Valley Anger Management Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & How It Works

What Is Valley Anger Management?

Valley Anger Management is a California-based company that provides in-person and online anger and stress management classes. Online classes can be taken individually or in a group setting, or you can choose a self-paced online course that can be accessed from any web browser. Self-paced online classes start at $65 for an 8-hour course and $31 a session for instructor-led Zoom classes.

If you’re taking the online self-paced anger management class, you can purchase the class on their website and begin the lessons at your convenience. If you choose to take an instructor-led Zoom course with other students, Valley Anger Management asks you to call the office to register. They do this to ensure that clients are serious about attendance and understand the expectations of participating in a Zoom class.

Valley Anger Management’s instructors who create the curriculum and teach the courses are all anger management certified counselors. Their lessons are composed of reading materials, visual aids, and exercises that cover a wide range of anger and stress-related topics. Students in the self-paced class will have to take an online final exam, and students in the Zoom courses will participate in an exit interview with their instructor. Once you’ve completed all of the lessons and passed the final exam or exit interview, a downloadable certificate of completion will become available, or you can call the office and ask them to mail a hard copy to you.

Who Is Valley Anger Management Right For?

Valley Anger Management will be a great choice if you’re looking for peer-to-peer interaction, you prefer live instruction, or you’re interested in an optional stress management class.

You’re Looking for Peer-to-Peer Interaction

There are a lot of self-paced online anger management courses available that allow you to take the course on your own schedule, but managing an online class alone isn’t for everyone. If you prefer group learning environments that encourage interaction, Valley Management is a terrific choice. They host anger management classes via Zoom for up to ten students.

You Prefer Live Instruction

For those who learn better with live instruction, Valley Anger Management would be an excellent option. Valley Anger Management’s Zoom classes are taught by instructors that are certified anger management counselors. Zoom classes are offered every day except for Friday, and you can choose to attend one-on-one meetings with an instructor or group lessons.

You Want an Optional Stress Management Class

The link between anxiety and anger is strong, and people who deal with high levels of stress are more likely to experience anger.¹ If you’re hoping to learn coping strategies and skills to lower your stress and anxiety to help manage anger, Valley Anger Management offers optional stress management classes.

Who May Want an Alternative to Valley Anger Management?

You may want an alternative to Valley Anger Management if it doesn’t meet your state’s court requirements or you want to purchase classes that don’t expire.

It Doesn’t Meet Your State’s Court Requirements

If you’re taking a court-mandated anger management class, it’s highly recommended to check with your lawyer, probation officer, or court officials about what programs meet the requirements. While many online anger management programs say that they’re accepted nationwide, remember that state requirements vary. Valley Anger Management’s program is heavily built around California’s requirements, so you may need an alternative if you’re in another state.

You Want Classes That Don’t Expire

While many people aim to complete their anger management course as quickly as possible, others may want to take their time or spread the lessons out over weeks or months. If you’re afraid that your class with Valley Anger Management might expire, you can look at a few alternatives. For instance, Anger Class Online offers a comparable program, but there is no time limit.

To learn more about this program, check out our in-depth review of Anger Class Online.

Participant Reviews and Testimonials

I was only able to find a limited number of online reviews and testimonials on Valley Anger Management’s Facebook page and two reviews on Sitejabber. There was only one complaint about a billing issue, and most of the other reviews were positive but brief. Those who recommended Valley Anger Management stated appreciation for the course structure and their sympathetic approach.

Billing Issue

Only one online review was negative, and it involved a payment issue. The client stated that they were charged twice and wanted a refund, but the administrator would not provide one. There were no responses from the company to this review, and no other complaints were made by other reviewers regarding billing.

Good Course Structure

I wasn’t too surprised to see reviewers sharing appreciation for the structure of the program. I spoke with Mike Mireskandari, the president of Valley Anger Management, about their curriculum, and he was very knowledgeable on the most current anger management techniques and strategies and provided a straightforward overview of the program. It’s clear that his experience and expertise are apparent in the course design and structure.

Sympathetic Approach

Another reviewer mentioned that they felt that their instructor approached them with compassion and understanding. Those who are court-ordered to take anger management classes are typically dealing with tough situations and strong emotions. It’s nice to hear that Valley Anger Management’s team, who are all certified anger management counselors, provides a safe and welcoming environment for participants.

How Much Does Valley Anger Management Cost?

Valley Anger Management self-paced online classes start at $65 for an 8-hour class and $31 a session for Zoom classes with a live instructor.

How to Get Started with Valley Anger Management

Getting started with one of Valley Anger Management’s self-paced classes is a simple and straightforward process.

1. Visit the Valley Anger Management website
2. Click on Online Classes at the top of the main page
3. Choose the anger course you would like to take
4. Click on Register Here
5. Enter your information
6. Begin taking your first anger management class

If you’re interested in taking a live instructor-led Zoom class individually or with a group, the company asks that you call the office directly to schedule those sessions: (818) 704-8166.

