Optum Therapists in California

My name is Mark, and I have dedicated more than 15 years to working with families and youth in the foster care system. Before entering the field of foster care, I served as a combat medic in the military. This experience shaped my commitment to helping others and laid the foundation for my career. I have always been drawn to roles where I can make a positive impact on others’ lives. Helping people has become my true passion. In all my work, I strive to share joy and compassion, centering my approach on the unique needs of each individual I support.

Hi there! My name is Lana Trapp, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a uniquely transformative process and that the benefits are endless. I find it extremely rewarding and truly an honor to be invited into one's life and inner world. My priority is to create a safe and supportive space in therapy in order to build and promote trust throughout the therapeutic process. I am here to get to know you and what you are wanting from therapy. I will support you always and challenge you when needed and appropriate. I have a supportive, flexible and easy-going personality. I also believe laughter and humor have a place in therapy. I cannot imagine doing any other kind of work. Helping others and being part of one's therapeutic journey are passions of mine. This is where I am meant to be, and I do hope our paths cross for I would love to work with you!

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.

Hello, I’m Sascha, If you’re here, you’ve already taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health. Beginning therapy can bring up a mix of emotions...empowerment, uncertainty, even hesitation—and all of that is valid. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background includes work in county-based services, nonprofit mental health, foster care, and school settings. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals across a wide range of needs and life circumstances. I believe that people generally have an internal sense of what they need and where they want to go, but at times can feel stuck or unsure how to move forward. My role is to help you gain clarity around what may be contributing to that feeling and to work collaboratively with you to develop practical, meaningful ways to navigate challenges. Life stressors such as relationship dynamics, limited support systems, past experiences, and difficulties with emotional regulation can all impact our ability to function in the ways we want. In our work together, I aim to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore these areas and move toward greater stability, insight, and fulfillment.

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.

Hi, I’m Shelby Stewart, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 15+ years of mental health experience and full-time working mama of two children. I pride myself on building solid rapport with clients, ensuring a safe and inclusive space where all voices are heard and valued. I am grounded in being open-minded, warm, and allowing clients to feel supported and understood as they navigate their journeys. I prioritize your goals and needs, making sure you feel heard and understood. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life or seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and respect.

Hi, I’m Shannon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about creating a supportive, comfortable space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, and other stressors that can leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and create meaningful changes that feel sustainable in your everyday life.

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I obtained my BA in Psychology from UCLA in 2016 and my Master of Social Work at Cal State San Bernardino in 2019. I've worked primarily in adult outpatient mental health since 2019, providing individual and group therapy. As a social worker, I believe in the importance of addressing individual needs in the context of broader cultural, political, and economic context- no one lives in a bubble, we are all impacted by the society we live in. I work through a feminist, progressive, and sex positive framework.

My name is Claudia, and I’ve been working in the helping field for over 14 years. For the past seven years as a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families, adults, teens, and children through life’s many transitions. I bring a kind, eclectic approach to my work, tailoring therapy to meet each person where they are. My goal is to walk alongside you as you create a meaningful and fulfilling life that aligns with your values.

*ONLY BIWEEKLY RECURRING APPTS AVAILABLE* Hi everyone! My name is Kristin (she/her)! As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I love what I do! This includes working with clients to reach their goals, reinforce their strengths and work towards inner healing. I strive to utilize reflective listening, empathetic understanding and compassion with my clients to provide a safe enough environment where they can feel comfortable sharing with me in our therapy sessions. I encompass modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, but work towards an individualized treatment approach as each client is different! My background includes working in outpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and correctional settings with clients who may identify with different multicultural backgrounds. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, relational issues or trauma symptoms. If you or your chosen family are ready to begin therapy, I am here to be a support and guide for you to work towards your growth!

I am an LGBTQ+ Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I am committed to offering kind, compassionate, culturally responsive, and practical support to all of my clients as they navigate the challenges of daily life. The goal is to help you achieve positive, healthy healing and lasting change through evidence-based practices and responsive and practical support.

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

Welcome! I'm happy you're here and would love the opportunity to share a little bit about myself with you. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who would be honored to be a part of your journey. I've spent many years working with all age groups in a multitude of settings. Some of my past work includes anxiety, depression, grief, couples work, anger management, family stress, trauma, and life transitions. I love the work that I do and would love the opportunity to collaborate with you!

