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Susan Diamond(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
California
Anxiety - Depression- Trauma- Relationship issues-Mind-body connection-Artists' mental health-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Susan Diamond is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Pasadena, CA. Susan offers clients culturally competent mental health services to address the negative impacts of anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and PTSD. She also supports clients through grief, guiding them to process emotions after a loss. She has extensive experience helping couples and families improve their relationships and communication. She is LGBTQIA-affirming and celebrates her clients living lives that are aligned with their true selves.

Susan’s approach to therapy draws heavily from attachment-based therapy modalities. She encourages clients to look back on their past experiences in relationships, especially those at the beginning of life, to locate and address patterns that may be blocking them from deeper connections. She also brings narrative therapy into sessions to encourage clients to reframe their stories to be strengths-based and compassionate towards themselves.

Susan’s early training was in Dance/ Movement Therapy and Drama Therapy, which reflects her fascination with the links between the body, mind, emotions, and creativity. Having gone on to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, her sessions these days look more like traditional talk therapy. However, she continues to be aware of subtle shifts in non-verbal cues. She stays curious about noticing how physical sensations and creativity can support progress in therapy. She has also completed trainings in additional approaches that recognize the links between the body, mind, brain, and emotional health. Examples include evidence based practices such as TF-CBT and EMDR, both of which Susan uses to support her clients to address a range of concerns including healing from trauma.


Message to clients

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards healing through therapy. I am honored that you are considering working with me. As a Marriage and Family Therapist with over ten years of experience, I have confidence in the power of therapy to foster insight and emotional wellbeing.

I believe that authenticity between therapists and clients is a key factor in how successful treatment will be. With this in mind, I will strive to create a genuine and welcoming environment, to listen deeply, and to join you in examining your experiences. Rather than me telling you something about yourself, I am hopeful that our dialogue will help you articulate your own truths. However, I also understand that you might at times benefit from my direct feedback or more structured interventions. My goal is to honor each person's unique needs and story while respecting the range of human and cultural experiences that shape us all.

I also try to create an environment that feels relaxed and down to earth, with plenty of laughter. Although therapy is serious work, seeing the humor and enjoying the absurdity of life goes a long way toward lightening the load!


Work and Education

Private Practice: Susan Diamond, LMFT, Sole Proprietor
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Residential Therapist II, Bilingual
Foothill Family, Bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist
Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, Expressive Arts Therapist
McKinley Children's Center, Dance/ Movement Therapist

Antioch New England Graduate School; Keene, New Hampshire, Master of Arts: Dance/ Movement Therapy and Counseling Psychology; Additional Alternate Route Training in Drama Therapy, 2002

Licensure

California: 100515

Languages

English, Spanish

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Mind-body connection - Practicing mindfulness to draw together how the body feels physically and how the mind feels mentally; healing both physically and mentally

Artists' mental health - Understanding of highly creative minds; goal setting related to the artistic and creative process; support finding meaningful balance in one’s life




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

Susan Diamond is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$175 (60min)
  • Couples sessions:$175 (60min)
  • Extended Length Sessions *$260 (90min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

* When clinically indicated, I occasionally recommend extended sessions of 90 minutes. Examples include the initial intake session to gather a complete history, or during specific phases of EMDR when reprocessing memories may be more effective with additional time. However, these are recommendations not requirements. We can decide together whether 60 vs 90 minute sessions are the best fit for you in those situations.