Therapists in California

Hello, my name is Paola Leon and I am a Bilingual Marriage Family Therapist. I am a Latina, first generation female who specializes in Children, Teens and Young adults up to 25 yrs old. I have extensive knowledge and training in working with neurodivergent populations specifically children, teens, and young adults. I am an advocate of the LGBTQIA+, and LatinX community. I utilize evidence based modalities in treatments such as CBT, ACT, Play therapy and EMDR. My commitment to my clients is to offer a safe and nonjudgmental place in where any and all feelings are allowed.

Do you feel overwhelmed by every day life? Are you dealing with negative thoughts that keep you from feeling your best? Do you struggle with self-care and self-compassion? Together we can identify how to help you feel in control of your thoughts, feelings and actions again. We will work towards increasing your ability to cope with difficult feelings or stressful life events and get you back on track with managing the different parts of your life. We will use mindfulness practices including meditation and gratitude to help you feel grounded and centered. Let's remember to be kind to ourselves! My experience includes working with children as young as 5, teenagers and adults. I have 14 years of experience working with teenagers as a high school counselor. I enjoy bringing art and play into sessions to help build a variety of skills and insight. Reaching out for help in any capacity can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to mental health. I am here to help and I will work toward creating a safe space for you to feel seen and heard. I will use a cognitive behavioral approach (understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors) as well as other evidence-based practices to best support your needs.

Saha Jamshed is a licensed social worker in the state of California. She is actively engaged in various settings in support of the most vulnerable within our community. Her therapeutic style is strength-based and incorporates a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches help with the development of perspective and coping skills, which in turn enhance quality of life. Saha is most passionate about addressing the multi-generational cycle of violence with an emphasis on promoting healthy relationships. Saha has her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies from UC Davis, and holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. CERTIFICATIONS (or in progress): Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Domestic Violence Advocate Positive Discipline

Hello there, I'm Kimberly! Are you struggling with navigating the complexities of today's world? Or perhaps you just want to understand yourself better? Therapy is a safe and confidential space for you to explore. I'm a BIPoc therapist who specializes in working with Children/ Teens/ Young Adults/ Families, Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, Giftedness, Learning Disorders), and LGBTQIA+ identified or questioning. I understand that it can be difficult to navigate marginalization and the impact of intergenerational experiences. Together, we can increase understanding and confidence in approaching the challenges of life. "Let go of who you think you're supposed to be; embrace who you are." Brene Brown

Hello! My name is Julia Garcia-Ixcol, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) and Christian therapist with more than 15 years of experience. I have experience working with various age groups from 0 to 60 years old. My passion is helping people heal from past trauma or unresolved issues, navigate life's challenges, and heal from the past and move toward a healthier future. As a Christian therapist, I provide support to help clients explore crises of faith due to past trauma or other spiritual issues by integrating faith-based principles upon the client's request, which can foster personal and spiritual growth.

Welcome and it's a pleasure to meet you. I am a bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. I became a therapist to help people of color, people who are misunderstood, people who are judged by the way they look, underprivileged community, undocumented and minorities. I want to help remove that stigma away of mental health. I use mindfulness, motivational interviewing, CBT and psychoeducation approaches. I will work with you as a team in order to reduce your overall mental health symptoms. Need someone to vent to and not feel judged. I am that person and you're at a safe place. I help client's feel more confident, grounded and motivated to improve on themselves.

