Aetna Therapists in California

Having worked in the field of mental health since 2013 I have been fortunate enough to work in settings that have allowed me to work with a large variety of individuals experiencing a diverse range of symptoms and disorders. I am passionate about helping people improve the qualities of their lives and regain a sense of control. I have been trained in and utilized CBT, DBT, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Seeking Safety, and EMDR. Over the years I have built upon my interactional style and am comfortable with working most adult populations. I am most comfortable with trauma focused work but also have a lot of experience in working with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, grief, and life stage transitions.

I am curious and like to ask questions to get to know my clients as fully as possible. I try not to make assumptions and do my best to meet my clients where they are and keep us focused on their goals. I have a background in short-term therapy as well as ongoing, open-ended therapy. I want my clients to feel supported but also know they are independent adults.

We all experience life's challenges, feel alone, stuck and unsure what to do sometimes. I understand, it can be scary, seeking professional help for personal issues. I also know, therapy can be deeply healing, when one can open up and take the first step towards mental well-being and self-love! My name is Janaelyn Mitchell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides individual therapy and coaching.

Hi there, I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, based in Ventura County, California. I earned my B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (with an emphasis in Families and Couples) from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. I have worked in various mental health settings over the last 15 years which brings a level of expertise and true understanding of lived experiences. I have specialities in family systems, relational difficulties, perimenopause/menopause as well as depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Hi there, my name is Trish, For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping people through life’s challenges and changes. I believe that everyone has a story, and sometimes we need a safe place to be heard, understood, and accepted. I offer a warm, caring space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening in your life, what you need, and what you hope to change.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, CA. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals with severe trauma histories - including those impacted by incarceration and those experiencing homelessness. I specialize in working with individuals with childhood trauma, which can manifest in adulthood in a myriad of ways. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction and PTSD.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I specialize in helping couples strengthen their connection, improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate relationship challenges with greater understanding and intimacy. Using a holistic, mindfulness-centered approach, I support partners in identifying negative relationship patterns, fostering emotional safety, and developing healthier ways of connecting with one another. In addition to my work with couples, I draw on my extensive background in family services to support individuals and families through emotional, relational, and life transitions. My experience as a therapist and entrepreneur, including multiple women’s empowerment ventures, allows me to bring both clinical expertise and real-world perspective to the therapeutic process. My goal is to help clients create meaningful, lasting change and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

Hi! I’m Pooja Parashar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master’s from USC. I’m passionate about making therapy accessible & breaking the stigma of seeking help, especially with clients of color. My approach centers on building an empathic connection & meeting you where you are. I offer virtual & in-person services, specializing in trauma, communication issues, & anxiety, viewing clients holistically within their broader life context. I strive to create a healing environment by tailoring therapy to your needs. I am deeply committed to offering a supportive space where you can truly feel safe and heard.

Greetings, I'm African American, California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (144529). I possess a Master’s degree in Clinical Counsel from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s degree in Public Health with a Specialization in Health Care Administration from National University. Additionally, I'm a disabled Veteran with seven years of active-duty service in the United States Navy. I've been performing therapy over the last 5 years as an Associated Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Registered Professional Clinical Counsel prior to obtaining my full licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I treat individuals from diverse backgrounds, with mild to moderate Mood Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and professional and personal stressors.

Hi! I'm Cristina Marra, LMFT. I have 15+ years of experience. I like to help adults and adolescents deal with life's challenges. I help mostly with depression and/or anxiety. My therapeutic approach depends upon the presenting problem and client. The approaches I rely on the most are client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR, as needed. I enjoy helping people by listening in a way that the client feels heard and understood. This then allows for better work to happen as strategies and coping tools are developed. I enjoy working with many different types of issues as we are all complex. My communication style I believe in, an open, caring, honest, and direct style of communication. I don't believe any subject is off the table.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy. I specialize in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety. I provide clients with skills they can use in between sessions. I am flexible in my approach and collaborate with clients on what would best serve them. Many clients benefit from a compassionate and intuitive approach which I do offer.

You're the one everyone calls first; composed outside, exhausted inside. I'm Dr. Dezetta Burnett, DSW, LCSW. My virtual California practice helps women and professionals work through anxiety, burnout, boundaries, and the waiting and grief of IVF. Sessions are direct and practical: you'll leave with a clear next step, not just insight. Midday weekday telehealth, built to fit inside your workday. If you are a new or current client who is preparing for IVF or IUI, currently undergoing treatment, or have recently completed treatment, and you do not see an available appointment within the timeframe you need, please schedule my next available appointment and send me a message. I will make every effort to accommodate you sooner if an opening becomes available.

I'm Casey Binstadt, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Interwoven Connection. I work with individuals navigating some of life's most disorienting moments — divorce, infertility, relationship shifts, and the transitions that quietly reshape who you are. My approach is warm, honest, and grounded in real connection. If you're ready to stop feeling stuck, I'd love to help.

As a black female school-based therapist, my dream client is one who approaches therapy with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the process of self-discovery and growth. My dream client understands the importance of mental health and values the support that therapy can provide in navigating the challenges of adolescence. Ideally, my dream client is someone who is eager to explore their identity, including aspects of race, culture, and gender, in a safe and affirming space. They are open to discussing sensitive topics and are willing to challenge societal norms and expectations that may be impacting their well-being. My dream client is proactive in their approach to therapy, actively participating in sessions, completing assigned tasks or homework, and practicing coping skills outside of our sessions. They understand that therapy is a collaborative effort and are committed to working together to achieve their goals. Additionally, my dream client is respectful, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and support within the therapeutic environment. They are open to learning from different perspectives and are willing to engage in discussions around social justice, equity, and inclusion. Overall, my dream client is someone who is committed to their personal growth and development, embraces their uniqueness, and values the power of therapy in fostering resilience and well-being.

