Dr. Tamala Black and Associates
A PLACE FOR HEALING
Understanding yourself more deeply can change the way you experience your life, your relationships, and the choices available to you.
Sometimes we arrive at therapy because something hurts. Other times, we simply recognize that familiar patterns, past experiences, relationship difficulties, anxiety, uncertainty, or important life transitions are asking for greater attention. Therapy offers a space to slow down, become curious, and understand not only what you are experiencing, but what may be happening beneath the surface and why.
Led by Dr. Tamala Black, PsyD, LMFT, our practice provides thoughtful, depth-oriented psychotherapy grounded in psychodynamic and relational approaches and thoughtfully integrated with contemporary therapeutic methods. We work with individuals, couples, and families, recognizing that no two people, relationships, histories, or circumstances are the same. Treatment is tailored to the person in front of us not simply a diagnosis, symptom, or standardized approach.
Dr. Black brings years of clinical experience as a Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has carefully developed a practice that includes associate therapists whom she supervises and trusts to provide compassionate, clinically grounded care. Together, we offer a warm and reflective environment where clients can explore past experiences, understand present patterns, strengthen relationships, and develop greater insight, emotional flexibility, and freedom in how they move forward.
Our practice also provides psychological assessment and testing, offering another pathway toward greater understanding and clarity when deeper questions about emotional, psychological, personality, or cognitive functioning arise. We also provide thoughtful, clinically grounded Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations and documentation for individuals seeking to understand whether an ESA may be an appropriate part of their emotional and psychological support.
You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Sometimes the work begins with a question, a recurring feeling, a relationship that feels difficult, or simply the sense that something in your life is ready to be understood differently. We are here to help you explore what has shaped you, make sense of where you are, and create greater possibility for where you are going.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
Quote by:
George Addair
A Bit About Therapy
Therapy is more than addressing symptoms it is an opportunity to better understand yourself, your relationships, and the experiences that have shaped how you move through the world. Within a safe, consistent, and collaborative therapeutic relationship, we create space for curiosity, reflection, and meaningful change.
Our approach is rooted in psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy and thoughtfully integrates other therapeutic approaches based on the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family. Together, we explore the connection between past experiences and present patterns, including the thoughts, emotions, relationships, and ways of coping that may operate outside of our immediate awareness.
The goal is not simply to “fix” what feels difficult, but to develop deeper insight, greater emotional awareness, healthier ways of relating, and more freedom to make choices that reflect who you are and how you want to live. We consider the whole person mind, body, relationships, lived experience, and, when meaningful to you, spirituality with care that is both clinically grounded and deeply human.
Therapy can help transform pain into understanding, uncertainty into greater clarity, and insight into meaningful, lasting change.
Services
With You Every Step of the Way
Whether you are seeking a space to better understand yourself, working through experiences that continue to shape your present, navigating change or uncertainty, exploring relationships, or reflecting on questions of identity, meaning, purpose, and spirituality, therapy can offer a place to pause, become curious, and discover new possibilities.
At Dr. Tamala Black and Associates, we provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as psychological assessment and testing and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations. Our work is grounded in psychodynamic and relational approaches, while thoughtfully integrating therapeutic methods that are responsive to each person’s unique history, needs, relationships, and goals.
We understand that people come to therapy for many reasons and you do not need to have the right words or have everything figured out before you begin. Our clinicians offer a warm, consistent, and thoughtful space where you can feel seen and understood while exploring what may be happening beneath the surface, recognizing patterns, and developing a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships.
There is no one-size-fits-all path to meaningful change. We meet you where you are and tailor the work to you, with the goal of fostering greater insight, emotional growth, healing, and more freedom in how you experience yourself, relate to others, and move forward in your life.
We provide the following services:
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Individual Psychotherapy (18 years-beyond)
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Couples Therapy
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Family Therapy
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Psychological Assessments
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Emotional Support Evaluations and Letters (ESA)
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Peer Consultation (Clinicians)
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Clinical Supervision and Training (AMFT's and Pre and Post-doctoral)
Psychotherapy Services
Awareness, Insight and Change
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy offers a dedicated space to slow down, reflect, and become more curious about yourself and your experiences. Together, we explore the relationships, experiences, patterns, and parts of your inner world that have shaped who you are and may continue to influence how you experience life today.
