Connor McClenahan, Psy.D
You can enjoy life again. You can learn to understand and overcome difficult emotions. I'm a psychologist in downtown Los Angeles, and I help professionals, couples, and creatives overcome anxiety so they can experience peace and connection. If you want help overcoming anxiety, depression, or trauma, the first step is to meet together to see if I might be the right fit for you. Click "Schedule a call" to get started.
What kind of training do you have?
I hold a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D) from Fuller School of Psychology in Pasadena. I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY30369).
Do you have experience with my issue?
I see many kinds of people, both individuals and couples, each with a unique story. I often work with lawyers, CPAs, and people in the entertainment industry who come to therapy to overcome anxiety and depression.
You are much more than your symptoms; your story is unique to you. I trust that as we meet together we will come to understand the obstacles you face and find the way forward to the life you want.
What does a typical first session look like?
In the first session we'll create a clear picture of the struggle you're experiencing. I start by asking about what brings you in. I believe it's important to have a good fit with your therapist, and I hope we get a sense about this as we meet and talk together. By the end of the session I hope we come away with a clear sense of what therapy will look like and what our general goals are.
How much do you charge per session?
My fee is $250 per session. I am not contracted with any insurance companies, but can offer a superbill for out-of-network PPO coverage, which can be helpful for some clients. I reserve some low fee slots depending on availability and need. My psychological assistants are able to accommodate a lower fee as well. You can find more information about them in the "About" menu.
How long will I be in therapy before I see positive change?
You might feel, even now, that you cannot handle one more day without a sense of relief from your problem. Generally, growth and relief happens in two ways. First, there can be a sense of relief in simply reaching out for help. This is not unlike the person with a broken leg, who upon being placed in the ambulance, feels relief, not because his leg is healed, but because of the hope that he is on a journey toward healing.
Second, true growth and healing is takes time. Often we're dealing with core issues, traumas, and patterns that have existed for years, if not decades. Finding new ways of relating with and experiencing your world takes work.
After about 3 months of therapy, 1x/week, most of my clients have a much broader and clearer understanding of their core problem. By about 6 months they have begun to recognize themselves making core changes in their lives. Growth after that will depend upon the nature of the client's problem and consistency of treatment. However, I have some clients who, after a year of therapy, have experienced fundamental changes in the way they experience and relate to themselves and the world. It's an amazing process to witness.
I say all this because I want you to know that healing is possible. Yes, there's work, and yes, people experience relief and change.