About Us — Empowering Minds Together

Dr. Irit Almog

Irit Almog Psy.D. LMFT. ATR. EMDR, is the founder and executive director of Empowering Minds Together INC. and is a leading expert on eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She is a mental health professional specializing in treatments for trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, OCD, and Tourette syndrome. She has experience working with adults, adolescents, and children using a variety of theoretical perspectives in individual, family, and group therapy sessions.
She has extensive knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cognitive, behavioral, and mental dysfunctions. She is a compassionate and supportive qualified mental health psychotherapist with an ability to relate to patients and their families to facilitate a collaborative environment that fosters opportunities for independence. She has more than 18 years of experience providing high-quality care.

Testimonial

“Working with Dr. Almog has been life-changing. I’ve spent seven years looking for a therapist that could help guide me. And the search is over. We’ve been able to dissect and analyze my childhood trauma and make real breakthroughs that are waking me up to the unhealthy patterns I have lived by in my life. I’m awed at her ability to zero in on what is happening or has happened. Her guidance helps me to live a more mindful life. I am very grateful to be working with her.”

- Andrea M.

Karen Diaz

Karen Diaz is an Associate Social Worker who received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Karen has experience working with low income communities throughout Los Angeles county. Karen has worked with a wide range of individuals throughout the county that have struggled with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Karen likes to create a safe space for her patients, especially those who continue to live in survival mode.
Karen is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Karen uses evidence based practices that will help patients find a voice on their journey towards healing and self love.

Karen Bardavid

Karen Bardavid is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist. She also holds a graduate certificate in substance use disorders. Karen is passionate about helping clients learn to tap into their internal strengths in order to nurture the mind, body and soul. Karen earned her masters degree with a dual concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Karen understands how difficult it may be for clients to seek therapy and talk about their lives, feelings and difficulties which they may be experiencing. She works with clients on their therapy goals so they can become the best version of themselves. Karen offers group and individual therapy services to adults, teens, couples, and children.

Beverly Pagano

Beverly is a Certified Health Coach dedicated to supporting people in achieving their goals. Whether it's a personal goal or advised by a doctor, her heart-centered approach will help evoke your inner strengths to optimize success. You'll uncover and practice ways to create harmony within; Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, and Spiritually. You'll co-create new, sustainable shifts in your lifestyle that will help you to overcome anything standing in the way of you being your best self. Common Goals include: Improve Posture, Explore Nutrition Opportunities, Decrease Pain + Inflammation, Reach and Maintain Weight Goals, Enhance Quality of Sleep, Beat Worry and Intrusive Thoughts, Strengthen and Stretch your Body, Interpreting and Implement your Doctors Orders, and Overall, feel better Inside and out!