Blue Shield Of California (Medi-Cal) Therapists in California

Hi there! I am a licensed therapist based in California. I see therapy as a joint venture where our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions. In my practice, I bring kindness, humor, and authenticity to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for my clients to experience freedom. When it comes to treatment, no one-size-fits-all and every therapeutic alliance is unique.

Hello! My name is Tessa Hodge and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Is anxiety, depression, or trauma keeping you from living your dreams? Are you looking to take the first step in healing, taking control of your fears, and creating better relationships? Taking that first step and reaching out to a therapist can be intimidating. My hope is that you will take that first step. My commitment is to amplify your strengths, resilience, and tenacity to guide you towards your goals.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in the counseling field for over 20 years. Through my years of experience, I have helped adults, young adults, adolescence, and children to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and family related conflicts. As a therapist My passion is and has been to help individuals become the best versions of themselves.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has clinical experience in medical social work, home health, geriatrics, and end of life care. I am looking forward to building my clinical practice with Grow. I am trained in CBT techniques and use a strengths and system based approach to my work. My full time work is managing a team of social workers and support staff in Hospice. I bring a caring, client-centered and practical approach to my work.

Hello and Welcome! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have received my Masters and Doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology. I help adults and children struggling with mental health concerns and addictions to improve various aspects of their life, such as interpersonal relationships, and employment. I offer a safe, non-judgemental environment where a person can be themself.

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Welcome! My name is Davis Lo and I am currently a Licensed Therapist. Currently accepting new clients for weekly or biweekly sessions! Do you feel stuck or lost? Almost like no matter what you do you cannot get out of your current situation? Are you having difficulty coping? Sometimes life happens and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything. Do you need someone who will listen, be compassionate, and non judgemental? Well look no further! By working together, your life can be easier. You will be able to identify your stressors, thought patterns, and challenges that gets in your way of moving forward in life. You will be able to live your best life according to your own values and what is important to you. You will learn skills to be able to manage your stressors and find what is important to you. I have worked with various age groups from teens to older adults that struggle with psychosis, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, and social issues. As a therapist, I focus on helping clients understand their own challenges and working together to find a solution that works for them in a safe environment. In addition, I focus on helping clients find their inner strengths while working on helping them develop a meaningful and fulfilling life.

I am a psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide teletherapy to adult individuals and couples residing in California. I work with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem issues, chronic illness, LGBTQ issues, career concerns, life transitions, relationship issues with partners, family members, and parent/child conflict. My methods of therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radical Acceptance, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Directed Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Interpersonal (Talk) Therapy.

Hi, I'm Renee. Do you want to improve the quality of you life? Whether it be work related stress, motivation issues, anxiety, or frustrating relationships, I will work with you to identify what lifestyle factors and areas of growth can help you increase your confidence and reduce your stress levels. I also work with couples who are experiencing communication issues, unmet needs, and feeling lonely within the relationship, so that you can reconnect with your partner and feel valued, seen, and supported. Using a blend of Positive Psychology and Trauma-Informed Care, I work with clients to reclaim their sense of empowerment so they can feel like their best selves again.

My name is Isai (E-sai-EE), and I’m a Therapist based out of Southern California. I have experience working with all ages and backgrounds. My training as a social worker focuses on individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. My professional interests and specialities include working with teens, young adults, older adults, family therapy, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relationship issues, men’s issues, autism, anger management, and those with difficulty understanding/controlling big emotions. As a male therapist, I try to make my sessions feel like a conversation with a friend and offer a calm space to talk about difficult issues, a new perspective to help better understand situations, and can help you identify and understand how you might be feeling.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you and walk alongside with you in that process.

I utilize a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for well-balanced emotional/mental health. I believe a person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that everyone needs a slightly different approach to accomplish these goals, so I adjust in technique for each specific challenge. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life. “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

My name is Oneida Alvarado, I am a licensed therapist in California with over 10 years in mental health. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have experience in helping teen/young adult clients with stress and anxiety, depression or coping with addictions, trauma, life stressors and abuse. I understand that working can come with its own unique set of challenges along with dealing with daily stressors, and I want you to know that I am here to support you through whatever you may be experiencing. Whether it be work-related stress, personal relationship issues, or something else entirely, I am committed to helping you find the tools and resources you need to work through these challenges and achieve your goals. I look forward to getting to know you and working together toward your personal growth and well-being.

