Kind, listens with a depth of knowledge, and easy feedback. I have no fear of expression. Makes me…read morefeel validated and important in my own life no matter how difficult my challenges may be.

I couldn't believe it. Somehow after therapy, I felt worse…read more This woman made me feel like I had problems that couldn't be fixed. Because my mental health issues are all "a choice" in her words. Most of the things I tried to vent about, she'd reply with "I don't know..." "you know?" "I don't know what to say." Etc. Due to mental health issues, I was in desperate need to take some time off of work. I had just had a mental breakdown after our first session together and since speaking with her was too new, she wasn't comfortable filling out any paperwork for my Leave of Absence. Fine, understandable. But I still wanted to talk about what was bothering me at work. I wanted to talk about the situation where when I left work I had sat in my car hyperventilating and unable to drive home. I wanted to explain how bad it gets sometimes that I can't even function. I wanted to see if she could tell what had set me off. Nope. She didn't want to hear it. She just kept saying "it's not your problem anymore." But it is. Because unfortunately I can't get over things that quickly. I told her about how my boss made comments about what I ate or drank, what was wrong with my body or my skin. So she thought it was a good idea to tell me about one of her clients who was "just huge" and morbidly obese and that was the first thing she noticed about her, but now all she sees is her face. I wasn't sure why she brought that up and I mentioned that I never really brought up that I was insecure about my weight and she says "yes YOUUUUU did." Maybe she was listening, she's actually remember what I was talking about. Thankfully I'm not so damaged as to jump off a bridge after hearing that from a PAID "EDUCATED" MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, but I really felt like doing so after our session ended. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach and there was no hope anymore. I was asked "so what are you gonna do?" for most of our last session together, and she said I was "hostile" from showing any sort of emotion. I knew she had just mentally check out minutes into our session. Like, we've only had 3 sessions together and you're already over it. Pretty sure she was eating during it, too. I was told that people can recover from their trauma. And I said not everyone can. She said "yes, they can." ??? So I guess I'm just a lost cause? I'm the one person on the planet still affected by things in my At the end, she said to find another therapist. Like, obviously, lady. But nice job ripping into me for existing then basically telling me to F off. Also, posted a Facebook status about her. Apparently I'm not the first person she's done this to. I think if you have issues that make it hard to express how you feel or you have any sort of depression/anxiety or whatever, you should go speak to someone who understands and genuinely wants to help. Not Dr. Alison J Lee.

Elevation Behavioral Health offers a highly structured and clinically rich treatment environment…read moredistinguished by the exceptional consistency of its individual therapy program. Clients receive an unusually high amount of one-on-one time with the same primary therapist throughout their stay, allowing for deep, continuous work and a level of therapeutic rapport that is difficult to find in most residential settings. The daily schedule is built around therapy, with multiple groups and individual sessions running from morning through evening. Treatment integrates evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT alongside advanced brain-training protocols designed to strengthen emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and long-term resilience. A wide range of modalities supports whole-person healing. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, the program includes holistic services, physical wellness, experiential therapies, social integration opportunities, and a strong culinary component that helps clients rebuild a healthy relationship with food and daily living. Family involvement is a central focus, with structured communication, education, and support options that help loved ones understand the recovery process and participate in meaningful, lasting change. Care continues well beyond discharge through a thriving and highly engaged alumni community that provides connection, accountability, and ongoing growth. Overall, Elevation Behavioral Health stands out for its intensity of individualized care, depth of clinical work, and comprehensive approach to long-term recovery.

Hands Down the Best Mental Health Program Out There…read more I can't say enough good things about Elevations Behavioral Health. It's hands down the best mental health care I've ever experienced. The setting is incredible -- beautiful houses, exercise equipment, pools, jacuzzis, and so many community resources. They even take you on outings to the Pacific Ocean to watch sunsets -- and yes, you *will* see dolphins! From the residential program to the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), every detail is thought through. The Santa Monica Mountains surround you, and the views are so breathtaking you can sit for hours just taking it all in and really feel yourself start to heal. The food is next level too -- they have a private chef who customizes meals to fit your diet and treatment needs, with tons of healthy options. And unlike most places, you get both individual and group therapy *every day*. That's almost unheard of at a residential program -- usually you're lucky to get one or two individual sessions a week. The staff and therapists are absolutely amazing -- they genuinely care and don't let you give up on yourself. If you're struggling, please know you're not alone. Getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself. Elevations changed my life, and it can change yours too. You *are* worth it, and you *can* do hard things. Take the first step -- it's so worth it. #mentalhealthmatters #healingjourney #mentalhealthrecovery #selfcare #youareworthit #endthestigma #mentalwellness #mindfulhealing #selflovejourney #itsokaynottobeokay #recoveryispossible #mentalhealthsupport #breakthestigma #liveyourbestlife

Dr. Flame is a excellent psychotherapist. One of Dr. Flame's expertise is in helping individuals…read moreand families who have experienced sports related injuries and to develop new coping skills in their healing process. Dr. Flame demonstrates the emotional logic of hope and teaching others how to move forward in life. He has a uniqueness in that adolescents hear and respond to his guidance and support. Dr. Flame not only provides his insights to these kids, he also provides support to their parents. I have been working and referring to this amazing psychotherapist for years, I strongly recommend him for you and your family.

But you wont show up to your virtual appointments!!! had me waiting for 55 mins only for you not to…read moreshow up!!! Dont waste your time with this clown! Our first meeting and he doesn't show up! What a waste of my time!!

