Licensed to practice in California and accepts 21 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, LGBTQ, Trauma and PTSD and 3 more.
Hi, I'm Jason Markel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 9 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, and struggles with self-worth. Many of the people I work with have spent years taking care of others, second-guessing themselves, or trying to meet expectations that don't truly fit who they are. They often feel exhausted, disconnected, or stuck repeating patterns that no longer serve them. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself, understand what's holding you back, and begin creating a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine human connection. I believe lasting change happens when people feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences without judgment. Together, we'll work to build self-trust, strengthen boundaries, improve relationships, and help you move toward the life you want rather than the life you feel obligated to live. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, identity questions, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you feel more confident, connected, and empowered in your daily life.
During our first session, my main priority is helping you feel comfortable, supported, and heard. Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions — including anxiety, uncertainty, or even relief — and we will move at a pace that feels right for you. Some clients prefer to take things slowly and spend time building trust before discussing deeper concerns, while others feel ready to jump right into what’s been weighing on them. Both approaches are completely okay. My role is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and create a space where you can speak openly and honestly. In our first session, we will begin getting to know each other, explore what brings you to therapy, discuss any goals or concerns you may have, and start identifying ways we can work together toward meaningful change. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable, safe, and connected in the therapeutic process.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is helping people reconnect with themselves. Many of my clients have spent years adapting to others' expectations, questioning their needs, or feeling disconnected from their authentic selves. I provide a compassionate and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences without judgment, build confidence in your own voice, and develop healthier relationships with yourself and others.
I am best aligned with clients who are motivated to do deep, introspective work. Additionally, I work from a stance of building a wonderful relationship with each of my clients so they feel seen, heard and valued. My approach is very interactive and relational, so clients who appreciate that are a good match for me.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
AvMed
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Psychodynamic
My experience with this type of treatment is extensive as it is my primary approach. Over time and through building good rapport, we help to uncover how conscious and unconscious beliefs shape your world, experiences and outcomes.
5 ratings with written reviews
March 24, 2026
He has been great with guiding back to a positive attitude about life
March 16, 2026
Jason makes me feel comfortable in opening up. He’s a great listener and is very open-minded. He asks me questions that help me understand myself and/or my situations from different perspectives and often allows me to see things I hadn’t seen before. I like the little self-challenges that help me take steps to improving myself or the way I view my “problems”.
August 6, 2025
I can’t possibly recommend Jason highly enough. You simply won’t find a more caring, understanding, and skillful therapist. He’s been a true life-changer for me!