Blue Cross Therapists in California

Are you someone who seems thoughtful, capable, and self-aware on the outside, but inside feels overwhelmed, lonely, stuck, or exhausted from carrying more than most people can see? Do you find yourself caught in the same painful relationship dynamics, shame, anxiety, or self-doubt despite all your efforts to understand and improve things? Many LGBTQIA+ clients know what it is like to carry pain quietly after years of adapting to environments where they could not fully relax into themselves. I work primarily with gay men and couples to help them make sense of these experiences, deepen self-understanding, and reclaim their power. If you’re ready to move beyond simply getting by and want support that feels affirming, thoughtful, and engaged, I invite you to reach out and schedule a first session.

Welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience, and I’ve had the privilege of serving clients in California for nearly three decades. I've worked in a variety of settings from psychiatric hospitals and emergency rooms to outpatient clinics, jails, and community health centers. No matter where I’ve been, my passion has always been helping people heal, grow, and find hope. I work with adults of all ages—whether you’re 18 or 98, And, I don't buy into that "old person" baloney. How would you be if you didn't know the day you were born? I enjoy working with individuals and couples, whether you come in alone or together, we can discuss what matters to the both of you's, I do use some of the Gottman's approach. I specialize in trauma, including childhood abuse, military service, serious accidents, and other life-altering events. I also have extensive experience helping people navigate grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and (SMI) seriously mentally illI clients. My approach to therapy is collaborative and interactive. I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and relaxation skills. I bring compassion, listening. and supportive therapy to all sessions. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on crisis teams, partnered with law enforcement, and responded to emergencies in homes, hospitals, and even at Ground Zero in New York City after 9/11. These experiences have shaped my understanding of trauma and resilience, and I continue to use the skills I’ve learned to help clients through life’s most challenging moments. If you’re ready to take the next step, Let’s work together to move forward—wherever you want your journey to go.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience across diverse settings, which has shaped my deep understanding of people, trauma, and the pathways to true healing and restoration. My work has allowed me to walk alongside individuals in some of their most vulnerable moments and support meaningful, lasting change. For several years, I served in a church setting as a lay counselor, where I integrated a Biblical perspective into counseling. Through this work, I have seen how faith-informed care can bring profound healing to the whole person—mind, body, and soul. I believe that when spiritual insight and clinical understanding come together, clients can experience deep inner renewal and freedom. I have also worked in a psychiatric hospital, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams in high-acuity environments. This experience strengthened my clinical skills and gave me firsthand insight into what truly helps individuals stabilize, heal, and regain hope during times of crisis. In my practice, I primarily use Solution-Focused Therapy alongside other evidence-based modalities, thoughtfully tailored to each client’s unique needs. My goal is to help you identify strengths, move through trauma, and find practical tools for growth—while creating a safe, compassionate space for inner healing. I work with individuals seeking healing from trauma, emotional pain, and life challenges, and with those who desire faith-integrated care. Together, we will focus on restoration, clarity, and lasting change so you can move forward with purpose and wholeness.

Hi, I’m Shanna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I would describe myself as warm, supportive, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I have experience working with children, teenagers, and families, and I enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and more confident as they work through life’s challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. I meet clients where they are while helping them build insight, coping skills, and healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, family challenges, and life transitions. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, going to the gym, Pilates, and outdoor nature hikes. I also value continued learning and growth so I can better serve my clients. My goal is to create a safe, real, and supportive space where clients feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to grow.

My name is La’Quesha Fonrose, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am also a Certified & Accredited Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner. Through my B.A.L.A.N.C.E. framework, I help individuals develop a healthier, more harmonious relationship with their thoughts and feelings, guiding them toward a life with less chaos and more calm.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree from California State University and I've been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I grew up in Italy and moved to the US 42 years ago. I work with adult men and women struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationships. I'm passionate about helping them live more fulfilling relationships and peaceful life.

I am passionate about helping my clients feel heard, seen, and understood. In today’s stressful, competitive culture, life's challenges can be difficult to navigate. I am committed to helping my clients overcome the obstacles holding them back from making the changes needed to improve their lives. I offer in-person and telehealth appointments Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. You are welcome to connect with me for a consultation.

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.

