What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.31
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
2.33
“Dr. Shamis is extremely intellectual. She recommended me a workbook that is changing my life. She’s soft spoken and quiet.”
More than 1 year ago
“Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis helped me through a crisis with my best interests at heart. All of the sessions were meaningful and produced a better me. I always left feeling empowered, capable and lifted of my emotions and overthinking that were pulling me down. I have not been able to connect with another therapist in this way in all my years. Thank you Doctor. Forever grateful.”
More than 1 year ago
About Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis
Focus areas
Anxiety
Depression
Stress Management
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Families
Teenagers (13-17)
Individuals
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Coaching
Narrative
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Psychoanalytic
Gestalt
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English, Russian
Getting to know Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She holds a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Ryokan College and is trained as a psychoanalyst, providing integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA's medical school, and is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. Additionally, she serves as an expert witness for family and criminal law courts.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Testimonials:
"Dr. Shamis has been a great help to me during some very difficult periods in my life. She is a great listener, insightful, thoughtful and caring. She gives balanced advice that is helpful in navigating the challenges we discuss. I have recommended her to my friends and I highly recommend her here as well." by JB
"Dr. Shamis has an excellent bedside manner, is kind, understanding, patient and provides awesome resources that have helped along my journey! I have been seeing her for quite some time and am very pleased with the progression that has been made. It is awesome to be able to set goals and successfully accomplish them. I am looking forward to my continued evolution with the resources that are being shared!" by NC
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
More information on payments and coverage
Payment is due after each session and will be charged with your card on file for any portion of patient responsibility. Receipts will be provided at the time of the charge. This typically takes place 2-4 weeks after the session, once your insurance has had a chance to process the claim. We try our best to verify eligibility, but it is ultimately your responsibility to check coverage and out-of-pocket costs for services. For out-of-network visits, you will be billed at the provider’s self-pay rate, and we can provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement based on your plan’s benefits.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Ryokan College, Master's in Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1740705367
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.31
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
2.33
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
13 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Shamis is extremely intellectual. She recommended me a workbook that is changing my life. She’s soft spoken and quiet.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Awful experience.
First 30 minutes were spent on how finding a good fit is important and that she would not take it personally if I were to shop around different therapists. I told her I wanted to see how the remainder of the session goes and would decide. She said I can take my time deciding whether to come back or not. The same conversation repeated itself on how I could shop around. Even suggested that I look for a different therapist DURING the session. She asked me TWO questions, which was how's your week going and whether I had trauma.
She said her computer was not charging and eventually disconnected mid session without a warning or following up afterwards.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis helped me through a crisis with my best interests at heart. All of the sessions were meaningful and produced a better me. I always left feeling empowered, capable and lifted of my emotions and overthinking that were pulling me down. I have not been able to connect with another therapist in this way in all my years. Thank you Doctor. Forever grateful.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
It says to select only two therapy styles in the feedback, but I would honestly say Elena Balashova-Shamis uses all the styles listed. I do really appreciate her directness with me and when she challenges my negative thoughts.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis?
Generally, Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Balashova-Shamis's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis accepting new patients?
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Balashova-Shamis's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Balashova-Shamis is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Balashova-Shamis using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis work with?
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis works with Grow Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis?
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis speak?
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis speaks English and Russian.
How do patients rate Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis in reviews?
13 patients have reviewed Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.31/5. They have a 2.33/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.