ABOUT ME Hello, My name is Cherie Harper; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an advocate for those who may suffer from a mental illness or have experienced a mental health crisis. With expert knowledge and 21 years of experience, my goal has always been to help erase the stigma that shadows around those who may suffer of a mental illness. My experience includes in-patient settings, community mental health, crisis residential, individual and couple’s counseling. I have a wide range of experience working with adults, older adults and Transitional Age youth. Growing up I witnessed close family members and friends who suffered from a mental illness have difficulty receiving the help they so desperately needed. This has not only motivated me but has inspired me to advocate at the forefront for all those who are underserved and disadvantaged. I use a person centered, recovery, and integrative approach in treatment, I believe in meeting a person where they are at in life. My approach is different in that I believe that a person can recover from mental illness and learn to manage their lives fully and recognize when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. I use evidenced base techniques including Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. Most of the time I don’t take myself seriously, I know that I have flaws and have learned to live with them and appreciate some of my flaws. My approach is warm, friendly and empathetic, I am ready to take on complicated issue’s and assist you to tackle your struggles head on. If you are looking for a counselor who will listen, provide honest feedback and guide you to a better you than I am the counselor for you. My areas of expertise include: ● Depression, Stress and Anxiety ● Couples Counseling ● Trauma and Abuse ● Chronic Mental Illness ● Relationship Issues ● Anger Management ● Career Difficulties Professional experience 15YRS IN PRACTICE Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coaching

Hello, my name is Vanessa Estrada Baron, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. I identify as a first-generation Latina, cisgender woman. I'm passionate about working with BIPOC families, and individuals. Additionally, I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ and undocumented/DACAmented communities. I hope we can work together in finding meaning and feeling satisfied with where your life is heading. I utilize a range of evidence-based therapies, including person-centered therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach. These approaches allow us to build a therapeutic connection and give us a roadmap in this therapy journey. As we work together, there may be some wounds that are uncovered brought on by childhood trauma, intergeneration trauma, societal injustices, or any other significant events that you’d be willing to explore. I hope to provide a safe space to process your feelings and would be honored to be a tool for you. Aside from being a therapist, I am a wife, I am a mother to a three-year-old daughter, I am a daughter of two immigrant parents, I am a sister to a brother and sister. Some of my self-care includes hiking, playing video games, reading, taking baths, and spending time with my parents. I am looking forward to meeting you! Asking for help is not easy, so if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, a recent loss, anger, internal or external conflict, or you’re looking to find meaning, I can already tell your resilience!

Let me start by saying self-care is the one thing that we can do for ourselves, but is usually the last thing we do for ourselves. So, congratulations for taking the first steps in caring for yourself. The journey of therapy is not easy. There will be times when it gets exhausting but as you continue through your path the answers will be revealed through the work you complete with your therapist. It is a privilege and honor to walk the journey. As a therapist, I have worked with a plethora of clients from couples counseling, to adolescent, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Hello, my name is Kirby Wohlander, and I've been in the field for more than 40 years. • I use a warm, inviting, strengths-based, sometimes humorous, skill-teaching approach, helping people to learn the skills they need to learn to cope with, manage, and eliminate their symptoms. • Most clients who come in are seeking help with the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. With anxiety, we examine their current sources of anxiety and stress, and work with anxiety management skills and tools to quickly get the person to feel some relief. • Regarding depression, we explore underlying causes, while also using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to identify negative thought patterns. Employing these, we collaborate in striving to help the client become more positive, optimistic, and hopeful about their future. I have seen much success using these approaches. • Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2018, I have done, and continue to do, a lot of trauma work, helping people who have been abused, neglected and/or have PTSD. • I have worked in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program along the way, and am familiar with addiction-recovery issues, 12-Step programs, Smart Recovery, and the way these challenges can impact families and relationships. • I ran family service programs for the military for about 5 years, and have a pretty good understanding of military culture, and the challenges of military life, especially the Navy, with its long deployments. • Working for years with people seeking outpatient mental health services, such as those who might come to Grow, I have done much work with high-functioning people such as teachers, nurses, engineers, physicians, professors, other mental health professionals, students, and those doing other kinds of work. • Finally, because I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, and programs for the chronically mentally ill, I have seen all kinds of mental illness symptoms, and am comfortable working with folks who have severe bipolar symptoms, or challenges with psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices, and unusual thinking.

I have been licensed as Marriage Family Therapist since April 3,2003. My area of clinical practice has focused on addressing the underlining causes of anxiety, addiction and depressive disorders. In addition, I have acquired a fundamental understanding of crisis that affects the struggle involving martial relationships. As a Marriage Therapist, I have expertise in the utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It my clinical experience that if you can effectively change your thoughts process your life will radically change for the better.

Hello, my name is Ritika Kaur. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California (License #101199) providing psychotherapy services in English and Punjabi. I utilize evidence-based approaches to help individuals navigate life's challenges and find hope, healing, and well-being. I was drawn to the mental health field by a deep desire to help others overcome adversity and lead fulfilling lives. After earning my Master's in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2011, I gained diverse experience in community mental health, substance use treatment, and providing evidence-based services before becoming licensed in California in 2017.

Hello, my name is David Fallon and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed for about 20 years. I've worked with all kinds of individuals. I started by working with kids with behavior issues. Mostly I have worked with serious mental illness on the streets serving unhoused individuals. And I have worked with people seeking help in a one on one therapy situation. The first session will be for us to get to know each other and see if this is a good fit. I will be asking a lot of questions. Feel free to ask me any questions that come up as well. I will tell you a little bit about how I work. In the early stages, I basically follow your lead. You tell me what you want to work on, and I ask questions to understand the problem. Together we figure out ways of dealing with these problems. Sometimes it takes more than one or two or even a dozen tries to find the right things that work for you. This process is a journey, and I am here to help guide you through it. I can make recommendations, but it is up to you what you want to do and what works for you. Sometimes difficult thoughts are feelings will come up. Do not be afraid to express them when they do as the more genuine and honest you are, the more I will understand what you are dealing with. That being said, always take things at your own pace. Never feel rushed or forced to say anything you are not ready to say.

