(she/her)
Hi there! My name is Erica Smith Jimenez and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I have experience working with children, couples, families and individuals for the last 25 years in various capacities. I have worked in a number of schools (TK-12th grades and in an expulsion school), in a residential facility with children and in a community mental health clinic. I have worked with young children, teens, adults, couples and families and have been involved in group therapy.
An initial session is often focused on context and information connected to the reasons for seeking therapy. Often times that first session is a time to build connection and rapport while developing a better understanding of each client's needs. I often ask lots of questions and discuss goals for therapy in order to assure clarity on client needs. I work hard to help a client feel comfortable and bring my authentic style so they might be able to get a sense of me as a person, too.
I bring my authentic self to every session. I am direct, but also very thoughtful and gentle in the ways that I challenge clients. I use humor, am an excellent listener and feel that validation is essential. I work hard to understand underlying issues that promote the challenges that clients navigate. I really enjoy and appreciate all clients from all walks of life in a non-judgmental way and truly want my clients to feel their best.
-I enjoy working with teens as they navigate their understanding of themselves and develop their identities. -I love working with young women as they navigate relationships, motherhood and all the unique experiences specific to women. -I enjoy working with a variety of clients who want to better understand emotions, communication skills and ways to cope with daily challenges. -I have worked in many capacities with children and truly value work with parents, offering support and guidance as needed.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $130 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have found that building awareness about how we are influenced by our thoughts can be very powerful. Even more importantly, being able to shift our mindset and develop a more helpful way of thinking can contribute to improved feelings and ultimately in altering overall functioning.
Attachment-based
Relationships are critical in our lives. Understanding patterns and pitfalls illuminated through investigating attachments can help us in identifying needs as well as improving connection with others.
Couples Counseling
I am available for therapy for couples in any type of partnership and share a nurturing and direct style in supporting efforts to improve communication and connection.
Strength-Based
I feel it is essential to come from a strength-based approach in all therapeutic work. I appreciate all people and always seek to understand each individual's unique strengths in order to foster change while including this standpoint while working towards goals in therapy. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, understood and valued as they navigate all aspects of their lives and work to make their desired improvements.
6 ratings with written reviews
January 26, 2026
Listened and asked questions to further understand where I stand and how I feel. But also challenged me with questions that can help me better understand myself and how I can move and feel better in this world. Felt like I've known her for awhile and I love that.
December 18, 2025
Very Helpful and understanding.
May 21, 2025
Working with Erica has been extremely positive. She brings a rare blend of warmth, insight, and professionalism to every session, creating a space that feels both safe and deeply productive. Erica offers reflections and guidance that are always thoughtful, relevant, and empowering. Whether we're tackling tough issues or just processing the week, I always leave our sessions feeling seen, understood, and better equipped to move forward.