Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Solutions in Sierra Madre
Choices Counseling & Skills Center has been dedicated to mental health and personal growth across the lifespan for over two decades. Our mission focuses on delivering high-quality, skills-based programs that empower individuals to thrive through evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With a team of intensively trained clinicians offering 30 years of collective DBT experience, we provide comprehensive outpatient services for adults, adolescents, and families in the San Gabriel Valley.Our flexible scheduling includes weekday, evening, and weekend appointments to accommodate diverse needs. We also extend our impact through professional training, community partnerships, and discounted programs for pre-licensed clinicians. As a continuing education provider (CAMFT# 128621, BRN# 15873), we collaborate with non-profits to increase access to DBT-trained professionals while maintaining a commitment to community service and practical, results-oriented mental health care.
Services
DBT Programs
Skills Groups
Professional Training
Consultation Services
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of collective DBT experience through intensively trained clinicians
- Flexible scheduling with weekday, evening, and weekend appointments available
- Customized professional training programs for mental health practitioners
- Partnership with Living Success Center for lower-cost treatment options
- Pre-licensed clinician discounts and scholarship opportunities available
Associations and certifications
- CAMFT
- NBCC
Services
DBT Programs
Our comprehensive DBT programs provide evidence-based treatment for emotional regulation challenges. Designed for adults and adolescents, these programs combine individual therapy with structured skills groups to address emotional, behavioral, and cognitive stability. Clients benefit from our clinicians' 30 years of collective DBT experience and flexible scheduling options.
Skills Groups
Weekly DBT skills groups offer structured learning environments for 4-12 participants. These 2-hour sessions focus on four core modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. Groups operate in continuous six-month cycles with flexible entry points at the start of each module to accommodate new participants.
Professional Training
We provide specialized training for mental health professionals through CAMFT-certified continuing education programs. Our offerings include DBT workshops, clinical supervision, and customized courses for agencies. The training emphasizes practical skill implementation and includes support for establishing in-house DBT expertise.
Consultation Services
Our consultation services support mental health professionals through individual and group supervision. We offer clinical guidance, treatment planning assistance, and program development expertise. Services include case collaboration, adherence reviews, and support for implementing DBT protocols in various organizational settings.
Community Programs
Through partnerships like our collaboration with Living Success Center, we offer accessible mental health services. These programs provide lower-cost DBT treatment options while supporting pre-licensed clinicians' training. Our community initiatives focus on expanding access to evidence-based mental health care across Southern California.
People
Patricia Gieselman
Clinical Director
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with DBT-Linehan Board certification. Leads clinical operations and provides specialized therapy while mentoring staff in evidence-based practices.
Cathleen Cash
Therapist
Experienced mental health professional providing individual and family therapy services. Specializes in implementing DBT principles through compassionate, client-centered care.
Jennie Lal
Therapist
Licensed clinician offering comprehensive DBT treatment. Focuses on helping clients develop emotional regulation skills through both individual and group therapy sessions.
Anna Elise Loprieno
Therapist
Dedicated mental health practitioner providing DBT-informed therapy. Works with clients to implement practical skills for emotional stability and improved relationships.
Karen Loette Snead
Psychologist
Licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist. Combines clinical expertise with DBT methodologies to address complex mental health challenges across treatment modalities.
Questions
How do I start DBT treatment at Choices?
Contact us via email, phone, or website to schedule a free Meet & Greet consultation. This 45-minute session helps determine if our program suits your needs.
What insurance options are available?
We're out-of-network providers but assist with claim submissions. We help pursue Single Case Agreements with insurance companies when appropriate for comprehensive DBT services.
What DBT programs do you offer?
We provide full comprehensive DBT programs for adults and adolescents, plus DBT-informed treatments. This includes individual therapy, family sessions, and weekly skills groups.
Are there flexible scheduling options?
Yes, we offer weekday, evening, and weekend appointments with multiple ongoing skills groups to accommodate various schedules across the San Gabriel Valley.
Do you offer professional training?
We provide CAMFT-certified continuing education, clinical supervision, and customized training programs for mental health professionals seeking DBT expertise.
What payment options exist?
We accept private pay and assist with insurance reimbursement. Payment plans and pre-licensed clinician discounts are available for qualifying individuals.
