Therapists in California

Many of my clients come to me initially feeling lost, overwhelmed, confused, or just wanting to expand their purpose, challenge themselves, or even rediscover who they are. Many are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even symptoms they can't explain or identify. I serve a vast variety of clients and complexities, but one common goal is- "I just want to feel better." And together... we accomplish that and more. We’ll work together to develop strategies that empower you to overcome obstacles and bounce back stronger.

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.

Welcome. My name is Tannaz Talasazan, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I invite you into a supportive, collaborative space where feelings are processed, thoughts are heard, perspectives are respected, and meaningful change becomes possible. Life can present challenges that feel overwhelming, especially when we don’t always have the tools to navigate them. Reaching out for therapy is a powerful first step. Together, we will identify emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and internal obstacles that may be holding you back, while working toward insight, clarity, and lasting change. Over the past 13 years of training and clinical experience, I have worked with individuals, couples, women, families, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with a focus on relationship concerns, life transitions, conflict resolution, and crisis management. I especially enjoy supporting couples in strengthening communication and connection, helping women and individuals navigate personal growth and identity, and working with older adults as they process life transitions, relationships, and meaning. My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Narrative therapies, carefully matching each approach to support insight, emotional growth, and practical change.

Hey Everyone, I’m Jennel — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, validated, and understood. I draw from a range of approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, etc. to tailor each session to meet your unique needs. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible and collaborative. I aim to keep our conversations down-to-earth, supportive, and meaningful.

Welcome! I’m Dr. La Toshia Palmer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Beyond Greatness Global. I provide compassionate, culturally responsive therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and tailored to each client’s unique needs, experiences, and goals. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and practical coping-skills development. I also offer Faith-Based Counseling for clients who desire to integrate their Christian faith, spiritual values, prayer, and biblical principles into the therapeutic process. I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, anger and emotional regulation challenges, stress, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, and other experiences that can affect emotional well-being and daily functioning. When working with children and adolescents, I strive to make therapy engaging, developmentally appropriate, and practical while strengthening emotional awareness, communication, coping, and problem-solving skills. I believe therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we explore your experiences, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, recognize your strengths, and develop practical strategies that support meaningful change. At the heart of my practice is the belief that every person has the capacity for growth. My goal is to provide a safe, encouraging environment where you can gain insight, build resilience, strengthen confidence, and move toward greater emotional well-being and purpose.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with complex and high acuity mental health needs. My work is grounded in trauma informed and trauma responsive care, with a strong commitment to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent clients, and individuals in rural communities. I work across the lifespan, including children (7+), adults, older adults, families, and couples. My approach is collaborative and empowering, centered on the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives and require my clinical expertise. I often describe my role as “working myself out of a job” to help clients build the insight, skills, and confidence needed to advocate for themselves and navigate systems independently. As a trauma specialist, I tailor evidence based interventions to each client’s identities, needs, strengths, and goals. My primary approaches include Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)-(EMDRIA certification pending), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I also integrate Internal Family Systems informed interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, exposure based strategies, mindfulness, and other approaches as clinically appropriate. I adapt treatment for neurodivergent clients and clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities because therapy should adjust to the person and not require the person to adjust to therapy. I am continually shaped by the courage, insight, and lived experiences clients bring into our work. Every advanced training, specialty, certification, and state license reflect lessons learned from clients. I carry their trust, stories, and influence into every session with gratitude and responsibility. To learn more about my clinical approach, specialties, services, book an initial consultation, and private practice, please visit Mapping Resilience Therapy Center at https://mappingresiliencetherapycenter.com/

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel heard and understood. I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults navigate anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges using practical, evidence-based approaches. My goal is to help clients build insight, develop effective coping skills, and feel more confident and in control of their lives.

Hello ! I am Sergio Fernando Gueller, LCSW, I am an American citizen and love our Blessed country with all my heart; I am also an immigrant from Latin America, Argentina, who arrived to this country at age 19 (I am currently 65), "tired and poor" and escaping an unstable political environment and difficult socioeconomic perspectives. I completed my training in Europe and Latin America through my participation in many seminars and obtaining several certifications in this field, however, all my formal education took place in California and Oregon, in the USA. My approach to psychotherapy is eclectic and practical and am focused on providing immediate alleviation and crisis resolution to my clients via powerful cognitive/behavioral tools which I use daily in my practice. I am a simple person and my approach is formal and respectful, however, I use respectful/sensitive humor and levity therapeutically when appropriate as I believe it is a major part of my method.

