Welcome
Hello and welcome. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Pasadena, CA. I provide psychotherapy to children (5+), teens and adults.
What to expect
We will start by scheduling a 20-minute free consultation phone call. This gives us both the opportunity to ask each other questions. I’ll share more about my work and techniques, and you’ll share what you are looking to get out of therapy. You can then see if you think I may be a good fit as your or your child’s therapist.
Your therapy sessions are a space for you to express your thoughts, emotions, life experiences, relationships, and more. Our work together will help you develop a stronger self-understanding and address the specific goals that you bring to therapy. I am here to answer any questions about what this experience may be like, especially if this is your first time in therapy.
My approach
My goal is to create a safe, collaborative environment for us to explore your strengths and challenges together. I use an integrative approach - I draw from several different models (ie. attachment theory) depending on the needs of the client - while maintaining a grounding in relational psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This relational model means that I believe that our therapeutic relationship is key to success in therapy. Our work together will be strengths based to support you through the challenges and goals that you bring to therapy.
My work with children is grounded in non-directive play therapy. I work to create a safe space for your child to express themselves, whether that expression is verbal or through play. I work closely with you as the parent to understand more context around your child’s home and school life, their challenges, and their strengths.
Location & virtual therapy
My office is located at 131 N. El Molino Ave. Suite 220, Pasadena, CA 91101. Visitor parking is free.
I reserve some appointment slots for virtual sessions. While most of my clients come to my office, some prefer to meet virtually because of their schedule or location (location must be in California). Of course, in-person clients will occasionally schedule virtual sessions to meet their needs.
My experience
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute. I am licensed as a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#123856).
I work at Ellu Partners under the supervision of Dr. Joy Bustrum and Dr. Scott Garrels. My prior work has primarily consisted of working with children and parents, in particular with individuals who are neurodivergent.
Fees and insurance
I take clients who have Aetna insurance and I am an out-of-network provider.
My rate for a 50-minute psychotherapy session is $175. If you don’t have Aetna insurance, I can provide a “superbill” as an out-of-network provider which you can submit for partial reimbursement, depending on your insurance (here is a useful article about superbills).
We can discuss more about fees and insurance on our first consultation phone call.
Contact me
Contact me in whichever way is most comfortable for you - by completing the form below, calling me at (626) 214-8473, or sending an email to kira@kirabartholomew.com. I look forward to connecting with you.