Therapists in California

I’m Melissa Lapides, and my work centers around attachment. If you’re dating or in a relationship, we’re going to look at how your early experiences shaped the way you connect, protect, pursue, withdraw, or repeat the same patterns over and over. Together, we make sense of why you’re experiencing the challenges you’re having — not from a place of blame, but from understanding. I work with both individuals and couples to help them build more harmonious relationships rooted in emotional safety, secure connection, and real love and intimacy. When you understand your attachment style and nervous system, your relationship patterns stop feeling confusing and start feeling workable. I’m warm, direct, and grounded — think compassionate but honest. I’ll hold space for your pain, and I’ll also gently call you forward when you’re ready. I believe most struggles make sense in the context of your story and your nervous system, not because something is “wrong” with you. My goal is to help you feel more regulated, more connected, and more empowered in your relationships and your life. Healing doesn’t have to be dramatic — it can be steady, real, and deeply transformative.

Hello, my name is Gabriel Perfecto, LMFT - I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at San Jose State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco. Throughout my career, I've worked in community mental health clinics serving those with severe mental illness and a criminal justice history. I've worked with Santa Clara County's Mobile Crisis Response Team to assist community individuals who may be experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Additionally, I've conducted therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples within the private practice space. I enjoy utilizing a wide range of clinical modalities which include a person-centered approach and combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Gottman Method for couples.

I’m a licensed therapist who works with people who tend to think deeply, feel intensely, and want more than surface-level change. My approach is integrative and depth-oriented, drawing from a handful of therapeutic modalities that I find the most meaningful and supportive. This allows us to explore both the underlying patterns shaping your experiences and the practical ways those patterns show up in your day-to-day life. I draw from evidence-based approaches while keeping the work grounded and human. Above all, I aim to offer a space where you can feel understood, challenged in the right ways, and supported as you move toward a version of your life that feels more like your own.

I meet clients where they are, offering a safe, compassionate space for growth. I use honesty, empathy, and humor to empower clients to transform trauma and addiction into meaning and resilience. I have helped clients achieve freedom from self-doubt and live life with more confidence, courage, and clarity. By re-organizing our inner system we can achieve change in our outer world, feeling a greater sense of overall well-being and satisfaction. I believe that we are all capable of healing and have an internal resource that is accessible no matter what.

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristen Montiel. If you’re here, chances are something in your relationship, or within yourself, feels harder than it should. You might be: -Overthinking, anxious, or needing reassurance in relationships - Feeling disconnected from your partner, even when things seem to be going okay -Trying to repair after a betrayal or affair and unsure how to move forward - You are a high-achieving, self-aware person who’s frustrated that insight hasn’t led to change yet I specialize in working with high-achieving individuals and couples, including those navigating affair recovery, parenthood, anxiety, and relationship disconnection. I know searching for a therapist can be a daunting process but I'm so glad you're here! With over 15 years of experience and training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I help clients understand the deeper patterns driving their experiences and how to actually change them. My goal is to help you feel more secure, connected, and confident in your relationships and in yourself.

Thirty years in this field has taught me one profound truth: change is incredibly uncomfortable—especially when it is forced upon us by life's heavy challenges. As a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience in health and mental health settings, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and practical, real-world strategies to our sessions. My approach is both highly empathetic and pragmatic. I don't just offer a listening ear; I partner with you to navigate the profound disruptions of chronic illness, major life transitions, and loss. Together, we will help you discover new, healthier ways of relating to yourself, to others, and to a changing world. If you are ready to face these challenges and build a meaningful, satisfying life, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome! Taking the step to enter therapy is an act of courage, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered. ​In our work together, I tailor my approach to your unique needs, integrating evidence-based frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within a warm, humanistic foundation. Whether you are navigating life transitions, addressing relationship challenges, or seeking greater emotional balance, we will work collaboratively to build practical coping tools, harness your personal strengths, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Over the past two decades, I have dedicated my career to the mental health field, spending the last 12 years providing direct, transformative clinical therapy. My entry into this profession was driven by a profound passion to assist individuals in overcoming internal barriers, discovering lasting peace, and optimizing their overall quality of life. Today, my private practice delivers highly specialized individual care by seamlessly integrating four premier, evidence-based modalities: EMDR, CBT, CBT-I, and DBT. This advanced clinical toolkit allows me to treat the full spectrum of psychological needs, ranging from mild situational stressors and acute insomnia to severe, complex trauma and emotional dysregulation.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in California. For the past 10 years I have worked with children and adults to address issues with trauma, self esteem, anger management, crisis management, suicide ideation, relationships, anxiety and depression. In Addition, I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Functional Family Therapy and as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.

