Divorce Counseling in Long Beach & Lakewood, CA
If you’re going through a divorce and feeling overwhelmed, if you’re trying to protect your children from the impact of separation, if you’re struggling with guilt, anger, or just trying to figure out who you are outside of your marriage—you’re in the right place.
Divorce is one of life’s most stressful transitions—even when it’s the right decision. Whether you’re processing the end of your marriage, navigating co-parenting challenges, or helping your child cope with family changes, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation, we provide compassionate divorce counseling for adults and children in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California. Our therapists, under the leadership of Dr. Sade Thompson, Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, understand that every divorce story is different, and we meet you where you are with empathy and practical support. We offer in-person sessions at our Long Beach and Lakewood locations, and virtual counseling throughout California.
Divorce Affects the Whole Family
- For Adults Going Through Divorce:
- Grief over the loss of the relationship and the future you had planned
- Anger, betrayal, or relief (sometimes all at once)
- Identity shifts (“Who am I outside of this marriage?”)
- Anxiety about finances, housing, custody, or being alone
- Loneliness and isolation, especially if friends take sides
- Guilt, especially if you initiated the divorce or have children
- Fear about dating again or trusting others in the future
- Stress of legal processes, paperwork, and major decisions
- Navigating co-parenting with someone you’re angry at or hurt by
- For Children of Divorce:
- Confusion about why parents are separating
- Fear of abandonment (“Will they leave me too?”)
- Guilt or self-blame (“Is this my fault? Did I cause this?”)
- Anger at one or both parents
- Sadness and grief over family changes
- Anxiety about the future and where they’ll live
- Loyalty conflicts between parents
- Behavioral changes, regression (bedwetting, clinginess), or acting out
- Academic struggles or difficulty concentrating
Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s an emotional upheaval that touches every part of life.
Therapy provides support during this difficult transition.
How Divorce Counseling Helps Adults
Individual divorce counseling gives you space to process the end of your marriage and build a path forward:
✓ Process complex emotions - Navigate grief, anger, guilt, and relief without judgment
✓ Develop coping strategies - Manage stress and overwhelm during the divorce process
✓ Rebuild your identity - Rediscover who you are as an individual outside the marriage
✓ Set boundaries - Learn to communicate effectively with your ex-partner
✓ Navigate co-parenting - Put your children’s needs first while protecting your well-being
✓ Make decisions - Gain clarity during a time of uncertainty and major life choices
✓ Heal and move forward - Build a foundation for your post-divorce life
You’re allowed to grieve what was while also feeling hope for what’s ahead. Both can be true at the same time.
Our Approach to Divorce Counseling
Individual Therapy for Adults
Process your emotions, develop coping strategies, and plan for your future. We help you move through divorce with intention rather than just reaction, making decisions that align with your values and goals.
Individual Therapy for Children
Age-appropriate support to help kids understand, express feelings, and adjust to family changes in a healthy way. We use play therapy, art, and talk therapy depending on the child’s age and preferences.
Co-Parenting Support
Learn communication strategies, set healthy boundaries, and put your children’s needs first even when things are tense with your ex-partner. We help you navigate the transition from spouses to co-parents.
Culturally Responsive Care
We understand that divorce carries different meanings and stigma across cultures. Our therapists honor your cultural background while supporting your healing and your right to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Trauma-Informed Support
If your marriage involved abuse (physical, emotional, financial, or sexual), we provide gentle, trauma-informed care as you navigate both divorce and recovery from abuse.
Insurance & Accessibility
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Divorce counseling in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross & Anthem L.A. Care
- Blue Shield of California & Blue Shield Promise Plan
- Carelon
- L.A. Care (Medi-Cal, Commercial, Medicare)
- United Health Care / Optum
- Tricare West
What to Expect in Divorce Counseling
Locations & Virtual Services
Lakewood Office
5150 Candlewood Street, Ste. 18J Lakewood, CA 90712
Long Beach Office (Bixby Knolls)
3811 Long Beach Blvd, Ste. C Long Beach, CA 90807
Serving Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, and surrounding communities.
Virtual Therapy Throughout California: We offer secure online therapy sessions for clients anywhere in California.
Special Situations We Address
- High-Conflict Divorce
When communication with your ex-partner is hostile or contentious, we help you develop strategies to protect your mental health while managing necessary interactions and legal processes.
- Custody Challenges
Therapy can help you process the emotions around custody arrangements and develop healthy co-parenting strategies that prioritize your children’s wellbeing.
- Blended Family Transitions
If you or your ex-partner is entering a new relationship, we support you and your children through this additional change and the emotions that come with it.
- Divorce After Emotional or Physical Abuse
Leaving an abusive marriage takes immense courage. We provide trauma-informed support and help you rebuild safety, boundaries, and self-worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start divorce counseling?
It’s never too early. Some people benefit from therapy before filing for divorce (decision-making phase), during the divorce process (managing stress and emotions), or after divorce is finalized (rebuilding and adjusting). Whenever you’re struggling, therapy can help.
Should my child start therapy right away?
Not all children need therapy, but many benefit from it—especially if they’re showing signs of distress like behavioral changes, emotional withdrawal, academic struggles, or physical complaints. If you’re unsure, schedule a consultation and we’ll help you assess whether therapy would be helpful.
Will the therapist take sides or judge me?
No. Our role is to support you emotionally, not judge you or your ex-partner. Therapy is a neutral space focused on your emotional well-being and helping you navigate this transition in the healthiest way possible.
How do I explain therapy to my child?
Keep it simple and positive: “We’re going to meet with someone who talks to kids about feelings when families are going through changes. They help kids feel better and answer questions you might have. It’s a safe place just for you.”
What if my ex-partner doesn’t agree with therapy for our child?
We can discuss your specific situation during a consultation. In many cases, if you have joint legal custody, both parents need to consent to therapy. However, we can explore options and discuss what might work in your circumstances.
Do you offer couples therapy for people considering divorce?
Yes. If you’re unsure about divorce or want to try to improve the relationship first, we offer discernment counseling (helping you decide) and couples therapy (working on the relationship).
How long does divorce counseling take?
It varies widely. Some people need support for just a few months during the active divorce process, while others benefit from a year or more of therapy as they navigate divorce and rebuild their lives. There’s no set timeline—we work with you for as long as you need.
Can I do therapy virtually if I’m going through a divorce and don’t have privacy at home?
Yes, we offer virtual therapy. We can work with you to find session times when you have privacy, or you can attend sessions from your car, a quiet office, or another private location.
Moving Forward After Divorce
Divorce marks an ending, but it’s also a beginning. With support, you can process this transition and build a life that feels authentic and hopeful. For your children, with proper support, they can adjust and thrive.
Our therapists in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California are here for you and your family.