Therapists in California

Welcome! I’m Lanelle P. Laws, LMFT. For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate trauma, incarceration, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ identity. My passion is empowering individuals to build self-esteem, reclaim their voice, and thrive. I offer a warm, non-judgmental, comfortable, and encouraging environment grounded in a BIPOC-centered approach. What makes my work different is that I bring both professional expertise and lived experience. I understand what it means to need help and not always feel seen, understood, or represented within the mental health system. I have dedicated my life to breaking generational cycles of trauma and bringing awareness to the experiences of underserved and marginalized communities. I believe healing begins with awareness...understanding our stories, recognizing our patterns, acknowledging our wounds, and discovering the strengths and power we already possess. I always say, “I’m not your average therapist!” Not because I’m better, but because my approach has been elevated to reach individuals who may have fallen through the cracks or developed an unhealthy relationship with therapy. I believe therapy should be a space where you can be honest about where you’ve been, explore where you are, and become intentional about where you want to go. I know what it feels like to need help and not always know where to find it. That understanding is at the heart of my work. At Heal(Thy) Self Wellness, healing is more than getting through...it’s getting to know yourself, understand your story, and reclaim your power. Know Your Story. Heal Your Wounds. Own Your Wellness.

I specialize in helping clients break out of codependency and being stuck in repetitive cycles of behavior by addressing self-sabotage, low self-esteem, and developing self-sufficiency. I focus on helping you understand and manage your physical responses to the world, which leads to managing overstimulation and emotions. You'll develop a sense of control and understanding of your experiences, finding freedom from impulsivity and overwhelm so you can feel calmer and make more intentional, healthy choices. I work with individual adults (18+) only. I do not see couples, minors, or families. Specialties: -Individuation & identity development -Codependency & relationship patterns -Life transitions & life stage challenges -Boundaries, self-worth & people-pleasing -Self-discovery & personal growth -Anxiety related to change & uncertainty

Hello! I’m Yasaman Sharifi, Licensed Family and Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals navigate their challenges through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a focus on fostering self-awareness and resilience, I work collaboratively with clients to identify and reshape negative thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve their personal therapy goals. I address the roots and underlining issues to assist individual with faster recovery with the current problems. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to provide a supportive and empowering environment for your growth and healing. Let’s embark on this journey together!

I am a warm, empathetic, and eclectic therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through healing and growth. As a bilingual, trauma‐informed Latina clinician, I specialize in working with teens and adults (13+) navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, immigration‐related stress, and women’s issues. My approach centers on creating a safe, culturally attuned space where your story is honored and your strengths guide the path towards healing.

My own experiences shaped my style as a therapist because I learned how valuable the connection formed through the therapeutic relationship can be. I am direct, yet compassionate and my clients know that I can be counted on to respond genuinely and allow them to feel understood. Together we will explore emotions and identify patterns of thinking and behaving that drive you using a strengths-based therapy style that focuses on lifestyle habits, self-care, spiritual connection, social support, mental and emotional health. Are you experiencing relationship problems, such as ongoing conflict, trust issues or feeling distant? If you are, there is help and hope. Through a process of improving your communication, learning how to have productive conflict resolution and improving the friendship and connection in your partnership; you can have a close, loving relationship. For couples, I will guide you through the challenges you face during various life transitions; a betrayal in the relationship, the challenges of having a blended family, going through a divorce, and co-parenting, as well as difficulties in getting on the same page.

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.

My name is Felicia Burnett-Lopez, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years. I earned my Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology and earned my Masters’ Degree in Social Work. My education and experience include human behavior; environmental and biological psychology, substance abuse and addiction; understanding and working in mental health, with people with mental illnesses, within all populations.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working with individuals, couples and families for twenty three years. I use interventions based on cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reach your goals and overcome patterns of behavior that are not working well for you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and strive to work with you to understand and move forward toward your goals.

I am a dedicated and highly motivated client-focused Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. Therapy does not have to be dry, boring, or scary and it's okay to have fun in therapy. We all share in the HUMAN EXPERIENCE! So I may not have the same experiences as you, however, I know what feels like to make mistakes, experience hurt, love, loss, pain, and fear. I also know what it’s like to rebuild myself and have success again. Everyone experiences a range of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and situations that shape and mold us. Therefore, working with people, in their time of need motivates me to assist them in finding balance in their lives. (*If you are ordered by the courts to attend therapy then you would need to find another clinician as I do not do court appointed therapy. Also, if you are dealing with suicidal ideations or self-harm I do not specialize in that and would direct you to clinicians that are best suited to assist you. Thank you for your understanding).

