Good return calls. Very organized and have a lot of people to choose from. I give this business 5 stars

Very helpful, they helped me through a really hard time, and help me become better. Very flexible schedules therapists are very knowledgeable and are very very kind and understanding. read more

Updating my review all these years later because the staff here is SO phenomenal. My employer pays for my health insurance, and they recently carved out behavioral health claims to a separate provider, which I was not aware of. Liz from First Step Counseling really assisted me in navigating these health insurance challenges and she was even willing to work out a payment plan that suited my needs (in the event that my new insurance was going to be too difficult to deal with). Liz also found a way to squeeze me into the schedule, despite all of the therapists being booked and at capacity. Liz went above and beyond to help me during a time when I really need it. First Step Counseling actually cares about the lives they are changing which is so rare in today's world where most companies just want your money. Kudos to this entire office for the great work they do. read more

Love this place, if you're looking for a therapist to help you with your traumas, this is the place. You can choose in person or tele health therapy sessions. The staff is helpful and efficient. They send reminders of your appointment via text or phone calls. Monica is an angel on earth. My husband and I are very happy with her therapy. She is there to help you see your problem and find the best course of action, she's not going to drag you on and on like so many therapist do. We all need someone to listen and to help us see our problems from a different angle. Give this place a try and see for yourself. read more

i want to start off by saying, thank you to the staff for being welcoming, friendly and helpful. This place is completely judge free, and they do their absolute best to get patients an appointment. I'd like to thank Liz at the front desk for calling me back and helping me find an appointment for my daughter, she was patient and understanding, I can't thank her enough for always finding my daughter the soonest appointment and for keeping me in the loop! My daughters counselor, Jessica is amazing, she's very good with kids and she just has this welcoming and loving vibe to her. I love this place read more

This review is for the office staff (specifically Nichole) as well for Dr. Braslow, my psychiatrist. I began seeing Dr. Braslow during Covid after receiving a new diagnosis and being confused and concerned on how to navigate it. Dr. Braslow is awesome! He always asks about how I am doing and is warm and engaging which puts me at ease. He asks questions about how I am doing and not just the typical "what are your side effects" which was always my previous experience with psychiatrists. I feel like he really cares about me as a person and takes the time to hear me out about questions or concerns. Nichole's gentle reminders always keep me from forgetting my appointments :) and is a great liaison and extra support. I am so grateful that have them and would not hesitate to recommend First Step to others. read more

Let's start with the front desk: I cannot thank Jaime, Liz & Rossy enough. My session with Leila was rocky and I decided she wasn't a good fit for us, so I messaged the front desk and immediately was given another Therapist (Monica Bezzi). The best switch ever!!! They listen to what I needed and concerns and paired my family up to the best therapist that matches my criteria. Then our daughter needed her own therapist and of course, the girls came to the rescue again! Liz & Monica recommended Andy and long and behold it was another perfect match up. We've noticed a huge difference in our daughter's communication and we are very happy with the results. Frankly, this office truly cares about their patient and we're not just another body walking through their doors. If you are having challenges in your family/life, I highly recommend First Step Counseling. read more

Having worked with Monica Bezzi for individual therapy and Tacora Thomas for couples therapy I can honestly say that both are amazing. Actually everyone that I interacted with was amazing. Starting with the front desk/billing; Liz, Ines, Brando, and Rosy, THANK YOU for all your help and quick replies. Moving on to individual therapy, I work in mental health and let me tell you, finding my own therapist was not easy. I met with over 10 therapist until I found my right match and that was Monica Bezzi. Her mindful and caring approach helped me not only heal so much faster than I ever imaged. It also provided with the tools I need to continue thriving on my own. Lastly, Tacora Thomas has been incredible at helping my partner and I build a strong and healthy foundation before marriage. So if you're looking for individual or couple's therapy please do not hesitate to reach out to First Step Counseling. They have a great team, and if one of their therapist doesn't work for you, there are plenty more to choose from! read more

This review is for office staff. Thank you for taking the time to locate me someone I could see with my insurance I was unfortunately unable to go to this location but they were nice enough to text me info to someone that could help me locally. Gentleman who called me back right away same day also made sure I was OK and actually made me feel better just talking with him. It doesn't cost anything to be nice and it is truly appreciated. My partner goes to this clinic and has nothing but great things to say about it. read more