Welcome! ¡Bienvenido! My name is Silvia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of California. My mission is to create a positive, supportive space where you feel truly empowered. Therapy should feel like a meaningful conversation—one that helps you breathe a little easier and feel a little lighter each time we meet. I strive to offer an environment where you feel heard, supported, guided, and safe. Through a humanistic approach, I focus on making our time together feel valuable, collaborative, and deeply meaningful.

Hello-My name is Ryan, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based out of Southern California (Long Beach). I work with young men and adult males in an individual setting, and I specialize in men's issues, substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger issues. It is my goal to support you in getting back on track and finding your way again. I will help you identify negative self-talk and faulty cognitive errors that are causing emotional pain and discomfort. My approach involves providing you with the tools and techniques that will assist you in being the best version of yourself- which is happy, joyous, and free. We can work together to modify thought processes which will improve feelings, behaviors and outcomes. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive and behavioral based, as well as solution focused. My approach is geared toward helping identify negative thoughts and belief patterns which cause emotional discomfort and unhealthy outcome results. I work with teens and adults who are struggling with substance abuse issues, depression, and anxiety. You are not alone.

I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us, sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies, to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and overwhelming emotions. My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you feel more confident and in control of your life.

As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and supported while developing the tools to create meaningful change. My approach is warm, compassionate, and individualized, I work with clients to help them understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns that may be contributing to their struggles. Together, we identify practical strategies to manage symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.

Life moves fast and sometime we can’t keep up. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can talk to others for fear of judgment. Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you withdraw and shut down when you are struggling? Do you have thoughts come at you a mile a minute? Do those same thoughts take off into uncharted territory? It’s not uncommon, and you don’t have to feel that way forever. You might not have the tools to sort out or process these emotions. Maybe you know some skills, and are unsure how to or when to use them. These are just a few reasons why people seek therapy and I provide a supportive, non-judgmental and encouraging environment.

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.

*Please note: my current openings for California clients are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at various times from 6am - 1pm PST only. Unfortunately I do not have capacity to offer afternoon or evening appointments, or openings on other days of the week.* Congratulations on taking the first step in finding support - it's not easy to ask for help! My name is Bryssa (Bree-sa) and I am here for you. I aim to provide all of my clients with empathy, care and authentic support for what they are experiencing. I want to help my clients set boundaries, learn to identify and communicate their emotions, find their power and develop their sense of self worth. I have my Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) as well as my Masters in Social Work (MSW), though I joke that I was born a social worker. I hold an LCSW license (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #118448) and am committed to the values of social work in everything that I do: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where people can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. My approach blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection to help clients build insight, resilience, and confidence. My style is collaborative and empathetic, communicating in a way that feels grounding and approachable. This combination makes clients feel both heard and guided.

I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.

My name is Amanda Gonyer and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I identify as she/her, third generation Mexican American, bicultural, spiritual, and LGBTQ allied. I graduated with my Masters in Marital Family Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Sonoma State University. I am very artsy and love to paint in my free time. I can usually be found trying a new restaurant, doing yoga in the park, or reading a good book with a good cup of coffee in a coffee shop.

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.

I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in California, providing tele-health services to adults statewide. I work with individuals who are ready to take an honest look at their lives and make intentional, meaningful changes. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, life transitions, managing stress, managing relationships and boundaries. My approach to therapy is collaborative, practical, and growth-oriented. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches. I tailor each session to your needs. While we may explore past experiences to build insight, our primary focus is on how you apply that insight to create real, lasting change in your present life.

In our work together, I will focus on understanding your unique needs and helping you prioritize your mental health. My goal is to guide you toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself, finding moments of peace to make each day a bit lighter and brighter. I’m committed to honoring your cultural, religious, and spiritual principles, ensuring that you can both care for yourself and continue to support others. With a diverse professional background, I tailor therapeutic interventions to fit your individual needs, offering a personalized approach to your well-being.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome obstacles that get in the way of living wholeheartedly. I believe that we all possess extraordinary resiliency. As a Therapist, I empower clients with strategies that help build their resilience so they can find peace and happiness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arizona, Missouri, and California. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor in Social Work and earned my Master of Social Work degree from San Francisco State University. My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and substance use disorders. My approach is strengths based and client centered using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life isn’t quite yours? I help adults navigate: anxiety, depression, complex ADHD/ADD, generational trauma, perfectionism, codependency, people-pleasing, and interpersonal conflict. I also support people during times of transition or entering a different phase in life that can be difficult to experience. I take an integrative and personalized approach by blending compassion, humor, and practical strategies to help you regain clarity, confidence, and a life that truly feels like your own. Whether you’re struggling with stress, feeling lost, or ready for meaningful change, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make life feel a little lighter… and finally stop arguing with your own brain at 2 a.m.