Hi, I'm Armando Ozuna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Veritas Mindful Acceptance, a bilingual (English/Spanish) private practice based in Bakersfield, California. I work primarily through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, drawing on CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, and trauma-informed, polyvagal-aware approaches to help clients build a more workable relationship with their thoughts and feelings.

Welcome! I’m Emily. I am a licensed psychotherapist working in the Sacramento area. My therapy practice welcomes children, adolescents, adults, and families. I operate from the framework that through our shared humanity, we can find connection, understanding, and healing. As a humanistic and psychodynamic therapist, my practice emphasizes genuineness, self-discovery, and uncovering unconscious behaviors and patterns within a non-judgmental and empathic space

Hi. My name is Fiana and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a therapist for over 20 years. My therapeutic approach is versatile, tailored to each individual's unique journey and stage of life. I specialize in EMDR, DBT, and Group Therapy, recognizing that the path to healing is as diverse as the individuals seeking it. Over the course of my extensive experience as a therapist, I've come to realize that every individual possesses the inherent capacity to heal, harboring an innate reservoir of resources waiting to be tapped. By approaching our experiences through a lens of kindness, self-compassion, and non-judgment, profound transformation can unfold.

I specialize in anxiety, trauma and Complex PTSD, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and an attachment-based approach, I help adults understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck, process difficult emotions, and develop a greater sense of emotional security. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. Together, we work toward meaningful change, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection with yourself. You don’t have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy—I invite you to come as you are.

With over a decade of clinical experience, I provide a grounded, client-centered approach to navigating complex life transitions. I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Cal-Poly Humboldt and have since dedicated my practice to helping individuals and families resolve deep-seated conflict. My work is focused on empowering you to master anxiety, improve communication, and navigate the specific nuances of men’s issues and relational dynamics. Beyond the therapy room, I serve as Associate Faculty in Psychology. This role ensures that our work remains rooted in the latest developmental research and psychological science. I don’t view therapy as a passive process, but as a deliberate partnership designed to foster resilience and clarity. I believe that every individual holds the expertise over their own life. My job isn't to rewrite your history, but to help you glean insights from it. Together, we move past the surface to uncover genuine passions and confront the challenges that stand in your way, transforming your personal trials into the foundation of your growth.

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist and credentialed art therapist (ATR-P) with experience working across the lifespan—from childhood through later life—and with multigenerational families. I use a developmental and family-systems perspective, recognizing that every life stage brings distinct needs involving safety, independence, competence, identity, relationships, purpose, caregiving, loss, and meaning. I help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, grief, cultural stress, family conflict, and major transitions through conversation, practical tools, and creative approaches when helpful. Art is always optional.

Greetings! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from California State University Dominguez Hills. I believe in one being and operating in their authentic self as well as meeting an individual where they are at emotionally, spiritually and or running on empty. I assist adults struggling with anxiety, depression and life transitions become their authentic self.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with adults and young adults navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and recovery from substance use. My clinical experience has been shaped by years of working in community mental health and substance counseling settings, where I’ve supported individuals from diverse backgrounds facing a wide range of mental health struggles. At the heart of my approach is a strong belief that healing begins when we reconnect with what truly matters to us. I work collaboratively with each client to explore their personal values—helping them gain clarity, build emotional resilience, and make meaningful choices aligned with who they are and who they want to become. My goal is to provide a compassionate, grounded space where you can grow, heal, and move forward at your own pace.

