What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Ms. Avila was my child’s therapist and unfortunately we had to stop services due to Health plan change. I rate her services 10/10. She is amazing, very understanding, empathetic, and compassionate. She worked with me with any schedule conflicts I had. Her approach to therapy worked well with my daughter’s personality. We will miss her. My relationship with my daughter has gotten stronger because of her. ”
JALess than 1 month ago
“Sandra has truly changed my life for the better. From the very first session, I felt seen, heard, and supported in ways I never thought possible. Her compassion, expertise, and ability to create a safe and welcoming space have allowed me to open up and work through challenges I once thought were impossible. With her guidance, I’ve gained the tools and clarity to improve my relationships, navigate life’s obstacles, and embrace a more positive and empowered version of myself. I am endlessly grateful for the impact Sandra has had on my journey and cannot recommend her enough to anyone seeking to better themselves.
”
GNMore than 1 year ago
About Dr. Sandra Avila
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Pediatric Psychotherapy
Therapy
Anxiety
Relationship Struggles
Young Adult Issues
Life Transition
Stress Management
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Individuals
Young adults (18-24)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Person-Centered
Culturally Sensitive
Psychodynamic
Humanistic
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Dr. Sandra Avila
Young people face unique hardships as they navigate the complexities of growing up in today's world. With a doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University and a rich background at multiple community mental health clinics and some of California's most renowned hospitals, I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults seeking to build a stronger emotional foundation and develop the insight needed to thrive. Many of my patients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by relationship difficulties, social pressures, academic or career demands, and major life transitions. While they often have the skills to manage day-to-day challenges, they continue to feel stuck, disconnected, or unfulfilled.
If this resonates, you've likely exhausted your surface-level coping tools and are interested in understanding the "why" behind your actions to create lasting change from within. In our therapy sessions, I provide a safe and containing environment that makes confronting the hard questions a meaningful experience.
My approach is grounded in the belief that therapy is not only for moments of crisis, but also a powerful investment in personal growth, resilience, and self-understanding. At the heart of our work is a foundation of genuine connection, creating the space to explore the complexities of being human while helping you navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.
I'm happy you're here and I look forward to connecting!
What should a new client know about working with you?
I believe that connection is the cornerstone of effective treatment. That’s why my sessions are largely rooted in psychodynamic and relational frameworks coupled with light-hearted humor and a person-centered approach. This means that we'll focus not only on managing symptoms, but also on understanding the deeper patterns, relationships, and life experiences that shape them.
These evidenced based therapies recognize the collaborative partnership between the therapist and patient as a crucial tool for healing, and can be particularly beneficial for:
• Individuals pursuing deeper self-understanding and personal growth
• Those grappling with long-standing challenges that surface-level coping skills just can’t seem to resolve
• Addressing concerns such as anxiety, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to change
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Finding the right therapeutic relationship is an important part of the healing process, and I want you to feel confident that my approach aligns with your goals. Our work begins with a comprehensive intake session, where we'll discuss your personal history, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges you're facing, and identify the goals you'd like to work toward. Together, we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
As therapy progresses, we'll continue to build on the insights and goals established during the intake, while regularly checking in and adjusting our focus as your needs evolve.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes and are scheduled weekly, though the frequency may be adjusted based on your individual needs and treatment goals.
My goal is to provide a thoughtful, collaborative space where you feel supported in exploring challenges, developing greater self-awareness, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $250 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $250 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Alliant University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Fellowship in Clinical Psychology
Professional memberships
- Society for Pediatric Psychology
Awards and publications
- Exploring Relations Between Unique Patient Characteristics and Virtual Reality Immersion Level on Anxiety and Pain in Patients Undergoing Venipuncture: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Control Trial
- Psychosocial Experiences of Spanish-Speaking Parents of Children With Craniofacial Microsomia
NPI number
1154804565
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
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
6 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Avila changed my life and I could not recommend a therapist more!
More than 1 year agoJC
Ms. Avila was my child’s therapist and unfortunately we had to stop services due to Health plan change. I rate her services 10/10. She is amazing, very understanding, empathetic, and compassionate. She worked with me with any schedule conflicts I had. Her approach to therapy worked well with my daughter’s personality. We will miss her. My relationship with my daughter has gotten stronger because of her.
Less than 1 month agoJA
Sandra has truly changed my life for the better. From the very first session, I felt seen, heard, and supported in ways I never thought possible. Her compassion, expertise, and ability to create a safe and welcoming space have allowed me to open up and work through challenges I once thought were impossible. With her guidance, I’ve gained the tools and clarity to improve my relationships, navigate life’s obstacles, and embrace a more positive and empowered version of myself. I am endlessly grateful for the impact Sandra has had on my journey and cannot recommend her enough to anyone seeking to better themselves.
More than 1 year agoGN
March 20, 2025Coco A.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Sandra Avila?
Generally, Dr. Sandra Avila has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Avila's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Sandra Avila accepting new patients?
Dr. Sandra Avila generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Avila's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Sandra Avila accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Avila is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Sandra Avila online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Avila using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Sandra Avila work with?
Dr. Sandra Avila works with Sandra Avila.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Sandra Avila?
Dr. Sandra Avila frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Sandra Avila on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Sandra Avila speak?
Dr. Sandra Avila speaks English and Spanish.
How do patients rate Dr. Sandra Avila in reviews?
6 patients have reviewed Dr. Sandra Avila. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.