About Jarrad Malamed, LCSW
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, I bring a unique perspective and a deep commitment to culturally responsive care in my psychotherapy practice. My diverse professional journey has spanned over 15 years, marked by dedication to vulnerable populations and a passion for fostering resilience and recovery.
My career began after graduating from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, leading me to pivotal roles in the non-profit sector. Early experiences included serving as a Clinical Manager at Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS) and later as a Clinical Coordinator at Moonview Institute, founded by Gerald M. Levin. My experience in an innovative, high end treatment center allowed for immersion into diverse therapeutic modalities and thoughtful guidance from top professionals.
A significant portion of my career has been dedicated to community mental health and advocacy. My work at the LA LGBT Center as an Outreach/Health Specialist for Crystal Meth Recovery, and as a Research Interventionist at Friends Research Institute (Project Tech Support), provided profound insights into harm reduction, substance use, and HIV prevention, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. These roles, alongside parallel mentorships with Cathy Reback, PhD, Dave Leon, LCSW, Emily Defraites, MD MPH, Andrew Stephanopolous, LMFT, Joseph Kanengiser, LCSW and Gerald M. Levin, inspired me to deepen my clinical expertise by pursuing a graduate degree from California State University, Northridge.
For over five years, I served as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and later a Clinical Supervisor at Step Up on Second, a DMH-contracted agency. This "proving ground" allowed me to provide intensive individual and group psychotherapy and case management to clients across varying levels of functioning, often in field settings. I expanded my professional duties into clinical supervision, group facilitation, and community advocacy, developing and implementing CEU-certified training curricula for staff and providing robust oversight of clinical records and quality assurance. My experience also includes providing individual psychotherapy to formerly homeless, HIV-positive, LGBTQI-identified adults at Alliance for Housing and Healing and working with individuals experiencing persistent mental health issues through OPCC/The People Concern's Integrated Mobile Health Team.
Currently, in my private practice, I collaborate closely with clients, conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized treatment plans. I specialize in providing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and multiculturally-affirming psychological interventions. I maintain a direct contract with UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), focusing on the success and achievement of college-aged students through individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psycho-educational workshops. I also supervise interns and practicum students, imparting knowledge on various theories, interventions, and diagnoses.
My extensive experience across diverse settings – from high-end treatment centers to community-based and field-based services, and with a consistent focus on the LGBTQ+ community and recovery – has provided me with a rich understanding of the multifaceted socio-economic factors influencing mental health and well-being. I am committed to creating a safe and collaborative space where clients can achieve self-understanding, resilience, and navigate life's challenges with greater efficacy.