I gave this office another chance. I needed help badly and I wanted to explore all of my options. This time, I had a better experience and was finally able to get a therapist booked. They do, in fact, take my insurance! It has been over a year since I started therapy with a therapist here and I feel a lot better. It's changed my life. The staff here are very kind and helpful, so obviously some improvements were made since my first review. read more

I love first step especially Liz she's amazing I can call at anytime for anything I need or I also can text if I'm not able to talk . She is always on top of it very understanding and helpful love her she's definitely an asset to this company anyone knows your staff is key to your business. !!!! And how it runs . read more

I started therapy at First Step in November 2019. The staff in the front office were always so kind and helpful. I would attend sessions either every week or every other week and I did notice a positive change in my life. When Covid hit, my sessions were more infrequent. Like many people during the pandemic, I was taking isolation very hard. My last session was November 19th, 2020. At the end of Nov. 2020, my family and I got COVID. I was in a very dark place and we were dealing with complications from COVID for over a month. It had been a few months since I had attended a therapy session. So in February, I called to schedule an appointment with my therapist. The people at the front desk told me the woman who does my therapist's scheduling would call me right back because she needed to speak with my therapist to find out availability. I received a call back saying that my therapist was at capacity and couldn't take new patients. I explained that I was already one of her patients and had been for over a year. She responded that I was removed as one of her patients for not attending therapy for a few months. I was baffled. I said, "Why did no one tell me about this? I would have attended a session if I had known I was going to be kicked out." The woman responded "Oh, no one called you? Someone from the office was supposed to call and notify you." So because someone failed to call me and let me know/warn me, all of my progress in therapy was lost and it was all for nothing. It's nearly impossible to get an appointment here so it's not like I could pick a different therapist. (My sister was on a waiting list for months and someone from the office assured she would get a call soon, nothing ever came of it.) I tried explaining that my family had COVID and there was extenuating circumstances, but the lady was kind of like "well, okay." I had my trust broken by this place and by my therapist. And to have your trust broken by people who are supposed to be helping you heal is devastating. It's also alarming to me that my therapist never once reached out to me in the time I was absent. You would think that a therapist would wonder why her patient who used to come in weekly or bi-weekly all of the sudden stopped showing up. Trigger warning, but I was suicidal at this time. So getting ousted by your therapist during a global pandemic and her not even reaching out to make sure you're still alive is such a great feeling! I even texted my therapist to say "hey, heard I got dropped as your patient. My family had Covid, hope you have an opening soon." And her response was "the schedule is constantly changing and openings come up. In the meantime take good care" and she put an avocado emoji? The avocado was somehow the last straw lmao. Also how could an opening come up for me if I'm no longer your patient? I'm more frustrated that I need to find a new therapist and explain my life story and problems all over again when it took so long the first time. But I'm going to find a place that is more professional and more caring about its clients. I'm studying to become a Licensed Therapist and this whole experience taught me exactly what NOT to do once I'm licensed, so I guess that's a plus. That being said, everyone who works the front desk is an angel and was always so kind to me! They are the best. read more

I've given this office a "3 star rating" because they offered me a reference to another office that takes my insurance - after having been referred here by my insurer who didn't know this office has a cap on how many they serve at any time by the different insurance providers. Clerk "Jackie" did her best to find me another provider in town as well as letting me know that if I came into real distress without having found a therapist she'd find a way to work me in to this office. For that I am grateful and hope my referral works out well. 3 Stars for clerk Jackie. read more

I tried making an appointment and was denied since I have anthem blue cross and they are fully booked. This is my first time reaching out for counseling and now I just feel intimated to try to look around if this is the case. read more

Andy at First Step Counseling has been a godsend for my son and the help that he needed. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff especially Liz who is always pleasant and goes the extra mile to make sure all our needs are met from the insurance aspect to appointments. She is professional and personable and a joy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend First Step Counseling! read more

I just came in to see if they took my insurance which is a union insurance with blue shield ppo but the young lady in the front said the reason they don't take my "insurance " is because the insurance sends us the payment first and that clients never give it to the office for payment ????? First of all my insurance never sends me a check for anything (also it offensive letting me know that/ not very welcoming)and she just looks at my card never even tried to run it , to see or try and only pointed out that torrance takes this kinds of insurance's...??? Sweetie you didn't even look up or run my insurance and I just called my insurance and they did cover - so it's really sad how the professional's in this office are losing out on new patients due to her false and lack of information... very uncaring and very unhelpful. read more

