About Diala Alkhalil, LMHC


After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I began my career at The New England Center for Children, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization specializing in autism education and research. As a special education teacher, I implemented Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for children and adolescents ages 3–18 with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in helping children develop communication, social, and adaptive skills while reducing challenging behaviors.

I later served as a Residential Supervisor for an intensive treatment program supporting children with significant behavioral and emotional challenges. In this role, I supervised a multidisciplinary team of more than 20 staff members, developed individualized treatment plans, and collaborated closely with families to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and promote long-term success.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 2004 and joined South Bay Mental Health, where I worked with children, adolescents, and families experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. After completing my clinical licensing requirements, I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in 2010 and established my private practice.

Today, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and grief. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual's unique strengths and needs. I believe that meaningful progress occurs when treatment is personalized and families are actively involved in the therapeutic process.

Collaboration is an essential part of my work. I regularly coordinate care with psychiatrists, pediatricians, primary care physicians, schools, and other professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive, well-coordinated support across all areas of their lives.

Areas of Expertise

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Depression

  • Grief and Loss

  • Child and Adolescent Therapy

  • Parent Guidance and Family Support

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Play Therapy

I have completed extensive specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the International OCD Foundation, allowing me to provide evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders.

In addition to working with children and adolescents, I also provide therapy for adults. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where lasting growth and healing can occur. I welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and help you determine whether my practice is the right fit for your needs.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND your PRIVACY

Protecting your privacy and maintaining your confidentiality are fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to creating a safe, respectful, and secure environment where you can feel comfortable sharing personal information. My privacy practices are designed to exceed standard expectations whenever possible, with particular sensitivity to the unique needs of children, adolescents, and individuals who value a high level of privacy. Regardless of your circumstances, your confidentiality is treated with the utmost care and respect.

Privacy Policy for Individual Therapy

Your treatment is confidential. I will not disclose information about your treatment or communicate with anyone regarding your care without your written authorization, except in situations where disclosure is required by law (see "Limits of Confidentiality" below).

You decide whether I communicate with family members, physicians, schools, or other healthcare providers. If you choose to authorize communication, you may specify exactly what information can be shared and with whom. While I may recommend including an emergency contact or coordinating care with another healthcare provider when clinically appropriate, all decisions regarding the release of information remain yours.

Therapy for Children and Adolescents (Under 18)

For clients under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for treatment.

At the same time, establishing trust with children and adolescents requires a meaningful level of privacy. During the intake process, I review my confidentiality policy with both parents and the child or adolescent so everyone understands how information will be handled throughout treatment.

In general, I encourage families to respect the privacy of individual therapy sessions. Maintaining appropriate confidentiality allows young clients to speak openly and fosters a more effective therapeutic relationship. Information shared during sessions will remain private unless the child or adolescent provides permission to share it or there is a concern involving safety or another legal obligation to disclose information.

Limits of Confidentiality

While confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, there are limited circumstances in which I am legally and ethically required to disclose information. These include:

  • If there is a serious and imminent risk that you may harm yourself or another person.

  • If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect involving a child, elder, dependent adult, or disabled individual, as required by mandatory reporting laws.

  • If I receive a valid court order requiring the release of records or testimony.

Please note that therapy records typically consist of concise clinical documentation, including presenting concerns, symptoms discussed, treatment interventions utilized, and recommendations made during the session. These records are not verbatim transcripts of therapy sessions.