Therapists in California

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master's Degree from Rutgers University. I have experience working with teens, and adult dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, self -harm, ADHD, life changes and other challenges. I specialize in working with teens, women and men who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, negative self-image and trauma. I work with clients to help them discover their true self. I will meet you where you are in your journey, and will you facilitate the changes you need to reach your fullest potential. If your tired of your emotional rollercoaster consider coming to see me.

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 the life they want.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in Florida and California. I have a PhD in Family Therapy. I have been working with clients in social and mental health settings for more than 20 years. I have experience working with diverse populations (different cultural backgrounds). I work with individuals, couples, and families facing grief, depression, anxiety, anger, life transitions, stress, problems in their relationships with relatives, co-worker/classmates, and trauma, among others.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Pheonix. At the moment, I help adults, adolescences, and children struggling with suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and low self-worth find themselves. I have been using a person-centered approach for the past 9 years working with individuals and families struggling with and managing severe to acute mental illness.

I aim to support individuals, couples and groups to connect with and express their true selves. With a solid relationship with ourselves and our support systems we are able to overcome many of lifes challenges. Unfortunately, a lot is out of our control, but I like to highlight our strengths in recognizing what is in our control and take back our own power to live the life we want and deserve.

Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. As a graduate of Antioch University Los Angeles specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, I am currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are romantic, work and social relationships, compulsive gambling and other kinds of addictions, , self esteem, life and social skills, depression, anxiety, trauma and various mood and personality disorders. In addition to being a passionate and compassionate therapist, I went through extensive training at Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior at UCLA where I received a hands-on experience as a research assistant at PEERS treatment program working with teenagers and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I was also trained to treat individuals with dual diagnosis at Residential Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Beit T'Shuvah, Los Angeles where I worked with individuals, families and ran groups specializing in compulsive gambling. I am also a current member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist and my eclectic therapeutic approach primarily consists of evidence- based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California for 20 years and I hold a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Counseling. I am in my second marriage for 29 years now, after my 24-year first marriage failed. We have seven children between the two of us, 31 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I have had good success counseling couples who have given up on their relationship, especially those who have experienced infedelity. I don't counsel children until they are 18. I enjoy helping people understand how they became the way they are and therfore find ways to leave dysfunction behind.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist practicing in California. I earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University – Los Angeles. I received my license in 2020, and work with adults, adolescents and seniors. At present, I meet clients in-person or virtually for couples and individual therapy. Often people seek therapy when they are going through a rough patch. We can work together to navigate, and attempt to improve the situation by applying coping strategies, reviewing options., and other techniques.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have worked as a therapist for the past 12 years. As a first generation Vietnamese American with immigrant parents, my life experiences of growing up in two very different cultures have taught me ways to navigate through cross-cultural conflicts and have the ability to respond to individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural systems with compassion and understanding. As a therapist, I empower individuals to draw upon their strengths, heal holistically, and self-love. I will encourage and provide a safe space for you to explore, heal, and have the courage to move forward on a journey toward self-discovery, growth, confident, and love. It will help you become more resilience, improve self-worth, and a healthy deep connection with others.

Maria Mendez Perez is a bilingual first-generation Latina therapist who is passionate about helping adults who are experiencing overwhelming emotions due to unresolved trauma. The majority of her practice focuses on managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and learning skills to improve emotion regulation. In my free time I love spending time with my family. When I need some alone time I spend time with our dog, read a book, or listen to a podcast, probably something on mental health.

I am licensed in California with 12 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

Hello, I’m Maria Simental, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in mental health. At Grow Therapy, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care. By integrating these methods, I help you explore your emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience. My goal is to empower you to tap into your inner strengths and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work toward meaningful change, helping you lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. Your journey is important, and I’m genuinely committed to walking alongside you on this path.

I have an ability to connect with people in a very real and empathic way. I will try to understand who you are and meet you where you are to develop plans to help you achieve your goals. I use CBT, EMDR and Psychodynamic techniques to assist you with developing a plan of care for you. I have a wealth of knowledge working in all levels of mental health care and all age groups.

Hi! I'm Susanna Franchi. I have been working in the mental health field a total for twenty years. I received my Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am very dedicated in doing my best work in sessions with clients to help them improve and lead satisfied lives. It has been rewarding seeing my clients improve and grow which has given me continued motivation to continue my work as a therapist.

