Therapists in California

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping anyone willing to make the necessary changes to live a fulfilled life. I will walk that extra mile side by side with you on the journey to reach healing, maintaining a balanced life, health, and peace of mind. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals and feel empowered to take the lead on their desired outcomes from treatment. I’m passionate about creating resources for clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, life transition, military stress, relationship issues, and gender identity. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request. I am fluent in Portuguese, and Spanish.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

Therapy can be a frightening, overwhelming process, yet one of the most rewarding and life changing experiences of your life. It allows you to be you, share your thoughts and feelings without judgement, feel safe, gain insight into your thought process, your behaviors, and learn to be in control of your overall experiences. Through your strengths and weaknesses, you will learn to embrace each and every experience, and you will gain the knowledge to make the changes you need to achieve your goals. You will find the power within you to bring fulfillment to your life journey. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping people, couples, and families grow, and learn what they need to have a more fulfilling life experience. I will listen to your life experience. I will listen to your challenges. I will work with you on reaching your goals or helping you identify your goals in order for you to feel successful in our therapeutic process.

I have been providing mental health services since 2003. Throughout my career I have worked communities large and small and have provided services to client of all ages and clinical presentations. I have worked with Foster Youth struggling with attachment all the way to helping Older Adults find purpose and meaning. I specialize in trauma, particularly that which occurs in the context of the relationship. I enjoy working with couples and individuals struggling in relationships. I like to focus on promoting healthy connections with others and how to ensure this creates a lasting structure to manage life's challenges. In addition to this I encourage areas of strength to ensure our life has purpose.

My approach centers on deep listening, empathy, and honoring each client’s lived experience. I intentionally consider cultural, environmental, and systemic influences, ensuring therapy is respectful, collaborative, and client-led. I believe in creating a comfortable space that supports growth while affirming each person’s identity and self-determination. I am especially enthusiastic about returning to a practice setting focused on working with adults, where I can support clients in exploring identity, healing, and growth.

I understand how challenging it is to come to therapy and speak of subjects that can bring about fear, anxiety and feelings of being judged. Therapy is the safest of environments to bring up topics that have brought about great pain or arrest in one’s life. My hope for you is that therapy becomes a useful tool to transform your life into how you envision it to be. Life is too short not to be lived out to its fullest potential. By working with you, I hope to collaborate in a transformation process where life goals come to fruition. As your therapist, I am your advocate and will support you in all areas where challenges, obstacles and barriers are encountered. I hope this message finds you well and instills a sense of hope that anything, if one’s mind is put to it, is possible to change for the better.

Congratulations! You have taken the first steps in the journey to your goal(s). I am extremely grateful you are considering me to partner up with. I consider my relationships as instrumental in learning who I am. The relationships that most speak to who I am include being a spouse, father, brother, son, colleague, and friend. My grandparents are deceased. Through these relationships I have learned a great deal.

I was a CPS Social Worker before I was a therapist. Both of my degrees are in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon. I am very responsive, and your story matters to me. I have been practicing for 7 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Are you ready to take steps towards actionable change? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for young adults, adults, and older adults facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to develop resilience, gain clarity, and make positive changes in their lives.

I have experience working with children, families, and individuals as a social worker since 2003, and as a licensed clinical social worker since 2017. Prior to training as a therapist I worked as an advocate for children, youth, and families in various community based non-profits. Witnessing families succeed as I helped ease their burdens led me to the path of clinical social work! I consider it a privilege to be invited and entrusted with the task of walking alongside you during a challenging moment in your life. Seeing you grow and succeed is one of the best rewards I could ask for.

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.

I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full potential. I will listen to you and will try my best to support you in finding the path to happiness by practicing and using the tools and methods that are helpful and tangible.

Hi, I'm Eva. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, tired and just not as active in your life as you would like to be? Feeling challenged with just keeping up with everyday activities. Seem to forget to take care of yourself, that everybody else comes before you? I help people like yourself to get back to feeling more positive, less tired, burnt out, isolated and lonely. We will together come up with a plan for how to best work on the issues that you want to change. We will use an approach that you feel most comfortable with, and work toward a life that gives back pleasure, harmony and ease. Whether you are dealing with a situational situation or a longer-term struggle I'll be there to support you through your work. You have already taken a big step in the right direction just by reading through different clinicians' statements. The next step is to choose a clinician, contact Growth Therapy and set up an appointment. Sometimes these are the hardest steps to take. One of my most important goals is to provide you with a safe space where you feel validated, and supported and provide you with no judgment, compassion and respect.

My clinical experience has been providing individual therapy services to adolescents, adults and seniors. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and family issues. My goal is to create a space where clients can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding and to empower individuals to present their true selves confidently to the world. I aim to help clients embrace all parts of themselves as they heal and grow. You are the narrator of your story and I am here to guide and help support you through your journey.