Hello there, thanks for spending the time to get to know me as a Therapist. I would like first to welcome you to this interesting journey of getting to know yourself deeply and possibly understand the world around you. First, I explore you, the problem you are facing, your environment, and your past to understand better what is going on. So, be aware, I will take some time on that. I especially want you to feel heard and understood first, to be in the same page before we move on to the next step. I was told to be very approachable and easy to talk to, even when I point out inconsistencies for us to gain broader insight into your situation. Over the years of experience, I have learned that each of my clients brings a different theory that needs to be treated case by case. I use several different approaches and orientations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Bowen Therapy, and Structural Therapy among many others. I have treated adolescents, women, men, couples, and families, and I have been treated at different severity levels. I have been successful in bringing out the best of you once you find your personal goals and place in life. Overall, I am open to your needs and preferences in treatment plan and interventions, as long as it brings you back to your functioning and high performance.

Hi, I’m Christina, a licensed therapist with a background supporting individuals during difficult moments, including crisis support. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. In our sessions, I bring a calm presence to the work we do together. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. I provide both support and guidance throughout the process. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, while also helping you better understand what’s been coming up for you. Together, we can explore patterns that may be showing up in your daily life and identify goals that feel meaningful and realistic. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. We’ll take things one step at a time as we work through what you’ve been experiencing.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 plus years of experience helping individuals and families facing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, crisis situations, and serious mental illness. I provide a safe, supportive space to build resilience, develop coping skills, foster self-compassion, and create lasting change. I will take time to understand your experiences, strengths, and challenges while creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you to share at your own pace.

I am a caring and empathetic therapist with thirty years of experience working in county mental health. You may feel weighted down by depression, grieving a significant loss, or struggling to adjust to a major life change. Perhaps you feel exhausted, unmotivated, disconnected from others or unsure of how to move forward. You may also experience significant changes in your mood that make it difficult to feel stable or like yourself. I provide warm, compassionate therapy for adults experiencing depression, grief, life transitions, anxiety and other mood related concerns. Together we will work to understand what you are experiencing, strengthen your ability to cope and identify realistic steps towards feeling more stable, connected and hopeful.

Hi there, I'm Tracie! Welcome and Thank you for visiting me. My name is Tracie Lee Cohen, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, in California (LMFT 52915.) I received my Masters from the University of San FranciscoI in 2005. Currently, I am working statewide via telehealth. I'm experienced working in a variety of venues, including but not limited to substance abuse/recovery; mood disorders; improving our self-esteem; domestic violence/ anger management.

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.

Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start. -Nido Qubein I take a whole person and collaborative approach to therapy, catering therapy to the individual sitting in front of me. My specialties are in the field of grief and loss. Grief is not just bereavement, it is also the loss of a job, a relationship or a dream.

Hello, my name is Megan. I appreciate you taking the leap to want to do something different in your life. I know how hard talking about some of these big life issues can be like the death of our person, living through the struggle of infertility and acknowledging the weight of our anxiety is too much. Sometimes, we are stuck in our loop and yet, we do not have the perspective how to shift the big feelings to make you start to feel better. In the beginning of working together, I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story. Everyone arrives wanting a witness to their grieving at different stages of their process. Your relationship is to different each person had a different relationship to their person. I believe the importance of listening to what is said in the room or what is not said. Many times we are not able to verbalize our pain of trying to live without our person. I think a very necessary part to our healing is to be witnessed by another. My goal is to always create safety in the room. I am a fairly transparent therapist sharing sometimes my personal journey to connect and help clients realize they are not alone in their pain. I look forward to joining you in your healing journey.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child therapist (LMFT). I have been practicing and helping people of all types and ages feel much better, and become the best versions of themselves. You are doing great reaching out for help already. We can work together to feel better right away. The most important thing, is that you have taken the first step and are motivated to improve your ever changing life experience.

I have 20 years of experience working at a hospice serving patients and their families, specializing in grief and loss. I also have experience treating people with mental illness and substance abuse. I have worked in residential programs and also doing case management for people with mental illness and substance abuse in San Francisco, CA I have run virtual community grief groups that are accessible and affordable. I enjoy working with people of all ages and steer my work from a place of compassion and with a genuine interest in your situation, striving for you to feel more in control of your path in life with growth towards greater happiness.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with over a decade of experience. I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction recovery, and major life transitions. I also have a special focus on supporting women through postpartum emotional challenges and identity shifts. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), always tailored to meet each client's individual needs and goals

Hi, I’m Justin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults with anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and relationship stress. My approach is compassionate, structured, and grounded in evidence-based treatment, including EMDR, CBT, and DBT-informed skills. I believe therapy should feel both safe and effective—where you feel deeply understood while also gaining tools that lead to meaningful change. I strive to create a calm, supportive environment where healing feels possible.

