I’m Mandie Pitrel, LCSW75742.  I obtained my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles.  My work in psychotherapy includes populations of all age groups; specializing in treating teens and young adults (and parents of teens and young adults).  I work with individuals, couples, families and groups.  My specialty focuses include anxiety, depression, anger issues, shame, trauma and the LGBTQ population.  I am currently facilitating a “Women in Transition” group for young adults and am in the process of coordinating one for middle and older adults.  I also plan to incorporate groups for teens.

 I entered the mental health field with passion for working with toddlers referred to a specialized treatment program (The Children’s Institute, Inc.).  These children responded to their backgrounds of neglect and abuse, through aggressive behaviors.  The experience led to a desire to understand and treat perpetrators of domestic violence and child abuse.  I began to facilitate court mandated anger management groups for men and women (Beverly Hills Anger Management).   I worked at several schools in Los Angeles (including Elementary, Middle and High Schools).  I did everything from play therapy and individual counseling, to group therapy.  My background prepared me for a practice that is diverse in clients and specialties.  Working with toddlers exposed me to helping and supporting parents and families.  The school services work, further cemented these practices.  Those experiences, along with facilitating court mandated Domestic Violence groups, have demonstrated that working together in unity, invites strengthened resilience, authenticity and openness.