I’m an experienced psychotherapist with a broad clinical background working with clients across the lifespan and a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults—from individuals facing significant mental health challenges and trauma to those simply needing support, clarity, or direction during a difficult season of life. I also support fellow therapists as they navigate personal and professional challenges. I bring that depth of experience to a practice that is warm, collaborative, and practical, helping clients better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Hello, my name is Gabriela, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who enjoys working with clients while focusing on their strengths and experiences to promote their growth and development. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master of Social Work and continue to be based in California. For the past eleven years I have worked with clients to address their concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting, life transitions, behavioral difficulties, traumas, family dynamics and more, providing services in English and Spanish. My approach is strengths based, client centered, and solution focused. I believe that my clients have many strengths and valuable experience that are essential in the therapeutic process. I am excited to see the progress that will be made working together with some honest work and consistency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hola, mi nombre es Gabriela. Soy Trabajadora Social Clínica con Licencia (LCSW) y disfruto trabajar con mis clientes, centrándome en sus fortalezas y experiencias para fomentar su crecimiento y desarrollo. Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en la Universidad del Sur de California (USC) y continúo mi trabajo en California. Durante los últimos once años, he trabajado con clientes para abordar sus inquietudes, incluyendo depresión, ansiedad, crianza, transiciones vitales, dificultades conductuales, traumas, dinámicas familiares y más, brindando mis servicios tanto en inglés como en español. Mi enfoque se basa en las fortalezas, está centrado en el cliente y orientado a la búsqueda de soluciones. Estoy convencida de que mis clientes poseen numerosas fortalezas y experiencias valiosas que resultan fundamentales dentro del proceso terapéutico. Me entusiasma ser testigo del progreso que lograremos juntos mediante un trabajo honesto y constante.

Do you feel held back by experiences you can't seem to move on from? Do you know your goals, but struggle to find the path to get there? Are you looking for a space to better understand yourself, your past, and the person you want to be in the future? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I am here to help you dive into understanding not only how to grow in the present, but also what pieces have come together to create the person you are today. We don't exist in a vacuum, therefore I take a holistic approach that works with the confluence of mental, social, and cultural factors surrounding each individual. One of the most difficult parts of therapy is choosing to begin. Congratulations for making it this far. I would be overjoyed to walk alongside you as you continue on this journey of growth and self-love.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 24 years of clinical experience helping adolescents and adults heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change in their lives. I specialize in working with individuals affected by domestic violence, emotional, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, childhood neglect, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Throughout my career, I have worked in nonprofit community mental health settings in a variety of leadership and clinical roles, including Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor, while maintaining a private practice since 2010. Since 2019, I have focused primarily on private practice and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and support clients through their healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, direct, intuitive, and empowering. I believe people are resilient and capable of change when provided with the right support, tools, and insight. Together, we work to understand how past experiences continue to affect present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and decision-making, while developing practical strategies to improve self-worth, restore functioning, and achieve personal, educational, career, and relationship goals. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches, I tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, strengths, cultural background, and life experiences. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival, reclaim their sense of self, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Hi. My name is Philip Thomas. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT). I received my Masters degree from Argosy University and have been practicing for seven years. I have a passion for helping individuals overcome various obstacles and challenges; as well as helping couples and families create and experience healthy relationships. The clients I serve often describe themselves as people who care for all those around them, while denying themselves proper self care. Through our work together, I support them with developing skills for setting health boundaries while also staying true to their giving nature.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 12 years of experience in the field. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, providing compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, including trauma, depression, and anxiety. I have a successful 12-year career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and have made a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans and their families.

Hi! I'm Kelly Miltenberger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I work towards recognizing your existing skills and strengths and helping you to expand those into stronger, more adaptable ones to help you achieve your goals. For over 15 years I have been working with children and adults from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds. I have a vast range of clinical experience in forensic settings, In-Patient facilities, virtual settings, and schools.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience providing compassionate care across clinics, hospitals, and diverse community setting in Los Angeles. Together, we will actively work side by side to identify your strengths, navigate challenges, and build practical strategies to help you reach your goals.