Welcome to my professional profile. My name is Paul Quezada, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. Thank you for taking the time to consider me as a potential ally on your journey towards improved mental health and overall well-being. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge your courage in seeking help. Your mental health is paramount, and I commend you for prioritizing it. I am here to offer my support and guidance as you navigate life's obstacles and challenges. My role is to provide you with the necessary tools and support to manage the various struggles impacting your mental health. Whether you are grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating significant life transitions, I am here to accompany you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your therapeutic journey. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you in achieving your goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience providing individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I am deeply committed to helping clients heal emotionally, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of worth and purpose. My passion for this work is rooted in lived experience. Moving to Nigeria at the age of six, losing my father at twelve, and later experiencing the loss of my newborn taught me firsthand about grief, strength, and the importance of compassionate support. These experiences shaped both who I am and how I show up as a therapist—with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for each client’s journey. I believe healing happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in helping clients move from feeling overwhelmed or stuck toward clarity, emotional balance, and meaningful personal growth.

I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.

I listen and find your strengths to help you become the person you want to be. I am direct and hold you accountable as well as help you find forgiveness to heal and find the joy to lead you to a better life. I believe we all have the opportunity to overcome life's challenges but we must have the courage to ask for help. Sometimes asking for help can be scary and I want to provide you with a safe and honest space to create the life you deserve.

Are you looking to create a new life narrative-story rooted in your strengths? My life and work experiences working with adults and children experiencing emotional disorders, trauma, anxiety, and life barriers hopefully can help us collaborate on building that new resilient story together. Outside of work, I enjoy various forms of exercise: HIIT workouts, yoga, nutrition topics, science, music , gardening, and traveling. I have an avid interest in learning about other cultures and have lived and studied abroad in Ecuador, South America.

Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles and Fresno California. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for the past 8 years. I work with adults and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, life transitions, and identity-related stressors. Much of my clinical experience has centered on supporting underserved communities of color within correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health settings. I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals, including queer and trans people of color, and have experience facilitating LGBTQ+ support groups as well as collaborating within gender-affirming care teams. My approach is grounded in cultural humility, authenticity, and creating a space where clients feel seen, affirmed, and empowered in their healing journey. I strive to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of self and community.

Welcome. My name is Tannaz Talasazan, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I invite you into a supportive, collaborative space where feelings are processed, thoughts are heard, perspectives are respected, and meaningful change becomes possible. Life can present challenges that feel overwhelming, especially when we don’t always have the tools to navigate them. Reaching out for therapy is a powerful first step. Together, we will identify emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and internal obstacles that may be holding you back, while working toward insight, clarity, and lasting change. Over the past 13 years of training and clinical experience, I have worked with individuals, couples, women, families, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with a focus on relationship concerns, life transitions, conflict resolution, and crisis management. I especially enjoy supporting couples in strengthening communication and connection, helping women and individuals navigate personal growth and identity, and working with older adults as they process life transitions, relationships, and meaning. My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Narrative therapies, carefully matching each approach to support insight, emotional growth, and practical change.

My name is William Money, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have 8 years in the field and I love my job. I am not the person to give advice or tell you how to live your life. I will not tell you I know everything because I don’t. I will meet you wherever you are therapeutically no matter where you are in your journey. I am not judgmental and I have experience with lots of things so if you feel we are a good fit please reach out to me to schedule our first appointment.

I am honored to be on this journey with you in therapy. I am a therapist who believes that healing begins with feeling seen, safe, and understood. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity--never judgment. I create a space where you can slow down, breathe, and explore what's been heavy at your own pace. Whether you're navigating past trauma, burnout, or a season of change, my goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of self and feel more at peace within. In our work together, you'll find warmth, understanding, and a space that honors your story.