As a dedicated licensed mental health therapist, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, across a wide spectrum of socioeconomic statuses, and addressing an array of mental health concerns. My experience spans different populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families, with an emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive, and empathetic space for healing and growth.

¡Hola! Hi, my name is Jessica Pelaez. I am a bilingual licensed clinical social worker and I have been providing therapy for six years. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work. I was born to Guatemalan immigrant parents and experienced many challenges and mental health struggles growing up. I believe my life experiences led me to pursue my education in the mental health field and because I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. I have had a passion in helping people since I was a little girl. When I was in Kindergarten my teacher took me and my class to visit a senior center. I remember that I sang and served cupcakes to the seniors. That was the first time I experienced the power of compassion and my passion in helping others feel happier. The best part of being a therapist is when I have the honor to celebrate clients progress no matter how small that accomplishment is.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a decade of experience specializing in treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I work with dual-diagnosis clients, where I provide therapy to clients facing complex challenges, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, family and couples therapy, and interpersonal relationships helping clients uncover the underlying emotional and relational patterns that contribute to their struggles.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in the area of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Trauma. I have provided services to military, law enforcement and crime victims as well as those who have less violent experiences that cause problems with their family members and spouses. I feel that it is essential for people to have a safe, respectful and healthy relationship with their loved ones in order to fully appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.

Hi! Welcome to Grow! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & hold a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. My academic curriculum specialized in: family systems, biopsychosocial thought, psychodynamic approaches, and person centered interventions. Therapeutically, I specialize in substance abuse counseling/addiction, as I am also certified as a substance use counselor and have worked in substance abuse treatment as a residential treatment technician before becoming a therapist. Further, I specialize in working with kids & adolescents who struggle with emotional defiance/conduct disorders & developmental disabilities. Further, I have experience in dual diagnosis treatment and exploring grief/loss issues. My style to therapy comes from a Rogerian, CBT, and Humanistic approach and embracing the “entire self”. My passion in being a therapist is to see and embrace progress, meeting people where they are at, being present during “aha” moments, and serve altruistically. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy participating in ministry work, being active in recreational sports, volunteering as a crisis counselor & hospice volunteer. Some of my past work experience has included: working in special education as a substitute teacher, in the public-school sector as a tutor/instructional assistant, and as an in-home behavior interventionist working with kids who have developmental disabilities.

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!

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist located in San Francisco, specializing in psychotherapy for adult/elder individuals and couples. I’ve had the privilege of working within various multidisciplinary teams providing psychotherapy for over a decade. This work has enabled me to develop my therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic processes. I’m passionate, committed to work with people toward their goals, to heal emotional wounds, to achieve more clarity while allowing for growth and improving lives.

I use a client centered approach in therapy sessions. I am here to listen to your words and be understanding, I will also provide feedback as needed. You can count on a nonjudgmental, safe and confidential space. It has been a privilege to work with adults, families, and children. I look forward to joining you in discovering all that life has to offer.

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.

I am a licensed therapist providing compassionate, collaborate results oriented therapy for clients seeking to change their lives for the better. I am devoted to acceptance and commitment therapy with the understanding that people have the capacity to grow and resolve. I believe that clients have the answers within themselves to remove barriers and challenges in their lives and it is a privilege to assist them in recognizing it and bringing it out.

Welcome! My name is Tiffany Drake and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’m here to support you as you take this important step. In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you—your experiences, concerns, and hopes for therapy. We’ll discuss what brought you here and begin to identify goals that feel meaningful to you.

Hello there, I’m Lus. Do you miss feeling like yourself? Does it feel like you are going around in circles with the same problems yet can’t seem to find a permanent solution? I guide adults from a person-centered approach to find solutions to their problems when experiencing difficulty managing emotions such as those that come with depression and anxiety. I can help you work through major life transitions (newly married, becoming a parent, empty nester, starting school, grief, becoming ill, divorce, etc.) getting to the root of the problem and developing cognitive behavioral techniques that will get you back to stability. Obtaining therapy services can be intimidating but I can guarantee you that you are making the right decision. I possess bilingual abilities (Spanish), if it's your preference. You deserve your own space to heal and evolve. During our sessions, you will have a safe space where I will meet you with empathy and evidence-based practice. Let me help you.

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.

Hi! I’m Felicia Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I am grateful you’re here to see me. I am a highly compassionate, empathic social work professional dedicated to exceptional mental health services including effective treatment to diverse population including children, youth, and families struggling with persistent mental illness. I enjoy working with individuals who are also or was a part of the foster care system, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and trauma.

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.