Our work is grounded in psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy and enriched by an integrative approach tailored to you. Depending on your needs, the work may include exploring past and present experiences, becoming more aware of patterns that may exist outside of conscious awareness, and incorporating mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches that support greater connection between thought, emotion, body, and lived experience. Therapy becomes a place for discovery, understanding, and meaningful growth at a pace that honors who you are.
Couples & Family Psychotherapy
Our closest relationships are often where we experience some of our greatest joys, challenges, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for growth. Couples and family psychotherapy offers a supportive space to better understand one another, strengthen connection, and explore the patterns that develop within relationships over time.
With warmth, curiosity, and respect for each person’s experience, we look beyond the surface of communication to understand what may be felt, needed, or difficult to express. Our relational, psychodynamic, and integrative approachis thoughtfully adapted to each couple or family, helping create greater understanding, more meaningful communication, and new possibilities for how you connect and move forward together.
Telehealth Psychotherapy
Therapy can meet you where you are. Our practice offers secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth psychotherapy, providing individuals, couples, and families the opportunity to engage in meaningful therapeutic work from a private and comfortable space.
Telehealth brings together the convenience and accessibility of virtual care with the warmth and personal connection of the therapeutic relationship. Wherever the conversation begins, we aim to create a space that feels present, thoughtful, and genuinely connected, allowing the work of therapy to become a meaningful part of your life.
Assessment & Evaluation Services
Here For You
Our practice offers a range of assessment and evaluation services for adults ages 18 and beyond, based on individual needs, the purpose of the evaluation, clinical appropriateness, and current availability. Services may range from focused clinical screenings and assessment measures to more comprehensive psychological and personality testing.
Psychological Assessment & Testing
Assessment services may include clinical interviews, psychological and personality testing, behavioral and symptom measures, attention and functioning measures, and other structured assessment tools appropriate to the purpose of the evaluation.
Depending on the type of assessment, findings may assist with diagnostic clarification, treatment planning, clinical recommendations, and coordination of care. Relevant history, culture, relationships, and life experiences are considered as part of the assessment process, with DSM 5 TR and psychodynamic perspectives incorporated when clinically appropriate.
Clinical Screening & Measures
Clinical screenings, questionnaires, and structured measures may also be used to explore specific areas of emotional, behavioral, relational, or everyday functioning. These measures may be incorporated into ongoing psychotherapy or used as part of a broader assessment process.
Emotional Support Animal Evaluations
We offer Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations for individuals seeking an assessment related to the need for an emotional support animal. The evaluation includes a clinical interview and review of relevant history, current functioning, and the role of the animal in providing emotional support.
In accordance with California requirements applicable to documentation for an emotional support dog, a client provider relationship must be established for a minimum of 30 days before ESA documentation can be issued. A clinical evaluation must also be completed, and the evaluating clinician must meet applicable professional licensing and jurisdictional requirements.
Completion of an ESA evaluation does not automatically result in documentation. When clinically appropriate and applicable requirements are met, appropriate ESA documentation may be provided.
The Assessment Process
Depending on the type of evaluation, the process may include:
Initial Consultation and Clinical Interview
A review of relevant history, current concerns, and the purpose of the evaluation.
Assessment and Testing
Selected interviews, questionnaires, screening measures, or psychological tests appropriate to the evaluation.
Clinical Review and Interpretation
Review and integration of the information gathered throughout the assessment process.
Feedback and Recommendations
A meeting to discuss relevant findings, recommendations, and appropriate next steps.
Written Documentation
A written report, clinical recommendations, or other documentation may be provided when appropriate to the type and purpose of the evaluation.
Assessment and evaluation services are provided within the clinician’s professional scope, training, and competence and are subject to clinical appropriateness and current practice availability.
Neurological Screening
Memory and Performance Diagnostic
Neurological Screening services are offered to explore concerns with memory retention, recall and cognitive flexibility. Over the course of our lives; life may become challenging with body/ brain behavior as our minds try to adapt and relate to the world at different phases of life. Testing the different areas of the brain seeks to identify strengths and weaknesses; providing diagnosis, feedback and recommendations to address concerns with cognition.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
Improve Memory and Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) is a collection of individual treatment strategies designed to improve problems with memory, attention, perception, learning, planning and judgment brought about by brain injury, neurological disorders or other illnesses. The goal of CRT is to improve functions of memory, attention processing, social communications, problem-solving and the regulation of emotions.
~Length of CRT will be determined upon intake evaluation, goals and progress.~
SESSION FEES & INSURANCE
We believe that understanding the financial aspects of therapy is an important part of beginning treatment. Fees, insurance coverage, and payment options will be discussed during your initial consultation so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect before beginning services.