Maybe you are the person who overthinks everything, puts too much pressure on yourself, or spends so much time taking care of everyone else that you are not even sure what you need anymore. Or maybe you are trying to support a child or teen whose anxiety, big emotions, ADHD, or autism impacts school, relationships, or everyday life. I'm Jaleesa, a therapist who works with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and difficult life experiences. My approach is warm, collaborative, and neurodivergent-affirming. Therapy with me is a space to better understand yourself, build practical tools, and explore what may be underneath the patterns that keep showing up. You do not have to come to therapy with the perfect words or even know exactly where to start. We can get curious about it together.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I’m licensed in two states, California, and Georgia. I am also currently pursuing my license in a third state, Florida. I have been a social worker for over 20+ years, 18 of which have been in the mental health field. I was in the military for 10 years and discharged as an Army Captain. I also have a second master’s degree in educational counseling and a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential. I have many years of experience in the areas of social work, counseling/therapy, career development, and upper management. I have had the opportunity to work for government, educational, non-profit, and profit/private organizations. I have expertise working in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, military sexual trauma, childhood trauma, general anxiety, sports performance anxiety, and depression. I feel my many years of experience affords me the professional knowledge and skill set needed to assist my clients in their therapeutic journey.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Norman Severe and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the local San Diego community for over 25 years. For the past 24 years, I have devoted my private practice to serving the mental health needs of children, adolescents and families in need of therapeutic and psychological support. I believe everyone can achieve great things in their lives by recognizing their strengths, working through struggles and overcoming obstacles by persevering and never giving up. I specialize in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in children and adolescents as well as adults who have experienced trauma related to abuse, car accidents and/or witnessing and being exposed to life-threatening situations. I also specialize in treating individuals who identify as Neurodivergent and/or have specific learning differences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that practices using a solution focused, trauma informed approach. My speciality includes EMDR, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness approaches rooted in meditative practice to allow for a safe, and calming space. I have over 18 years of experience in the mental health field in which I apply to my practice with each tailored plan per client.

“In a world full of pressure to be anything but yourself, be a sunflower 🌻—rooted in who you are and always reaching toward the light.” — Lauresha Z. Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH Hello! I’m Lauresha Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH, Founder/CEO and Clinical Director of Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc. I am licensed to provide therapy in California and Alaska and serve as an independent provider with Grow Therapy. I support youth, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), adults, mature adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, substance use concerns, perinatal mental health, family conflict, sports performance, and major life transitions, including the transition from high school to college. Trust, authenticity, mutual respect, and rapport are central to my work. My approach is eclectic, trauma-informed, collaborative, and individualized because therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I believe treatment should reflect who you are, what you have experienced, what you value, and what you hope to change. I bring more than 15 years of social work experience, including eight years providing mental health services as an associate and licensed clinician. My background includes residential treatment, outpatient care, managed care, foster care systems, and psychiatric hospitals. My communication style is warm, genuine, adaptable, direct, and grounded in active listening, honesty, accountability, and humor when appropriate. I am passionate about serving vulnerable and historically underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, student-athletes, and those navigating co-occurring conditions. Although I value my role as an educator, I also remain a lifelong student. I believe every person who crosses my path has something to teach me. Together, we will create a space where you can feel seen, heard, respected, supported, and safely challenged as you continue growing into who you are. www.mentalwellnessuniversityinc.com

Hello, my name is Serina Palomino. I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor), and NCC (nationally certified counselor), and I like to meet my clients where they are utilizing an integrative approach. I provide therapeutic services to children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation, primarily utilizing CBT, EMDR, art therapy, and mindfulness. My approach to therapeutic services is holistic and integrative. I provide in-depth assessments to determine therapeutic needs and identify core underlying issues contributing to client symptoms and behaviors. I integrate the qualities of a humanistic approach to establish and maintain the therapeutic alliance to support the client's successful discharge from services.

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

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.

Welcome! I'm Silvie Wilson. I'd like to acknowledge the strength it requires to take that first step of reaching out for help with your mental health from a therapist. I know it's not easy to begin the journey to better self understanding, compassion, and mastery. My aim is to create a safe environment in which we can explore your own personal history, themes, and challenges, in order to find resources and solutions to the obstacles that hold you back from being exactly the person you've always wanted to be. I will pay attention to who you are as an individual, reflect back your strengths, and help you to tie together the seemingly disparate aspects of your life so that you realize how much sense you make, have compassion for all phases of your development, and leave behind what no longer serves you to find the life you've always wanted. Together we can build up your sense of self, your resilience, and your ability to find peace of mind.

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/

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a therapist, and I work with people who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just needing a space to sort through what’s going on. My role is to support you without judgment and help you make sense of things in a way that feels useful and manageable. I am here to provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together on whatever brings you in.

Hi! I'm Leah, a therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, strengthen their relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, and curiosity, where clients can feel safe exploring their experiences without judgment. I have experience working in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, providing support for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation. My approach is warm, individualized, and informed by evidence-based practices while recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Together, we can explore patterns, build on your strengths, and work toward greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.