• about therapy

    Let's get to work. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that encourages self-exploration, growth and personal development. Your experience of therapy is as unique as you are and I strive to create a personalized approach for each client to address your specific challenges. The benefits of psychotherapy are many including: increased self-esteem, improved relationships, better coping skills, and an enhanced overall sense of well being.

     

     

  • my approach

    As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker my work attends to the various dimensions of the human experience, including mind, body, spirit, and relationships. I specialize in working with adults who have experienced the death of someone close to them. I have extensive experience working with adults on issues including: relational issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions. I also offer clinical supervision to MSW professionals who are accruing their clinical hours.

     

    My style is nonjudgmental and collaborative, and honors your individual experience. I'm gentle, but direct, and often use humor in my work. I value trust and transparency in the working relationship between us. This means I welcome your questions and feedback at all times, and encourage you to be an active part of the therapeutic process.

     

    I use an eclectic approach that includes elements of Relational, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic and Attachment theories as well as Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness tools. Together we'll work to explore thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that no longer serve you, integrate mind and body, and connect you with your authentic feelings, needs and desires. Our work will utilize your innate strengths and skills, and support you in developing the inner resources necessary for improved well being.

     

    Contact me today to discuss how we may work together.

  • my experience

    EDUCATION

     

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Masters of Social Welfare, Gerontology Specialization

     

    University of North Carolina, Asheville

    Bachelors of Arts in Sociology

     

    POST GRADUATE TRAINING

     

    - Grief Specialist Training, OUR HOUSE, Los Angeles

    - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program, The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles

    - DBT, Clearview Treatment Programs, Los Angeles

    - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health, Los Angeles

    - Seeking Safety, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health, Los Angeles

    - Motivational Interviewing, Los Angeles County Dept. of Mental Health, Los Angeles

     

    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

     

    -OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center

    -National Counsel of Jewish Women- Community Mental Health and Supportive Services

    -Project 180

    -Alzheimer's Association

    -Center for Civil Society

    -West LA Veteran's Administration

     

    MEMBERSHIPS

     

    -NASW (National Association of Social Workers)

  • frequently asked questions

    HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

    Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Contact me by phone or by email to schedule a 15 minute phone consultation at no charge. I am available to discuss the therapeutic process, answer questions, and to schedule your first appointment.

     

    HOW MUCH DOES EACH SESSION COST?

    Initial 15 minute phone consultation is free. My fees for an individual session begin at $150.00 but I do offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments.

     

    Payments are due at the time of service. Cash and check are accepted as forms of payment. If you plan to use insurance, I encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to determine what mental health benefits you have. I accept some insurance plans and all PPO plans as an “Out of Network” provider, which means I can I provide you with a receipt for services rendered that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement consideration. Although many insurance companies reimburse for therapy with a receipt, I cannot guarantee reimbursement.

     

    HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?

    Therapy is most successful when done on a consistent basis. Clients typically come in one time per week for a 50 minute appointment. We'll discuss your specific needs together when you contact me.

     

    ARE SESSIONS PRIVATE?

    Communication between a client and therapist is confidential and protected by law, with the exception of circumstances in which there is threat of harm to self, other, a child or senior, or when records are subpoenaed by a court. I maintain the highest privacy standards to preserve client data and information, following policies set forth by HIPPA.

     

    WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

    I ask for a 24 hour advance notice for appointment cancellations. If an appointment is not cancelled in advance, you will be charged for the missed session. Appointments begin and end on time.

     

    WHAT IF I'M IN CRISIS ?

    If you are in crisis or require immediate help, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

  • resources

     

    • 24-Hour Crisis/ Suicide Hotline: 1-877-727-4747
    • ACCSESS/ LA County 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (PET/PMRT): 1-800-854-7771
    • Teen Line: 1-800-852-8336
    • NAMI: 1-800-950-6264
    • Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
    • US Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
    • Veterans Crisis line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
    • Alcohol/ Drug Helpline: 1-800-229-7708
    • Drug Treatment Center Finder: www.drugtreatmentcenterfinder.com
    • DCFS/ Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-540-4000
    • LA County 24-Hour DV Hotline: 1-800-978-3600
    • Victims of Crime: 1-800-777-9229
    • Rape Treatment Center: 310-319-4000
    • RAIIN: 1-800-656-HOPE
    • The Trevor Project Helpline: 1-866-488-7386
    • GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
    • LA County Information Line: 211
    • Good Therapy: www.goodtherapy.org
    • Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com

  • contact

    Nikki Hemans, LCSW60950

     

    nikkihemanslcsw@gmail.com

     

    Office in Northridge, CA

     

    (323) 325-5407

     

  • Nikki Hemans, LCSW verified by GoodTherapy.org
    Nikki Hemans, LCSW Grief Therapy