Therapists in California

Hi, I'm Akilah Peters, Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW), based in California and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety , stress and trauma using person centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy that fosters healing and showing up as your authentic self. I consider myself a holistic therapist with practicing key elements of myself as a clinician to best support each client that works with me.

I am a Christian Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist. Like many folks who get into the mental health field, I had certain mental health challenges. My family of origin was burdened with addiction and mental health. I currently have 40 years of sobriety and am intimately familiar with 12 Step, Christ-centered and Mindfulness aspects of recovery. I specialize in the treatment of Trauma and Addiction with family systems and attachment orientation. As a trained child psychologist I also place particular emphasis on developmental aspects of trauma. As a former Navy psychologist with many years working with veterans and first responders, I am very familiar with those cultures. I played college soccer, run 20 marathons, taught scuba as well as being an award winning underwater photographer and competed at the CrossFit World Games for 3 years. I am married, have a son (retired Navy) and a daughter in heaven.

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.

Hello, my name is Christina and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Thank you for reading my profile. I have clinical experience working with children, teenagers, adults and families across diverse community settings struggling with various mental health conditions that include depression, anxiety and trauma. As a bilingual clinician, I offer sessions in both English and Spanish. I use different treatment modalities and use various tools to assist you in reaching your goals and help identify what works best for you. If you are ready to share your story, I will be honored to walk alongside you and guide your path toward healing and meaningful change. Hola, mi nombre es Christina y soy Terapeuta de Matrimonio y Familia con licencia. Gracias por leer mi perfil. Cuento con experiencia clínica trabajando con niños, adolescentes, adultos y familias en diversos entornos comunitarios, quienes enfrentan diversas condiciones de salud mental, incluyendo depresión, ansiedad y trauma. Como terapeuta bilingüe, ofrezco sesiones tanto en inglés como en español. Utilizo diferentes modalidades de tratamiento y diversas herramientas para ayudarle a alcanzar sus objetivos y a identificar qué es lo que mejor funciona para usted. Si está listo (a) para compartir su historia, será un honor para mí caminar a su lado y guiar su camino hacia la sanación y un cambio significativo.

Hello, my name is Lisa. I am an emerging therapist in telehealth services. I am privileged to have the opportunity to help you navigate through difficult and complex life stressors. My approach is collaborative, to ensure that you feel heard and understood. I draw from evidence-based practices while respecting each person’s unique experience. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, gain insight and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Hello, my name is Steven Nelson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over nine years of clinical experience. While my professional background includes family and relationship therapy, my current focus is working with individuals, helping each person navigate their unique journey toward healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds and professions, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, active-duty military members and their families, nurses, attorneys, and many others facing a wide range of life challenges. Life's difficulties are a natural part of the human experience. At times, individuals may feel isolated in their struggles or believe that no one truly understands what they are going through. These thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, substance use, and other challenges that impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. When left unaddressed, these difficulties can become overwhelming and interfere with one's ability to move forward. I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach. My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can gain insight, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop healthier ways of managing life's challenges. Together, we can work toward healing, personal wellness, and lasting positive change. In addition to my Psychological Therapy license, I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.

Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.

Hi, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I work with teens and young adults who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating—especially within family and relationship dynamics. I help clients understand what’s driving their reactions and build practical ways to manage emotions, communicate more effectively, and feel more in control in their daily lives and relationships.

--- I have experience working with community based mental health agencies, managed care, and private practice. My passion is working with children and families. I believe that the family is an important institution to society, that needs to be preserved. I am sensitive to the clients perspective and I never prescribe or make recommendations that are in direct violation of the client culture, values or beliefs. My specialty areas include: trauma, child abuse, parenting issues , family therapy, coping with loss, play therapy, stress management and life transitions. I approach therapy from a client centered approach, focusing on validating the clients feelings displaying empathy, with a strong emphasis on the client being the expert.

Keisha Owens received her bachelor's in psychology from Morgan State University and her master's in counseling psychology at National University. She has over 20 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including outpatient specialty clinics, crisis intervention, Dual Diagnosed Substance Abuse outpatient programs, structured intensive outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric, large nonprofits, and private practice. Keisha uses several therapeutic modalities and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Crisis Intervention. She continues to seek ongoing updates to her skills and knowledge base. Keisha is invested in an approach emphasizing a more integrative, dynamic, and holistic approach to mental health. She is particularly concerned with the impact of loss and trauma and improving intervention to support trauma recovery for better emotional, physical and relationship health.

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.

Hi, I'm Jonathan. I'm so glad you stopped by to consider services with me. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy with a focus on understanding and helping you individually. Since 2010 I have provided therapy to address a wide range of issues from difficult recent adjustments to long-term, chronic issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational distress, men's issues, substance use, and ADHD. I like to work collaboratively to find what works best for each person. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you really feel understood. I have a goal-oriented approach that offers tools, skills for coping, and clear, achievable objectives.

Hello, I am Desiree Trinidad, a passionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California. My journey began at USC Medical Center, where I gained invaluable experience working in the ER and Psychiatric Unit. My career has since encompassed roles in hospice care, counseling for the severe mental illnesses, and facilitating support groups for women in recovery. Each step has reinforced my love for working with diverse populations and the fulfillment I find in this work.