Hi, I’m Lisa, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, emotional dysregulation, substance use, family conflict, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in meeting clients where they are. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe exploring challenges, building insight, and developing healthier coping strategies and relationships. I believe meaningful change happens through authentic connection, self-awareness, and feeling genuinely understood.

Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelors' in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives. Bernadette has a great deal of experience, focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness. Her patience and level of compassion in her work with all of her clients is well respected and she adds positive energy to the group culture at Valencia Relationship Institute. Bernadette has had training in Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, Play therapy, Solution Focused and working with different cultures and cultural identities. Bernadette’s focus is on allowing clients to work through their difficulties and traumas collaboratively with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental standpoint as a way for adults, children, teens, and families to assist themselves in their personal growth.

I am originally from South Africa and have an innate ability to connect with people from different cultures. I am committed to providing a safe and trusting environment, which is the core foundation of my work with clients. ​I work with adults and teenagers who are dealing with depression anxiety, grief, hopelessness and other mental illnesses. I help clients experiencing panic attacks/anxiety using the application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ​As a cancer survivor, I understand all aspects of being a patient. I am passionate about helping clients cope with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. In addition to working at Grow Therapy, I run a private practice in Encino. I have also worked as the Clinical Director at A Home Within, an organization that connects foster children with therapists in private practice. Their motto: "One child, one therapist, for as long as it takes." My work at Safe Harbor, an Intensive Outpatient and Dual Diagnosis Facility was where I saw families and individuals and guided weekly teenage groups for self-harm. I completed my traineeship at Hillview Mental Health, an outpatient facility for clients representing a full spectrum of mental illnesses. I ran groups and worked with clients individually. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and a Masters in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University.

Hello, I’m a licensed marriage family therapist based in California. I received my master's in science in California and began practicing as a mental health therapist 10 years ago. I have experience helping adults and youth struggling with moderate to severe mental illness (i.e., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and suicide prevention). I provide them with support and education on healthy coping strategies to overcome life challenges.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next steps in your life? I am passionate about creating a supportive and affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences, gain insight, and develop meaningful coping strategies. With extensive experience working with individuals—including children, teens, adults, and elders—I help clients navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship concerns. When working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression, I use evidence-based approaches to help them understand their emotions, identify triggers, and build effective coping skills to regain a sense of balance and well-being. I guide clients through life transitions, whether it’s adjusting to a new phase of life, career changes, or shifting family dynamics, by fostering resilience and helping them create a path forward that aligns with their values and goals. For those engaging in identity exploration, I provide a nonjudgmental space to reflect on personal, cultural, and societal influences, helping clients cultivate self-acceptance and confidence in who they are. I also support individuals and couples in navigating relationship challenges, whether it involves improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, or healing from past relational wounds. I take an inclusive, culturally responsive approach to therapy, ensuring that every client feels seen, heard, and valued. By integrating various therapeutic modalities, I tailor sessions to meet each individual’s unique background and needs. My goal is to empower clients with the tools they need to foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. I believe therapy should be a collaborative, empowering experience where clients feel supported in their journey toward healing and self-discovery. My style is direct, warm, compassionate, and goal-oriented, helping clients not only process their emotions but also develop concrete strategies to create meaningful change.

My name is CynDee Pakyurek, PhD. I am a licensed psychologist in California (License PSY33716). I completed my graduate studies at California School of Professional Psychology. I was employed at Mayo Health System, Minnesota, for several years before I moved back to California, where I now work in private practice. I see clients both virtually and in-person. I know it may be difficult to take that first step to seek help. I believe that prioritizing mental health is a key to a happier, stable life.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT TREAT ADULTS** **PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT MY SPECIALTY IS IN TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA. YOUR CHILD IS APPROPRIATE FOR THERAPY WITH ME IF THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED A TRAUMATIC OR MAJORLY STRESSFUL LIFE EVENT AND ARE HAVING SYMPTOMS AS A DIRECT IMPACT FROM THOSE EXPERIENCES.** I am a child and adolescent psychologist with over 17 years of experience in treatment of youth ages 7-18 who have experienced trauma, adverse experiences, and/or stressful or challenging life events. My focus is to help clients be their own agents of change to help them move forward, empower them to gain control over trauma reactions, and foster their resilience. I focus on evidence-based approaches to treat trauma, PTSD/complex PTSD, and associated symptoms, and adjust treatment according to the client's specific needs. I treat trauma related symptoms and reactions stemming from a wide range of stressful events including physical or sexual abuse or assault; maltreatment or neglect; domestic or community violence; motor vehicle accidents; serious injuries; natural disasters; grief or loss; medical trauma and more. Prior to private practice, I was a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford where I directed the Stress and Resilience Clinic. I was part of the development team for Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT), an intervention combining cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with an insight-based approach for youth with complex trauma. I provide teaching and training both nationally and internationally.