Veronica Villanueva, LMFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #149992 | Currently Accepting New Clients If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, I'm here to help you write a new chapter in your story. I'm Veronica Villanueva, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. I'm licensed to practice in California and offer teletherapy throughout the state.

Hello, I am Lisa-Marie! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing whole person therapy to clients in need. I earned my Bachelors in Social Science from Aquinas College and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Nebraska. I've worked in many different clinical and medical settings ever since. I have experience leading clients through of issues including trauma, life transitions, grief, women's issues, sexuality, depression, general anxiety and somatic challenges. Through many years of clinical practice I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives. I practice an eclectic approach, bringing a variety of therapeutic techniques to address the needs of the individual, but always assess where one in the process of addressing change. I am fully committed to listen and offer my best professional practices to help you. You can count on my empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation we take part on. Thank you for taking the first step and for allowing me to be part of this very important journey. Look forward to meeting you!

Hi, my name is Idania Arellano, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received a master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2019. I have worked in human services for since 2010 in various capacities including drug and alcohol and case management in group homes. I enjoy working as a therapist and feel privileged to help others work on themselves.

My passion is people and I am most curious about what makes us who we are. I have been in the field of mental health for 20 years and I have worked with an array of clients. The most effective work comes from those clients that are not afraid to be vulnerable, to self reflect and to do the work.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia focused on providing services to individuals and families. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work and a PhD. in Social Work: Policy, Planning and Administration and have over 10 years of experience providing clinical services to children, teens and families. The onset of my career began with helping children and families within a community mental health setting as well as those involved in the child welfare system. My clients have a wide range of concerns including: Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I've also worked with clients who have experienced trauma and abuse. I believe in a humanistic, person-centered, cognitive behavioral approach to therapy where the focus is on helping clients develop a stronger sense of self within a non-judgmental therapeutic setting. I am a proponent in addressing factors that contribute to the healing of the spirit, mind and body. I am happy that you have taken the first step in your healing process and I look forward to working with you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through a variety of life challenges. I have been practicing in school-based setting for over 6 years, helping clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and move toward meaningful personal growth. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I value truly listening to what each client hopes to achieve. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while equipping clients with practical skills to manage daily challenges and move confidently toward their personal goals. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish and am committed to providing culturally responsive care where clients feel understood and supported. I pride myself on developing strong, authentic relationships with my clients and consider it an honor to be included in their healing journey. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal oriented.

I am a client centered therapist, which means I believe that the client is the expert on their experiences. I ask questions, am open to feedback, and trust the client's capacity for growth and self-actualization. Additionally, I provide coping skills and evidenced based practices to help clients in these areas. I also use art therapy in my practice, which is workable in telehealth.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, as well as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. I offer a safe place where individuals are able to begin their therapeutic healing journey. My desire is to be a vehicle to facilitate the healing process for individuals. I am deeply honored to assist clients on the road to healing. My faith, hope, and beliefs have enabled me to continue this work, and I feel thankful to be a vehicle that facilitates the healing process.

I am a highly accomplished Licensed, Marriage, and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience in managing challenging behaviors and helping individuals with ongoing significant social/emotional skill deficits, and/or mental health needs. Along with working with youth from many cultures and economic backgrounds, I also have over 20 years’ experience supervising and managing adults in the education field. My years of experience working for school districts, private practice settings, group homes and currently as a mental health administrator provide clients with a clinician who has a broad range of experience.

Hello, I’m Kim Paylor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), school counselor, and clinical supervisor with a diverse background in mental health, education, case management, and student support services. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, veterans, families, and young adults across school, community, and clinical settings. My experience includes working as a school counselor, special education resource teacher, therapist in private practice and telehealth settings, and clinical case manager within the HUD-VASH program supporting veterans. Prior to entering the mental health field, I also spent many years working in customer service, payroll, human resources, and university settings, which has given me a strong understanding of life stressors, workplace challenges, relationships, parenting, and major life transitions. I bring warmth, compassion, authenticity, and real-world understanding into the counseling relationship. I specialize in anxiety, emotional wellness, trauma-informed care, self-esteem, stress management, and helping clients develop healthier coping skills, emotional resilience, and greater confidence in themselves and their lives. My strongest area of focus is supporting adolescents, teens, and adults between the ages of 11–45. My therapeutic style is highly person-centered, supportive, and collaborative. While I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, I strive to create a counseling experience that feels approachable, practical, empowering, and genuinely supportive rather than overly clinical or judgmental. I believe therapy works best when clients feel truly heard, valued, and comfortable being themselves. I often incorporate guidance, emotional support, skill-building, and strengths-based strategies to help clients not only process challenges, but also build confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and practical tools they can apply in everyday life. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported, empowered, and encouraged as they work toward healing, balance, and meaningful change.

