What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Excellent listener and concern for the patients issues. Strong ability to recognize the issues and how to learn more through thoughtful questions. Still have more work today but truly a great start. ”
Initials hiddenFebruary 19, 2025Video visit
“I really enjoyed my first session with her, she was nice and helpful and very knowledgeable about the human brain and things Ive went through in my life and is putting in alot of effort to helping me out. I would definitely recommend her to others if you need help therapy for good or bad reasons”
Ramon B.January 1, 2025Video visit
About Regina Abayev
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Couples Conflict Resolution
Sexual Dysfunction
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Childhood Trauma
Depression
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Relational
Culturally Sensitive
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
JewishEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Regina Abayev
Whether you are navigating the quiet friction of a disconnected relationship, the weight of unaddressed trauma, or the confusing gap between your external success and your internal reality, the path forward isn't always clear.
Even if you are accustomed to relying on yourself, there are moments when you need to broaden your perspective and lean on support to navigate the truly difficult terrain.
I recognize how frustrating it is to feel stuck—to see the pattern but be unable to break it. Navigating that gap requires more than just a strategy; it requires a partner you can trust implicitly.
My practice is designed for people who want to get to the bottom of their problems and solve them.
My stance is active, not passive. I don’t believe in the "blank slate" model where you speak into a void and I simply nod. Instead, I use a structured, accelerated model of psychotherapy.
We work collaboratively to get to the root of the issue as rapidly as possible. However, the goal isn't just to "fix" a problem—it is to understand the person having it.
We move beyond simple symptom relief to achieve something permanent: Agency. By understanding the patterns that drive you, you gain the ability to pause, reflect, and make conscious choices rather than just reacting to old triggers. We work to expand your capacity to handle life's complexity, ensuring that you aren't just surviving your reality, but actively leading it.
Professional Life & Education
My understanding of high-pressure environments isn't just clinical; I lived it. Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly two decades as a finance lawyer and investment banker. I know firsthand the challenge of balancing a high-stakes career with the need for meaning and connection.
I back this lived experience with rigorous academic training. I hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and B.A. from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I operate a practice designed for people who value directness and substance. My style is warm, interactive, and grounded in reality—I don't hide behind long silences or academic theories. Coming from a background in law and investment banking, I understand the need for clarity and practical solutions.
I view therapy as an active partnership. You can expect a space where you are fully accepted without judgment, but also challenged to look at your blind spots. We will work to identify the source of the struggle quickly so you can find relief and move forward.
Fees & Insurance: To ensure the highest level of privacy and flexibility in our work, I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance directly.
Individual Sessions: $300
Couples Sessions: $350
I provide detailed monthly superbills upon request, which can be submitted to your insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My process is built on the belief that effective therapy requires a clear roadmap. We don't just "talk"; we build a strategy based on where you are right now.
For Individuals: Stabilization vs. Depth I assess your needs immediately. If you are in the midst of a crisis or acute transition, our initial sessions focus on stabilization—attending to the immediate facts, regulating the nervous system, and creating a plan to manage the stress. Once stability is established, or if you are seeking deeper growth, we shift to the architectural work. We explore the "why" behind your patterns—examining your family of origin, your relational history, and the internal narratives that drive your behavior. The goal is to move you from reacting to your life to actively leading it.
For Couples: The 4-Session Assessment I utilize a structured assessment model to ensure we get to the root of the disconnect quickly. We do not just dive into the "fight of the week."
Session 1 (Joint): We explore the history of your relationship and the current crisis.
Sessions 2 & 3 (Individual): I meet with each partner separately. This allows me to understand your personal history and "relational stance" safely, without the pressure of your partner present.
Session 4 (Feedback & Planning): We reconvene to review my assessment of the dynamic. I will lay out exactly what I see happening between you and propose a concrete plan for treatment.
Discernment Counseling (For Couples on the Brink) If you are unsure whether you want to stay in the relationship, traditional marriage counseling can often fail. In these cases, we pause "fixing" the relationship and focus on Discernment. This is a short-term (1-5 sessions) process designed for clarity. The goal is to help both partners decide—with confidence and without regret—whether to commit to a 6-month effort to rebuild, or to move toward separation with dignity and understanding.
