About Us
We do things differently here.
Our Philosophy
Young people deserve therapists who understand that adolescence isn't a problem to solve, but a profound developmental stage that requires specialized knowledge and genuine respect.
At Iris, our role is to provide clinical expertise, developmental understanding, and trusted relationships so they can access their own wisdom.
We offer both practical skill-building and deeper therapeutic work to understand the patterns and meanings that shape relationships and sense of self.
We believe families are systems: when one person heals, everyone benefits.
What Sets Our Team Apart
Our practice is dedicated to preteens, adolescents, and emerging adults. We've built our expertise around understanding how the developing brain works and why this stage of life deserves specialized care.
Most importantly, we understand that the work young people do now to build confidence and resilience becomes the foundation for their adult lives.
We think of our work through the lens of an iris: the part of the eye that helps us see clearly and the flower that symbolizes growth. Our approach focuses on four key areas: identifying patterns, regulating emotions, integrating new skills, and sustaining change over time.
Meet Our Team
Dinah Farrell, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
AMFT #157063, Supervised by Dr. Sam Harris, Psy.D.
It is meaningful for me to be a witness to a client's life and help them make sense of the world around them. Going to therapy as a young person can be intimidating and confusing given all of the challenges that young people face in today's world. I hope to provide a safe, guiding, and supportive space for them to flourish into adulthood.
I work with teens and young adults who find themselves needing extra support to navigate the turbulent emotions and circumstances that arise as one transitions to adulthood. Because teens and young adults are still in the early stages of life development, this is a fruitful and impactful time for them to be learning skills and awareness that will help them in adulthood.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, which means I work with clients to unearth unconscious motivations and experiences that may be driving their life in a direction that no longer serves them. It is important to me to meet each client with a genuine curiosity, cultural humility, and non judgemental perspective. Through this, I am able to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with each client and this relationship provides stability and validation that promotes positive changes.
The experience of therapy can help build a sense of self exploration, awareness, and confidence that will positively influence a client's ability to thrive in the future. As a result of therapy, clients become more self compassionate, more motivated, and grow deeper and more satisfying relationships.
Populations Served: Preteens & Teens (ages 9–17) | Young Adults (ages 18–25) | Parents | Families
Focus Areas: Anxiety | Depression | ADHD | Perfectionism | Life Transitions
-
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Georgetown University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
-
Psychodynamic/Depth Therapy
DBT-Informed
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic/Client-Centered Therapy
Dr. Sam Harris, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(PSY34170) Clinical Director
I've been doing psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults for over a decade, and I still get excited about those moments when someone finally finds words for what they've been carrying alone.
You will find that I am warm, thoughtful, and straightforward in my approach. I help young people build the resources they need to feel capable and connected, both to themselves and to others. Together we explore the big questions: Who am I? What do I do with these feelings? How do I make sense of my past and imagine my future?
Through therapy, parents often notice their child becoming more confident and more at ease in daily life. My goal is simple: to help young people grow into themselves with self-trust, tenderness, and inner resources that last.
My own life also informs my work. Family life, friendship, and creative pursuits continually deepen my understanding of development and the human need for meaning. These relational experiences remind me that vitality comes from both inner reflection and shared connection, the same qualities that give therapy its vitality.
Client Populations: Teens (13-17) | Young Adults (18-25) | Parents/Caregivers
Specialties: Anxiety | Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, 2e) | LGBTQIA+ youth | Eating and body image concerns
-
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, The Wright Institute (APA-accredited)
APA Doctoral Internship, University of California, Riverside, Counseling and Psychological Services
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Mount Saint Mary's University, Counseling and Psychological Services
Attachment-Focused EMDR Training (Parnell Institute)
Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Eating Disorders Training (Stanford University)
Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program (New Center for Psychoanalysis) - in progress
-
I’m an active member of professional organizations that support ongoing learning and high standards of care, including:
American Psychological Association (APA), including the Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology (Division 53 / SCCAP)
American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA)
International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)
The Iris Lens
The iris helps us see clearly, and the flower symbolizes growth. We think of our work through both meanings: therapy as clarity and therapy as growth. Our work is guided by four essentials:
Identify: Bring emotions, patterns, and needs into focus
Regulate: Build tools to manage stress, mood, and anxiety with confidence
Integrate: Apply new insights in daily life and relationships
Sustain: Carry growth forward so change lasts
FAQs
-
Each session is 50 minutes. Most people begin with weekly therapy, though at times it may be helpful to meet more or less often depending on what is happening in your teen or young adult’s life.
-
Fees range from $175–$300 per session, depending on the therapist and their level of training.
-
We are not “in-network” with insurance companies, which means we don't bill insurance directly. However, many families with PPO plans receive partial or full reimbursement for our services.
How it works:
Pay for your session at the time of your appointment
We provide a monthly Superbill (detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurance
Your insurance company sends reimbursement directly to you (if you have out-of-network benefits)
Questions to ask your insurance company:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What are my out-of-network benefits and reimbursement rate?
What is my annual deductible, and how much have I met?
How many therapy sessions are covered per year?
Do you cover telehealth sessions?
Many families we work with successfully use their out-of-network benefits. We're happy to help you understand how this process works during your consultation.
-
We ask for 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. We understand emergencies happen and will take unexpected circumstances into account.
-
Yes. Family therapy helps improve communication and strengthen relationships. Parent coaching gives you tools to understand adolescent development and respond more effectively at home.
-
Yes. We offer a comprehensive ADHD Support Program that includes individual therapy for your teen and parent coaching. This structured program typically runs 3-6 months and focuses on executive functioning skills, emotional regulation, and family support. Learn more on our ADHD Support Program page.
Ready to Begin?
We are here to support you. Start with a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and see if we are the right fit.