Being a therapist is a lifelong passion for me and is rooted in my dedication to supporting adults, children, families, and communities in building safety, resilience, and hope. My journey has taken me from my home county of Santa Cruz where I advocated and ran groups for youth living in situations including domestic violence from 2011-2013, to working as a shelter counselor in Oakland for youth 13-21 from 2016-2018. I worked in serving famillies with San Francisco Child and Family Services, where I partnered with families navigating reunification with their children while providing psychoeducation and crisis counseling during critical moments from 2018-2022. I have been licensed with my LCSW since May 2025 and focused my prior professional development around harm reduction and culturally focused treatment, aligning with my commitment to social justice and culturally responsive care.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience helping adults and couples work through anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship struggles, and life transitions. My style is warm, real, and supportive, the kind of space where you can take a breath, be yourself, and not feel judged. I work collaboratively, pulling from CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and person-centered approaches to support your goals. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone steady to talk things through, we’ll move at your pace and figure it out together. Therapy can feel like a big step, I’m here to make it feel less intimidating and more like a real, healing connection.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I specialize in supporting first-generation individuals and those who have experienced trauma, postpartum, anxiety, depression, and family challenges. My therapeutic approach integrates client-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic work to offer a holistic and personalized treatment plan that addresses both the mind and body. I deeply value creating a safe, collaborative, and empathetic space where clients feel heard and supported. My goal is to help clients process past experiences, gain self-acceptance, and build empowerment and confidence. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and I work closely with clients to explore their feelings, foster self-awareness, and help them develop the tools to thrive in their relationships—with themselves, their families, and their partners. Over the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on first-generation immigrants. I offer services in both English and Spanish and find great fulfillment in helping clients navigate the unique pressures and challenges that come with balancing multiple cultural identities.

I'm Sheldon like the TV show! (Big Bang Theory). I help analytical high-achieving adults who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety and depression untangle their inner world and reconnect with their deeper self-using insight-driven therapy, dream exploration, and a creative lens that helps them uncover what's been buried beneath the surface. Do you often say, "I'm successful on the outside but exhausted and anxious inside," "overthinking everything, but still feeling stuck," or being in a "constant sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction," or being a person who "struggles to access or name emotions clearly." I help clients have greater awareness and emotional clarity and begin to feel grounded, self-trusting and more internally connected. I hope to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms through deeper insight and ability to recognize and break unconscious patterns. I help clients discover meaning through creative exploration, and dream work. I want clients to increase their confidence in navigating relationships and decisions and moving from analysis paralysis to self-acceptance and expression. My areas of expertise are in Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Mental Illness, Risk Assessment, Trauma, PTSD and Substance Abuse Disorders.

Hello! I am a psychotherapist licensed in CA and NH. I work to help people alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction and more. I work to help people gain insight in to their lives , determine what they want out of life, and work towards that. I love my work and look forward to getting to know people and be a supportive part of their journey!

I am a LCSW with experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. I provide person centered care and thoroughly love what I do. I have experience in various settings including psychiatric, private practice, and community-based care. I am trained in various modalities and can use an eclectic approach. I would enjoy working with you to meet your goals and objectives.

I have been privileged being a therapist for over 40 years. I have worked as a probation officer, child protection worker and directer of various treatment programs. I have also been in therapy which gives me a perspective of the the value of therapy as both a client and therapist. I enjoy working with folks in the recovery community, first responders and those who had traumatic childhoods. I respect the courage it takes to ask for help. I treat your courage with honor and dignity.

Hi there and great job on taking that first step in considering if therapy is right for you. I invite you to come with me on a journey of your own choosing where we will walk together in darkness to find the light you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s life’s little annoying stressors or more complex issues, as a trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand what this is like and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Whether you choose me or another therapist, make the choice to just give it a try. Sometimes all you need is another person to hold the light while you do the work you need to heal.

Hello, my name is Miaisha. Are you seeking a supportive space where you can be authentic and receive meaningful guidance? If so, you have come to the right place. I believe everyone deserves an environment where they feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported. I am a compassionate and culturally responsive Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life transitions, manage stressors, and develop greater self-awareness. I strive to create a safe, empathetic, and affirming space where your experiences are acknowledged and respected, while fostering growth in confidence, resilience, and meaningful, lasting change. I invite you to take the first step toward your well-being. You do not have to navigate this process alone. In our work together, you will be encouraged to take an active and empowered role in your therapeutic journey, while I provide guidance, clinical insight, and ongoing support. Together, we will develop a path forward that honors your unique experiences and aligns with your personal goals.

