Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pasadena

“I brought my 18-year-old son to family therapy through Thrive because I was concerned about how he was handling communication regarding college preparation, deadlines, and leaving home. I wanted professional guidance to help us navigate these high-stakes transitions effectively. Unfortunately, the provider showed a complete lack of clinical skill, heavy personal bias, and unprofessional behavior. He was unconcerned with addressing our goals and instead manufactured a non-existent communication issue. Anytime I tried to provide necessary context, he cut me off because he seemed incapable of listening beyond a 15-to-20-second response. In one session, after I provided a 60-to-90-second explanation, the provider directed me to leave the room just 15 minutes in. When I returned, he claimed it was because "it looks like you're talking at him." Mind you, this was right after explicitly instructing me to look directly at my son while speaking. During our next session, he asked if I worked on “not talking at him.” Confused by what he meant, I asked for clarification, and he claimed my son looked disengaged when I spoke. When I asked how he recommends I handle communication with a disengaged teen, his response was simply, "Why don't you ask your son?", providing zero professional expertise. The provider projected his own difficulty in processing a simple 90-second explanation onto our dynamic, suggesting that at 18 years old information should be provided in bits-and-pieces because “even I have a hard time following along.” This was in response to a discussion about a 6-second reminder I gave my son about completing a payment plan so his classes would not get dropped. Whenever I offered a thoughtful response or respectfully challenged his vague critiques, he became visibly impatient, spoke over me, laughed, and made sarcastic comments like, ”You’re doing it right now” with no explanation on what “it” was, claiming he did not say things he clearly said, and stating "I'm just not the therapist for you." He abruptly ended our last session mid-call without de-escalating or offering constructive guidance. The service here operates strictly through a lens that prioritizes comfort for one person in the dynamic over basic clinical competence. I strongly caution any parent seeking balanced, real-world family mediation to look elsewhere.”

“I would give them zero stars if I could. I called the number connected with this in person therapy shows in Pasadena Texas and was never able to get scheduled with someone in person. Then I ran into all kinds of issues, trying to speak with anyone about my daughter’s care because the insurance that she’s on is in her dad’s name. Even though I am the custodial parent, and I am the one who set up the account. My daughter rescheduled an appointment with the Therapist and she was told that there would not be a rescheduling/ cancellation fee. Then I was charged to cancellation fees and the fee for the appointment because you were required to have a credit card on file to set up service services. This was in October and I am still trying to get all my money back in April. The therapist to my daughter spoke with was not a good fit, but we were never given another referral for anyone else. My daughter no longer wanted to see her because she felt that she wasn’t getting anything out of the appointment appointments and they had nothing to talk about. So we let the therapist know that we would like to schedule any more appointments. She continued to schedule appointment appointments for us online for weeks later. Then, if you don’t cancel them within a 48 hour window, you’re charged $120 cancellation fee. It’s the biggest scam ever. Would never recommend them to anyone.”

“We have been a client of Thriveworks since February 2025 and we absolutely love our provider! After my daughters sessions she is a different person. She feels heard and understood. We want what's best for our kids and sometimes that means someone other than a parent to talk through issues!”

“Words can't express enough about this place. From the moment I first called to make my appointment to the moment I started with my first therapy it was all outstanding. They have met all my needs and expectations and I already see the change in my day to day. Emmanuel is so good at getting me to talk and makes me reason my decisions. I feel I have progressed in so many aspects in my life.”