Greetings! My name is Crystal, I am a therapist with a passion for my work. I come from a client-centered approach because I believe you, the Client, is the expert on the current experience. My experience has taught me from this central humanistic standpoint, the relevant and helpful interventions are at arm's reach. I believe in educating my clients and partnering with them through their unique experience with therapy. I enjoy living in the Joshua Tree area and exploring the beautiful desert. My new and healthier lifestyle is keeping me busy with exercise and cooking. The combination of the two has made my new life a true second chance!

Hello, my name is Jackie. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I'm dedicated to supporting my clients navigate life challenges, experience emotional healing, and an improved quality of life. I believe in taking time to get to know you, and understand your world view and life experiences. I have extensive experience assisting clients in managing and reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics. I also offer therapy in Spanish language. As you embark on your therapeutic journey, I welcome the opportunity to walk with you on your road to self-discovery and emotional healing.

I provide online individual therapy to adolescents and adults across California, offering services in both English and Spanish. I have experience assessing and treating a wide range of mental health symptoms and disorders, and I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to identify goals and create meaningful change. I view you as the expert of your own life, and I’m here to offer support, guidance, and a fresh perspective when it’s helpful. My hope is that our therapeutic relationship empowers you to navigate both present and future challenges with confidence. I’m passionate about helping clients build long‑lasting, positive change through Cognitive‑Behavioral interventions, mindfulness practices, and solution‑focused strategies designed to reduce symptoms, alleviate stress, and support you through life’s transitions.

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 13 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life challenges and transitions. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and relationship or interpersonal difficulties involving family, friendships, the workplace, and other areas of life. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based clinical practices. Together, we'll work to better understand what you're experiencing, develop practical coping strategies, and build the confidence and skills needed to create meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe environment free of judgement where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable to be yourself.

My name is Maria C Oliveri, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and the former Director of Clinical Training for the El Monte Police Department. I was educated in the integration of psychology and the Cross, and believe that every meeting is ordained by God. If I am part of your journey and you are part of mine, then we will seek to bring beauty from the ashes, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)."

Hello, my name is Antolyn Rosales. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the SF Bay Area in California. I received my Masters from the University of San Francisco. My specialty is providing psychoeducation and therapy to individuals and families to help manage difficult emotions and cope with stressors while fostering meaningful interactions. My therapy style is unique. I utilize principles and strategies from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Behavior Therapy to help make change. My role is to help one identify the source of the dysfunctional behavior patterns and offer guidance toward more functional behavior patterns and ultimately change.

Hi! My name is Junise Dorestin and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a children social service worker with Child Protective Services. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years. I obtained my Masters of Art in Psychology emphasis Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2008. I have experienced in working with incarcerated individuals, families, children and young adult. I use a broad range of treatment method to assist individuals and families in the process of reaching their goals. As a LMFT, I am passionate about helping others work through their struggles and built insight. I work those who are struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and stress. I have work with those with psychotic disorders and dual diagnoses.

I am a licensed mental health provider in California, Missouri and Texas and have helped clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that can assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.

Welcome! I am glad that you are here taking a step towards change. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than twenty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Southern California. I have worked in a wide range of areas supporting POC and the queer community. I have helped clients manage and cope with challenging emotional issues, life transitions, and relationship problems. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.

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.

My name is Kenny Gallegos and I am a psychotherapist. As I a therapist, I enjoy helping people identify challenging aspects of their lives affecting their mental health and collaborating with them to achieve a more stable quality of life. I focus on utilizing a variety of approaches and techniques, ranging from CBT, DBT, trauma-informed, and STI to mindfulness, to serve a diverse population of ages and ethnic backgrounds while remaining client-centered.

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.

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.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Palm Springs CA with over 10 years of experience. I have experience working with various different demographics. I help clients focus on developing new perspectives and healthier patterns that empower them to achieve their goal and develop more fulfilling lives. I specialize in supporting clients who are managing stress, navigating life transitions, and coping with anxiety and depression.

My name is Nadine and I was born and raised in Iran, went to high school in England and came to the US when I was 16. Having lived in three different countries, I am very familiar with how culture affects individuals. I have a sense of humor and enjoy meeting people from different walks of life. Every individual that I meet, has a different story. I am here to listen

I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

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.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for over 10 years. I help adults struggling with stress and mental health issues become the best versions of themselves. I am passionate about meeting people where they are at and helping them feel better and reach their goals.

As a therapist, I use a trauma-informed, client-centered approach grounded in compassion and respect. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. My goal is to positively impact their lives by helping them build insight, resilience, and meaningful change. I see myself as someone who is deeply committed to understanding each client’s unique experience. I focus on listening with empathy and without judgment, so clients feel safe, heard, and respected. I believe that understanding a person’s emotions, background, and patterns is essential to providing meaningful support. Overall, I aim to combine compassion with evidence-based practice, continuously growing as a therapist while supporting clients in a thoughtful, personalized, and respectful way.

