Los Angeles · New York
Los Angeles · New York
Every Person Is Unique.
Therapy Should Be Too.
Dr. Joe Taravella is a board certified clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience. He provides individualized psychotherapy that helps people understand themselves and build the tools to create lasting, meaningful change through evidence-based care rooted in genuine compassion.
Passion, Experience,
and Diligence
Dr. Joe Taravella is a board certified clinical psychologist licensed in both California and New York by the American Board of Professional Psychology, with a private practice in Los Angeles. His clinical work is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychodynamic theory, helping clients navigate developmental, emotional, and traumatic disorders.
Dr. Joe's expertise lies in identifying and treating neurological, behavioral, and environmental problems that cause breakdowns and turmoil. He created The Secret Box — a breakthrough therapeutic tool that helps individuals, children, and families safely reveal the long-standing secrets that fuel crises, replacing turmoil with clarity and connection.
During his years at NYU, Dr. Joe served on the Child Protection Committee, the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and the Sala Institute for Child and Family-Centered Care — experience that continues to shape a practice built on genuine affirmation. He works with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, and with neurodivergent and autistic clients and their families, bringing the same depth of care and discretion to every person he sees. He has a particular passion for working with individuals navigating the pivotal transition from high school through college and into the workforce.
He previously served as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU School of Medicine, and has been nominated for a 2012 Eddy Award for his work in television and media. He is also co-founder of Forward Footsteps, LLC, a publishing company supporting all family structures, and co-author of board books celebrating the diversity of families.
- Ph.D. & M.S. in Clinical Psychology — St. John's University, NY (specialization: Marital & Family Therapy)
- Clinical training at Bellevue Hospital & NYU-Langone Medical Center
- Pediatric Neuropsychological Fellowship — NYU-Langone Rusk Institute
- Former Co-Director, Psychology Intern Training — NYU-Langone Rusk Rehabilitation
- Former Ethics Committee Member, Los Angeles County Psychological Association
- Former Board of Directors, Kid Angel Foundation — underserved children & families
Compassion & Understanding
Implementing evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychodynamic theory alongside a deeply supportive approach, Dr. Joe tailors treatment to each individual's unique circumstances — helping clients break patterns, find clarity, and move forward with greater confidence and control.
Evidence-Based,
Personalized Care
A non-judgmental, supportive space to do real work. Together, we enhance your ability to communicate effectively, understand yourself deeply, identify triggers, and break the patterns holding you back.
Turning Breakdown
into Breakthrough
Dr. Joe is skilled at identifying the root causes of relationship dysfunction and providing the specific tools needed to avoid future turmoil. He helps couples and families resolve crisis, rebuild trust, and begin a genuine process of healing and growth.
Raising Children
with Confidence
Parenting shapes a child's entire trajectory. Dr. Joe works with parents to provide practical tools and strategies for raising children with love and appropriate boundaries, and for navigating the unique challenges at every stage of development.
A Breakthrough
Therapeutic Tool
Created by Dr. Joe, The Secret Box is a therapeutic tool designed to help individuals, children, and families safely surface the long-hidden secrets that cause turmoil — transforming what was once a breakdown into an opportunity for lasting breakthrough.
Services & Specialties
In-person at the Los Angeles office, or via secure teletherapy anywhere in California or New York.
Board Certified by ABPP
One of fewer than 5% of licensed psychologists to achieve board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Academic & Hospital Training
Trained at Bellevue Hospital, NYU-Langone, and the Rusk Institute. Former faculty at NYU School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Diverse Client Experience
Works with individuals, couples, and families, including LGBTQIA+ clients and neurodivergent and autistic individuals, as well as high-profile clients across business, entertainment, and technology, with the same discretion and care for each.
Recognized Media Expert
Serves as an expert commentator on national and local morning and evening news programs. 2012 Eddy Award nominee and psychological consultant for film & TV, with media appearances spanning television, radio, and print.
What Clients Say
"Dr. Joe helped me see things I'd been hiding from myself for years. His approach is warm, non-judgmental, and genuinely effective. I have transformed my relationship with myself and my family."
"My partner and I were on the verge of separation. Dr. Joe gave us the tools to truly understand each other. He turned what felt like the end into a real, lasting new beginning for our relationship."
"As a high-profile professional, discretion is everything to me. Dr. Joe created a space where I could be completely honest. His guidance helped me break patterns that had held me back for my entire career."
Ready to Take
the First Step?
Dr. Joe is conveniently located near Los Angeles' West Side, including Beverlywood, Beverly Hills, Cheviot Hills, Century City, Culver City, Mar Vista, Westwood, Del Rey, Sawtelle, and Santa Monica.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Teletherapy available across California and New York. Same quality care, from wherever you are.
How Can
Dr. Joe Help You?
Fill out the form and Dr. Joe will respond personally, typically within one business day. All inquiries are completely confidential.