Ready to work with Dr. Cara Gardenswartz? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
Schedule Free Consult Send a MessageDr. Cara Gardenswartz
Dr. Cara is a dedicated psychologist specializing in individual, couples, and group therapy, with extensive experience in both clinical practice and academia. As the Founder and Director of GroupTherapyLA and GroupTherapyNY, Dr. Cara leads a team of highly skilled therapists committed to providing exceptional mental health care.
Dr. Cara works with individuals and couples and facilitates several interpersonal process therapy groups. Areas of expertise include relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, codependency, divorce, grief, life transitions, autism, and maternal mental health.
With a strong academic background from the University of California, Los Angeles (PhD) and the University of Pennsylvania (BA), Dr. Cara brings a robust understanding of psychological principles to clinical practice. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Cara serves as a Professor of Psychology and provides expertise as a Media and Executive Consultant.
Dr. Cara is also actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for WebLife and Medical Missions Kenya, where Dr. Cara contributes to impactful mental health initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Cara serves on the advisory board for PEERS, a social skills program for young people at UCLA.
Clinical Experience
- The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy, Santa Monica, CA
- St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital (Teaching Hospital for Columbia University Medical School)
- AIDS Project Los Angeles: Pacific Center, CA
- UCLA's Student Psychological Services, Los Angeles, CA
- Veteran's Administration, Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program, West Los Angeles, CA
- Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Services, Inglewood, CA
- UCLA Psychology Clinic, Los Angeles, CA
- Neighborhood Youth Association, Mar Vista, CA
- Long-Island Jewish Hospital, Adolescent Inpatient Unit, Queens, NY
Teaching Experience
- Professor of Abnormal Psychology (Lecturer), Department of Psychology, UCLA
- Clinical Supervisor, UCLA Psychology Clinic
- Teaching Assistant — Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, Fieldwork in Psychology, UCLA
- Alumni Mentor, Department of Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office, UCLA
- Clinical Supervisor, GTLA
Advisory Boards
Medical Missions Kenya
MMK's Medical missions provide a comprehensive continuum of health services aimed at promoting the wellbeing of people in underdeveloped remote villages — establishing partnerships with local community healthcare workers and fostering principles of preventative health.
UCLA PEERS® Clinic
PEERS® is a manualized, evidence-based social skills training intervention for youth with social challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. UCLA PEERS groups include programs for adolescents, young adults, and preschoolers.