Therapists in California

My name is Wendy Bertram and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW) based out of Arizona with a Masters in Social Work from ASU. Currently I'm licensed in both Arizona and California, providing both in-person and teleheatlh services. I use a client centered approach and multiple therapy models, depending on your needs. I am here to partner with you to work through the issues causing disruptions in your life and to help you meet your goals. Everyone’s experience is unique, and the therapeutic experience should reflect this. My expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, stress and worry, caregiver stress, and those struggling with the impacts of medical diagnoses. By employing a client-centered approach, I work to foster a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I employ evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, and coping skills for positive change.

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.

Good day! My name is Daniel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience serving multiple populations including clients struggling through financial hardship, life changes, relationship issues, emotional/ physical abuse/trauma, diagnosis of a serious mental illness in the family, and depression/ anxiety. I graduated from the University of Texas A&M - Commerce and am currently licensed in California, Kentucky, and Texas. I believe the bravest and most fulfilling way to grow is to "do the work" and I look forward to assisting clients in that journey in every way that I can.

My name is Jay Ruan, a licensed clinical social worker in State of California. Beyond my education, trainings, and working experiences, I am also have lived experience of struggling with mental health. This give me not only the knowledges, but also empathy and different perspective that are support and guide you in your journey toward restoring your true potential and overall wellness. I seek not to tell you where to go, but walk with you on your side. I believe that "unable to change" is trauma and live through experience that are not yet given the needed care and untangling. My approach is using the method that best address your need and situation. I often help client restore and build needed support in their life during time of change, interpersonal conflict, and grief & lost. After I work on addressing urgent issues, I want to help you build insight and deal with root of the issue that aim to produce long lasting recovery long after treatment ended. I am not here to solve your problem, but to guide and empower you to conquered them. (PLEASE NOTE APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE 4PM TO 11PM FROM SUNDAY TO THURSDAY ONLY)

I want to work with you if you are between the ages of 25 and 55 and struggle with anxious attachment, people pleasing, setting boundaries, feeling triggered, anger, anxiety, depression, co-dependence, parenting issues, and ADD/ ADHD. These symptoms and attachment style are often related to each other and often related to similar childhood experiences of inconstant or abusive/neglectful caregivers. (ADD and ADHD is not cause by caregivers, however, when it goes undiagnosed in children, there is s strong correlation to symptoms described above)

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’m Dr. Andy Davis, a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience in the mental health field. Thirteen of those years were spent serving in the U.S. Air Force, where I had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, grief, personality disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, and concerns related to sex and pornography addiction. As a sex-positive therapist, I provide a safe and affirming environment for clients to explore sensitive areas of their lives without fear of judgment. My therapeutic style is both solutions-focused and rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be proactive and goal-driven, helping clients not only gain insight but also develop strategies for change. Clients often describe me as direct and honest, while also compassionate and collaborative—I strive to give practical feedback and advice that can be applied both in and outside of sessions. I especially enjoy working with veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young adults. These groups often face unique challenges, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside them as they navigate life’s complexities. In addition to my clinical work, I have an extensive background in clinical research. While serving in the Air Force, I conducted sleep studies and developed modern treatment approaches for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. This research continues to inform my practice, and I place strong emphasis on developing healthy routines, quality sleep schedules, and consistent self-care as foundations for mental health. I often work with clients to build structure into daily life, recognizing these habits play a powerful role in resilience and long-term well-being. Above all, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to face challenges, discover new perspectives, and build lasting resilience.

Hello, my name is Krista Edwards I’m a licensed in the state of California and Arizona. I have 20 + year of experience in the field of helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression and bipolar clients. I have been working with children and families. With such vast of knowledge, I believe I am qualified to assist you move on to the next phase of your journey. My specialty is in the area of child abuse, parenting, trauma domestic violence and substance abuse, child abuse issues. I know how to navigate in this area . My experience working in the area of mental health disorders such as bipolar, depression, anxiety and as a facilitator and at a mental health hospital. I have a caring and friendly nature. I will help you learn to put tools in your tool box to make changes in life. I am ready to help and assist you. Let's work together to help you make changes and experience life in a more positive way. You can talk openly and honestly with me and share whatever is on your mind.

Hello - I am an LCSW serving the adult population in the state of California. I earned my MSW degree from San Jose State University and have been licensed for 12 years. I work with clients from a strength based perspective and offer knowledge/skills to support in increasing functioning and efficacy. I believe in mindfulness practices and making the most of each moment thus moving away from depressive and anxious thoughts. I also excel in increasing self esteem/compassion and improving relationships to self and others. I hope to see you on my schedule and look forward to working with you!

