Bicoastal Psychology was born from the belief that we don’t have to choose between two truths - we can hold both. Inspired by a love for both coasts and shaped by a deep understanding of dialectics, Bicoastal Psychology embraces contradiction, complexity, and integration.
we provide compassionate therapy that helps you understand your internal experiences and build a life that feels more grounded
mission
Danielle Esses, PsyD is a clinical psychologist providing therapy in Beverly Hills and across CA and NY. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. Her style is both connected and informed, using evidence-based approaches to help patients not just talk about what’s hard, but actually feel better.
clinical psychologist,
california and New York
Meet Dr. danielle Esses
Dr. Esses is dedicated to helping people who feel deeply. They often describe that their emotions rise quickly, feel bigger, and take longer to settle. These patterns can make daily life harder, showing up as relationship issues, anxiety that's "always in the background," avoidance, or self-harm.
My personality and therapeutic style reflect the contrast of the two coasts that have shaped me: I resonate with New York’s grit and authenticity, which shows up in my directness and sense of humor. I equally identify with California’s openness and calm, reflected in my commitment to groundedness, curiosity, and validation.
She completed her APA-accredited internship at Montefiore Medical Center and postdoctoral fellowship at CBT California, where she received advanced training in DBT. She received additional training at Stanford University School of Medicine, the Palo Alto VA, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
She's also passionate about working with individuals in high-stress careers and offers low-fee services to first responders.
Dr. Esses published a video series for the American Academy of Ophthalmology to support physicians in managing surgical anxiety.
related work
2024
Dr. Esses was invited as a speaker at the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology Conference.
2025
current and ongoing
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Esses has served as a study rater for psychiatric clinical trials for multiple years. In this role, she conducts structured diagnostic and symptom assessments for research studies, including trials investigating cutting edge treatments for major depressive disorder. This work keeps her closely connected to advances in evidence-based assessment and measurement.
training
Dr. Esses received her doctoral training at the PGSP–Stanford PsyD Consortium, jointly run by Palo Alto University and Stanford University School of Medicine. This generalist training prepared her to assess and treat a wide range of psychological concerns.
From early in her training, Dr. Esses developed a particular interest in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She was mentored by Dr. Janice Kuo, an expert in the field. Her dissertation on mechanisms of change in DBT earned her the Cheryl Koopman Dissertation Award.
Dr. Esses' clinical experience spans outpatient, intensive outpatient, psychiatric ER, and inpatient settings. While she has special expertise in helping those with borderline personality disorder, she also has extensive experience treating trauma and PTSD, anxiety and mood disorders, substance use, OCD, and psychosis. She completed her APA-accredited internship at Montefiore Medical Center, one of the most competitive psychology internships in the country. Her postdoctoral fellowship was at CBT California, where she honed her expertise in treating a broad range of concerns while receiving advanced training in comprehensive, high-fidelity DBT.
Today, she works with adults and teens presenting with mild to complex symptoms, and intentionally reserves space for individuals navigating self-harm, emotion dysregulation, or recent hospitalization.
doctoral training
specialization in personality disorders
clinical experience
current clinical focus
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Esses does not accept insurance. She can provide you with a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement.
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What state(s) are you licensed to practice?
Dr. Esses is licensed in California and New York. She sees patients in-person in Los Angeles, and via telehealth across California and New York.
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Do you provide in-person or telehealth therapy?
Dr. Esses provides both telehealth services and in-person services at 9401 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 730 in Beverly Hills, CA.
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what are your fees?
Dr. Esses offers a complimentary 15-minute initial phone consultation prior to the first appointment. Her rates for individual therapy are comparable with other doctoral level practitioners in California and will be discussed during the phone consultation.
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send me a message
more questions?
For brief questions about fees or availability, the quickest way to reach me is by filling out the inquiry form or emailing me directly.