My name is Nick Davis I'm a 34-year-old, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), based in San Diego, California working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with both adolescents and adults and specialize in a variety of areas including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, impulsivity, relationship concerns, and suicidal ideation. My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning it is based on the needs of the client. I believe in a collaborative approach to help the client identify their primary needs and tailor therapeutic interventions to meet those needs. I specialize in several modalities however I most commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

My journey as a counselor began working with the Veterans Hospital in an outpatient clinic working with veterans with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, survivors of sexual assault and educating the family. I also have experience working with those who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Post Partum-Depression and family members who are caregivers. I am a mother, a caregiver and grandmother who plays an active role in grandkid’s life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am a client-centered therapist who values empowerment and highlighting an individual’s unique strengths. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, family systems, relational issues, disordered eating, and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. I am inspired by the resiliency of those I work with and feel honored to be invited on a person’s journey for self-reflection and betterment. I come with a background of various therapeutic methods as I believe treatment should be individualized. I have knowledge in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. I look forward to our work together as we develop a relationship full of trust and understanding and create a safe space to achieve insight and growth on your journey towards healing.

Hello! I'm Michael and if you are reading this, you are likely considering therapy as an avenue to make a change in your life. This is the first step in building the life you deserve. Are you overwhelmed by your emotions? Stuck in your past? Worried about the future? Do you just feel...blah...like you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong? You are in the right place! These are questions I can help you answer. I help men and women improve emotional skills, reduce symptoms, and develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges. Together, we will create a plan that works for you. This is your life and only you know the answer. You just need a little help uncovering it. Change is scary and uncomfortable, but if you can choose to show up anyway, amazing things can happen. I realize coming to therapy can be tough and so I like to make your experience with me as safe and comfortable as possible. I hope to hear from you soon.

Hi, I am Matthew Ortega! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the beautiful, sunny state of California with nearly 15 years of experience working with clients in the community. Are you longing for more right now? Is ADHD executive dysfunction ruling your day? Are you needing help coping with a new diagnosis of Bipolar disorder or OCD? Or are you looking for a safe place to discuss topics with your spouse, validate your feelings and restore your relationship to its former glory? I help empower individuals and couples of all ages and relationship statuses to overcome their obstacles and live a happy and fulfilling life. I use an educational and interactive approach to elevate and validate you. My approach offers cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, harm reduction, and trauma-informed perspectives as needed for YOUR unique situation. Together we dig deep to bring forth your most rewarding and fulfilling life. I take pride in leaving the stigmatizing labels at the door, here you are welcomed as you are! I believe it takes great strength and courage to take the first step in connecting with a therapist. My goal is to make you comfortable and empowered throughout the entire experience. If you’re ready to make the commitment and put in the honest effort to dig deep and blossom, then I am here to support you! I look forward to working with you and building this relationship!

Hello my name is Virginia Myricks, LMFT and my goal is to encourage, challenge and empower you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I understand that every individual struggles with life challenges in their own unique way and it would be my pleasure to work with you on identifying your goals, offering treatment interventions that are best suited to your individual needs and to assist you in experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I am a Licensed Clinician in California, with over three decades of clinical experience. I specialize in culturally competent, Christian-integrated, strength-based therapy. My approach combines Biblical principles, Christian values, wisdom, and clinical expertise to support those seeking healing through a holistic and compassionate framework. I offer culturally competent therapeutic interventions, respecting all cultures and emphasizing the client's strengths as the foundation for overcoming challenges.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of over twenty years and have worked with a variety of patients across multiple specialties. I also have a master's degree in Public Health. I've worked in medical social work, with patients in oncology, physical rehabilitation and dialysis. In this way, I have a robust understanding of the biospsychosocial factors that inform the clinical presentation and treatment.

Do you have unresolved issues that impact your daily life? Do you struggle with coping when you’re stressed or have difficulties being kind to yourself? My name is DeVante and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice called Asé Therapy and Social Work Services. I’m dedicated to helping facilitate the completion of your goals by using a holistic approach and identifying pieces of yourself that give you strength and hope. I help support clients in developing tools to manage their emotions and cope during difficult times. I integrate talk therapy from a healing perspective, which is centered on helping folks release unresolved issues and fostering positive visualizations. Asé Therapy and Social Work Services incorporates a social justice and disability justice framework while centering a non-judgmental & brave space. I’m happy to be part of your healing journey and I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, depression, and the impact of trauma. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns with honesty and curiosity. My approach integrates CBT and DBT to build practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen communication, while also incorporating Jungian-oriented insight to deepen self-understanding and meaning. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, self-aware, and empowered, supporting lasting change, clarity, and emotional balance.