Insurance
Our practice currently accepts:
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Carelon
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LA Care Health Plan
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Blue Shield of California
Insurance coverage and benefits vary by plan. Prior to beginning treatment, we recommend verifying your behavioral health benefits, including eligibility, copayments, deductibles, and any authorization requirements. Acceptance of an insurance plan does not guarantee coverage for a particular service.
Private Pay
Private-pay services are also available for individuals who prefer not to use insurance or whose insurance plan is not accepted by the practice.
Individual psychotherapy sessions are typically 50 minutes and are generally scheduled once per week. Couples therapy sessions may be scheduled for 50–90 minutes, depending on clinical needs and availability.
A limited number of sliding-scale appointments may be available based on individual circumstances and availability.
Out-of-Network Benefits & Superbills
For clients with insurance plans for which we are considered out-of-network, we can provide a monthly Superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Reimbursement is determined entirely by your insurance plan and is not guaranteed. If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, we encourage you to contact your insurance company before beginning treatment to better understand your coverage.
You may wish to ask:
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Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
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What percentage or amount will my plan reimburse for outpatient psychotherapy with an out-of-network provider?
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Do I have an out-of-network deductible, and if so, how much of it has been met?
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Is there a limit on the number of psychotherapy sessions covered each calendar year?
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Is prior authorization required?
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How do I submit a Superbill for reimbursement?
Our practice is happy to provide the documentation needed for you to seek reimbursement; however, clients are responsible for confirming their individual insurance benefits and understanding any financial responsibility associated with treatment.
Dr. Tamala Black, Psy.D.
LMFT#115219
Welcome
"Welcome, I know it takes a lot of strength to begin your journey towards healing; people need one another through both good and challenging times. I would like to share a bit about myself and my clinical experience. I am Dr. Tamala Black, a Los Angeles, California native. I've been practicing the art of therapy for 9+ years; I recall my early interest in how the brain and mind influence human behavior, perceptions and experiences; my awe was surely a magnet in influencing the great passion I have towards helping others increase quality of life, navigate future uncertainties and recover from past experiences."
Dr. Tamala received a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Thereafter, she received a doctoral degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Professionally, Dr. Tamala is a Psychotherapist, providing psychodynamic psychotherapy services in individual therapy and assessment testing services for personality functioning and neurocognitive concerns in private practice and community clinic in Los Angeles, Ca. Dr. Tamala also operates as an Assistant Teacher and Clinical Supervisor at ‘Wright Institute Los Angeles’, co-teaching practices of Psychological Assessment to Master and Doctoral level trainees.
She has received specialized trainings in utilizing empirically-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT) for adults.
Dr. Tamala has worked extensively within the field of trauma ranging from early childhood abuse to domestic violence, to surviving natural disasters and war-related trauma as well as with anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. The scope of her experience includes working with adults and families in outpatient settings. Her approach is integrative, blending psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques, tailored individually for each client.
Also, she has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level college courses and has contributed to peer publications and presentations in the fields of trauma, spirituality, psychological assessment testing, and the psychodynamic psychotherapy process. In addition to her clinical work, she provides and contributes within conferences and seminars relating to mental wellness.
Further, Dr. Tamala is a member of PSI CHI National Honors Society; American Psychological Association (APA)-Division 39, American Psychological Association (APA), of Division 56 (Trauma Division) of APA, Association of Black Psychologist (ABPsi) and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMF).
"Over the course of her clinical experience, she provides a number of specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with life challenges. Dr. Tamala Black works with many individuals from all walks of life and work with a variety of presentations including trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, identity conflicts, race and culture, difficulty with work/ life balance, spirituality, phase of life concerns, family dynamics, difficulty with adjustments, relationship concerns, anger, grief, loss and many who just need a safe place to unravel thoughts and experiences.
"My approach to therapy is to allow a space to explore what comes up for you in the moment; relating to mind, body and spirit. Your well-being is my number one priority and it is my hope that you may experience and receive the best out of life as you gain more insight and awareness of yourself, the world and/or relationships."
Please feel free to contact me today for more information about services offered.
Contact
Me
At this time,
therapy sessions
are provided via secure
Telehealth only.
Call today to schedule
a 15-minute
phone consultation
looking
forward to
hearing from you.
6695 Green Valley Circle Unit #2822
Culver City, Ca. 90230
424-209-8053