This counseling office is the best. They assist in all different needs. Liz and Inez are great to ask questions both provide you with answers and great explaination. Liz is also a great go to person she really goes above and beyond to listen ,talk and help. Dr. Bertha has been great with my son so far very caring and gentle. Dr. Andy is the man he really opens a platform to talk and open up to. My wife see Dr braslow and speaks very highly of him. Each one plays a very special role All together work as a team. Rather you need individual counseling, marital, co-parenting, or your kids needs to talk to someone I recommend trying first step first you won't be disappointed. I was skeptical but they really make it easy and very comfortable. read more

Me and my Family Avila we like it here name is Bertha she speak both language English and Spanish that's Cool 4 me & my Family been there @ 2 years we are learning little bit some stuff THX GOD... read more

Liz went above and beyond to get me the help I needed at the last minute when I was turned away from a facility because I had insurance. She had called me back within less than 30 minutes to tell me there were two cancellations the same day. Leila was so very caring, she also made me feel so comfortable; I was able To open up within minutes. She sat with me, listened, then helped me move forward in confidence with less fear. As it is my first time, I recommend giving them a try, I'm sure you won't be dissatisfied; and will make a return appointment as I did. read more

I am giving the First Step Counseling a superior mark for giving me excellent advice in finding a counselor for my grandson. Ann the office manager was extremely knowledgeable as well helpful. I really appreciated the time as well as the genuine concern she offered me in the finding the best counselor . read more

Ok, well I am happy to report that even though it was challenging getting my daughter in for her first appointment, it was definitely worth the wait. My daughter loves Dahlia and can't wait for her appointment every week. Paying the co-payment is very easy and we just have a standing appt every week that they let me confirm or cancel by text the day before. There is a very comfy waiting room with free coffee and tea and the front office girls are very nice. I am glad I stuck with it and my 12-year-old is getting to chat with such a wonderful therapist. read more

I definitely reccomend them for families, especially young children because it's a very calm, caring environment, they have toys and games to make children feel more relaxed. The the office staff is extremely friendly and they will go out of their way to accommodate your needs. The therapists are knowledgeable and helpful and they try to make sure that each therapist is a good fit for each child's personality. read more

Very friendly and professional my son loves his therapist .. I enjoy the free coffee.... Lobby very clean

I just want to let people know that this office is very warm and friendly, the Therapist that helped my son was great, she really took the time to listen to him and every visit he came home feeling so much better. The office staff, especially Anna was so encouraging, so helpful with getting us to set up and make this step to get my son help. Without her and without the atmosphere of the office I'm not sure we would have felt comfortable. I gave 5 stars and will highly recommend First Step to everyone in need. read more

This group is the best for all types of counseling. Family, juvenile, personal. Highly reccomend

First step counseling has great therapist and their receptionist at the front desk is the absolute best. She'll do what ever it take to help out. She is truly one of a kind and They are very lucky to ha e her. read more

My husband and I had a consultation with Dr. Braslow regarding the effects of my fibromyalgia pain meds on my depression (yeah, life is beating me up a little bit). During our hour with him, Dr. Braslow spoke with us compassionately, asked detailed questions, and listened carefully. We left with a very good impression of the kindly doctor and his cheerful and friendly office staff - Carina and Liz were especially helpful, and I enjoyed meeting Inez and Brandon too. Many thanks to all! read more

This place is great! The people who work here are always very helpful and welcoming. In a situation where it could be uncomfortable, they make you feel at ease. Especially Liz - she's awesome! I've been coming here for about a year now and I can honestly say that my therapist has completely changed my life. She's unlike any other one I've been to. She listens but then teaches how to overcome whatever the problem is. She has made me so aware of myself and where my pain comes from and what triggers me and how to deal with it on a physical and emotional level. People in my life noticed the difference in me just a couple months in. She also doesn't rush you in and out like others I've gone to, checking the clock all the time. I hated that about the other places. And, she doesn't always ask unhelpful questions like "how does that make you feel" after I tell her things (like most other therapists). She's helped me to focus on the important stuff and let the rest go. She also has called me out on stuff that I needed to hear. With her help I've made some big changes in my life! I'm so happy I found this place! There are multiple therapists who work here and I've heard about a couple from their clients and they have rave reviews about them too. Only down side is the parking. Street parking only and it can get busy. read more