I am Anita M King, licensed marriage and family therapist. I work collaboratively with clients to help you get where you want to go. I received my degree from Chapman University and have been working with clients since 2018. I know what it is like to work harder not smarter and feel like for every step forward there are many steps back. I am fully passionate about getting you unstuck and where you aspire to be. I am passionate about helping people define and live your values to achieve a more authentic life and to help create stronger relationships. Certified to treat the impact of Hormonal Shifts, PMS, PMDD, Postpartum, Perimenopause and Menopause.

Isabel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She provides compassionate, culturally responsive therapy to children, adults, and families, with a strong background in crisis intervention and supporting clients through life’s most challenging moments. Beyond her clinical work, Isabel has led community mental health initiatives and continues to advocate for accessible resources and education, particularly within the Hispanic community.

Hi, I’m Cristy, and I’m really glad you’re here. You don’t have to face this alone. Therapy can be a space to take a deep breath, be yourself, and start making sense of what’s going on inside. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and take gentle steps toward a life that feels more like you—more grounded, connected, and aligned with what truly matters.

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services and hospital emergency departments. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran located in California. Luke believes in healthy habit development, consistent focus on goals, and problem solving to improve quality of life. Luke's approach to therapy includes: positive psychology, stress management, reducing substance use, communication skills, solution focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Outside of work Luke enjoys outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, sailing, and scuba diving.

Hi, I’m Jacob Mooradian. I earned my bachelor’s degree from CSU Fullerton and my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, where I focused on mental health and supporting people through life’s challenges. I take a down-to-earth, non-directive approach rooted in CBT, helping you understand the patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you can eventually become your own therapist. I love bringing in media like movies, TV shows, sports, and current trends to make our conversations relatable, engaging, and grounded in real life. My goal is to validate your experiences, help you gain clarity, and build practical tools you can use every day. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can show up exactly as you are and move at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll create a warm, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow with confidence and independence.

Hi, my name if Kim Gunderson, and I have worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 23 years. I have worked with middle school kids in a school setting, supervised incoming trainees at Cal State, University Fullerton, and have concurrently worked in private practice with a variety of individuals, couples, and families. You are the expert of you! I work collaboratively and aid in helping you identify underlying themes that may be adding to your distress.

Admitting we need help is difficult for most of us. Admitting we need mental health help, even more challenging. Taking the right step towards obtaining that help, can also be a struggle; but you are here and I applaud you for it!! Whether it is a long or recent battle with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, traumatic experience or other mental health illness, know that there is help and there is hope. Whether you know it or not, you’re the real expert here and I am here to provide extra tools and guidance on how to use these. I truly believe the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is an essential foundation in the treatment outcome. If you don’t have a connection with the therapist, the process to getting better might not be as effective. Hi! Hola! I’m Josefina “Fina”, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Central California with more than 15+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in various settings including crisis, schools, residential, inpatient and outpatient clinics. I offer a safe space, without judgment, to be vulnerable and open about any past or current struggles and help you sort out what’s needed to move forward. I use a variety of techniques including solution-focused, cbt and motivational interviewing and have some DBT training as well. I am committed to you and the profession and look forward to working together and help you get back to where you want to be.

My values as a therapist include openness, non-judgment, empathy, cultural humility, strength based, and unconditional positive regard. My approach is integrative and centers the needs of my clients; I utilize active interventions involving cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused-therapy, motivational interviewing, grief and loss, to name a few. I aspire to cultivate a trusting, safe and empowering space for the people I serve. I place a lot of emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship with patients that allows for authentic self-expression.

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.

I love helping you untangle the past while making sure you leave with practical tools to tackle the present (and future!). If you’re looking to break old patterns, level up your relationships, and find real solutions to life’s challenges, we’ll work together to get you there—no boring, jargon-filled therapy here! Let’s make some progress and have a little fun along the way.

I work with adults ready for focused, engaged therapy. My work centers on identity and major life transitions. Sessions are structured and collaborative and require a private, distraction-free space (no driving/being driven). This is therapy for people prepared to show up consistently, participate actively, and build stability, clarity, and confidence over time. I specialize in men's issues. In addition to my behavioral health qualifications, I have extensive training in employment-related issues (through formal business school training and HR Management certification).