Regina Abayev, JD, LMFT is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $300 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $300-350 for 50 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
I am an out-of-network provider. I will provide a superbill for our sessions that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Office location
Regina Abayev, JD, LMFT also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Pepperdine University, Master's in Clinical Psychology
- University of Michigan, Juris Doctor
- University of Michigan (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
NPI number
1306545439
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
31 reviews
Most relevant
very nice and comfortable setting. Great listener and feedback.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Excellent listener and concern for the patients issues. Strong ability to recognize the issues and how to learn more through thoughtful questions. Still have more work today but truly a great start.
February 19, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
I really enjoyed my first session with her, she was nice and helpful and very knowledgeable about the human brain and things Ive went through in my life and is putting in alot of effort to helping me out. I would definitely recommend her to others if you need help therapy for good or bad reasons
January 1, 2025Ramon B.Verified patientVideo visit
Clicked instantly at my first appointment. I felt heard and understood and am confident that I will gain the tools that I need and that I came in search of!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Dr. Abayev was right in time starting the session. Right away she put me at ease and I was able to open up and give an overview of what’s going on in my life without interruption or judgement. Throughout the session she provided insightful input and thought provoking questions. I can’t believe this was the first time we ever met. I was very impressed and left the session feeling like I’m really going to get better clarity , and eventually work through my problems of depression, anxiety, and disassociation.
March 31, 2023John K.Verified patientVideo visit
I was pretty anxious going in, but she was very welcoming and easy to talk to. I found her to be knowledgeable and helpful I'm helping me figure things out
More than 1 year agoTW
She was a great listener, it seems that she only wants to be understanding and wants to uplift her clients. It was my first ever therapy session, and I will definitely be returning
March 16, 2023Sean W.Verified patient
Regina Abayev, JD, AMFT is one of a kind! I felt heard and seen in a way that after 10 years of therapy, I felt missing. She is approachable, genuine, firm in her opinions and uniquely inquisitive and curious. She asked me the most pointed and deep questions, that allowed us to build a deeper relationship almost immediately. I will certainly be seeing her on a regular basis.
More than 1 year agoJM
I haven’t had the best history with therapists and immediately I felt comfortable enough to be open with Regina. She made me feel safe and offered a judgement free zone, because of this I was able to make huge strides in improving my mental health and over all quality of life. I feel lucky to have finally found a therapist who helps me recognize , work through and resolve personal concerns. Also very LGBTQ+ friendly! I highly recommend her.
More than 1 year agoDR
I was pretty nervous goin in given how much I had going on, but Regina was really welcoming and easy to talk to. She always gives me something to think about or a new perspective without being judgmental.
More than 1 year agoLW
I immediately felt very seen and understood in Regina's presence. She listens very closely and asks very insightful questions--- which helps me feel extremely heard and valued as a client. She presents with professionalism but at the same time you can feel her humanity in the room and in her interaction with clients. I feel like no time is wasted with Regina-- whenever we enter our session, I appreciate the degree of attentiveness and racial violence she creates in the therapeutic space. I feel a sense of catharsis whenever I leave session with her and I always look forward to our next session. :)
More than 1 year agoJL
Regina is engaging, warm, and empathetic. She cultivates a safe space with compassion and support. She guided me to a deeper understanding of my thoughts, feelings and experiences that impacted my daily life and relationship. We worked on anxiety and goal setting. Thanks to Regina, my mental health is thriving. So happy to have found her. I highly recommend her if you want to transform.
More than 1 year agoBB
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How soon can I make an appointment with Regina Abayev?
Generally, Regina Abayev has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Regina Abayev's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Regina Abayev accepting new patients?
Regina Abayev generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Regina Abayev's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Regina Abayev accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Regina Abayev is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Regina Abayev online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Regina Abayev using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Regina Abayev work with?
Regina Abayev works with Regina Abayev, JD, LMFT.
Where is Regina Abayev's office located?
Regina Abayev has 2 office locations, including in Hermosa Beach and Markleeville, view full addresses on Regina Abayev's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Regina Abayev?
Regina Abayev frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Regina Abayev on their profile.
What languages does Regina Abayev speak?
Regina Abayev speaks English.
How do patients rate Regina Abayev in reviews?
31 patients have reviewed Regina Abayev. 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.