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BNI Clinics offers psychiatrist-led mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and adults in Agoura Hills, serving the greater Los Angeles area. 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 form.
What Therapy at BNI Clinics Includes
- Individual therapy: Clients work one-on-one with therapists for a personalized approach. We integrate evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy so 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.
- 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.
- In-person sessions; telehealth: Sessions take place at our Agoura Hills clinic, with telehealth available for some visits.
- 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.
How Mental Health Therapy Works at BNI Clinics
- Step 1: First visit and clinical evaluation: During the first visit, we assess the client’s symptoms, their duration and impact on daily life, and their personal and family history. When treating young patients, we consult parents and guardians for input.
- Step 2: Personalized treatment plan: The information gathered during the evaluation guides a personalized therapy approach, format, and schedule. Depending on client needs, we may include medication management and administer additional testing if the evaluation raises further questions.
- Step 3: Ongoing therapy sessions: Once a plan is in place, clients attend therapy sessions following the agreed-upon schedule.
- Step 4: Check-ins and adjustments: We regularly review client progress and adjust our approach as needed. We make most changes within one practice, with no new referrals needed, to support a seamless process and ensure you’re treated by a team that already knows your history.
Insurance and Cost
BNI Clinics accepts most PPO plans and some HMO plans. Coverage varies by plan, so call (310) 691-5005 to confirm what’s covered. If you don’t have insurance, we can review self-pay options.
Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches
BNI Clinics uses clinically validated therapy approaches that are widely recognized in mental health treatment and often combines therapies based on patient response to support a personalized approach.
- 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: This approach focuses on understanding deeper emotional patterns and past experiences that influence current mental health symptoms.
Conditions Treated With Therapy at BNI Clinics
We treat a wide range of mental health 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.
Benefits of Therapy in a Psychiatrist-Led Practice
BNI Clinics was founded in 2008 by two USC-trained psychiatrists. As a psychiatrist-led practice, clients benefit from a combined approach to therapy and medication management (when necessary), with one coordinated plan and fewer handoffs between providers.
- One coordinated plan: Your therapist and psychiatrist share information (with your consent), so therapy and medication work toward the same goals.
- Fewer handoffs: If you need medication or testing, you can get it within the same practice.
- Continuity for families: BNI can treat children, teens, and adults, making it easier for families to coordinate care.
Things to Look For in a Mental Health Therapist
- Credentials and licensing: Make sure the therapist is licensed in California and has training in the areas you need help with. Credentials show they offer a high level of clinical excellence.
- Experience with your specific concerns: The therapist should have experience dealing with your specific mental health disorder, helping them develop a care plan suited to your needs.
- Evidence-based methods: Look for a therapist who uses research-backed approaches, such as CBT or DBT.
- Comfortable fit: No matter the credentials, the therapist should be someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with.
- Access to psychiatric care: When both therapy and psychiatric care are available, clients can benefit from a seamless approach and a multidisciplinary team.
Get Effective Care at BNI Clinics
Therapy is an integral part of mental health treatment. Using a range of approaches lets us tailor treatment to each person. BNI Clinics is proud to offer various options for our clients, empowering them to take control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives.
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. Contact us today at (310) 691-5005 to learn more about our therapy options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I book my first session?
To get started, call us directly or fill out our online form, and someone from our admissions team will call you back. During the first call, we will gather information on you and your condition, discuss treatment options, and determine the best time for 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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