Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Therapy in Culver City
Best Me Psychotherapy was founded in 2016 by Dr. Abby Penson to expand access to high-quality mental health care. Our team of licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers brings decades of combined experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship issues. We utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modalities tailored to individual needs.Our bilingual (English/Spanish) and culturally sensitive team serves children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a focus on empowerment and self-acceptance. We offer both in-person and HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to accommodate diverse client needs across Southern California.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Psychological Assessment
Group Therapy
Telehealth Sessions
Trauma Counseling
Eating Disorder Treatment
ADHD Assessment
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- Our team includes bilingual (English/Spanish) and culturally competent therapists
- We utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy
- We provide both in-person and secure telehealth session options
- Our staff includes specialists in trauma, eating disorders, and relationship issues
Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides personalized mental health treatment through weekly sessions between client and therapist. Our clinicians address anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions using evidence-based approaches. Clients develop coping strategies and gain self-awareness to improve emotional well-being and achieve personal goals.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy helps partners improve communication and resolve conflicts through joint sessions. Our therapists address relationship challenges including premarital counseling, divorce recovery, and intimacy issues. Treatment focuses on strengthening connections and developing healthier interaction patterns to enhance relationship satisfaction.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses relational dynamics and behavioral issues through sessions involving multiple family members. Our clinicians help families navigate crises, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Treatment emphasizes leveraging family strengths to support individual and collective mental health and well-being.
Psychological Assessment
Psychological assessments use standardized tools to evaluate cognitive abilities, personality traits, and mental health conditions. Our experts diagnose learning disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders to create targeted treatment plans. Testing includes intelligence, achievement, and neuropsychological evaluations for comprehensive care guidance.
Telehealth Sessions
Telehealth sessions deliver secure, HIPAA-compliant therapy through video conferencing. This option provides access to mental health care for clients who prefer remote sessions or have mobility challenges. Our therapists maintain the same high standards of care and confidentiality in virtual sessions as in-person visits.
People
Dr. Abby Penson
Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Abby Penson founded Best Me Psychotherapy in 2016 after earning her doctorate from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. She specializes in eating disorders, trauma, and relationship issues, utilizing eclectic therapeutic approaches to provide personalized care for clients.
Eugenia Howley
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Eugenia Howley provides therapy for children and families affected by autism and developmental disorders. Fluent in Russian, she offers culturally sensitive care and specializes in behavioral interventions, trauma counseling, and relationship issues while emphasizing client-centered solutions.
Jaime Nakasuji
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Jaime Nakasuji specializes in depression, anxiety, and life transitions using an eclectic approach combining cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies. She focuses on helping clients develop healthy coping skills and self-awareness to facilitate personal growth and positive life changes.
Dr. Ashley Paluska
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ashley Paluska offers individual and couples therapy for mood disorders, ADHD, and sports psychology. With expertise in clinical assessments, she provides comprehensive evaluations for learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions to guide effective treatment planning.
Dr. Analia Barroso
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Analia Barroso provides bilingual (Spanish/English) therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Specializing in trauma and childhood disorders, she employs a strength-based approach to help clients overcome anxiety, mood disorders, and familial issues through culturally informed care.
Questions
What types of therapy services do you offer?
We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy, along with psychological assessments and telehealth sessions. Our specialists treat anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, and relationship issues using evidence-based approaches.
Are your telehealth sessions secure and confidential?
Yes, we use HIPAA-compliant video platforms for telehealth sessions to ensure privacy and security. Our online therapy maintains the same professional standards and confidentiality as in-person visits.
Do you accept insurance or offer sliding scale fees?
We provide superbill receipts for out-of-network insurance reimbursement but do not directly accept insurance. Please contact us to discuss payment options and potential sliding scale availability based on individual circumstances.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 323-271-1600 or completing our online session request form. Our staff will help match you with the most appropriate therapist for your needs.
Are your therapists qualified and licensed?
All our clinicians are fully licensed professionals with advanced degrees in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or clinical social work. They maintain current licenses and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure quality care.
Do you offer specialized services for LGBTQ+ individuals?
Yes, we provide LGBTQ+-affirmative therapy with clinicians who have specific training and experience working with sexual and gender minority populations to address unique mental health needs in a supportive environment.