My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

I consider myself a relational and systems-based therapist. That means that I value discussing relationships and the impact of them on you. I also seek to understand my client as a whole person and not just your symptoms. At the heart of my work is the belief that the therapeutic relationship itself is meaningful and often mirrors patterns that show up outside the therapy room. Together, we will explore these dynamics with curiosity and compassion and without judgment. I deeply value your goals and concerns, and I also believe therapy is a space where thoughtful, honest feedback can be both empowering and healing. Above all, my goal is for therapy to feel collaborative and supportive.

Hello, I'm Cameron and many of my clients are adults and couples who present as successful on the outside but internally struggle with burnout, anxiety, self-doubt, trauma, and/or feeling disconnected in their relationships. They find themselves stuck in cycles of overthinking, people-pleasing, or unhealthy communication patterns that leave them feeling insecure or emotionally distant. I help individuals and couples heal and move forward and learn skills to feel more confident, connected, and emotionally secure.

As an experienced family therapist, I have the skills and knowledge needed to help families navigate even the most challenging situations. What sets me apart is my unique perspective as a former stay-at-home mom to now-grown children, which gives me a deep understanding of the struggles and milestones that families face. If you're looking for a compassionate and experienced therapist who can make a real difference in your family's life, I invite you to consider reaching out to me for help.

Through connection, empathy and a non-judgmental approach, I offer ways to help you discover what may be blocking you from finding your true path in life. By not seeing an individual for what symptoms they have or what is affecting them, I am more interested in helping you find what is the cause of symptoms and how to process them. I work with adults from all backgrounds. I am also open to any culture, belief, identification or orientation. All are welcome. I base all individual therapy on a client-focused approach and adapt sessions to the needs of each person.

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I’m honored to be part of your journey. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, my approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion. I offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your story, build on your strengths, and move at a pace that feels right for you. I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, identity, and more—especially BIPOC clients, moms, and transitional age youth. I draw from evidence-based, strength-based, and person-centered practices tailored to your unique needs. Therapy is a space for healing and growth, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself, your goals, and your resilience.

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.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and their families at a community mental health agency, and psychotherapy in private practice to adults and adolescents. As a humanistic therapist, I maintain a positive approach to psychotherapy by focusing on strengths and positive attributes. I assist my clients with developing a stronger, healthier sense of self, and with making rational choices towards achieving their maximum potential.

Change is hard, not having the tools, direction and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy. The atmosphere that is created in the therapy session is one of warmth, safety, and acceptance. I have a straightforward, interactive approach to treatment. I am passionate about my work and strongly believe in the healing benefits of therapy. Reach out to me, I’d love to help you help heal, connect, & thrive. Together we can create the life you want.

** Currently not accepting Couples** Do you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or even hopeless? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Do you feel like you are going through the motions and not able to be present in your day to day life? If you are feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or stuck I can help. I work with individuals and intimate partners looking to overcome current difficulties to live a more fulfilling life. I provide you with a space to reflect on how past experiences have shaped your story today, and work on rewriting your story for a more fulfilling future. Holding a safe space for LGBTQ and culturally affirming work is an important part of my practice. I look to honor all of the intersectionalities that affect your life with empathy and kindness.

Hi, I’m Cassandra! I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of therapeutic settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital treating a higher level of acuity, intensive outpatient program supporting teens and young adults, a residential facility working with incarcerated youth, and an outpatient program at a University counseling center.

One of my biggest passions is helping others overcome problems and giving back in a way I was helped. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in ISTDP, helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by quickly identifying and resolving the emotional patterns that drive symptoms. I offer compassionate, focused sessions that help you access core feelings, reduce distress, and build more effective ways of coping and relating.