I am Randy Wynglass, a US Navy and USMC veteran, who served as a combat medic, 2006-11. I help patients challenge unhelpful beliefs, rooted from early childhood impacting their functioning and ability to maintain their well being over their life span . I team with patients to make them feel supported, encouraged and guided by the best practices and techniques available to assist them in achieving their personal goals and aspirations.

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.

Hi, I’m Vanda Kim, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. My experience includes working in medical, school, and private practice settings, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through many of life’s challenges. I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds and deeply value the unique stories and perspectives each person brings to therapy.

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.

I like working with clients that can prioritize therapy and meet weekly. It provides more effective results. I take many different forms of insurance including, but not limited to United Healthcare Optum, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Carelon. I find clients that utilize exercises and techniques in between sessions, yield best results. It’s rewarding to hear when people are feeling better, sleeping better, and having improved relationships which I find comes along more quickly when they make time for weekly therapy and practice in between sessions.

Hi, my name is Miguel Soltero, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of experience as a mental health practitioner. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across diverse backgrounds. My clinical experience includes treating addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. I have worked in community mental health, program management, and high-acuity hospital settings, which has given me a strong foundation in supporting individuals through both everyday challenges and moments of emotional and psychosocial crisis.

Welcome! My name is Norberto Carlos. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master's Degree from the California State University of Long Beach (CSULB) in 1999 and have been practicing for 20+ years. I help clients struggling in various ares of their lives become better versions of themselves by developing the awareness and coping skills necessary to live a value-based life.

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 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.

Welcome! I'm LaToya Sykes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Northern California. You've made it to the first step of self-improvement! I understand how this process can be overwhelming and empowering, all at the same time. There may be some doubt in this process, but I want to let you know that you are not alone and I am here to support you every step of the way. I follow the client-centered approach in our sessions, therefore, you will be the leader of your treatment goals. I will empower and guide you throughout this journey. I will provide a safe environment so you can explore life challenges, concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, racial issues, and relationship stressors, plus more. I will guide you to identify triggers, understand your symptoms and how to regain control of your life. We will work together to create healthy coping strategies and ways to build healthy relationships in all aspects of life. We will create a plan to navigate life and the challenges that come along with it. The choice is yours to decide what the overall treatment plan will be and I will support you with the customization. You are the leader in your treatment. Schedule your initial session and lets get started today with making a difference in your life and creating a healthy environment for you to thrive. Hope to see you soon.

I've been a licensed psychotherapist for 13 years, and I love this work. I am grateful to be able to assist people in becoming their best selves and recreating their lives. Though a client may share a diagnosis with millions, each person has their own unique source and very individual path to wellness. It's an honor to assist clients on this journey. I focus on therapies that will help you gain knowledge and agency within your self. I offer in person counseling in the East Bay area of San Francisco, as well as therapy while walking.

My name is Charlie, I am a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in the mental health field in varying settings and diverse populations. I am committed to helping folks find the healing they need. Over the last 11 years, I've been shaped by my work in residential treatment, crisis intervention, outpatient clinics, community-based and school-based mental health. In our time together, I will use an eclectic approach and draw on multiple theories and modalities to suit your needs.

I am a husband, father, and twin brother (I have and identical twin sister). I am also a reiki master and hypnotherapist. When I am not conducting psychotherapy (talk therapy), I enjoy conducting past life regressions to help people resolve past life trauma. I also use hypnotherapy to heal trauma. Hypnotherapy is not covered by most insurances and may result in cash pay. I enjoy helping people identify their wants and needs so they can then identify their goals and dreams. I believe we all have had experiences that have stifled our self-confidence which then causes us to doubt our ability. I enjoy helping people discover that part of themselves that is hidden as a result. I believe the world is a collective of people. We need to take care of ourselves, each other, and the animals we share this planet with. I DO NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPT COUPLES FOR MARRIAGE COUNSELING.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship dynamics. I create a warm, compassionate space where clients can feel truly heard and supported as they navigate their challenges. Together, we work to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-worth. My goal is to empower you with the tools to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of hope.

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.

Have you just ended or started a relationship, career path and feel unsure of the decision? Have you just had a baby and feel completely lost? Are you struggling to help your child with life's challenges? All of us have experienced one, if not all of these life transitions. These different life changes may be normal, necessary transitions, but at times can be very overwhelming and challenging to manage. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in maternal mental health, life transitions, relational conflicts, and parenting. I aim to build an empathic and understanding relationship with women and families struggling with postpartum depression, separation or divorce, and parenting. I am bilingual in English and Vietnamese.

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.

As a licensed clinical social worker, my position is to help you work through the challenges that are affecting your ability to live a healthy lifestyle mentally, emotionally, psychically and mentally. As your clinical social worker, functioning as a therapist I will focus on how social factors and systems are affecting your wellness and help you create strategies to address them.

