(she/her)
Therapy for anxiety, depression, psychosis, and self-doubt. For the curious, the sensitive, and the ones who've been told they're “too much.” If you’re here, maybe you’re carrying a lot. And maybe you’re finally ready to understand why. I work best with clients who are curious, self-aware, and ready to get into the real stuff — not just the “I’m fine” script. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the aftershocks of a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I work with adults (mostly 26–46) who are insightful, emotionally intelligent, and ready to explore the patterns beneath their symptoms. My clients often identify as women, queer, gay, or somewhere in between. I also love working with family members of folks with serious mental illness (SMI) — and with people living with SMI themselves. You might be a student juggling survival and identity, or a person who’s held it together for too long. Maybe you've been misunderstood by providers in the past — labeled “too much” or “treatment resistant.” I see you differently. I’m pro-medicine, pro-choose-if-you-want-medicine, and pro-you-get-to-decide-what-healing-looks-like. (And honestly? Medication saved my life.) We’ll work together to figure out what works for you — whether that’s weekly therapy, biweekly check-ins, or monthly deep dives. This is a space for unlearning shame, untangling patterns, and giving yourself permission to take up space — even when it feels hard. Let’s get into the layers. Let’s do the work.
In our first session, I’m not here to judge — I’m here to understand. As much as I’d love to know everything, I try to lead with listening. I might ask some guiding questions to help us find our rhythm, but mostly, I want to know what’s on your heart. What finally made you reach out? What’s that thing you’ve been carrying — the one you wonder if people can see, even when you don’t say it out loud? I’ll be writing things down — not because I’m distant, but because your story matters, and I want to hold onto the details with care. We’ll talk about the frequency, intensity, and impact of your symptoms — how they’re showing up in your life and what they might be keeping you from. I may ask hard questions — about trauma, history, or pain — but we don’t have to open every door right away. You set the pace. This first session is about connection, safety, and understanding where you are — so we can start building toward where you want to go. Most of all, I hope you leave thinking: I trust her. I can do this. I’ll come back. Because that’s where real healing begins — in trust, in relationship, in choosing to return.
I can hold space — deeply, nonjudgmentally, and with a lot of heart. Whether you're in crisis, spiraling with anxiety or OCD, or just trying to make sense of patterns that keep repeating, I bring a grounded, steady energy into the room. Years of working in community and crisis mental health have taught me how to stay present, even when things feel messy or overwhelming. I use metaphors (sometimes real-world, sometimes metaverse-level) to help make the abstract more understandable. I show up with empathy, but I’m also here to reflect things back, to challenge gently when needed, and to help you realign with what matters most — especially when you feel disconnected from it. I take this work seriously because I know how much courage it takes to show up. If you’re ready to go deep, I’ll meet you there. And if you’re not quite ready, I’ll hold the space until you are. Healing isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about getting clearer, more rooted, and more fully you — and I’m here for that.
Therapy for anxiety, depression, and self-doubt — especially for Latina women, queer folks, and deep feelers. Many of my clients are Latine, and identify as straight or queer women in their 20s to 40s. I also work with LGBTQIA+ folks, especially women and gay men, as well as clients from diverse backgrounds including Filipino, Lebanese, Black, and white communities. My clients are often navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, or the complexities of living with (or loving someone with) schizophrenia or serious mental illness. They’re not here for surface-level sessions — they’re here for depth, honesty, and clarity. Many are first-gen or carry cultural expectations they’re trying to unpack with care. If you’re ready to explore the patterns beneath your pain, open to growth, and want a therapist who brings both clinical skills and cultural understanding, I might be the right fit.
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
AvMed
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Integrative
I believe therapy should be as unique as the person sitting across from me. Rather than relying on a single therapeutic approach, I thoughtfully blend evidence-based therapies to meet your individual needs, personality, and goals. As we work together, I'll tailor our sessions based on what will be most helpful in the moment—whether that's gaining insight into long-standing patterns, building practical coping skills, processing difficult experiences, or working toward meaningful change. My goal is to create a collaborative and flexible therapeutic experience that grows with you.
Trauma Informed Care
Healing begins with feeling safe, heard, and understood. I recognize that trauma can affect every aspect of your life—including your emotions, relationships, physical well-being, and sense of self—which is why I believe in caring for the whole person, not just the symptoms. Through a trauma-informed, whole-person approach, we'll create a space built on trust, collaboration, and compassion. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you, honoring your experiences while building on your strengths and supporting meaningful, lasting healing.
Psychodynamic
Sometimes the challenges we experience today have roots we don't immediately recognize. Our early relationships, life experiences, and learned ways of coping can quietly shape how we see ourselves, navigate emotions, and connect with others. Using a psychodynamic approach, we'll gently explore those patterns together, making meaningful connections between your past and present. As your understanding grows, you'll have the opportunity to develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and the freedom to make choices that better align with the life you want to create.
Motivational Interviewing
Change can be complicated. Even when you know what you want, it's common to feel stuck, uncertain, or pulled in different directions. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I use Motivational Interviewing to help you explore those mixed feelings without judgment. Rather than telling you what you "should" do, I'll ask thoughtful questions, help you identify what truly matters to you, and support you in finding the motivation and confidence to make changes that feel authentic and sustainable.our own motivation for change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Sometimes therapy isn't about unpacking every detail of the past—it's about figuring out what will help you move forward today. Using a Solution-Focused approach, we'll identify your strengths, recognize what's already working, and build practical strategies that align with your goals. Together, we'll focus on realistic, meaningful progress while celebrating the small victories that create lasting change.
3 ratings with written reviews
November 11, 2025
My first session with Dr. Mikaela felt like exhaling a breath I couldn’t seem to let go of on my own. I felt comfortable sharing and I am hopeful about the progress I will make while seeing her.
April 25, 2025
Dr. Zuniga is an amazing listener who makes it known to you that you’re heard. I always feel comfortable talking to her about raw uncomfortable emotions I have that she helps me process. I appreciate how she always uses scholarly sources to guide me with techniques, definitions, and worksheets. She also understands what I need as a person to help individualize my plan to me.
March 7, 2025
Very welcoming and warm. Understanding and polite. Great first impression