Valerie Handlers, LCSW, CA | Psychotherapist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.75

About Valerie Handlers

Focus areas

Anxiety

Stress Management

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Groups

Seniors (65+)

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Psychodynamic

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Person-Centered

Identity

Gender

Female

Faith

Jewish

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Valerie Handlers

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 40 years of experience in addiction, domestic violence, and medical social work. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Throughout my career, I have worked almost exclusively with adults individually and in groups who struggled to manage their lives due to substance abuse and related mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. I have facilitated groups of male and female substance abusers and perpetrators of domestic violence, focusing on CBT lessons and exercises involving role play, modeling, and demonstrations. Clients receive homework to continue their learning and practice between sessions. As a social worker in both public and private agencies, I have supported clients facing relationship issues, trauma, grief and loss, and everyday life challenges. I strongly uphold the Social Workers Code of Ethics, which emphasizes respecting the dignity and worth of each person and approaching every individual with compassion and without judgment. I utilize multiple therapeutic techniques, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, person-centered, and solution-focused approaches. I am sensitive and respectful in applying techniques that are agreed upon by the client and tailored to meet each individual’s needs. I look forward to the opportunity to assist you in working through challenges to promote and maintain a better, happier, and more peaceful life. My style is loving, compassionate, and direct. If you want someone to simply listen without offering suggestions for improvement, I am not the right therapist for you—I actively participate in every session.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Things to think about, new behaviors to try, i.e., homework and resources.

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

200+ more in-network plans

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.

Popular visit reasons

Depression

Divorce Counseling

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Therapy

Depression

Divorce Counseling

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Education and background

Practice names

Grow Therapy

Education and training

University of Southern California, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1134326531

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.75

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8 reviews

Most relevant

Also authentic and humorous and direct.

More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Valerie Handlers?

Generally, Valerie Handlers has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Valerie Handlers's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Valerie Handlers accepting new patients?

Valerie Handlers generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Valerie Handlers's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Valerie Handlers accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Valerie Handlers is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Valerie Handlers online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Valerie Handlers using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Valerie Handlers work with?

Valerie Handlers works with Grow Therapy.

What are common reasons for patients to see Valerie Handlers?

Valerie Handlers frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Valerie Handlers on their profile.