The Best Anger Management Therapists in LA

Searching for a therapist can be daunting, especially when trying to find someone who can offer services in person, who is specialized in an area of focus, and who is intuitive and personable. At Anger Management 818, we have a variety of therapists who are knowledgeable professionals with a wide variety of skills and experience.  

What Should I Look for in a Therapist? 

Several criteria are essential to consider when searching for an anger management counselor. 

1- Does the anger management facilitator have a certification from credible certification training? 

There are several approved anger management trainers by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) and the California Association of Anger Management Providers (CAAMP). The counselor must use a program to educate the participants and help them regulate their anger. At the core, participants would learn mindfulness, communication, active listening skills, empathy and emotional intelligence, stress management, and forgiveness.

2- Is the anger management facilitator also a therapist? 

Most anger management facilitators are not clinicians. A facilitator could attend a 2-3 day anger management certification training, not hold a Master’s degree, and teach anger management. CAAMP providers are required to undergo a minimum of 18 hours of supervised work. Still, compared to a graduate program with 3000+ hours of experience plus two licensing exams, one should know the difference between licensed mental health professionals and anger management facilitators. 

3- Does the anger management counselor use a program when in session? 

Are you, as the client, learning skills and tools to help you manage your aggressive behavior? Skill training is at the core of anger management, helping to speed the connection from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex, giving your judgment the upper hand over the irrational part of the brain. If the counselor plays a video and/or doesn’t teach or facilitate the session, then the session may be geared toward being supportive versus being challenged to make a change. Though various theoretical approaches in therapy are excellent for helping gain insight, it’s essential to review psychoeducation in an anger management program and review skills to make the change. The purpose of anger management is behavioral modification, which reduces aggressive behavior.

Who Are the Best Anger Management Therapists in Los Angeles?

There are plenty of knowledgeable and seasoned therapists in Los Angeles.  Through my time training therapists and non-clinicians to teach anger management, I have seen many creative and intelligent therapists offer mock sessions. You can find some through the CAAMP Provider’s List and Directory. I’ve also attended training by anger management specialists in the field and have been impressed with their research, knowledge, creativity, and expertise. Ultimately, if you connect with your counselor, they have the proper training, and you are benefiting from the services and noticing less aggression, then it would be beneficial to continue with said counselor. 

At Anger Management 818, we take pride that all of our Los Angeles counselors are Master’s level therapists and are certified in anger management. Our team members walk alongside you to transfer knowledge and help you identify the root cause of your anger. We then provide you with accessible tools and skills, informed by research housed in our workbook, Anger Management Essentials 2nd edition, to work through healthy ways to respond rather than react to said triggers.

The Center is located in the Greater Los Angeles area and offers 15+ group classes a week, both in person and virtually. Private sessions are also offered as an alternative to group classes. In the 1:1 setting, our providers can dive deeply into personal struggles and give you individual support. We’re here to help you start the journey towards mending your relationships and to help you take back control of your life.

I recommend working with Silva Depanian, LMFT, Chrys Gkotsi, LMFT, Sipan Nazaryan, AMFT, Carly Rose Schwan, AMFT, Rita Akhian, AMFT; and Thea Brown, AMFT as some of the best anger management therapists in L.A. You can review their profiles at https://angermanagement818.com/counselors/.

If you’re ready to start this journey, enroll with a counselor today.