I am licensed in California . I have 20 years of professional work experience . I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work , from California State University Long Beach. I thrive in the opportunity to help clients move through the counseling process , with the goals of adaptive coping and wellness in the management of their issues and stressors. I enjoy educating clients on Wellness Practice and extending supportive psychotherapy to clients .

As a therapist, I have learned that the best gift I can give to my clients is to provide a secure attachment in the therapeutic alliance so that clients can begin to cultivate secure attachments in their own personal lives. It is my intention to create this therapeutic space for each one of my unique clients from our first session together.

Hi my name is Mylan (Me-lawn) Allen. I approach therapy with authenticity and curiosity using person centered and cognitive based therapeutic modalities. My clients develop a deeper sense of self and understanding of their environment when working with me. I help my clients build their resilience by learning to challenge their thoughts, identify their feelings and recognize patterns and behaviors.

Welcome to your first step into a new therapeutic journey. I aim to create a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment that allows you to explore strengths and empower you to have more control over your life. I have helped clients gain new skills and explore experiences that can get in the way of their current happiness. Whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, identity, and/or relationships, I focus on helping clients feel happier and more confident in their everyday lives. After graduating from Northwestern University with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have spent the last four years helping people struggling with acute depression and anxiety symptoms as well as any other symptom that has significantly impacted their lives. I have helped clients make life-changing steps toward recovery to create the lives they want to live.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with six years of experience in the mental health field. My journey as a therapist is fueled by a deep passion for personal growth, empathy, and professional dedication. I am committed to supporting individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate challenges—big or small—and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

When we experience severe trauma or life stressors, our lives can start to collapse into a day-to-day struggle. Our normal coping mechanisms and our support systems can start to fail or no longer be enough to help pull us through the difficult time. The truth is, we cannot change our life experiences, but we can search to find solutions to help us overcome depression, addiction, anxiety, relationship difficulties. We can grow and become aware of our own strengths as we face our struggles. Sometimes we need that extra help to aid us in regaining life balance in our journey of self-discovery. As a licensed family therapist with eight years of experience, I am passionate about helping adults navigate & explore complex challenges in order to work towards positive changes that are solution based.

My name is Suzanne and I have been working in the field of mental health since 2009. I have a passion to support others with personal growth and healing through a variety of mental health interventions. I prefer to evaluate the whole person and their history in order to best create a treatment plan that addresses each client's unique needs. The hope is to create a lasting positive change in their overall well-being and connections with others.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome challenges related to trauma, family dynamics, cultural barriers, depression, anxiety, and anger. My passion lies in empowering clients to reach their goals through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. In my private practice, I offer evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapies via tele-mental health technologies such as Video On Demand (VOD) and Zoom. This allows clients to express themselves in an objective and non-judgmental environment as they embark on their journey to healing. My real-world approach ensures that clients receive practical and effective support.

Everyone's journey is different and that is why I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. Therapy is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space to ask the right questions, explore what matters and building a stronger, more grounded version of yourself. Whether you are looking for clarity, direction, or simply someone to walk alongside you for bit, I am here to assist you in making meaningful progress.

Hello there : ) I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 12 years. I create confidential, non-judgmental, and safe space for you to unpack your thoughts and process your feelings about whatever is causing you to feel sad, stuck, angry, or confused. It is a privilege to be a part of your journey of healing.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State University Northridge. I have a extensive history with over 15 years of experience working with adults 18 and over with various mental health diagnoses. I like to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients to have a place to express their thoughts and feelings.

Hello! My name is Brigette and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in East Bay, California. I have 15 years experience working with clients, providing therapeutic counseling services. I have worked with a diverse population of clients ranging from children, teens, adults, and elders. I provide services for individuals and families assisting with issues such as depression, isolation, anxiety, self esteem, trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting issues, and more. I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds and I value genuineness and collaboration with my clients. I provide a safe and supportive holding environment that is authentic and nonjudgmental in nature. I tailor my specific approach depending on client situation, needs, and goals for therapy. As well as draw from theories such as CBT, Solution Focused, Family Systems, and Client Centered modalities. Growth and change are encouraged through self reflection and finding practical solutions to problems. Making a change can feel overwhelming and scary, but if you are ready to take the first step and begin the road to a new way of life, I am here to help uplift and support you! I appreciate your courage and I look forward to hearing from you!