I believe therapy is most effective when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, sleep problems, grief, life stress and transitions, relationship concerns, caregiver stress, and caring for loved ones with a serious mental illness. I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, and I strive to meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect—without judgment. My approach is practical, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs. Together we’ll work to better understand what’s contributing to your current struggles while building on your strengths and developing tools that help you move toward the life you want. I believe lasting change happens through both insight and action, and therapy should leave you feeling supported, empowered, and hopeful. Whether you’re navigating overwhelming stress, recovering from difficult experiences, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you. My hope is that you leave each session feeling heard, understood, and a little more confident than when you arrived.

I am invested in helping you recognize thinking and (in)action patterns that hold you back or help you flourish. You may gain clarity about attitudes and beliefs informing everyday behaviors. Building motivation and tapping into innate resilience is a major part of the healing journey. The focus can be on lowering stress, increasing safety and security in relationships, and developing healthy self-esteem. This involves exploring current coping and refining skills for various situations and settings. Over time and with practice, you may become more flexible and responsive. You may feel more readiness for new and harder challenges. A gentle exploration of trauma, which is all too often a major source for present distress, is part of the work.

I have 15 years experience working with a wide breadth of individuals. I have a speciality in helping individuals with food struggles, negative body image, anxiety, and depression. I also enjoy working with women's issues in postpartum and perimenopause. I use an integrative strengths-based approach with CBT, psychodynamics and Family Systems techniques. I can help you replace self-destructive behaviors with acceptance and self-love, while offering practical tools for managing emotions and challenging negative thoughts. My approach focuses on building resilience and fostering self-compassion for lasting change.

Hi, I'm Judith ("Judy") Rojas. One thing I've learned in life is that change is constant, but navigating it can feel overwhelming. You don't have to go through it alone. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can gain clarity, develop insight, and strengthen your sense of self. During our first session, my goal is to get to know you, understand what brings you to therapy, and learn about the goals you'd like to work toward. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapy process and explore whether we're a good fit for working together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward growth, healing, and positive change.

Hello, I am an LMFT who works to create an empathic and validating space to set the foundation for clients to express the struggles they are enduring. I am interested in working in a strengths-based way guiding clients to find the answers they need to heal and move forward. I work with the LGBTQQIPA+ individuals, partners and allies who are between the ages of 20-50. I offer specialties in ADHD, Anxiety, Stress, Bi-Polar Disorder, Identity Exploration, Relationship Challenges and those in the midst of Life Transitions. I work with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindful Self-Compassion and Strengths-based therapy to navigate with my client as they take the reins in processing material and learning to cope. I believe in consent-based therapy with open lines of communication. This means that I I want the client to always be in choice when it comes to interventions, practice, treatment goals and beginning, pausing or ending treatment. Also, I am very open to hearing when an insight may or may not resonate. We work collaboratively in order to find what best supports you.

Hello, I’m Maria Fernanda Perez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in a helping capacity for over 22 years. I specialize in working with violence and trauma survivors, teens, adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. I support individuals, couples and families who desire to develop a deeper connection to their body and understanding their actions and behaviors. For many of my clients this looks like symptoms of high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and trauma interfering with their ability to connect with themselves. My traditional mental health and somatic work background has given me a solid foundation in helping others to better finding their inner self. I help my clients build a bridge between their adult self and their inner child through exploration and understanding.

As a supportive therapist, I fully assist clients to achieve empowerment and life of satisfaction. I effectively collaborate with clients to increase self-compassion and supportive social connections to live a life of independence and courage. With non-judgmental empathy, I listen to help clients understand their losses and even unendurable psychological pains, and provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.

Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step into your therapeutic journey! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and my Bachelor's degree from CSU Channel Islands. I have over 14 years of experience working with various populations and settings. I believe that everyone has experienced something that shapes who they are today, and I'm passionate about using my own experiences to support others in achieving their goals and finding resilience. Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, I'm here to provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings, overcome obstacles, and move forward with confidence.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can explore challenges, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is grounded in the belief that each person brings unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives to the therapeutic process. Together, we can identify patterns that may be creating difficulties, develop healthier ways of communicating and coping, and build greater self-awareness and connection. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship that honors each client’s goals, values, and individual journey. utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify irrational thoughts and replace them with rational ones, developing tools to control your emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Based on your unique needs, I may incorporate solution-focused, mindfulness, and psychodynamic techniques to address underlying challenges.

