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BNI Clinics offers psychiatrist-led mental health therapy in Los Angeles for children, adolescents, and adults, with sessions at our Agoura Hills office and telehealth available for some visits. Therapy at BNI isn’t a standalone service. It’s part of a full psychiatric practice that also offers medication management, psychological testing, TMS, and ketamine treatment, so your therapist and psychiatrist can work from the same plan instead of in separate offices.
We accept most private insurance plans, and new patients can start with a free consultation by calling (310) 691-5005 or filling out our online form.
Benefits of Therapy in a Psychiatrist-Led Practice
Founded in 2008 by two USC-trained psychiatrists (Dr. Ahmadpour and Dr. Aminzadeh), BNI Clinics brings therapy and psychiatry together in one practice:
- Therapists and psychiatrists under one roof. Five therapists and five psychiatrists work in the same practice, so with your consent, they share one plan.
- Next steps without a new referral. If you need more support, testing, medication management, TMS, and ketamine treatment are all available in-house.
- Care for the whole family. Kids, teens, and adults can all be seen here. Teens who need a higher level of care can go to BNI Treatment Centers, our sister facility.
What Mental Health Therapy at BNI Clinics Includes
Mental health therapy, also called psychotherapy or talk therapy, is a structured form of counseling with a trained mental health therapist. The goal is to ease symptoms, build coping skills, and improve overall well-being and day-to-day functioning. At BNI, mental health care is delivered by a therapy team of therapists with LMFT, LCSW, PsyD, and AMFT credentials, working alongside BNI’s psychiatrists.
Session types:
- Individual therapy: Clients work one-on-one with their mental health therapist for a personalized approach. Clients learn coping strategies and understand what drives their behavior.
- Group therapy: Provides a setting for clients to learn from their peers, build a support network, and reduce isolation.
- Family therapy: Family members are often included in therapy sessions to learn about their loved one’s mental health challenges and to help them create a healing home environment.
- Therapy for children and adolescents: When treating younger clients, we take a personalized approach considering their developmental stage. Teens who need intensive, long-term care receive treatment at our sister facility, BNI Treatment Centers, which offers medical detoxification, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.
Approaches we use
BNI uses clinically validated approaches and often combines them based on how each patient responds.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral challenges.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness in patients experiencing intense emotional responses.
- Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on understanding deeper emotional patterns and past experiences that influence current mental health symptoms.
Support beyond talk therapy
- Psychiatric oversight and medication management when needed: When necessary, our psychiatric staff works with clients to find the right medication and dose and monitor side effects.
- Psychological testing: When symptoms are unclear or overlap, we use standardized assessments to clarify a diagnosis and compare results against DSM-5 criteria.
Signs You May Need Therapy
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from mental health therapy. Many people start because everyday life feels harder than it should. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Everyday signs:
- Sadness, worry, or irritability that lasts most days for two weeks or more
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Pulling away from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
- Trouble keeping up at work or school
- Relying on alcohol or other substances to cope
- Feeling stuck after a loss, breakup, move, or other big change
- Kids/teens: slipping grades, withdrawal, sudden behavior changes, frequent physical complaints with no clear cause
- When to seek help sooner:
- Symptoms that make it hard to get through the day
- Panic attacks
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide- call or text 988. For immediate danger, call 911.
If you’re noticing some of these signs, it can help to keep track of how you’re feeling day to day. Our daily mental health checklist makes it easy to check in on your mood, sleep, and habits, and to spot patterns you can bring to your first session.
Conditions Treated With Therapy at BNI Clinics
As part of our mental health treatment in Los Angeles, therapy at BNI helps children, teens, and adults with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety and chronic stress: Therapy builds practical coping skills, and when anxiety is severe, our psychiatrists can evaluate whether medication would help alongside it.
- Depression and mood disorders: Therapy is often a first step. For depression that hasn’t responded to standard treatment, BNI also offers TMS and ketamine treatment, so patients can explore other options without leaving their care team.
- Emotional dysregulation: DBT-based therapy helps patients manage intense emotions and reactions.
- Trauma-related symptoms: Therapy helps patients process difficult experiences at a manageable pace.
- Behavioral challenges in children and adolescents: Our clinicians work with both the young person and their family, with psychiatric support available through our child and adolescent psychiatry program.
- Co-occurring substance use concerns: Because BNI also offers addiction psychiatry, therapy can address mental health and substance use together.
- Unclear or overlapping symptoms: When it isn’t clear what’s driving symptoms, psychological testing can help clarify a diagnosis before planning therapy.
