I have worked with clients who identify as Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, atheist, agnostic, and more.

  • Yes. Because I want you to get the best care possible, I refer out clients who are experiencing substance use addiction and/or severe eating disorders. I also do not work with clients who are under 12 years of age. That being said, I’m happy to connect you to referrals so that you can find the right people to help you in your journey.

  • However long you’d like it to take! Some clients are looking for a few sessions and others are looking for more long-term support. We’ll work together to help you establish your goals and your treatment timeline.

  • I’m all about helping you feel empowered with the right steps for you. I believe it’s my job to always provide you with options so that you know about all the resources available to you. I’m very comfortable working with psychiatry and I am also a big believer in naturopathic care.

  • I am an out-of-network therapist for PPO insurance plans. I’m happy to provide you with a statement (superbill) at the end of each month if you would like to send it to your insurance company for reimbursement of a portion of the session fee. Please feel free to contact your insurance company for information regarding benefits with an out-of-network provider.

  • I’m glad you asked! After struggling with anxiety for much of my life, particularly with emetophobia (a phobia of vomit) and panic attacks, I have seen how discouraging and debilitating mental health struggles can be. However, I have also seen how treatment can be tremendously effective. It does get better and I am a testament to that. I also love watching clients integrate the tools they learn through therapy. I give thanks every day that I get to do this work and I’m inspired by my clients constantly.

  • This is so important to bring up. I believe that the best therapists are open to feedback and frequently check in with how therapy is going for the claient. Great therapists also know that we can’t be all things to all people. While I hope that you feel like our work is effective, I also want to know if you’re struggling. I’m completely open to feedback. It’s my job to get you with the right therapist and if I’m not it, I’ll help you find that person.

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