I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work as a therapist. Living with a Bipolar I diagnosis has given me firsthand insight into the challenges of navigating mental health systems, stigma, and the ways these experiences can affect identity, relationships, and everyday life. This perspective allows me to meet each client with empathy, genuine curiosity, and respect for the meaning they make of their experiences. I am a shamanic clinician, which has been largely shaped and inspired by experiences with what’s often referred to as mania or psychosis. Perception is central to my therapeutic approach. Our histories, emotions, environments, and nervous-system states can all influence what we notice, how we interpret events, and how we respond. By exploring these patterns without judgment, I help clients expand their awareness, consider new perspectives, and develop greater choice in how they relate to themselves and the world around them. My professional experience includes psychiatric residential treatment, addiction medicine, youth detention, and private practice. I integrate somatic and sensory-based approaches (including brainspotting, meditation, drumming, sound therapy, aromatherapy, guided visualization, and shamanic-inspired practices) to support emotional processing and nervous-system regulation. I also emphasize nature, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and other foundations of whole-person wellness. From Grow Therapy's Leadership: "Based on your exceptional client engagement and outstanding care, you’ve officially qualified as a 2026 Grow Therapy Thriver! 🎉 (roughly 700 out of 25,000+ providers) This recognition reflects the meaningful relationships you build with clients from the start and the trust you inspire through your work. Becoming a Thriver places you among a select group of providers who set the tone for excellence across the Grow platform. We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with you."

Hello! My name is Scott. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and most recently also Arizona, and truly have a passion for helping others to gain wellness. I am originally from sunny San Diego, California. After working in the field in several roles, I made the decision to ultimately be a Marriage and Family Therapist. Since then, I have truly loved every minute of what I do. My personal philosophy is that healing begins with understanding, connection and hope. I have also recently received a certification as an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. PLEASE NOTE*** Unfortunately, at this time, I DO NOT SEE COUPLES/FAMILIES.. Additionally, I utilize AI in my practice to help me with my documentation. If you are uncomfortable with the use of AI in our sessions than I would ask that you find another therapist who does not use AI.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from California, currently living in Florida. I received my undergraduate degree from William Jessup University, with a Master's Degree from Chapman University. I love people and I love to see relationships thrive. Research shows us that the quality of life that we have is more dependent on the quality of relationships than any other factor. I want you to have the most fulfilling and satisfying life as possible.

Hi, I’m Vanda Kim, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. My experience includes working in medical, school, and private practice settings, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through many of life’s challenges. I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds and deeply value the unique stories and perspectives each person brings to therapy.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have been practicing since 2011. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I have been trained in a range of research-based practices including Managing and Adaptive Practice, Depression Treatment Quality Improvement, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Military Focus. My passion is working alongside my clients to provide support and help bring healing in their lives. I take a client-centered approach, utilizing strength-based, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients improve their overall quality of life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent self-doubt or caught in patterns of behavior that no longer serve you? Do you find yourself struggling to connect past experiences with your current challenges, leaving you feeling stuck or unfulfilled? I commend you for taking this courageous step toward enhancing your mental well-being. Embarking on therapy can evoke a mix of emotions—empowerment, uncertainty, even apprehension—and that's perfectly natural. With years of experience, I offer a grounded, compassionate approach to help you navigate life’s challenges.

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.

If you are feeling stressed, self-critical, down or worried, I would like to help you feel more confident, calm, present, and steady in your life. My approach to counseling is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore and overcome obstacles in order to grow, heal and become the best version of yourself. With patience and understanding, I’ll assist you in uncovering new strengths, perspectives and solutions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and together we will set meaningful goals based on what you want to change or improve about yourself, your life, or your relationships. Reaching out for help shows courage. As your therapist, I will work with you to develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and help you learn strategies and skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 23 years of clinical experience. I also have my Ph.D. in International psychology with Organization and Systems specialty. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals, families, couples, children, and adolescents from diverse multicultural, socioeconomic, and international backgrounds. I have the expertise and a passion for diversity and global and cross-cultural issues. My specialties include working with immigrants and refugees and addressing acculturation, adjustment, and traumatic experiences. I also specialize in working with military service members and their families, humanitarians, and expats. My other areas of interest, skills, knowledge, and competence include assisting individuals, families, and couples to cope with racism and microaggressions. I assist individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, relational issues, substance abuse and addictions, and post-traumatic stress disorder, amongst others. I believe in each individual's strength and resilience and in helping to promote resiliency to facilitate healing and growth. I believe in working collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to identify meaningful goals and services. I incorporate cultural factors and life experiences that shape everyone. I also try to include a holistic perspective on health and address underlying relational and familial issues that impact clients. I am trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) and Family Systems, and use mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions. Other modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brief Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In addition to traditional therapy modalities, other key frameworks that inform my therapeutic approach and beliefs include Trauma-Informed Care and Global Psychology.