Hi there! My name is Laura, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a marriage and family therapist based in California. I’ve been practicing for over a decade now and earned my master’s degree from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Taking the first step towards improving your mental health is the most empowering thing you can do for yourself. Counseling may seem intimidating at first, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. I create a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your concerns about anxiety, depression, and self-care. My goal is to help you develop assertive communication and boundaries with yourself and others, which can significantly improve your quality of life. Counseling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and help you build the life you truly deserve. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m here to support you whenever you’re ready to share.

My name is Brandon A. Sandate Rodriguez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California with four years of professional clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have worked with adolescents and young adults in the juvenile justice system and with adults with serious and persistent mental health concerns. In working with marginalized communities my focus is toward enhancing self-awareness by emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s culture and identity. I aim to connect deeply with my clients and build professional and supportive relationships that can provide healing and growth.

Hello! My name is Nancy Carina Torres and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with diverse populations in California. My psychotherapy work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based interventions. I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations—including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults—in a variety of areas such as community hospitals, mental health clinics, and healthcare environments.

I enjoy working with individuals, children and couples that are hoping to gain confidence in healthier communication skills. Getting to understand you and getting to know one another will help improve our relationships. This will help recognize where you are hoping to improve your qualities in daily functioning. Building an alliance with me can create a safe place to practice and process your thoughts and feelings. Being able to process your past experience will allow you to identify and process ongoing needs within your daily lifestyle. Therapeutic alliance helps individuals grow within and become aware of their own needs

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.

I am a straight-forward but empathic therapist, who also appreciates the same from her clients. I also believe in the social work mission of starting where the client is, so sessions are based upon that analogy. I have experience in many areas, including hospital, foster care, group homes, forensics, Veterans, home health, etc. I received my Masters of Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve Univerity, and my Doctorate of Psychology from California Southern University.

I help couples and individuals to navigate turbulent times to find their innate vitality and loving relationships. As a couples therapist, I can help you move beyond patterns of arguing and conflict. You will learn how to communicate and express yourself and be heard and received. I also help couples who are striving to find a path to either stay together or move in. I also guide individuals with financial and/or time constraints to move towards a life balancing family, work and personal passion. I have decades of experience helping people achieve a healthy, happy long life filled with joy and connection. When we work together, I listen to your story. I bring decades of experience, but you are the expert on your own life. I’ll do a deep dive to understand how your symptoms affect you. My role isn’t to diagnose or label you. Instead, I offer invitations to explore new perspectives, try different approaches, and gently challenge the patterns holding you back. I feel confident about my abilities to help you to move forward into the life you have always desired. Therapy can be a daunting experience. I appreciate your courage in pursuing help. I always bring a sense of playfulness to the journey. Things can be hard and still be fun. I look forward to hearing from you.

My name is Vanessa Labarga and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. The majority of my clinical experience has been with children and teenagers in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, but I also have experience working with adults who are experiencing severe mental health concerns. I have also worked as a mentor and supervisor to new therapists and supported and trained them in learning therapeutic skills to help their clients. When I'm not working, I can be found spending time in nature, finding new restaurants to enjoy, travelling to new countries, and spending time with my cats and my partner at home.

Hi, I’m Brenda Montgomery-Telfor, LMFT. I’m a compassionate, culturally responsive therapist with a deep heart for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s transitions, losses, and emotional challenges. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space for healing, clarity, and growth. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, or self-worth, I’m here to walk beside you with grace, empathy, and empowerment.

This season of life has been WAY more than you imagined. You juggle everyone else's needs, and you are realizing you need space for yourself. Friend, I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Jess. I specialize in supporting high-capacity women and their children as they navigate betrayal, burnout, and major life changes. I know what it’s like when the late-night fights with your spouse leave you drained, when work deadlines and school carpool lines blur together, and the days feel like they’re just melting into one another. Maybe you’ve forgotten what it feels like to laugh, to feel light, or to truly enjoy a moment for yourself. You are in the right place. Here is where you get to pause, process, and reclaim clarity, balance, and joy—even in the midst of life’s chaos. I combine evidence-based techniques—like mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic strategies—with a compassionate, encouraging approach tailored to your needs. Whether your goals are to feel more confident, create healthier relationships, speak up, or find yourself again, I’d love to support you. My approach is warm, positive, and focused on practical, small steps—one day at a time—so you can cultivate resilience, clarity, and your healthiest, most authentic life. My focus is always on supporting you where you are, meeting your needs with compassion, and helping you move toward a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and manageable.