I understand the apprehension in seeking therapy and counseling. I also understand the importance of obtaining therapy in a safe and non-judgmental environment. There are times when we all face a need to seek counsel and professional therapy with someone who is able to relate to your struggles. My clients are provided a safe and understanding environment; an environment where we are able to focus on "solutions".

I was born in NJ where I completed my education at Rutger's University and now live with my family in DE. I have my LCSW in DE, NJ, and CA and currently practice in these 3 states. I am an animal lover of all kinds and enjoy being outdoors as much as I can. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, exercising, and reading.

I am Angela Johnson-Cantrelle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of California and Louisiana. I have over 35 years of experience working with children and adults from 4 years old to geriatrics. I received my Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Children and Family Services from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in New Orleans, LA. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment for individuals, families and couples with issues such anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, emotional dysregulation, military issues for service members and their families, domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and anger management. I have worked in a variety of settings with various agencies including DCFS as a foster care and adoption worker, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospitals and clinics, education systems and in-home providing mental health services.

It truly is nice to see you. I am Dr. Tinai James, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of Rooted & Relevant Psychological Services, a group therapy practice dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals across every season of life. Our approach is built on the RCB Framework™: Rooted, Culture-First, and Brave. We believe successful therapy takes place in a Brave Space where you don’t have to code-switch to be heard. Whether you are a student facing the "identity shift" of campus life or a parent seeking a therapist who understands your family’s cultural background, our goal is to provide clinical expertise that feels relevant to your real life. In our sessions, we combine PhD-level clinical science with practical, goal-oriented strategies. We will work together to tackle anxiety and social pressure while building the cultural confidence you need to thrive. Our practice is currently licensed to see clients in Georgia and California, in addition to 40+ states via PSYPACT, offering high-energy, modern care that honors exactly who you are. Let’s build your brave!

Hi, I’m Karina, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, adolescents, and families. I provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and strive to create a warm, supportive space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, helping you better understand yourself, navigate life’s challenges, and develop tools that support meaningful and lasting change.

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with five years of experience supporting individuals through different stages of life. I believe therapy should be a space where you can feel comfortable, understood, and free to be yourself. My approach is warm, genuine, and collaborative, with a focus on helping you better understand yourself, work through difficult emotions and experiences, and create meaningful changes in your life. I strive to meet each person where they are and provide support that feels personal to their needs and goals.

My work centers queer/trans, BIPOC, chronically ill or disabled, and other multiply marginalized clients navigating individual, interpersonal, and intergenerational trauma shaped by systemic violence and survival within inequitable conditions. I am deeply inspired by Black feminist sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler, whose storytelling shaped my belief that healing is a practice of imagining and building ways of living beyond forces that dominate, dehumanize, and disconnect, such as white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism. My therapeutic approach is relational and depth-oriented, influenced by abolition and disability justice, which reject punitive mindsets, value every body, and attend to how systemic forces shape our internal worlds, relationships and sense of self. I seek to support this work by gently uncovering coping strategies that were once necessary for survival but may no longer align with who you are becoming or how you want to relate to yourself and others. This approach resonates with people seeking honest self-reflection, emotional accountability, ongoing exploration and deeper self-understanding.

Hi! My name is Esther and I am a LCSW in the state of California. I graduated with my MSW at California State University of Monterey Bay. I have been practicing therapy for 10 plus years. I specialize in trauma informed care and those with a severe mental illness. I support individuals find grace for themselves and harmony in their life by addressing burn out, confidence issues, anxiety, depression and other life factors.

Hello, Life comes at us fast, and hardships, relationship problems, and even significant trauma can throw us off track. Seeking out therapy is a major step in self-awareness and empowerment, and just getting to this point is something to be proud of. However, a relationship with a therapist is just like any other relationship. Compatibility, understanding, and communication are key, so choosing a therapist who is right for you is important. Learn more about me, my therapy expertise, and how working with me can provide you with the tools to make the positive changes you’re looking for below. I look forward to hearing from you!