Katerina Sorrell, MA, PPSC, LPCC, is a licensed psychotherapist and National Board Certified Counselor with over a decade of experience helping clients achieve healing, resilience, and personal growth. With a Master’s in Counseling from Chapman University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from CSULB, she offers a strong academic foundation paired with compassionate, culturally responsive care. Katerina is fluent in English and Spanish and provides services to children, adolescents, and adults, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Her work spans working with Orange County Department of Education and various school districts in Orange County, California, where she has served as a School Counselor and Mental Health Practitioner. She specializes in crisis intervention, early identification of students in need, and the development of supportive mental health strategies. Katerina also volunteered with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, demonstrating her deep commitment to mental health advocacy. In addition to her school-based work, Katerina provides individual therapy in private practice in Laguna Hills, California,, helping adults, military and youth clients manage challenges like anxiety, depression, family conflict, peer pressure, and trauma. Her unique background also includes career assessments, allowing her to support clients in discovering their strengths and life direction. Whether in schools, clinical settings, or the community, Katerina empowers her clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, connection, and hope.

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Iaquinto, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Central California. I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Brandman University and have been practicing for 5 years. I specialize in helping those that struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues by working on utilizing coping skills to better their every day lives and relationships.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated with my Masters from the University of Southern California in 2014. I work with people who are struggling with their self identity due to anxiety and depression. I lead with understanding and commitment toward seeing the fullness of my clients. I enjoy working with clients to see the dualities that exist within our world in order to help them meet their goals.

As your therapist, I will provide a safe, nurturing, supportive, and confidential environment for you to share your life story with me. I’m truly passionate about mental health, I love being a therapist and I can tell you that God loves us very much and cares about our mental health well-being and happiness. As your therapist, I also care about you, and if its okay with you, I would love to support you in exploring a deeper relationship with Christ, and that you can learn healthier behaviors to improve relationships, learn healthier ways to communicate with others, explore your own needs and desires, and just feel happier. As your therapist, I want to support you and guide you in achieving emotional, behavioral, and relational well-being, and live your life with faith, peace, love, and joy. We will explore your strengths, coping mechanisms, resources, and God-given gifts to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life according to God's plan for you.

Thank you for stopping by my page! What you will experience as my client will always be based upon the following: professionalism, care, and experience. I consider effective mental health treatment to be a life-changing experience and it is my goal as your therapist to support you 100% in reaching your goals. My philosophy is this: "I'll always help if you'll always try." I have worked with a wide variety of people, and find that almost all of us can connect as fellow humans. I am currently licensed in North Carolina, West Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and California, and make my home in beautiful Southern Oregon. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE A FULL-TIME PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF GROW AND IF YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT CHOICE IS MADE FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY OR 2-3 DAYS AWAY, I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO MOVE IT OUT SEVERAL DAYS. IF YOUR NEED IS MORE EMERGENT, THEN PLEASE ACCESS CARE LOCALLY OR YOU MAY FIND ANOTHER THERAPIST ON GROW THERAPY THAT IS AVAILABLE SOONER. I TRY TO BALANCE HELPING AS MANY AS I CAN WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE CARE. THANK YOU, SAM

My goal as your therapist is to help you create a meaningful and enjoyable life. Whether you come to treatment to manage a pre-existing condition/diagnosis, or are looking to improve the relationships in your life; I am happy to assist you until you get to where you would like to be. In today's society; stress, anxiety, and depression can often take over our health, wellbeing, and relationships leaving one with an unsatisfactory life. In treatment we can explore the obstacles that are causing you pain or are holding you back from your full potential, and work together towards creating happiness and contentment.

Each of us has our own story and sometimes our experiences leaves us feeling confused, frightened, sad, and often tremendously isolated. I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you. My approach to therapy always starts with listening to my client's needs. My methods evolve through constant customization and mutual collaboration. Therapy with me will include exploring aspects of life that are not working well and constructing solutions.

