Therapists in California

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker fluent in English and Spanish. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Welfare from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. I have dedicated my career empowering individuals, families, and communities. I believe in people's inherent ability to lead healthier lives and see it as the driving force behind every relationship.

I am a psychotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings. I received my psychotherapy training at the San Francisco State University and graduated in 2012. After working at a private counseling center for 6 years, I opened my private practice in 2018 as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adults and Asian adults. My areas of interests include gay/lesbian and gender issues, sexuality, psychotherapy education, and psychotherapeutic technique.

Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

I am a Christian-informed therapist licensed in multiple States. With a background in clinical social work and a desire to see the building up of the body of Christ, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging my brothers and sisters as they seek to navigate the difficulties of life and develop resilience that can lead to personal healing and spiritual growth. My areas of expertise include managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, faith formation, identity and purpose, peer relationships, transitional challenges, conflict resolution, forgiveness, etc.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

My name is Deenne Houston.  I have been a License Clinical Social Worker for over 14years, in Los Angeles, California.  I have extensive experience as a Director, Trainer, Administrator and Clinical Supervisor in Intensive Services within Los Angeles County Mental Health Services.  My work is strongly grounded in wellness, resiliency, the promotion of self sufficiency, and support. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, self-esteem, depression and relational issues. I have also assisted many people who have experienced trauma or emotional, physical abuse, PTSD, anger, communication issues, and family members impacted by addiction.  My goal is to assist in the  process of establishing coping skills to help individuals achieve, their therapeutic goals, overall fulfillment and wellness.

My name is Heather Brown. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a therapist for 18 years and worked with a wide-array of clients in many walks of life. I like the curiosity of life and ways in which we can explore patterns and change and ways we can make adjustments in our lives to change future outcomes. I work for you and my job is to help you have an easier time on your journey through life and help you to meet your goals.

Greetings, I'm Marianna Birdsong, an LCSW situated in Southern California, offering telehealth services statewide. My practice specializes in aiding adults facing anxiety, stress, and life transitions through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy, tailored to meet individual needs. I believe therapy should be customized for each client. I primarily employ CBT and Client-Centered Therapy but remain flexible to adapt techniques as required.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the states of Alabama, California, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, Florida , Hawaii, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Georgia. She has over 10 years of experience working with adults, children and couples seeking help with depression, relationship issues, anxiety and major life stressors. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Al. I utilizes relational, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy always maintaining the creativity, flexibility and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. I want to establish a caring relationships with clients to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

I have been a therapist in California since 2019 and have been fully licensed since 2022. I completed 3000 required intership hours at a Community mental health clinic, working with individuals, children ages 5-18, as well as couples and Families. I work with individuals facing problems with addictions, compulsive behaviors, and attachment issues that show up in the form of high-conflict relationships, self-sabotage, lack of connection, or loneliness. My overarching goal is to improve your mental health. It is possible with consistent attendance, complete honesty, and a willingness to change. I cannot achieve this alone; therapy is a lot of work, it requires commitment and follow-through.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Justin has been working in the field of behavioral healthcare since 2014. He began his career as a mental health technician within a locked psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles, supporting two units of adolescent and adult psychiatric patients. It was this experience that solidified Justin’s passion for providing compassionate, client-centered care in the mental health, and co-occurring dual diagnosis treatment field. Justin has done extensive work providing direct client care as a facilitator of individual, group and family therapy providing crisis intervention and mental health services to youth and adults identified as at-risk in Los Angeles. Justin has served various treatment programs in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Over the years, Justin’s roles have included Residential Counselor, Case Manager, Primary Therapist, and Program Director. Justin Cowell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). An alumnus of the University of Arizona and San José State University, where he earned his Master’s degree (MSW), has experience in mental health, counseling, and community-based settings. Before joining the Grow team, Justin worked with diverse populations and adolescents. He enjoys incorporating CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology into his sessions and is eager to bring these modalities to work with the recovery population at Grow Therapy. Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, Justin loves all LA sports teams, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, and Rams, and loves going to games. Both personally and professionally, Justin is a proponent of self-care, having fun, and trying new things, and is excited to be a member of the Grow team.

I am Dr. Paul Fernandez. I have been a licensed therapist and psychologist for more than 30+ years. I have spent my career concentrating on providing mental health services to the Latino/Hispanic community in Southern California, with a special emphasis in substance abuse, addiction recovery, anxiety/stress, depression, and anger management. I bring a unique, spiritual, Latino/Hispanic perspective to mental health counseling that focuses on the needs of our community. Soy el Dr. Pablo Fernández. He sido terapeuta y psicólogo autorizado durante más de 30 años. He pasado mi carrera concentrándome en brindar servicios de salud mental a la comunidad latina/hispana en el sur de California, con especial énfasis en abuso de sustancias, recuperación de adicciones, ansiedad/estrés, depresión y manejo de la ira. Aporto una perspectiva única, espiritual, latina/hispana al asesoramiento de salud mental que se centra en las necesidades de nuestra comunidad.

Hi, I'm Darla, a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and insight-oriented, blending practical tools with deeper exploration of patterns. I create a grounded, supportive space where you can gain clarity, better understand your emotional responses, and move toward sustainable change. Outside of my practice, you can usually find me with my friends and family out on a hike, the beach or spending time with my dogs, which helps keep me grounded and connected to the human side of this work.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families who have been impacted by trauma, major life changes, relationship challenges, mental health concerns, and substance use. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative—I believe healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and truly understood. I use a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs, including cognitive and behavioral tools, motivational work, trauma-informed practices, and mind–body techniques. My goal is always to meet you where you are, help you feel grounded, and empower you with practical skills that create real change in your life. I’m passionate about helping people build resilience, strengthen self-worth, and move toward the version of themselves they want to be. If you’re looking for a safe and supportive space to work through what you’re facing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

You more than likely appreciate a flexible and open approach to therapy along with a therapist who values a collaborative approach with their clients. You are likely looking for a therapist who can help alleviate your symptoms of personal distress and suffering. "I've got you." I am a California-based licensed psychotherapist. I obtained my Associate of Arts Degree from Fullerton College, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and a Masters's Degree in Psychology-Counseling from Chapman University. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Stress Management, Grief-Loss (including our fur babies) as well as Care-Taker burn-out. I have experience working in a variety of work settings including Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, Outpatient Mental Health Clinics, Residential Treatment Facilities, and of course Private Practice. I have many years of experience in the field of behavioral health. There is a way forward, I hope you will let me help you get there.