As a therapist, I am committed to guiding you toward meaningful change and lasting healing. I strive to create a space grounded in empathy and compassion where you feel seen, supported, and understood. I serve adult clients with a broad range of life experiences and challenges and specialize in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, trauma, and substance use challenges. For all of my clients, I tailor my approach to honor your unique experiences and strengths. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and use a strength-based approach to support your growth and healing. My method is both structured and supportive, helping you build practical skills, process difficult experiences, and deepen your self-awareness. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel more balanced, resilient, and confident as you move forward.

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.

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.

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!

 Love and work are essential to a meaningful life. Relationships with others define experience and work gives a sense of purpose. Disturbance in these affect well being and contribute to an overwhelmed response leading to collapse. As trauma is relational so is recovery and healing. Having the right therapeutic alliance is a key element and requires, attunement and constistency.  James has over 20 years of clinical experience treating diverse individuals in a variety of settings. As a Mind-Body-Awareness trained therapist, he works with adults having problems with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. In addition to having a graduate degree in Social Work from San Jose State University; he also attended years of practicum training from the following: Certification in Somatic Experiencing from SE Trauma Institute; Sierra Institute for Contemporary Gestalt Training; Professional Training in Hakomi Mindfulness-Based Experiential Psychotherapy Santa Cruz; iRest Integrative Restoration, an evidence informed meditation practice for trauma; Certification in Satyananda Yoga Nidra; and Completion of 500 hours of Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training. 

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in the state of California. I received my Master's Degree from Antioch University Los Angeles and have been practicing for 18 years. Working together, I help adults work to find solutions to ongoing issues causing anxiety, sadness and loneliness in their lives so they may become the best version of themselves.

Please note: All sessions are conducted in ASL (American Sign Language) only. There will not be any verbal interactions during the appointment. Thank you for taking the time to consider working together. I am a deaf licensed clinical social worker that specializes in working with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf Blind, CODA/SODA's (Children of Deaf Adults, or Spouse/Partners of Deaf Adults) and the interpreting community. By incorporating a holistic approach with specific focus on the mind-body-spirit, I will meet you where you are at, and assist you with figuring out the next steps to take in feeling more whole again.

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.

My name is Alanna Walker, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Las Vegas, Nevada. I currently provide telehealth services to clients in California and have experience offering both in-person and virtual therapy in Nevada. I’m certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and domestic violence intervention, and I also have specialized training in substance use disorders and addiction.

Hello I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 30 years. I have worked with many different people from a variety of cultures. I have helped both children, adolescents and adults with various concerns from criminal behaviors, addiction, and serious mental illness. I have helped people change their behavior and thinking so they can reach their potential, achieve their goals and heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

My name is Judy Jordan and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years years of professional experience in counseling with children,, adults, and families. I took an evening course in Psychology 5 when starting school, and by the end of it , I knew I wanted to become a therapist. I was drawn to understanding people on a deeper level and helping them through their struggles. With support from my dad, I left my job and went back to school starting from scratch. I loved every minute of learning and felt more certain with each class that I was on the right path. My dedication paid off...I earned straight A's and received the Academic Achievement Award in Psychology. More importantly I found a sense of purpose in supporting others on their mental health journeys.

I am an Award-Winning psychotherapist (CAMFT, California Marriage and Family Therapist Association) trained to help you find your Happily Ever After, working with couples for more than 10 years. My couple clients include newer relationships, soon-to-be wed/prenuptial, as well as parents-children. My training sets me apart from most therapists, because I take a neuroscience therapeutic based approach to helping you achieve your optimum mental health and become more flexible in relationships and increase your self-awareness in how others may perceive you. I attended Duke University and trained in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Neuroscience for Business at MIT, and Narrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Hi There! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and primarily work with folx who struggle with addiction and mental health. I have experience providing individual and group treatment for folx who are interested in abstinence/sobriety and harm reduction. I have worked in this field for approximately seven years and have found this work truly fulfilling. I believe self-compassion is an important and often overlooked skill/tool, and I focus on using this in my sessions. I work from a perspective of cultural humility and enjoy meeting with folx who are BIPOC and/or part of the Lgbtq+ community. I also believe in the importance of fat acceptance and body positivity, which is something that is often neglected/overlooked. I am also the mother of an adult with Autism/neurodivergence and have experience personally and professionally with caregiving and burnout. *Please note that clients may be referred out if there are more than two no-shows. Thank you!

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 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.

First and foremost, I am a father of two. I hold a doctorate in clinical psychology and have worked in government setting as a supervisor to many social workers over the past 28 years. I have been licensed as a therapist in California since 2004 and have worked with 100s of individuals, couples and teens since then. I have had over 200 hours of post PHD training in the areas of anxiety, depression, child abuse and neglect, bipolar disorder, couples counseling, divorce, child custody and phobia.

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.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read about me. My name is Emily Cortez and I am an LMFT in CA. It is my hope to connect with you in a warm, supportive space to help process and tackle the many challenges that life throws at us. I have been practicing in the field going on 5 years now and have experience working with children, teens, families, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, adjustment/life transitions, trauma, and grief/loss.