Hi, my name is Mai Kou. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, hardships, relationship issues, feeling lost or stuck? Sometimes we need someone to talk to about what we are going through, and we need a safe person we can share these things with without being judged. I would love to talk to you to help you improve your quality of life, mental health, self-esteem, self-love, skills, motivation, and help you achieve your goals. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet my client’s unique treatment needs. Below are a few therapeutic modalities that I use in therapy. I am currently taking new clients adults ages 18-64 for individual therapy and therapy sessions are via telehealth. I have worked with children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families throughout my career. I have worked with the most severe mental illness population in an inpatient psychiatric facility, crisis stabilization center, and outpatient settings. I love being a therapist and I am very passionate at helping people.

Hi, I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 13 years. I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies in expressive arts therapy. I also have lived in a Zen Buddhist temple to do residential practice for five years. My goal is to help people feel better as soon as possible. Usually by the time a person enters therapy they have been under stress that has been building for a while. I help people identify and clarify what their goals are and present interventions that I have supported people using that help them feel better.

I am a clinician interested in understanding the human experience and empowering the client to remember their wholeness, intelligence, and goodness. I strive to create opportunities for the client to relax and open up to the joys in life. I look to find ways to connect the client back to themselves, to have a fuller, more honest, authentic and compassionate relationship with themselves and the world.

Welcome, I'm glad you are here today. I'm first generation Mexican American of immigrant parents and I bring professional sensitivity to immigration issue. I'm licensed clinical social worker offering therapy in both English and Spanish. I graduated with a master's degree in social worker from California State University, Long Beach. I've been a clinical social worker for the past 8 years and trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. I started my career in mental health community clinic working with adults of severe mental health disorder. I have worked with underserved community, including students, parents, immigrant families, and incarcerated population. I am most comfortable working with mild to moderate client experiencing depression and anxiety.

Hi, my name is Kathy. I am licensed in California as a marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for eight years. I work with adults that struggle with depression and anxiety. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have problems with substance use. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My role is to help you recognize your strengths and learn how to build on those strengths to help you become the best version of yourself.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness and personal growth. I earned my Master’s degree from California State University East Bay and bring over six years of experience in community mental health, where I have built a strong foundation in various therapeutic modalities. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to healing and self-discovery.

Having been married for 50 years and raised four children to adulthood, I bring a wealth of life experience to the therapeutic relationship. There are so many challenges with marriage and raising a family, undergoing therapy myself (both individual and couple) has helped me through many difficult times, and I know what it takes make significant changes in my life. I love animals, and i have two dogs who bring me joy every day. My children and seven grandchildren are very important to my life. One of the benefits of being an older therapist is that I have overcome many of the obstacles that my clients face, and for even those I have not experienced, my clients benefit from the life skills I have developed.

I'm Tobey Allen, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience walking alongside through life's biggest transitions. My own path has included more than one reinvention, from a career in graphic design to becoming an art therapist, and that experience shapes how I support clients navigating change today. Whether you're facing a career shift, caring for aging parents, adjusting to chronic pain or illness, or working through grief, I bring both clinical training and lived experience reinventing my own path. I also spent years as a bereavement therapist in hospice care, so I understand grief deeply, both as a clinician and as someone who has sat with families through some of their hardest moments. My approach is warm, collaborative, and genuinely non-judgmental. Together we'll work to uncover the patterns keeping you stuck, whether in relationships, at work, within yourself, and build toward a life that feels more balanced and true to who you are.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience and I approach my client's care the same way I'd approach my own- transparently, empathically, and with a bit of humor sprinkled in. I try my best to provide a warm, collaborative space where children, teens, and adults feel safe, supported, and understood. I have extensive experience working with youth and especially enjoy supporting teens as they navigate anxiety, life transitions, school stress, identity development, and family or peer relationships. All the good stuff! My approach is compassionate, CBT oriented, and strengths-based, helping clients build insight, develop coping skills (by the time we are done, you will have a whole toolbox full of skills to dive into!) and create meaningful, lasting change.

Hi, my name is Gerald Anderson. I am a licensed Therapist in California, an LMFT. I have worked as a therapist for a long time. Helping people from many diverse back grounds. I have worked with couples, individuals, and children, helping them to have the support and the tools to process and work through their problems, marital conflicts. I have also worked with drug involved individuals, who are in recovery and I am familiar with the 12 step process.

Hi, I’m Cylest, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with children, teens, and adults who are facing anxiety, depression, and life stressors. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Together, we explore thoughts and emotions, develop practical coping skills, and create strategies for lasting change and personal growth, empowering you to feel more confident and balanced in everyday life.

