our neighborhood: highland park, los angeles
somethings we love about our neighborhood & why we call Highland Park home
Whether you’re new to Highland Park or you’ve called it home for years, you may not know everything our rich, diverse community has to offer. A long-time haven for architecture, activism, and the arts, it’s no coincidence that the Kindman & Co. team chose Highland Park as the home of our Northeast L.A. practice. Many of our team members live in Highland Park and the surrounding areas, so we are truly invested in the neighborhood and our community. When we chose an office location, our team wanted a neighborhood that embodied our mission to be a culturally diverse, social-justice-informed therapy practice. Highland Park’s unique heritage and history seemed like a perfect fit for Kindman & Co. On this page, you can learn more about why we feel so connected to the community here, how the character of the neighborhood informs our practice, and how we resonate with the diversity of the culture and the individuals who call Highland Park home.
Avenue 56 mosaic honoring Rosalio Urias Muñoz, community organizer and activist burning his draft card on August 29, 1969.
the history of highland park
Originally part of a Chumash settlement more than 13,000 years ago and later part of Tongva land, Highland Park has been a haven for arts, culture, eclectic architecture, and progressive thinkers. Some places just call out to artists and creatives, and it seems, from the very beginning, that was the case in Highland Park. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, artisans inspired by the arts and crafts and plein air painting movements as well as poets and intellectuals started to populate the area. In this same time period, Occidental College, California’s oldest liberal arts college, was located in Highland Park, further increasing the draw for creatives. Charles Lummis’ El Alisal was the site of raucous parties called “noises” where artists, creatives, and bohemians came together to celebrate art, life, and culture. In the 1960s and 70s, the Chicana/o art movement rose to popularity, and it remains a driving force in our neighborhood, promoted today by the Avenue 50 Studio and Arroyo Arts Collective.
highland park, los angeles—a historic progressive enclave
In addition to being a haven for the arts, Highland Park’s diversity and culture of inclusivity has brought many progressive thinkers and activists to the area. The Highland Park Ebell Club, one of many named for women’s education supporter Dr. Adrian John Ebell, was founded to promote the rights of women, support the local community, and educate about women and children’s health. Highland Park boasts numerous religious establishments, including the Pillar of Fire Church, which was founded in 1901 by Reverend Alma Wright after she was denied ordination within the Methodist Church because of her gender. It’s also home to Temple Beth Israel, L.A.’s second oldest synagogue that is still running in its original location. Temple Beth Israel was also formed as a result of overcoming gender discrimination—a local woman wanted to study the Torah and brought neighbors together to start a new Jewish community where this was possible.
We could go on about the great neighborhood and all it has to offer –the commercial industry that boomed after Route 66 arrived, the iconic Southwest Museum, the famed Chicken Boy, the historic Sousa-Hinder Bandshell at Sycamore Park, even our banks are works of art – but we encourage you to experience it for yourself! We love it here, and we think you will too. Find out more about the neighborhood and history by visiting us. Take the Highland Park Angels Walk LA self-guided tour. In addition to great information about our unique Highland Park heritage, the walking tour will take you to many of the popular local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques we love to visit between sessions.
supporting creatives & living progressive values
In line with the rich creative and progressive history of Highland Park, our clinicians are committed to offering support for artists and creatives and skilled in doing so. We espouse progressive values, welcome social-minded folks, and advocate for social justice within our community. There’s no better place to serve the entertainment industry leaders, artists and creatives of Northeast L.A., than in the thriving, culturally-rich neighborhood of Highland Park. If you’re an artist, designer, entertainer, or you work in the music or film industry and are looking for therapists who understand the unique challenges associated with being an artist and creative thinker, check out our team of like-minded, curious, and creative therapists in highland park to get started with therapy today!
post-therapy activity ideas in highland park
take advantage of all that highland park has to offer—support local businesses
If you’re coming in to see us for therapy, we hope you’ll consider stopping by and supporting the restaurants and shops in our neighborhood. Below, we’ve recommended some of our favorites within walking distance, but don’t hesitate to ask your therapist for specific recommendations. We’ve tried to primarily highlight businesses that have been long-established in Highland Park and/or owned by BIPOC individuals & families. We love to rave about the great businesses in our neighborhood!
Bionicos La Palapa & Tropical Juice - Both are great options for delicious and fresh juices, bionicos, smoothies, mangonadas, shaved ice, and more!
Homestate - Texas-style tacos that are an L.A. phenomenon. We recommend enjoying on their lovely (and dog-friendly!) alleyway patio and don’t forget the Buñuelos!
Kindness & Mischief Coffee - Coffee shop serving delicious espresso drinks and teas with fun food offerings. We love their Matcha Lattes and Seasonal Special coffee drinks.
Burgerlords - Scrumptious burgers, shakes, and fries with flavors the most similar to In ‘N Out that we’ve tried! Both Meat & Vegan options available.
Civil Coffee - Café serving specialty coffees, teas, and breakfast and lunch fare with indoor and outdoor seating. We recommend ordering The Arroyo or The Figueroa for a fun caffeine fix.
Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria - Family owned and operated since 1985 in Highland Park. Offering 8 different flavors of pupusas and delicious Curtido!
ideas for date nights after coming to relationship/couple therapy:
Highland Park Florist - We regularly get fresh floral bouquets from this wonderful flower shop next to the Highland Park Farmer’s Market. They have a wonderful selection of wildflowers that make great gifts for your loved ones.
Checker Hall - We love this chic, yet cozy, restaurant across the street from our office! The food is delicious Mediterranean small plates—perfect for sharing! The ideal place for a spontaneous and romantic dinner for you and your partner(s).
Blind Barber - Walk through the back of the barber shop and you’ll find delightful and fun “retro den.” A fabulous bar for imaginative cocktails and an extensive grilled cheese menu. AND, this speakeasy is just a block away.
HIPPO - A favorite among our staff for celebrating work anniversaries, you’ll find this superb & modern, Italian restaurant just a few blocks walk up Figueroa from our office. Honestly, everything is delicious!
Jeni’s - Though not a locally established business, Jeni’s Scoop Shop is perfect for a quick ice cream date after couple therapy or a much-needed, sweet, pick-me-up on a tough day. We love their inventive flavors!
You can also check out this Highland Park itinerary from Los Angeles Magazine for suggestions of things to do while you’re here for therapy!
let's begin.
You are not in this alone. You were never meant to be. Each and every one of us innately possesses strengths to live more enriching, joyful lives; let us help you to (re) connect to your strengths to find well-being.