Greetings! My name is Leslie Bartholomew and I am excited to get to know you and help support your road to healing and change. Although I have achieved licensure fairly recently, I have about 14 years of therapeutic experience in a vast array of populations (individuals, teens, children, young adults, couples, foster youth, unaccompanied minors and migrant families). My passion derives from providing a safe and accepting environment to prepare clients to undergo healing and achieve a full and balanced life. I particularly enjoy giving back to the Latino community which I am a part of and an advocate for equality and a world free from discrimination and abundance of acceptance. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach your personal goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living in Southern California with a lot of work experience in the mental health field. I enjoy yoga, travel and am animal lover. I started doing virtual therapy in 2020 and enjoyed being able to connect and support people who were depressed and isolated during lockdown. I specialize in individual therapy for adults of all ages.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, I support individuals in optimizing their physical and mental well-being through intentional, compassionate care. My approach is eclectic and strength-based, drawing from Psychoanalysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and SMART Recovery to meet each client’s unique needs. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where healing begins with hope and intention. Grounded in the principles of Whole Person Care, I integrate lived experience with evidence-based practices to guide clients on their path to self-discovery and resilience. Together, we cultivate self-agency and build sustainable strategies for lasting personal growth and emotional wellness.

Hello, I am Coralia Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Throughout my work as therapist, I believe that real change happens when you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, discover your strengths, and move toward the life you want.

Hi, I'm Codi. First of all, let's take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back. You have taken the first brave step in reaching out! For over a decade, I've created a safe space where clients feel truly seen and heard. I can teach you skills to help you align with your own values, help you learn how to handle tough moments and build a life you love. You don't need to let mental health roadblocks hold you back. Let's keep this momentum going and get started as soon as possible.

Hello, I am Sandra Cantrell, LMFT. Currently I am serving individuals and families with grief and loss support specifically those impacted by treatments for long-term illness, including preparation for end of life. I include Christian values and practices in my perspective on coping and thriving through suffering. My education, which encompasses both practical experience and academic training, has equipped me with skills necessary to support individuals seeking to incorporate therapy into their coping strategies. Both life experiences and professional developments have led me to be passionate about extending compassion and support to those in need. It is an honor to companion with fellow sojourners on the challenging path toward resilience.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) committed to helping clients navigate their healing journeys. I hold certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC). My additional certifications, including Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD), Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), Certified Mood Disorder Professional (CMDP), and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), enable me to help individuals better understand their challenges and build resilience. I grew up in an environment with people who never discussed mental health; this sparked an early interest in the unspoken challenges I observed. As a dual major in psychology and sociology, my coursework was impactful, and the lessons continued in graduate school, where I earned dual master's degrees in social work and public administration. I completed internships at a domestic abuse shelter, a short-term residential crisis center, a community behavioral health services facility, and took specialized trauma-informed care courses, as well as other research areas in the field. My professional experience includes work at a non-profit organization supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, serving as a psychotherapist and behavioral specialist for children with autism, ADHD, and adjustment challenges, and supervising social work teams at county behavioral health agencies. I have also managed case management teams of social workers and nurses assisting individuals with catastrophic illnesses, and led project teams of case investigators and contact tracers in response to infectious disease outbreaks. I remain deeply passionate about helping clients in their healing from mental injuries and mental challenges; providing support in this area has proven to be crucial, as it can affect every facet of human existence.

I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I provide a person-centered approach that emphasizes helping my clients build self-compassion, as I believe that it is only from a place of self-compassion that we can feel grounded within ourselves enough to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, trauma informed, and practical, and I believe that we are all on a healing journey and see myself as a fellow traveler. It is an honor to walk by your side

I am a clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) with over 30 years of experience. I use a variety of treatment interventions to create an individualized treatment plans and focus on collaboration and a team approach. my patients remark that I'm easy to talk to and helpful in new ways. People remark that my sense of humor and deep knowledge base are particularly effective. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the treatment of mood disorders and I have considerable experience working with bipolar disorder. I use Dialectical Behavioral techniques to assist clients in building coping skills that focus on self soothing and emotional regulation

What I’m most passionate about is helping people become free—free from old trauma, unhealthy conditioning, and patterns that no longer serve them. My work is about guiding you back to a clear, whole sense of self where you feel alive, engaged, and able to face life’s challenges with humor, spirit, and trust in yourself and your path. My therapy style is warm, grounded, and deeply exploratory. I help clients look beneath the surface of their struggles to uncover the root causes, bringing a holistic perspective and a practical toolbox to open new pathways toward clarity, understanding, and real change.

I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your struggles, process emotions, and move toward healing. My approach blends evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care with warmth and empathy, so our work together feels both practical and deeply personal. Clients often share that they appreciate my approachable style and the balance I offer between genuine listening and concrete strategies.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I use evidence-based practice with a therapeutic and collaborative approach in therapy. I work together with my clients to help improve the person's well-being and health. I've worked in the Emergency Department in San Luis Obispo, CA, for 8+ years and 10+ years at the CA State Hospital as a Clinical Social Worker. I have a Master's degree in Social Work, licensed in the State of California. I retired from the US Army after 20 years of military service: two war tours and many deployments. I know how important Mental Health is in our society. I'm here to break down any stigma.