Providing a space to just be YOU while you explore different aspects of your life and your mental health while learning to navigate your emotions more effectively. Before any title, I'm a human being who values authenticity, compassion, and connection. I bring both my humanity and my clinical expertise into every therapeutic relationship. I believe that real change happens when we can be honest with ourselves and with each other.

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

My passion is helping people transform the life they have into the life they want!!! In the pursuit of my passion I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine and my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I have been privileged to work in a variety of environments providing psycho-therapeutic services and support including Concordia University, numerous elementary school campuses, various social service agencies and churches as well in my own private practice. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families offering Solution-focused short term and long term therapy, customizing therapy based on the client’s needs and seeing them more fulfilling lives.

I get satisfaction from being a voice of reasoning for others through my genuineness. I consider this a life purpose for me. I am driven by a deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with their mental well-being. I believe in providing a safe space with a non-judgmental stance while supporting the patient through his or her emotional well-being and encouraging autonomy.

Hello. My Name is Eric. Are you feeling tired? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Are your relationships not as good as what you hope they would be? Are you feeling down, and hard to be true to yourself? Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? I help people manage anxiety, depression and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's working well for you, and what can be improved upon in your life so you can find yourself, and achieve your full potential in life. We will utilize a whole body care an approach that addresses the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness into the session to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can understand you are not alone, and can learn positive coping skills to manage your feelings that are not allowing you to achieve your full potential. Let's work together!

Good day to you, my name is Mario Palacios I am a LMFT. I have been a therapist for over 25 years. I have had my practice since 2011. In that time, I have learned and have continued to learn what it takes to become a more effective therapist. During this time, I have treated many people with various issues/challenges that have resulted in positive outcomes. The most important impact for me is being able to see when my client has been able to make changes in their lives where they have improved themselves, found more clarity and continue to seek more improvement.

I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative journey of discovery. Having served in the mental health field for more than 15 years, I focus on identifying your inherent strengths and what truly inspires you. By meeting you where you are without judgment, I strive to understand your world and help you navigate life’s hurdles. Together, we will turn learned skills into real-world results, empowering you to live your most authentic and vibrant life.

Hello. I am a licensed social worker in California. I began practicing in the mental health/behavioral health field in 2011. I originally was licensed in Maryland in 2015 but then returned to California in 2016. Since starting in the field, I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 4 years old to 75 years old; most experience working with individuals between the ages of 10 and 35. I have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, and relationship issues. I am an ally of the LGBTQI community and can provide a safe, telehealth space for them. Unfortunately, at this time, I cannot accommodate individuals seeking letters for emotional support animals or those mandated by the court or legal system for therapy. With that said, my goal in being a counselor, is to assist my clients in meeting their identified treatment needs. I am flexible and willing to do whatever I need to do to assist you and help you in any way that I can. If when viewing my profile, you feel as though I am a good fit, but my schedule does not meet your scheduling needs, please feel free to send me a message as I may be able to fit you in at a different time. I work evenings and weekends.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my master's in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in California and have been practicing for the last 8 years. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts, and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.

I am a client-centered professional with 15 years of experience providing broad mental health services to diverse populations of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified art therapist with specialization in utilizing multiple evidence-based modalities to address substance abuse, dual diagnoses, depression, anxiety, trauma, and domestic violence. I work with couples to increase effective communication skills in order to understand each other as well as grow emotional intimacy.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who supports individuals and families navigating family-of-origin dynamics, cultural expectations, and life transitions. I work with people experiencing conflict between traditional values and new cultural identities. I focus on understanding each person within their family, community, and lived experience, integrating strengths, language, and beliefs to support healing and growth in a holistic way.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. I earned my Master's Degree in Psychology Counseling from Mt. ST. Mary's University in Los Angeles and have been practicing for 15 years. I facilitate insight into problematic issues in your life transition towards a life worth living. My approach is empathetic, compassionate, and direct. I help recognize unhealthy patterns of thoughts and behaviors.

Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic. I have been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation), and Seeking Safety for trauma treatment. When treating anxiety, I take a CBT, or exposure approach with skill-building. For depression I utilize CBT concepts, or behavioral activation with skill-building. For sleep issues, I work with the CBT for insomnia treatment model. These are just a few examples of treatment approaches I utilize. I am relational focused, which to me means finding a plan that works best for you, practicing cultural humility and not trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. I look forward to working with you.