Welcome! How have you been feeling lately? If you have been feeling like something is not right, or that it is time to address something that has been bothering you for a while, then perhaps we should talk. Whether it’s trauma, mood difficulties, low self-esteem, attention issues, interpersonal conflicts, maladaptive habits, pain management, or personality disorders, you are always welcome here. I am Dr. Anton Serzhan, Psy.D. (Dr. Anton), and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologis. For years, I have worked with a variety of populations, including veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, injury recovery patients, and those living with chronic pain. I work with adults of all age groups, both in individual therapy and couples sessions. I specialize in the application of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Assertive Communication Skills (ACS), Insight-Oriented Therapy (IOT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), guided breathing, Validation Therapy (VT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am here to be your guide, your resource, and your support. Ready to change your life? Then here we go!

I am an LCSW working in the Bay Area, with experience in Child Protection/ At-risk family service, Home Health & Hospice service, and community mental health center. My primary clients are the Asian community (new immigrants or their descendants), and I address issues such as stress management, depression, anxiety, and immigration trauma. In my previous work, I have also supported patients dealing with postpartum depression and parenting concerns. Because I have similar experiences, I can empathize with the struggles involved and use insights from Asian traditional culture to better understand your thoughts and feelings in the therapeutic process. I offer counseling services in Chinese, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent you from receiving support. I aim not only to provide you with psychological and emotional support but also to assist you in utilizing community resources to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

25 years experience. I see everybody and I love kids. My approach is psychodynamic rather than cognitive behavioral. Glad to explain the difference to you if you don’t know those terms. I generally see people over a period of at least a few years. And former patients say that they appreciate the results we get.

Hi, my name is Julie. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist based in Los Angeles , CA., where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, supporting you through talking, art making, somatic experiencing, breath work, and mindfulness. Your therapeutic process will be a unique reflection of who you are and what your goals for therapy are.

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with fifteen years of experience working with adolescents, adults and seniors. Fundamentally, I am an Interpersonal Therapist, my approach is client-centered and solution-focused, while the main modalities that I use in my practice are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and ACT. I specialize in working with adults and older adults in recovery from substance abuse/addiction, adjusting to changes in physical health, relationships, grief and end-of-life. I firmly believe that everybody has innate worth and potential to discover, recover, and heal, which is enhanced and refined within the safety of a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I offer you my reflection, understanding, perspective, evidence-based interventions and patience while we process your thoughts, emotions and sensations together

Hi, my name is Angelina Marquez. I grew up on the central coast of California and have two beautiful children. I know life sometimes throws us unexpected challenges that can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless. If you are struggling with life challenges that are impacting your quality of life, I am here to tell you there is hope. Loss is often one of our biggest life challenges that trigger mental health issues. Grief is a natural response to loss, whether that is a loss of a relationship, job, or death of a loved one, it can also bring up thoughts and feelings of past traumas. Processing and learning about loss and grief and what to expect when grieving can help you grow and heal. I graduated from California State University Monterey Bay in 2012 with a Bachelors's in Collaborative Health and Human Services. I went on to work in several different counseling and behavioral health specialist positions until I graduated with a master's in social work in 2018. I have training in various therapeutic modalities and am a certified grief-informed professional. I not only have my own life experiences that brought me to this work; I also have over 10 years of experience working with diverse populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of needs.

As a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over four years of specialized experience, I deliver online therapy for adults. I specialize in helping clients reduce anxiety and navigate major life transitions, including relocation and career changes, and intimate relationship shifts, offering dedicated, personalized support to help you thrive through every shift.