Valley Anger Management: Detailed Review

Valley Anger Management offers anger management training in several different formats, including self-paced online classes, in-person group sessions, Zoom group sessions, and one-on-one meetings. Classes are taught by certified anger management counselors. Costs start at $65 for an 8-hour class and $31 a session for Zoom classes with a live instructor.

Valley Anger Management Course Content

I had an opportunity to view an outline of Valley Anger Management’s classes. The course content was laid out clearly and included notable topics that can help students learn to manage anger and communicate more effectively. The course starts with appropriate introductory content, like exploring why these types of classes are important and how it’s possible to change aggressive thoughts and behaviors.

The lessons build on one another, and the students are gradually exposed to more elevated topics, like the effects of stress on the mind and body, critical thinking skills, and emotional intelligence. As a former anger management instructor, I can confidently say that I was impressed with their curriculum and the quality of the content covered.

Valley Anger Management  Vs. Competitors

Valley Anger Management is a great resource for anger management lessons, but it’s not the only online program available. Below are summaries of two of its top competitors.

Valley Anger Management Vs. Open Path

Open Path and Valley Anger Management share a few key similarities. They both offer self-paced online anger management classes, their curriculums are created by experts, and students can receive a certificate of completion upon finishing their course. They both offer additional resources, but these extras look a little different in each company. For instance, Valley Anger Management offers live Zoom classes with a certified instructor, and Open Path offers several other court-ordered classes and wellness classes.

The biggest difference is the price. With Open Path, you pay a one-time registration fee of $4.99, and you gain access to all of their online courses. You only pay extra for an official certificate of completion (starting at $17). Valley Anger Management is more expensive, but your certificate is included, and they have the option of live courses.

To learn more about this program, check out our in-depth review of Open Path.

Valley Anger Management  Vs. Anger Class Online

Anger Class Online and Valley Anger Management are quite comparable, with a shared focus on anger and stress management over other court-ordered or personal development classes. Their curriculums and prices are similar, and they both offer certificates of completion.

Again, Valley Anger Management stands out because it has a live component, whereas Anger Class Online is an exclusively self-paced program that you complete on your own schedule. If you’re interested in taking a Zoom class with a certified anger management counselor, Valley Anger Management would be a better choice.

Valley Anger Management Review – Key Takeaways

• Downloadable certificates of completion are available upon finishing the course.
• Self-paced online classes eventually expire: 8-hour classes and 12-hour classes expire after three months, 26-hour classes expire after six months, and 52-hour classes expire after one year.
• Course curricula are consistently updated to showcase the most current information on anger management.
• You must check with your probation officer, lawyer, or court officials to determine if Valley Anger Management classes will meet your state’s requirements.
• Students in the self-paced class will have to pass a final test to earn a certificate of completion. Students in the Zoom classes will participate in an exit interview with their instructor.

Final Verdict

Valley Anger Management proves to be a strong player in the anger management educational field. I would recommend Valley Anger Management to anyone needing to fulfill court requirements, but more importantly, anyone who has the desire to learn current techniques on managing anger for better relationships, professional development, or personal growth.

How Has Valley Anger Management Evolved?

Valley Anger Management is a California-based company created by Mike Mireskandari. Mireskandari, who is the company’s president, shares that he has always had a passion for mental health services and is constantly researching new ways to improve anger management techniques. Mike Mireskandari has even been featured on several reality TV shows as an anger management counselor.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mireskandari, and it was clear to me that he truly cares about the quality of his content. “Older methods of controlling anger aren’t necessarily relevant in today’s world. We’re always upgrading our curriculum to meet the changing environment and improving the anger management techniques,” Mireskandari says.²

Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Anger Management

Can This Class Be a Substitute for Anger Therapy or Counseling?

Classes are meant for educational purposes and should not be a substitute for therapy.

How Long Do I Have to Complete the Program?

The self-paced classes have expiration dates, so it’s wise to check how long you can access your program after registering. According to their Terms of Use, 8-hour classes and 12-hour classes expire after three months, 26-hour classes expire after six months, and 52-hour classes expire after one year.

How Do I Access the Classes?

Self-paced classes can be accessed through the Valley Anger Management website, and live classes can be accessed through Zoom. You’ll receive your Zoom schedule when you call to register.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Completion? How Long Does it Take to Receive One?

A certificate of completion can be mailed to you within a few business days, or you can download a copy once you complete the course.

Will I Work With an Instructor, or Is this Self-Paced Learning?

You can choose to work with an instructor or take an online self-paced class.

Are There Tests? What if I Don’t Pass?

The Zoom classes do not have a test. Instead, the instructors conduct an exit interview with students at the end of their program. There is an online exam for the self-paced course. I asked Mike Mireskandari, the president of Valley Anger Management, about final exams, what is considered a passing score, and if students are allowed to retake the test, and he did not wish to make that information public.

Does Valley Anger Management Offer Refunds?

Refunds are not offered for the live Zoom classes, but you may inquire about potential refunds if you’re dissatisfied with your online self-paced class. To learn more, you can check out Valley Anger Management’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Conditions.