I’ve studied and practiced many methods. I like to be eclectic and work with you with what’s needed to get you back on track and feeling your best. I was a teacher for many years, then went for my masters in social work. Life has many twists and turns. Sometimes we can feel off balance or are suffering from depression or anxiety. We’ve all had our ups and downs and getting back on track and feeling our best is a goal I enjoy helping people achieve to live the life they want. Are your coping skills no longer working? Do you need new ones? Maybe you have some unprocessed traumas that need to be processed so that you can move forward.

Everyone has a story and a unique voice. Let me help you find yours. I practice cultural competency, cultivating awareness of stagnant emotions through mindfulness, and exploring strengths and passions. I hope to fully support you during this moment in your life and help you meet your goals. I’m passionate about helping people become aware of the link between body and mind, as they work toward discovering their authentic selves. Sometimes, facilitating change can be overwhelming. I can help you through those times with evidenced-based therapies, including seeking safety and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. I have extensive experience working with clients of all ages, families, and groups on issues of addiction, blended families, divorce, trauma, and spirituality. I have also participated in immersion and liberation psychology programs in Mexico City and El Salvador. I’ve been using a video platform with my clients for many years. It helps make therapy more accessible, more convenient, and I’ve found it to be just as effective. Also, clients can practice with online tools during and after our sessions. I love animals, dance fitness, especially Zumba, all types of yoga including earning a Yoga Alliance accredited 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. I love to offer guidance to improve overall mental well-being and quality of life.

Hello! My name is Susan (she/her pronouns) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who has been in the profession for 20 years. I have served hundreds of children and their families over the years in clinics, family homes, schools, and online. I specialize in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, AD/HD, identity/gender exploration, developmental disabilities, and childhood grief. I believe that children and youth are highly resilient, and will a little extra specialized attention and some tools, can come to feel more optimistic, in control, and eager to thrive.

Hi! I'm a Mexican American, Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters of Social Work from California State University San Marcos. I love working with a variety of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I help individuals challenged with grief, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and trauma, to become better versions of themselves. I like to provide a nonjudgmental approach, and really find out who a person truly is, to have a better understanding of all the parts that make a person who they are.

I want to get to know you and what you are seeking help with as much as possible. I like to ask questions, try not to make assumptions, and keep us focused on your goals. I have a background in short-term therapy as well as ongoing, open-ended therapy. I want you to feel supported but also know you are an independent adult.

Hello I'm Gina, I have been living and working in Palm Springs California for the past 9 years. I have truly found a home here with rich diversity, living among people who have lived and worked throughout the United States. I have enjoyed working with people local to the Coachella Valley, including first generation Americans, as well as long term HIV survivors, other members of the LGBT+ community, and the local Jewish community. I have been a therapist for more than 19 years, living and practicing in many areas of the state.

Hi there, my name is Sydney and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist here to assist you in your therapeutic journey. I was born and raised in Sonoma County and am now serving my community via both in-person and telehealth. I have experience working in community mental health, school-based, and private practice settings. I am dedicated to my clients and enjoy seeing growth and self-exploration through our journey together.

Marcia Porter, LCSW Hello, I am a California-based licensed clinical therapist, with over 18 years of clinical experience. I have a very rich background working in community mental health, (adult outpatient) families, (both single and blended) and some work with adults in private practice. I have enjoyed working with assisting adults with understanding themselves, reconnecting with their families and dealing with parenting challenges (learning to establish clear boundaries). As well as assisting adults with life transitional stages and issues, helping them to be more adaptable, setting goals, (if possible) and accepting where they are in their life, and how to navigate, and move forward.

I'm Claudine and I'm looking forward to working with clients who are seeking a positive therapeutic relationship. I'm compassion focused while still pushing clients to do their best and meet their goals. Psycho education is big part of what I include in sessions to help clients understand how the process of therapy works and how my interventions can help you.

Hello, my name is Tina Salazar, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. Are you struggling with isolation, stress, depression, or anxiety? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Know that you are not alone. Asking for support is an act of strength and courage and is the first step in making positive changes. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and the things that give your life happiness and meaning.

Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a therapist in California, and I have 13 years of experience supporting clients of all ages. I specialize in working with young adults, and enjoy helping clients navigate life transitions. I'm also passionate about working with survivors of trauma, and have particular experience helping people work through developmental and childhood trauma. My approach integrates practical, day-to-day strategies combined with emotional exploration, helping you gain insights into your thoughts and feelings. When I'm not wearing my therapist hat, I love reading, watching too much reality TV, and spending time with my family.

Hi, I’m Erim a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist born and raised in Southern California. One of my biggest priorities is creating a safe and welcoming place for my clients. I am experienced in treating anxiety, stress management, relationship challenges, grief, loss of relationships, job stress, disappointment management, and life transitions. My aim is to allow room for processing as well as equipping, educating, and empowering my clients with practical tools and techniques that they can use in their everyday lives.