I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for growth. My path began in the theater and the study of Method Acting. This discipline focuses on how internal experience drives outward behavior. I apply this "inside-out" perspective to help you align your internal reality with your external actions. My way of working has evolved over time. I attended top universities and training programs. I was mentored by experts in the origins of trauma, addictions, and relationship difficulties. This foundation allowed me to build a successful group practice in Orange County. During that time, I taught at UC Irvine, chaired the Professional Practice Committee of the Orange County Psychological Association, and sat on its Board of Directors. In the midst of this success, I experienced a personal crisis and divorce. This led me on my own journey of growth. I began an extensive study of Buddhism and meditation which now guides how I live. I spent seven years living in Asia, where I studied with monks and cared for villagers. What I offer now is an integration of strong academic training and Eastern teachings. My decision to become a psychologist grew from a desire to relieve suffering and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence and social connection. I work to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be

You might look like you have it together on the outside—but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Maybe you’re constantly overthinking, carrying a lot on your own, or feeling disconnected from yourself or your relationships. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief/loss, and past trauma. My approach is warm, grounded, and direct. I’ll meet you with empathy, but I’ll also help you understand your patterns, gently challenge what’s no longer serving you, and build practical tools that create real, lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more grounded, understood, and confident in how you move through your life and relationships. I am also a mother of three and the founder of Groundwork Counseling Center, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to mental health care.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. During my undergraduate career at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland I studied Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. I then proceeded to earn a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy in Los Angeles, California from the University of Southern California. I have been providing therapy to children, teens, adults, families, and couples for over 10 years. I am passionate about helping the clients I work with to come into alignment with their truest wants, needs and desires. I strive to support my client's in developing a sense of clarity and direction over their life. My intention is to create a warm, safe, and comfortable space, where client's can feel heard and supported as we work together to navigate the various challenges at hand.

Hey there! Maybe you're here because life hasn't been feeling quite right lately. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety or depression. Maybe you've been feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of what you want anymore. From the outside, things might look fine, but inside, you're wondering, Is this really how I want to keep living? I've always believed that you don't have to have everything figured out before you reach out for help. And therapy isn't about me giving you all the answers. It's about creating a space where we can slow things down, make sense of what's happening, and figure out what comes next. I work primarily with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and that feeling of being lost or stuck. Our sessions aren't meant to be you sitting quietly while I ask you question after question. I like therapy to be engaging, practical, and collaborative. Bring a pen and notebook. We'll talk, reflect, feel, make connections, and come up with things you can actually try between sessions. My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, insight-oriented and solution-focused therapy. I also have EMDR therapy training and am a Certified Breath Coach, giving us different ways to work depending on what you need. You don't need to arrive with everything figured out. We can start from wherever you are.

Hello, my name is Brigitta. I empower individuals to take back their lives by identifying their strengths, identity, and learn useful skills to help develop a future with hope and expectation. Together, we will explore what is making you stuck by utilizing a holistic approach and address issues of the mind, body, and spirit to strengthen you as an individual. I utilize elements of various modalities with each individual to find out where the wounds began, to close the doors to an unresolved past, to reframe negative core beliefs and its maladaptive influence, and to work towards healthy goals for your future. I can integrate faith-based counseling to build resilience and hope at your request. Our sessions will be a place of safety, growth, and rejuvenation for your soul. I will meet you with a non-judgmental and compassionate approach. As we build our therapeutic relationship, the process of healing and restoration will come. I cannot wait to meet you!

Hello, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and have been practicing for eight years. I specialize in men’s issues, major life transitions, and treating work-related stress and anxiety. My expertise includes trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, collaborative problem-solving, and mental health treatment. I am committed to expanding access to quality mental health care for children, families, and adults, helping individuals build resilience and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Hola! My name is Brianna and I’m so glad you’re here. The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and I feel honored that you are considering doing that with me. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. On our therapeutic journey, I welcome you just the way you are so that we can work to create an authentic life balance that will support your success, wellness and happiness. Whatever it is, telling your story to someone who cares and accepts the most authentic version of you, is the first step toward healing. I want to work with you to help you figure out how to solve challenges and find the most authentic version of yourself so that you can live the life you’ve always envisioned. I received my Masters from CSU San Jose State and have been supporting clients for 8 years.

Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown

Hello, my name is Maria Genter Hester I am a licensed marriage family therapist they have been in private practice on and off for about 20 years. I love working with families and teens I have a specialty in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, I also have training in dealing with perinatal loss, abortion, miscarriage and grief. I love helping people who are interested in using their faith background to further their healing and achieve the life that they want. Most of my training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems. I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco, I reside in San Diego. I love the outdoors, hiking beach, art, cooking, and activities with my family and friends.