My practice supports adult women navigating anxiety, depression, work stress, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions. I also focus on coping skills, chronic health issues, spirituality, college phases, peer relationships, family dynamics, dating, long-term romantic partnerships, and marriage. For clients who are ready to create active, lasting change, we will work together using solution-oriented techniques and compassionate support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Hello! I am a licensed clinical and sport psychologist stationed in California. I completed my doctoral working in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. I also have a masters in Sport Psychology from Ball State University. I attempt to help young adults through a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and transitions. Additionally, I have plethora of experience in helping athletes and former athletes in managing their well-being and emotional health.

Welcome! I’m Elyse, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of clinical experience, licensed in California, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. I specialize in supporting women, mothers, children, and teens through anxiety, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ensure each client receives practical, effective tools for daily life. My work is collaborative and goal-oriented—I partner with every client to help them move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Hi, I’m Pamela. Are you navigating a major life transition, feeling overwhelmed in your role as a parent or caregiver, or simply seeking support as you move through a challenging season? Welcome. Life can be both beautiful and messy, and sometimes, we all need a safe place to land. I have deep respect for the unique experiences each person brings to therapy, shaped by culture, identity, family dynamics, and personal history. Whether you're supporting a newborn, raising a teenager, caring for yourself or a loved one, or confronting a personal or parenting challenge, I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity. I strive to empower you by honoring your strengths and supporting your goals, while helping you work through the barriers that may be holding you back. With experience as an Infant Development Specialist, Infant-Parent Mental Health Specialist, Lactation Specialist, Parent Educator, and School-Based Therapist, I bring a wide and inclusive lens to our work together — one that embraces individuals and families of all ages, stages, and backgrounds. In our time together, we’ll focus on building practical tools, developing coping strategies, and gently challenging unhelpful thought patterns. My goal is to offer you a space filled with warmth, humor, and understanding — where you can explore, grow, and heal. I look forward to connecting with you.

As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, active listening, and a commitment to mindful curiosity. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where your unique story can be truly heard and valued. Rather than simply diagnosing a problem, I listen for the 'hidden' stories of your strengths and values that often get overshadowed. My approach to active listening is about more than just understanding; it’s about standing alongside you to deconstruct the challenges you face and uncover the skills you already possess. Together, we will collaborate to rewrite the narratives that no longer serve you, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and the reclamation of your personal agency.

I am a compassionate LCSW dedicated to providing safety-focused, trauma-informed care for those navigating anxiety and depression. I view these symptoms not as pathologies, but as adaptive survival responses. My practice prioritizes client agency and nervous system regulation, integrating evidence-based tools like CBT and Strength-Based theory. I am committed to helping individuals move from a state of survival into empowered, sustainable recovery. Together, we will create a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can reconnect with your inherent resilience and reclaim your life.

“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’m Lauresha Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH, Founder and CEO of Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., based in California. I am licensed to provide therapy in both California and Alaska and serve as an independent provider with Grow Therapy. Trust, authenticity, and rapport are the foundation of my therapeutic relationships. My approach is eclectic, trauma-informed, and personalized to meet each client’s unique needs. I am passionate about supporting and empowering people from all walks of life, including individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance use concerns, perinatal mental health conditions, life transitions, and other challenges affecting their emotional well-being. I bring more than 15 years of experience in social work, including eight years of providing mental health services as an associate and licensed clinician. My professional experience spans specialized short-term residential therapeutic programs, outpatient clinics, managed care, foster care systems, and psychiatric hospitals. These diverse roles have strengthened my ability to understand not only mental health symptoms but also the real-life systems, relationships, and circumstances that can affect a person’s ability to heal. My passion lies in serving youth, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), adults, and mature adults—particularly individuals from vulnerable or historically underserved communities. This includes BIPOC individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. I understand that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Together, we will create a space where you can feel seen, heard, supported, and safely challenged as you work toward becoming more fully who you are. www.mentalwllnessuniversityinc.com

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand—whether in relationships, stress, anxiety, or life transitions. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I help clients explore the patterns in their relationships, emotions, and thinking so they can gain clarity and make meaningful changes. My approach is collaborative, warm, and practical. I integrate interpersonal, attachment-focused, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused strategies to help clients better understand themselves, improve communication, and develop tools that support lasting growth. I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, recurring relationship patterns, anxiety, life transitions, and questions about identity or direction. My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel understood while also gaining insight and strategies that help them move forward in their lives and relationships.

Hello, my name is Tara. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I understand that therapy can feel like a significant step, and I congratulate you on taking the first step on your journey. I specialize in helping navigate life transitions, anxiety, and self-doubt. I work especially well with empowering women. My goal is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself, gain insight, and take steps toward personal growth. I myself have my own experience with mental health and healing.

Welcome! If you are struggling with daily stressors, the state of the world or traumatic experiences, I welcome you to contact me to explore how I can support and help in your healing. Therapy is a space dedicated to exploring your life and mind with the hope of something brighter and lighter. It is to alleviate that tension that may have been weighing you down for some time. I see the therapeutic space as a puzzle that begins with the pieces you put on the table but slowly comes together, through our work, to see the final clearer image. As your therapist, I will help empower and guide you towards unlocking tools to improve your mental well-being.

Hello, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in the field for over twenty years. I generally see Adults for Individual Therapy and Couples Counseling. I am also a Registered Addiction Specialist. My life experiences and education makes it possible for me to meet Individuals and Couples where they are emotionally to assist them through their Therapeutics Journey.