We are more than conquerors! You already have the capability to make changes that help accomplish your goals, experience healing, and combat the most difficult symptoms. However, we were never meant to go it alone. The therapeutic relationship is a partnership—it is teamwork. It is joining forces with one another. One of the greatest attributes I can offer in this alliance is empathy. Non-judgmental exploration will afford the understanding necessary to determine what is hindering satisfaction. I am Kimberly Jones: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10 years of experience in offering psychotherapy to all ages. My expertise is couple’s therapy encompassing marriage and relationships. You will be provided a safe space to bring your most complex matters as I am confident in supporting honest dialogue. In addition, mediation during difficult discussions and understanding the anatomy of an affair's impact on both partners can also be provided. I would assist in managing the threat of divorce, post-separation, and co-parenting. In the healing pursuit, individuals will experience neutrality, intimacy repair, trust building, improved communication, and conflict resolution. These are all skills necessary to strengthen the relationship and introduce a new way of seeing life together.

Christopher Lawver is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings. He graduated from Antioch University Los Angeles with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and the University of Southern California B.A. Communication Arts and Sciences. Chris Lawver has practiced in West Hollywood and San Francisco, California, specializing in substance use and addiction recovery, codependency and relationship evaluation, and self-empowerment in diverse populations. In 2010, Lawver received a certification in Psychoanalysis from The Los Angeles Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies on the Brentwood campus, adding insight-orientated therapy to an impressive skill set. Chris Lawver has worked at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Sciences and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian community services, Jeffrey Goodman special care clinic with HIV/AIDS services and underserved communities of color and LGBTQ people. In San Francisco, he worked with formerly incarcerated individuals to find their way forward after being released and re-integrated into the community to find jobs and stability. He has worked in community mental health settings, practicing CBT and DBT modalities with severe mental illness and dual diagnosis. He’s expanded in recent years to include modern wisdom, energy work and conscious raising approaches, and Kundalini yoga. He has formulated a unique therapeutic approach with an eclectic interpersonal and interactive style. He is warm, with a good heart and an empathic understanding. Drawing upon personal and professional experiences with grief, addiction, and adversity, he empowers clients’ humanity, creativity, and achievements in society. Awareness, Insight, Action > Change

Greetings to all! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who navigates support of ALL clients in truth and transparency. I earned two Masters degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy as well as Industrial Organizational Psychology. My clients show up to session; knowing that they can have or will acquire the tools to navigate life and reach the specific goal(s) that they outline for themselves in a professional environment is a safe space and free from judgment.

Hello there! Do you ever feel as though there is much on your mind but no one to share it with? Like no one will understand what it is that you have to say? Are your thoughts and feelings leading to you feeling alone, depressed, or anxious? Or perhaps you've experienced trauma in your life and it is not resolved? Let me be the one to listen, support, and assist you in your journey. My name is Amanda Lewis, LMFT and I have 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, PTSD, ODD, job stress, relationship and communication issues, as well as woman's issues. You'll find that in therapy, I use a warm, non-judgmental, empathetic approach- with a dash of humor every now and again- so that you feel safe and comfortable while allowing me to provide not only support, but skills to assist you in healing and finding a new hope in your life- whether it is work, school, family, or relationships.

*ONLY accepting female clients at this time * Hello! I'm Jessica Milgrome, a licensed mental health clinician with 10 years of experience, a certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My approach centers on making therapy the least stressful part of your life. I create a supportive, relaxed environment with a modern, casual style, often incorporating humor. I can direct sessions or simply listen, based on your needs, and appreciate when clients express whether they seek guidance, feedback, or just want to vent. I work with clients facing various concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues like breakups, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse/trauma and relationship conflicts. I also manage severe mental health conditions such as psychosis. Additionally, I focus on developing interpersonal relationships and provide practical support with job placement and interview skills, aiding career transitions and professional growth. I guide clients in cultivating self-love and forgiveness, believing these are crucial for emotional healing and personal growth. My holistic approach addresses both emotional and practical aspects of life to help achieve balance and fulfillment. To share a bit about myself—I’m a huge fan of stand-up comedy (laughing is life), look forward to Mondays for Spotify's new Discover Weekly playlists, and live by the mantra "When words fail, let the music speak." Plus, I have six dogs! As a therapist, my goal is to help clients become their best selves. Together, we’ll improve self-esteem, identify symptom triggers, develop coping skills, explore psychoeducational materials, enhance family relationships, discuss psychotropic medications, and build a strong sense of self. My counseling style is warm and interactive, treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling, tailoring our dialogue and treatment plan to your unique needs. I look forward to working with you!