How You’re Matched With a Mental Health Therapist in Los Angeles
- Step 1: Call or fill out the form. Our admissions team will gather basic information about you and your condition, check your insurance, and discuss treatment options. Most patients don’t need a referral to get started, though some plans require one.
- Step 2: Evaluation. During the first visit, we assess your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, how they affect your daily life, and your personal and family history. When treating young patients, we consult parents and guardians.
- Step 3: Matching. Based on the evaluation, we match you with a therapist suited to your needs and the recommended type of therapy.
- Step 4: Personalized plan and ongoing sessions. The information gathered during the evaluation guides a personalized therapy approach, format, and schedule. Depending on your needs, we may include medication management and administer additional testing if the evaluation raises further questions. Once we have a plan, you will attend therapy sessions on the agreed-upon schedule.
- Step 5: If the fit isn’t right. Let us know. Because several therapists work in the same practice, switching is a conversation, not a new search.
Online and In-Person Therapy Sessions, and Confidentiality
In-person sessions take place in a private office at BNI’s Agoura Hills clinic (28038 Dorothy Dr, Suite 200). We also offer online therapy for our clients’ convenience. Not sure which format fits you? Read our guide to online vs. in-person therapy to determine the best option.
All sessions are confidential. BNI follows HIPAA, and your information is shared only with your consent, including between your therapist and psychiatrist, except when the law requires it, such as when there’s a risk of harm.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Part of understanding psychotherapy is knowing how long it takes, including session length, frequency, and the typical course. While these metrics vary with patient needs and progress, the following guidelines generally apply.
- Session length: Clinical visits typically run about 45–50 minutes
- Frequency: Sessions are usually weekly at first, and then space out as symptoms improve.
- Typical course: Many structured therapies run about 12 to 16 weekly sessions. Some people continue for 20 to 30 sessions over six months, and longer for complex or co-occurring conditions. On average, the American Psychological Association reports that 15 to 20 sessions are needed for 50% of patients to recover, based on self-reported symptoms.
At BNI, your therapist will talk through a realistic timeline at the start, which may be adjusted as you go.
Insurance and Cost
BNI Clinics accepts most PPO plans and some HMO plans. Our in-network providers include Blue Shield, Anthem, Health Net/MHN, Magellan, Aetna, and Providence Health Plan. Visit our insurance page for more details.
To verify your insurance, call (310) 691-5005 or fill out our online form. Our team will check your coverage before your first session.
If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it, we’ll walk you through self-pay options.
Get Effective Care at BNI Clinics
If you’re looking for a mental health treatment center near you in the Los Angeles area, BNI Clinics is here. We are located at 28038 Dorothy Dr, Suite 200, in Agoura Hills, and we offer telehealth for some visits. Call (310) 691-5005 for a free consultation or fill out the form; admissions will verify your insurance and schedule your first appointment.
BNI Clinics provides mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Los Angeles area. Our facility is intimate and ensures you or your loved one receives individualized treatment specific to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I book my first session?
To get started, call us directly or fill out our online form, and a member of our admissions team will call you back. During the first call, we will gather information about you and your condition, discuss treatment plan options, and schedule your initial appointment.
I’ve never been to therapy. What should I expect?
Your first session is mostly a conversation. Your clinician will ask what brought you in and what you’d like to work on, and answer any questions you have. You don’t have to share more than you’re comfortable with.
What’s the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Therapists specialize in talk therapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and can prescribe and manage medication. Some also provide therapy.
Can parents be involved in their child’s therapy?
Yes, parents can and should be involved in their child’s therapy. Parents can give clinicians more insight into their child’s condition and often join therapy sessions, helping ensure optimal support throughout treatment.
How much does therapy cost?
Your cost depends mainly on your insurance plan. We can verify your coverage during your first call so you know what to expect, and we can review self-pay options if you don’t have insurance.
Mental Health Services
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
ADULT PSYCHIATRY
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
TMS AGOURA HILLS
ABOUT BNI CLINICS
Behavioral Neuroscience Institute
Founded in 2008 by two University of Southern California (USC)-educated psychiatrists, BNI was created to provide the highest level of psychological treatment to residents of Los Angeles County. Commitment to the use of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and advanced psychopharmacology, as well as a huge dose of compassion, is what differentiates BNI from other mental health treatment providers.
Our Team
Dr. Oliver Ahmadpour
Co-founder and Practice Psychiatrist
Dr. Arastou Aminzadeh, MD
Co-Founder and Practice Psychiatrist
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