Hello! My name is Brenda and I am a licensed clinical social worker. As a dedicated and empathetic mental health professional with over 7 years of experience, I am deeply committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate their emotional and psychological challenges. My journey into therapy began with a profound personal interest in understanding human behavior and a desire to support others in their pursuit of mental well-being.

My ideal client is someone who needs help reaching their highest potential and decrease emotional suffering. They should be ready and willing to begin receiving guidance on how to reach their peak. I believe in self-determination and that individuals can find solutions with the right support. I offer a person centered approach that relies on the client's self-determination. I am experienced working those with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, and anxiety compassionately to help them manage symptoms. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions. I am always willing to answer questions to make sure my services are a good fit.

Hi. I'm Jasmine, I'm a LMFT. I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2008. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Hi. I'm an old white lady with years of experience living on this earth. I want to share what I've learned with you and assist you to recover from trauma, abuse, and attachment dysregulation. I'm culturally competent and have specific experience working with people who are first-generation Americans who are walking the line between two cultures, learning how to integrate all their parts into a cohesive whole.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.). My approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from various evidence-based modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), mindfulness-based techniques, narrative therapy, and solution-focused approach. I tailor my interventions to your specific needs, working collaboratively with you to determine what works best. My communication style is caring, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I aim to create a safe space where you feel heard, validated, and supported. Expect me to be an active listener, ask insightful questions, provide compassionate feedback, and empower you with coping skills and strategies for growth.

Do you experience stress that can lead you to feeling overwhelmed? Does your stress cause you to isolate yourself from your family and friends? Are you struggling with thoughts that prevent you from being your 'true' self? I support individuals struggling with their thoughts and emotions to make sense of what challenges they face. Working together, we will explore current challenges, how your thoughts and emotions impact your efforts to make sense of these challenges and discover ways to empower yourself to resolve and flourish from these challenges. My role is to support you! Practicing as a psychotherapist for 18 years, I have extensive skills in mindfulness, support, and empowerment. In our sessions, I focus on providing a safe, comfortable space without judgment. I use compassion, genuine focus, and years of clinical training as a psychotherapist to support resolving your challenges.

I have been working with youth, young adults, and families since 1999, and have since dedicated my life work to serving families and children improve their lives. I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2014. My expertise is working with families and children who have behavioral difficulties, mental health, and difficulties within the family dynamics. My wide range of experiences has been working in community home-based services, school settings with children with autism and behavioral difficulties, in government setting with children who have been marginalized and abused, and both in outpatient settings and hospital settings.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in domestic violence and substance abuse treatment. I came to the field of therapy later in life, and I believe my own life experiences help me connect with others in a genuine, empathetic, and nonjudgmental way. I live in the San Diego area with my husband on a small farm filled with animals. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, gardening, and creating art—activities that help me stay grounded, creative, and connected to the world around me.

Hello, and welcome. I am Dr. Diari Banigo, Ph.D, LCSW, a Christian, doctoral‑trained clinician, and adjunct professor. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence‑informed therapy that honors the whole person. My approach emphasizes emotional resilience, meaningful connection, and healing from life’s stressors. I believe therapy is most effective as a collaborative process, and I encourage patients to actively engage in their care with me and with other providers who support their overall wellbeing. Important Notice: Dr. Banigo provides psychotherapeutic services. Requests for administrative documentation—such as disability certification, FMLA, or emotional support animal letters—will be referred to another mental health provider. This policy ensures that therapy sessions remain focused on clinical care and your healing process.

Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? Are you struggling to find balance in your life? Do you feel like there's a part of you that has died and hasn't come back to life? Hi, my name is Merisa. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and artist. I help highly functioning adults manage their stressors and find more balance in life. I am an art therapist, meaning we will use art as a communication tool to express emotions, process trauma and relieve stress. I have many clients who are not willing to do art therapy, and that's okay as well! Talking is just as effective. If you're from a family who didn't talk about feelings, and/or avoided conflict, it is possible that talking about your feelings isn't easy. I am here to help ease you into it. Therapy is like exercising. You will be working new muscles and I'm here to help you get stronger. Professional Background: I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, minoring in Psychology in 2014 and graduated with my Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy in 2016. I was always creative and wanted to help others which lead me in the direction of art therapy and LMFT. I have worked at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, providing therapy to patients and families; multiple addiction treatment centers and I was also a school counselor. I have been in recovery for years, and have personal and professional experience working with teens, adults and families in substance use and mental health treatment. I am willing to help you with addiction, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, and relationship issues.