I am glad you are taking time to get to know me. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have my M.S. in clinical psychology from San Francisco State University and my undergrad in psychology from Purdue University. I have worked in San Francisco for seventeen years with multicultural families and individuals that have been in crisis. I have worked with a multitude of differing diagnosis and problems over this extensive period of time. I take such pride in helping families and individuals live a better life and obtain their desired goals. I am glad to have been around in my job long enough to have observed the positive results my contributions have made. I am passionate in wanting to help alleviate suffering and I stay determined in doing so.

Hi, I’m Sandy. I have a passion for working with children and teenagers who are facing challenges in school, dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, peer relationships, or family struggles. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies to help navigate life’s ups and downs. I’m excited to work with you and help you achieve the growth and change you're seeking. I look forward to meeting you!

Counseling service is like having a personal trainer in the gym for our mind muscle; individually tailored guidance doesn’t hurt. We all have ups and downs in our life, work, family, relationships, and I'm here to support you through the things that are messy, challenging, and confusing with a safe space for you to just be yourself with no judgements. Let me join your journey of figuring-out, growing, healing, shining and thriving, and make the full access to life experiences with joy of living come true. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call. Feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you.

I am a License marriage and family therapist I provides services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I have been helping individuals with anxiety, social difficulties, Anger management, Depression, trauma and grief. I have experience in facilitating violence prevention programs and anger management groups. I utilizes a variety of techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, DBT, Psychoeducation, Play Therapy, behavior modification, mindfulness and relaxation.

Meet Tara Zandi, LICSW – a compassionate and highly skilled therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults, children, and families. Tara holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, blending deep academic knowledge with practical expertise. She’s trained in a powerful range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, PCIT, EMDR, and even yoga for children—offering a holistic and personalized approach to healing. Whether working through depression, anxiety, or behavioral health challenges, Tara meets her clients with empathy, insight, and culturally sensitive care. Fluent in English and Farsi, Tara creates a welcoming space for diverse communities to feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wellness.

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.

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.

Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders. In these communities I learned the importance of connecting with my clients on a deep interpersonal basis. I also learned that having a variety of effective techniques to reduce symptoms and problems was vitally effective once a solid relation was established. As a strength based Psychologist, I strongly feel I can engage my client in the aspects of their life that are already most successful and utilize these tools to address their current problems. IF you think solution focused individual, couples or family therapy can benefit you currently, I believe I am the ideal therapist for you.

With over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I help people listen to their inner voice and develop self-knowledge to find the path that feels right for them. I believe each person is unique, with their own biology, neurology, family history, and culture. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can learn about themselves, find their best path forward, and achieve their goals.

I am a honest, respectable therapist with a passion for assisting others with their life challenges and concerns in a non threatening manner. I am knowledgeable in many life areas. I bring a sense of knowledge, resources, humor and life skills to individuals to assist with one's life journey as they express their concerns in a safe place with a professional with over 20 years of experience.

I am honored to have the opportunity to meet you and explore areas of the heart, mind, and soul with you. I have fallen in love with studying "love" since a young age. It occurred to me that life gives us many paradoxes/contradictions such as: "Go through pain in order to heal". Since my awareness opened up to the vast internal world of the human mind, I strive to find the answer. In the combination of my teaching career (online Professor - Psychology, health/human services/Philosophy) and psychotherapy, I was given the gift of a special journey in revealing the invisible components in life - especially our internal world. I have personal and professional experience in diverse areas (gangs, addiction, violence, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, family connection, and many areas within the interpersonal/intrapersonal realm). In addition, I hold a special awareness for cultural sensitivity as well, and the assimilation process onto areas of adaptation and acculturation. I began viewing life with analytical, philosophical, and emotional perception at an early age as life became difficult since I could remember. When I had finally turned my life around and attended college, I was inspired by many individuals. From this, I earned a position with my previous professor as his T.A in stress management. From there, I moved onto graduate school after attaining my Psychology degree. During my Marriage and Family therapy program, I continued to teach. The last year of my studies I was honored to work as an intern at non-profit agency where I delivered therapeutic services to a vast array of different populations: Onsite therapist for a middle school and high school (pre-teens and teens). I also worked with couple's, anger management, domestic violence, family/individual therapy at the main facility. I was then given the chance to work as an online professor at Ashford University after completing my Master's degree, where I continued to do so until this day. After graduation I moved onto working with children with Autism Spectrum disorder (minority population) for over a year. Finally, I traveled into the work on dual diagnosis/addiction, where I started as a part-time therapist and moved towards becoming the primary therapist, and then the clinical director for the whole facility. From my journey, I have been given the privilege to uphold a vast array of experiences, even to the extent of online gaming addiction. My main focus now lies in areas of emotional conn