My name is Shawna Reynolds, and I have been in the social work field for 20 years, and the clinical field for over 15 years now. I was drawn to social work to specifically to help provide a sense of safety, security and stability for youth and families. I bring that same sense of safety, security and stability to my Therapy Practice where using a variety of CBT and TFCBT different modalities I now help adult clients identify areas of self-improvement so that they can make positive behavioral changes in their lives to experience more positive pleasurable emotions such as excitement, happiness and a healthy self-concept.

Hello! I am a bilingual ( Spanish +English) and bicultural ,CA based and - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 18+ years of experience working in community behavior mental health. I hold a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and a Master degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach in providing therapy is person- centered with a supportive stance, while addressing: interpersonal relationships, school, work/career and overall mental health issues that has gotten in the way of reaching a desire full potential.

Hello, my name is Pak. I am a licensed therapist providing services for individuals in California, Texas, and Nevada. If you're considering therapy, you're likely facing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your well-being and quality of life. It takes courage to acknowledge these struggles and seek help, and I want you to know that I understand how difficult this can be. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Healthy relationships will lead to emotional strength, which is ultimately my goal for all my clients.

Dear Prospective Client, My name is Lina Rappoport, LMFT. I have been licensed since 2013. Originally from Ukraine I came to the US more than 20 years ago. I love to work with pre-teens, teens, their parents, and adults. I love meeting people from all around the world and I connect well with different cultures and ages. In me you will find compassionate, caring, and respectful individual. I will take time to listen and together we will create a plan of action to help you feel better. We all need support these days, so don't hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to meet you. Take care.

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, adolescents, 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.

Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I have worked inpatient and outpatient mental health. I am Rogerian trained, which means i have awareness of my boundaries and the clts boundaries. I am clt centered, being aware of my transference in the therapy relationship; often using the transference for clt growth. I am humanistic, which means any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. As a clt centered therapist my role is to hold a mirror up as to allow the clt to witness their experience and offer reccomendations for tx plan. Also, empowering the clt to connect and use their strengths; support, spirituality or agnostic beliefs. I have used various modality interventions including meditation, visualization, and exposure acclimation. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. My experience is broad, from post partum to end of life issues and many life stages in between. Whether its anxiety or depression. From bipolar to ocd or schizophrenia; i work at creating a safe environment where boundaries are clear and the clt feels free to discuss their issues in safety and privacy.

Hello! I'm a Hmong-American therapist based in California with experience working with BIPOC and underserved communities of color. I also have experience working in Child Protective Services where I supported children and biological, foster, and adopted parents in the foster care system. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, or life transitions. My approach is empathetic and client centered. As needed, I also press and push for accountability to help clients work toward the change they desire.

As mentioned before, 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 6 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate in Leadership from Evangel University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Specializing in women’s issues has been a deeply meaningful focus of my work, and I consider it an honor to be entrusted with my clients’ stories. Rooted in my Christian faith, my approach is grounded in both compassion and clinical excellence. I strive to provide care that is evidence-based, ethical, spiritually sensitive, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a university professor, where I have the joy of teaching, training, and supervising graduate students on their path to becoming licensed therapists.

As a therapist, I work with individuals of all genders, couples, and teens starting at age 15. While I specialize in supporting women in their 20s and 40s, I also work closely with adolescents navigating the unique challenges of teenage life, including identity development, academic pressure, social dynamics, family conflict, and the emotional ups and downs that come with growing up. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel heard and equipped to handle the complexities of this transitional stage. Across all age groups, I’ve observed a common thread: the relentless pressure to excel, meet expectations, and maintain a sense of control. This often leads to self-doubt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. In short, issues that deserve care, attention, and validation. Whether you’re facing a major life transition,like starting college, beginning a new career, navigating relationships, or becoming a parent, or simply feeling uncertain about your direction, you’re not alone. I invite you to reach out and begin a conversation where we can explore your experiences and work toward clarity, connection, and balance.

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.