How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15–20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 326, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

Simple Self-Care Routines for Busy Hermosa Beach Residents

Quick Summary

This guide encourages building easy self-care habits around local routines like beachside strolls, public outdoor yoga, and brief breathing pauses. Even 5–10 minutes of mindful time by the ocean or under palm trees can foster calm, balance, and resilience for busy locals

As a psychotherapist practicing in Hermosa Beach and an avid supporter of self-care, I'm constantly in awe of the restorative powers of our beautiful natural surroundings. As we head into the summer months, I want to remind my fellow community members of the incredible self-care opportunities right at our fingertips.

You know what constantly reminds me of how lucky we are to live in Hermosa Beach? The incredible impact our environment can have on our mental wellbeing. Our beautiful beach town gives us so many opportunities for affordable, accessible self-care that can improve our overall health and happiness.

In today's crazy, non-stop world, making time for self-care is more important than ever. The constant stress and overwhelming demands can take a toll on our mental and physical health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and even physical problems. But here's the thing - by building simple, mindful practices into our daily routines, we can counteract all those negative effects and cultivate a much greater sense of calm and resilience.

The neurobiology behind self-care is actually kind of fascinating. When we engage in relaxing, mindful activities, our brain releases all these feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Not only do these neurotransmitters improve our mood, but they also help regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and even give our immune system a nice little boost!

That's why I'm so grateful that Hermosa Beach offers an abundance of natural, outdoor spaces perfect for self-care rituals. One of my go-to recommendations is to take a stroll or a jog along The Strand - our iconic beachfront pathway. There's something so uplifting about inhaling that fresh ocean air, the sound of ocean waves and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. It provides such a needed break from the daily grind.

For those seeking a more meditative experience, consider joining one of the many free outdoor yoga classes offered right on the soft, golden sands of our beautiful beaches. The Beach Cities Health District (www.bchd.org) also offers free community yoga classes on Valencia Street near Valley Park. Check out the fitness calendar for more information.

But even if you can't spare an hour for a full yoga session, just taking a few moments to pause and do some deep breathing can work wonders. Find a quiet spot along the palm tree-lined Hermosa Beach Pier or at the scenic Hermosa Valley Greenbelt and simply focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your lungs. This simple act can activate the body's relaxation response, lowering blood pressure and heart rate while calming the mind.

The beautiful thing about self-care is that it doesn't have to be this huge time-consuming or expensive thing. Even just small, consistent practices can have such a profound impact on our mental health and overall quality of life. Whether it's a 5-minute meditation while basking in that warm Hermosa sunshine or a leisurely evening stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets over the Pacific, these simple acts of self-nurturing provide such a needed reprieve from life's stresses.

Hermosa Beach residents, let’s embrace the natural beauty and serenity that surrounds us here. Build self-care practices into your routine, even if it's just for a few moments each day. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for that opportunity to recharge and find some balance amidst the busy-ness of your life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a lot of time for self-care here?
No—it's about consistency. Even a 5-minute meditation or walk along The Strand can activate your body's relaxation response and reduce stress .

2. Where are good spots for quick self-care in Hermosa Beach?
Try the Hermosa Strand, Valley Park, or beach yoga classes sponsored by Beach Cities Health District. Quiet early mornings offer especially restorative pauses.

3. How do I make this sustainable as a busy resident?
Build micro-breaks into your schedule—morning beach deep breath, midday stroll, or walk plus breathwork after work. These small but regular habits add up .

Simple Self-Care Routines for Busy Hermosa Beach Residents

Quick Summary

FAQs

What is IFIO? A Deep Dive into Intimacy from the Inside Out Therapy

7 Signs It's Time to Consider Therapy (And Why It Can Help)