Same experience as the users below. I called over the phone. The young lady told me to call my insurance to make sure they cover ADHD testing because they haven't been paying out. She said Doctor Nishii is the only one available for that testing! After you speak to them call us back. 30 minutes on the phone with the insurance I call back she tells me well let me check with doctor Nishii to make sure anthem has been paying his last patience. She put me hold and said oh he's not available you can go to our other office in LA! First of all why didn't you say that from the beginning! That was unprofessional. read more

I love this place. Liz is the best.very knowledgable, organized.and extremely helpful and kind. The staff there is also very helpful and go out of the way to make you feel comfortable. The facility itself is beautiful! So clean, well decorated, and organized. Highly recommend. Lorena read more

Inez at First Step, went over & beyond getting my son into his counseling session!!!! Inez made sure our insurance would accept us prior to going & made everything so smooth!!!!! Great staff!!! Looking forward to a long relationship there with them!!! read more

Great service great front desk help and therapists are welcoming,professional and knowledgeable wonderful service I highly recommend

This review is NOT for the therapists. My therapist here is amazing, and so are many of the others here, I am sure. However, Dr. Braslow, the psychiatrist, not only has horrific bedside manner, but comes off very uneducated (seems to be googling while on the phone with you). Every appointment I have with him the majority of the time is spent with him asking the same invasive questions about my personal life that I have already answered several times and have nothing to do with my treatment while 1-2 minutes is spent discussing medications and symptoms. At the start of lockdown earlier this year, Dr. Braslow talked me into trying mood stabilizer after little success with different antidepressants. He instead, unbeknownst to me, prescribed an anti-psychotic that caused akathisia also known as uncontrollable restlessness and anxiety where you literally cannot relax for a single second. Those effects lasted months after getting off and were coupled with tardive dyskinesia. ALL FOR A MEDICATION I DID NOT AGREE TO. I've continued to see him solely because switching psychiatrists is so difficult, but after countless negative scheduling interactions with his assistant Jaime, it is not worth it to come here any longer. Will be switching ASAP read more

A very dear friend of mine sought counseling at First Step Counseling. She has come a long way since then, to say the least. In my opinion, what differentiates a good therapist from a mediocre therapist is not only professional experience but consistency and having a genuine interest in the overall well being of the client. The therapist who worked with my close friend did more than just listen and take in information, she was a servant-leader to her. She focused on her well-being while helping to guide her towards tackling on the next chapter of her life with optimism and confidence. Keep doing what you're doing First Step Counseling! :) read more

As I continue to work with Leila, I can see that she is far superior to most counselors. We've been getting deeper and deeper to the heart of the matter now that the crises are behind me. I don't know where I'd be without First Step Counseling. I look forward to Elizabeth's text reminder every week! read more

Liz, who works in the office, went above and beyond to help me out. She double checked to verify my insurance was in network. She called me back time and again. She was so kind. My therapist is Ashley. I've only been to her once so far but she is awesome. She listened, offered suggestions and gave me homework. Ashley seemed to really care. She is pleasant and easy to talk to and made me feel very comfortable. read more

This place has been a saving grace for our family. Regardless of what you've read about the service at the front desk, don't let that deter you. The therapists here are great and the counseling services are life changing. I highly recommend this office! read more

This office is a great resource here in San Pedro. They offer a host of counseling services and the office staff here is amazing. Liz was especially helpful in navigating the ins and outs of my insurance. The office staff goes out of their way to accomodate your needs. I wish I would've found this place sooner! read more

Just a bunch of soundboards. Didn't help and only cared about $... if your therapy is mandated it's convenient but for real help I'd pass on this therapy group. read more

First Step Counseling has a nice enough staff and office set up. While it wasn't the right fit for me, I am glad I tried First Step Counseling. Through the experience I did come to find the right situation for me. I came here in hopes of finding a supportive counselor. During the initial meeting I was honest about what I was looking for and what my goals were for our time together. One of the major reasons I moved on was due to counselor availability and the overall professionalism of staff. Pros: Decent offices Nice Complimentary Coffee set up Cons: Staff takes too many vacation and sick days Front office lacked professionalism Privacy concerns due to poor listening from the front office read more