Often rebooked
"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are." - Rachel Naomi Remen Hello! I am Lauresha Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH. I am the CE0 and Founder of Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., which is located in California. I am licensed in the state of California and Alaska. I am independently contracted with Grow Therapy. With trust and rapport as the foundation of our therapeutic alliance, my approach is eclectic in style and based on meeting the unique needs of who I serve. Possessing a passion for serving and inspiring people from all walks of life, I have experience working with individuals who have challenges with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and perinatal mental health disorders. I have 14 years of experience in the field of social worker, where 8 of those years have been as a mental health professional in many work settings, like residential therapeutic treatment facilities, behavioral health outpatient clinic, and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. Further, working with a trauma-informed lens, guides my passionate commitment to serving disadvantaged youth, adults, and mature adults, including vulnerable and at-risk populations such as our LGBTQIA+ and dual-diagnoses.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our initial session, clients can anticipate concise introductions. Recognizing the profound positive impact of laughter, clients may also encounter moments of levity, contingent upon the appropriateness of the situation. Further, clients can anticipate a comprehensive clinical assessment that will facilitate the customization of their treatment plan. Additionally, a discussion regarding the potential compatibility between the provider and client will be conducted.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My commitment to authenticity and dedication to my practice is unwavering. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients to express themselves freely. I firmly believe that therapy is a collaborative process grounded in our therapeutic relationship, nurtured through meaningful conversations. My communication style is characterized by rapport-building, adaptability, and charisma. I prioritize being non-judgmental and an active listener, ensuring that my clients feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves authentically. Despite my kindness, politeness, and well-intentioned nature, I recognize the delicate balance between teaching and modeling appropriate communication. As a provider, I am confident that my greatest strength lies in my assertiveness, honesty, and accountability, which enable my clients to continue growing and thriving beyond the termination of therapy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I find great satisfaction in working with adolescents, transitional age youth, and adults (16-25) during a critical developmental stage where they can make significant life changes. I’m committed to collaborating with individuals willing to actively participate in their mental health recovery, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.
Eclectic
Working in a many settings within the behavioral health and healthcare sector, I am able to utilize this therapy approach to focus on the most relevant techniques from a plethora of evidence-based therapy modalities together or interchangeably in order to promote an effective, individualized treatment plan over the course of treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, who utilizes this treatment to assist clients in changing their thinking patterns. As a means to help clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT also allows providers to guide in dissecting dysfunctional thoughts and reframing, to make the dysfunctional thoughts more accurate.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist, who utilizes this treatment to assist clients in understanding and accepting their emotions, learning to manage them, and to make positive changes in their lives. Homework is often given as a tool to practice these skills in-between sessions.
5 ratings with written reviews
October 6, 2025
Ms Lauresha is an amazing therapist, she is very intelligent and passionate about what she does. I’ve tried several and I am grateful to have found her.
May 3, 2025
I appreciate how Ms. Lauresha’s sessions with me are lead with my voice. I love our dynamic, and how she listens to me. She makes me feel comfortable and heard. I feel seen and acknowledged when I share my life with Ms. Lauresha. I’m really glad to be on this healing journey with her.
March 23, 2025
Amazing!