Therapy for South Asian and Asian American clients in Los Angeles

I'm Dr. Darshana Lele, a South Asian clinical psychologist. I provide therapy for South Asian or desi clients in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles and California. I'm bilingual in Hindi. Growing up South Asian in the US can mean carrying a lot at once. Family expectations. Achievement pressure. Being the "good one." Worry about what others will think. Feeling responsible for everyone's feelings while your own needs stay invisible.

You might look successful on the outside and still feel anxious, lonely, numb, or stuck in patterns that do not change.

I also offer a free 20-minute phone consultation so you can see if I'm the right fit.

Common reasons South Asian and Asian American clients reach out

• Anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, and burnout

• Depression, low motivation, or feeling emotionally shut down

• Family pressure, guilt, and people-pleasing

• Boundaries with parents or in-laws

• Conflict around dating, marriage, or divorce

• Cultural identity and feeling "in between"

• Generational trauma and childhood emotional neglect

• Trauma and PTSD

• Relationship patterns that repeat no matter how hard you try to "fix" them

  My Approach

  My work is psychodynamic and relational. That means we do more than manage symptoms. We look at the deeper patterns underneath them.

  Together we explore questions like:

  • What did you learn you had to do to be loved, safe, or accepted?

  • What parts of you got minimized, shamed, or ignored?

  • How does that show up now in your relationships, work, and self-worth?

  This approach helps clients build clarity, self-trust, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

  When culture and identity are part of the stress

  Many of my clients are navigating:

  • Being the first or second generation in the US

  • The pressure to succeed and "represent" your family

  • Feeling like you cannot disappoint your parents

  • Different values between you and your family around independence, gender roles, or sexuality

  • The experience of racism and being treated as "other"

  Therapy is a place where you do not have to explain the basics. We can go straight to what is actually happening and what you want to change.

  Hindi-speaking therapy in Pasadena and throughout California

  I offer sessions in English and Hindi. I see clients in-person in my Pasadena office and virtually throughout California. Virtually therapy to clients in New York State coming soon.

  Free 20-minute phone consultation

  f you are wondering whether therapy could help, I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation. We will briefly discuss what you are looking for, I will answer questions about my approach, and we will decide next steps. Call (626) 214-5366 or use the contact form to request your consultation.