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Elena Balashova-Shamis, Psychologist

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Elena is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
Speaks English and Russian
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California

More about Elena

  • 23 years' experience
  • Female
  • Psychologist



Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments for her patients. She teaches at 5 local universities, including UCLA’s medical school and NPI. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Abandonment Attachment issues Body image Caregiver issues and stress Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Dissociation Divorce and separation Eating and food-related issues First responder issues Forgiveness Gender dysphoria Guilt and shame Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Phobias Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirth Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Sex addiction Sexual assault and abuse Sexual dysfunction Sexuality Social anxiety and phobia Somatization Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Insurance Accepted

  • Anthem Blue Cross California
  • Cigna
  • GEHA
  • Optum
  • UMR
  • UnitedHealthcare

Licenses

Elena Balashova-Shamis's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1740705367.

  • Psychologist · California · PSY20104 · Renews May 2028

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.

Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Elena Balashova-Shamis offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Elena Balashova-Shamis works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Elena Balashova-Shamis speak?

Elena Balashova-Shamis speaks English and Russian.

How many years of experience does Elena Balashova-Shamis have?

Elena Balashova-Shamis has 23 years of experience.

Where is Elena Balashova-Shamis licensed to practice?

Elena Balashova-Shamis is licensed to practice in California.

Does Elena Balashova-Shamis accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Elena Balashova-Shamis accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Elena Balashova-Shamis accept insurance?

Yes, Elena Balashova-Shamis accepts Anthem Blue Cross California, Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does Elena Balashova-Shamis accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Elena Balashova-Shamis does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

How can I communicate with Elena Balashova-Shamis?

Elena Balashova-Shamis can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Elena Balashova-Shamis?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
CHAT NOW

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible