Dr. Manjit Walia, PsyD – Licensed Psychologist (PSY23225)

My name is Dr. Manjit Walia, and I am a licensed psychologist with the California Board of Psychology (PSY23225). As an experienced and empathic psychotherapist, I am committed to helping individuals address long-standing concerns, navigate current life challenges, and work toward meaningful personal goals.

My therapeutic approach primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is a goal-oriented and structured approach designed to help individuals identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make positive behavioral changes.

Research has demonstrated that CBT is highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety, personality difficulties, eating disorders, substance use problems, and other emotional challenges. CBT techniques are often practical, direct, and time-limited, and they can be used in both individual and group therapy settings.

My work integrates the practical, present-focused strategies of CBT with a broader understanding of each individual’s life experiences and emotional patterns. While we often focus on addressing challenges in the “here and now,” therapy may also explore deeper patterns and unconscious processes that shape our thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I place particular emphasis on the importance of healthy relationships and work with patients to find a balanced sense of independence, connection with others, and personal freedom.

When to Consider Seeing a Psychologist

Life can present many challenges that we may feel unprepared to manage on our own. While family and friends can provide valuable support, they may not always be able to offer the objective perspective or specialized guidance that a trained professional can provide. A psychologist can help you gain greater insight into yourself, understand the challenges you are facing, and develop effective coping strategies.

Seeking therapy is a personal decision, and people pursue therapy for many different reasons. Some individuals seek help for long-standing emotional difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Others come to therapy during times of significant life change, such as relationship challenges, divorce, career transitions, or personal loss.

Working with a psychologist can provide insight, support, and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. Therapy can be helpful for addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, interpersonal conflict, and major life transitions, while also supporting personal growth and emotional well-being.
Services
Individual Therapy:

Individual therapy provides a safe, supportive, and confidential space to explore personal challenges and develop healthier ways of coping. You may benefit from therapy if you are experiencing:

* Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
* Conflict within family relationships
* Difficulties in interpersonal or social relationships
* Persistent sadness or feelings of depression
* Preoccupation with loss or traumatic experiences
* Ongoing self-doubt or insecurity
* Sensitivity to rejection or emotional hurt
* Uncertainty about personal or career direction
* Stress related to involvement with DCFS or the court system

In therapy, we work collaboratively in a respectful and non-judgmental environment to increase self-awareness, build effective coping strategies, and improve overall emotional well-being and quality of life.

Couples Therapy:

Couples therapy helps partners better understand one another and work through relationship conflicts in a constructive way. My goal is to help couples strengthen their connection and develop healthier patterns of communication and problem-solving.

Common issues addressed in couples therapy include:

* Communication difficulties
* Conflict and recurring arguments
* Anger and emotional disconnection
* Infidelity and trust concerns
* Differences related to intimacy or sexuality
* Financial stress and decision-making

Through counseling, couples can learn to communicate more effectively, negotiate differences, resolve disagreements, and build a more satisfying and supportive relationship.

Parenting Skills & Education:

Parenting can be challenging, particularly when children are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. I work with parents to provide guidance, education, and practical strategies to support healthy child development.

Services include:

* Understanding children’s emotional and developmental needs
* Managing behavioral concerns at home and school
* Strengthening parent-child relationships
* Developing consistent parenting strategies
* Setting realistic short- and long-term goals for family functioning

I work collaboratively with parents to help them feel more confident and effective in addressing the everyday challenges of raising children.
Areas of Expertise
I received my undergraduate and master’s degrees in psychology from the University of New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from the California Graduate Institute of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in West Los Angeles.

I have more than 30 years of clinical psychotherapy experience working in a variety of mental health settings. A significant portion of my professional career has focused on the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect, including over 11 years of clinical experience working with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in psychological testing and assessment at Child & Family Center, where I gained specialized training in comprehensive psychological evaluation. In addition, I have received training in the assessment and treatment of both perpetrators and victims of violent crimes.