I’m Allan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy—especially for kids—doesn’t have to mean sitting on a couch talking about feelings for 50 minutes. Sometimes the best conversations happen over LEGOs, games, art, play, or while doing something that makes it easier to simply be yourself. Online, it could mean processing trauma, playing online therapeutic games with children (or adults if you want to). I especially enjoy working with children and teens, including kids who are anxious, overwhelmed, navigating trauma, struggling with big emotions or behaviors, or having a hard time putting what’s happening inside into words. I use play, creativity, humor, and evidence-based approaches to build connection and help kids develop skills without therapy feeling like another place where adults are telling them what to do. I also work with adults navigating trauma, mood concerns, relationships, identity, major life changes, and life’s more complicated chapters. My style is warm, humorous, direct, and genuinely human. I draw from DBT, EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, play-based interventions, Theraplay-informed practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care, adapting therapy to the person in front of me rather than expecting them to adapt to therapy. My professional experience includes inpatient psychiatry, juvenile justice, child welfare, family services, and community mental health, so I’m comfortable working with both everyday struggles and situations that feel especially complicated. Whether we meet in my Eureka office or online, my goal is to create a space where you—or your child—feel safe, understood, and comfortable showing up exactly as you are. My practice is LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse affirming and neurodiversity-affirming. And yes, there are credentials behind the LEGOs.

I am currently providing psychotherapy services in both English and Spanish in person and via Telehealth in California. As a strength-based clinician, I have had the opportunity and privilege to assist people in bringing stability and healing to their lives by helping them find and recognize their inner strengths and apply them in their daily lives. I employ an in-depth therapeutic approach to provide short-term and effective symptom reduction. I also focus on Affirmative Therapy, advocating for the needs of sexual and gender minority patients. Additionally, for longer-term treatment, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My practice supports individuals navigating life transitions, engaging in self-exploration, or managing the everyday challenges that come with balancing responsibilities and relationships. I have extensive experience helping clients work through anxiety, depression, eating disorders, postpartum concerns, family stress, and relational difficulties. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to create a personalized, goal-oriented path toward healing. At the core of my philosophy is the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity to create meaningful change. My role is to guide and support you in that process, helping you move toward greater balance, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling life.

Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience in the field. I initially worked in medical settings which gave me extensive experience in helping people cope with chronic illness. Helping people learn to navigate life despite additional challenges was incredibly rewarding and inspiring. But I wanted to keep growing. So a few years ago, I went into private practice. Although my license was adequate to enter into private practice, I wanted to be as skilled a therapist as possible. Therefore, I entered a TEAM CBT training program which gave me extra training specifically in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My Level-3 certification in this form of therapy means I have extra tools and techniques to assist clients in quickly overcoming feelings of depression and anxiety. These tools are evidence-based and extremely successful at helping people actually feel better. I want clients to be able to feel better quickly and not need to be in therapy indefinitely. I believe that the process of therapy helps all of us clarify the lives we want and identify the obstacles in our way. Assisting clients through this process is the most gratifying work I could imagine.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, providing various services to adults and families. My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and insight-oriented with a holistic focus on the mind-body continuum. My style, while rooted in empathy, is also very direct. I will act as your mirror in order to help you see yourself more clearly. I also utilize positive psychology and strength-based approaches to help clients identify ways to increase their quality of life. Clients often walk away from therapy feeling heard, hopeful, and willing to attempt homework to improve their lives.

With over 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker in Grand Terrace, California, I am dedicated to guiding individuals, families, and groups through life's most challenging transitions. My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion and evidence-based practices, focusing on recovery and resilience for those impacted by depression, anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, and grief. I offer both secure online and in-person sessions, always striving to create a safe, non-judgmental space essential for fostering healing and sustainable personal growth.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or just not ok. Are you overwhelmed trying to manage life's ebbs and flows? Do you have repetitious thoughts despite efforts to push them aside? Living with uncertainty while experiencing so many different feelings can be exhausting. I offer culturally sensitive services to clients of all socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities in a respectful, safe, supportive space. Together, we will work to identify your presenting concerns and the internalized belief systems impacting how you address your them. Approaches designed to meet your specific needs, will be drawn from psychodynamic, art, mindfulness and somatic modalities. I hope my supportive, non-judgemental, and warm approach will support your work in clarifying goals and gaining insights and skills to reach them.

Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change. My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences. My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.