The phrase "life changing" gets thrown around so often that it loses the weight of its meaning, but…read moreJo Ellen's counseling has not only changed my life in a very noticeable way, but has also given me a new way of thinking. A little over a year ago I had given up on life completely. The end of my long term relationship with my fiancé, legal troubles, bankruptcy, ongoing PTSD from decade old events, panic attacks, substance use dependence, the list went on and on. I had become completely unrecognizable. I could not see a way out anymore and living this way was too excruciating. After a long hospital stay, many of my close family members confided to me that they had to mentally prepare to say goodbye if I didn't do something to change. Jo Ellen was able to help me to see my life and my patterns of thinking clearer than I ever had before. She has a way of bringing things to your awareness that, after you understand them, you won't believe how long you lived without realizing them. I was in such a desperate place for years, and I threw everything I could at finding help. 8 different counselors, numerous psychiatrists, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, every single inpatient and outpatient program offered in my town and hundreds of self help books. I credit her with teaching me the tools to get my life back on the right track when literally nothing else could. She is unbelievably well spoken, genuinely cares about her clients, and so easy to be honest and open with. She never misses a single detail and knows how to gently guide your focus back to the issue at hand. She has also reached out by text when I've been going through a particularly hard time to offer support, which was very touching and something no other counselor has done. (I also want to add that I'm not a mother, but my own mom attended a session with me and said it gave her so much peace of mind and clarity as a mother of someone with substance use issues, and even just one session very much helped our relationship.) I truly cannot recommend Jo Ellen highly enough, and am so thankful for the way she has impacted my life.

I knew I needed a little help going through my divorce, but the transition was made so much better…read morebecause holding my hand through it (metaphorically) was Jo Ellen. She helped me make the difficult transition, with kindness, understanding, and very knowledgable and expert therapist advice. I fully and completely recommend her to anyone. It's like talking to a good friend - who also happens to be able to help you see through your patterns, and old beliefs, and walks you through to the other side.

Irene worked with my wife, J, for years after a traumatic time with cancer, and was a boon to J's…read moreoutlook and well-being. She gave J a healing perspective beyond her initial cancer trauma, helping her work through an unhealthy relationship with her sister and even improving our marital relationship. Several times, Irene invited me into the session with J: Unlike one of the reviewers below, I always found Irene respectful, insightful, and productive in helping us hear each other. We were always appreciative of Irene taking the time to involve me, as it demonstrates a next-level dedication to her clients.

This woman is not good at relationship support. She cold called me on a Friday night to invite me…read moreinto therapy with my mother who I have not spoken to in a long time. This triggered me intensely, as she had not bothered to learn anything about me or my family or the issues she was was bringing up. She said all the wrong things because she brought up people in my family without knowing them or our dynamics. Outrageous and irresponsible. She contributed to damaging my family more and ruined my summer. She noticed that I was so triggered, said she would send referrals to help, and never spoke or wrote me again.

warm, encouraging and strengthen... Chris's warm and caring style provides a safe venue to open up…read moreand explore what is going on and her skills give you the encouragement to find your strengths to travel the path that is right for you at that moment. She is there when you need an extra shoulder as well as when you need the push to get your stuff together.

Serious Breach of Professional Ethics - Chris Massman, LMFT…read moreI am documenting a major concern regarding professional boundaries and ethical standards with Chris Massman dating back to the 2013 era. During treatment, it was discovered that Chris Massman maintained a pre-existing, undisclosed close personal friendship with the client's family members while concurrently acting as the primary clinician. In the state of California, this is a severe violation of professional ethics regarding 'Dual Relationships.' Failing to disclose such a conflict of interest is a breach of informed consent and patient trust. It appeared that private clinical information was shared with those personal ties rather than serving the patient's therapeutic interests. I strongly advise anyone seeking an objective, ethical therapist who respects confidentiality and autonomy to look for a provider other than Chris Massman who adheres to higher professional standards.

Stay away from this place . If all you need is someone to nod along while you vent... you'll love…read moreit here. But the moment you ask a real question? The moment you dare to raise concerns about what's actually happening in your *child's* therapy sessions? Get ready. We came in good faith. Calmly. Respectfully. Simply asking about methods being used with our son. What we got back wasn't professionalism. It was hostility. Deflection. And thinly veiled accusations aimed directly at us - the parents who showed up. The people who cared enough to ask. There is something deeply wrong when a family counseling center responds to concerned parents like they're the problem. We left feeling worse than when we walked in... and not in the "growth is uncomfortable" way. In the "we were just ambushed" way. Do yourself a favor. Keep looking. Oh wait : did I mention they called child service on us after I left them 1* on Google ? Avoid at any cost

I can't thank you all enough for everything you've done for me. You guys are truly amazing. Thank…read moreyou for always providing incredible motivational and medical support throughout my recovery. From day one, I felt welcomed, encouraged, and genuinely cared for. I was a client for three months, and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The meetings were always meaningful, and every day helped me grow stronger in my recovery. I gained a much deeper understanding of the Foundation, the recovery process, and the Awakenings methods that continue to guide me today. The owners and every member of the support staff were compassionate, professional, and always willing to help. Their dedication gave me hope, confidence, and the tools I needed to keep moving forward. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to complete the full three-month program. It helped me discover my potential, build a stronger foundation for my future, and continue my recovery with purpose. Thank you for believing in me and for the positive impact you've made on my life. I highly recommend your program to anyone looking for genuine support, healing, and lasting recovery.

I used to suffer from horrible OCD I was terrified to talk about. I went to multiple treatment…read morecenters with no success until I found Awakenings. Staff helped me through my problems and now I am a free man! Thank you so much staff and clients, couldn't have done it without you