My clinical work also includes specialized experience supporting survivors of domestic violence. My doctoral dissertation examined the cultural factors influencing domestic abuse, reflecting my interest in understanding how cultural and social contexts impact individuals and families.

I have also received formal training in providing services to survivors of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse, through my work with Valley Trauma Center.

Overall, much of my professional experience has focused on working with victims of child abuse and neglect, helping individuals and families address trauma, develop resilience, and move toward healing and stability.

Office Information:

Sessions:

The initial phase of treatment typically involves a clinical evaluation lasting one to three sessions. During this time, we will discuss your concerns, review relevant history, and determine whether my services are the best fit for your needs.

If we decide to proceed with psychotherapy, sessions are generally scheduled once per week for approximately 55 minutes at a mutually agreed time.

Because appointment times are reserved specifically for you, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or late cancellations may be subject to a $100 cancellation fee.

Professional Fees:

My fee is $275 for a 55-minute psychotherapy session.

In addition to regular therapy sessions, this hourly rate may apply to other professional services, including:

* Psychological reports or documentation
* Extended telephone consultations
* Coordination with other professionals (with your authorization)
* Preparation of treatment summaries or records
* Court-related consultation or testimony

If services require less than one hour, fees will be prorated based on the time involved.

If legal proceedings require my professional participation, clients are responsible for the cost of time spent preparing for or attending legal matters.

Insurance:

I currently accept the following insurance plans:

* Traditional Medicare
* Anthem
* Optum Behavioral Health
* Blue Shield of California
* Tricare
* Aetna Behavioral Health
* Carelon Behavioral Health

I also accept Victims of Crime (VOC) insurance when the case has been approved and a VOC identification number has been issued.

Because insurance coverage varies by plan, clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to confirm authorization and coverage for treatment.

Contacting the Office:

I am generally available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, I may not be able to answer the phone when I am in session with a patient.

If I am unavailable, calls will be directed to voicemail. Voicemail messages are checked daily, and I will make every effort to return calls as soon as possible, typically within the same business day.

If I will be unavailable for an extended period, I will provide contact information for a trusted colleague who can assist if necessary.

Emergencies:

If you are experiencing an emergency and cannot wait for a return call:

* Go to the nearest emergency room, or
* Call 911 for immediate assistance.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

Your privacy is extremely important. California law and professional ethics require that psychologists maintain confidential treatment records. These records are used to support treatment planning, document progress, and coordinate care when appropriate.

Information from your treatment record will not be shared with others without your written consent, except in circumstances required by law.

Insurance companies may request limited information necessary for treatment authorization or payment. When this occurs, only the information required for billing purposes is provided.

Limits of Confidentiality:

Although therapy is confidential, there are situations in which psychologists are legally required to disclose information, including:

* Suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a dependent adult
* If a patient presents a serious risk of harm to themselves or another person
* When disclosure is required by court order or legal proceedings

If a situation arises where disclosure may be necessary, I will make every effort to discuss the matter with you whenever possible before taking action.

Minor Patients:

For patients under the age of 18, parents generally have the legal right to access treatment records. However, when appropriate, I encourage parents to allow a degree of privacy so that adolescents can engage more openly in treatment.

In most cases, I will provide parents with general updates about treatment progress while maintaining the minor’s privacy, unless there is a concern regarding safety or significant risk.

Patient Rights:

You have several rights regarding your treatment records and health information, including:

* The right to request access to or copies of your treatment record
* The right to request corrections or amendments to your record
* The right to request limitations on how your information is shared
* The right to request confidential communication methods

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with my office or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Arbitration Agreement:

In accordance with California law, any dispute related to psychological services may be resolved through binding arbitration rather than a court proceeding. This means both parties agree to have disputes reviewed by a neutral arbitrator instead of a jury trial.

Additional information about arbitration procedures and costs will be provided as part of the informed consent documentation prior to beginning treatment.

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