Therapists in California

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.

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!

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!

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.

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.

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.

Are you pondering on embracing a new pathway to healing? Ready to conquer those negative thoughts or triumph over trauma to meet that you that you have never seen? Look no further. I am a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. I utilize an integrative approach to assist clients with achieving their goals and maximum mental wellness as we collaborate together on their journey to healing.

In my role as a mindfulness-based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to delve into their inner workings with a sense of compassion and empathy. I emphasize the importance of being fully present in the current moment and embracing a mindset of acceptance without criticism in my therapeutic approach. Furthermore, I prioritize guiding clients toward cultivating a deep sense of self-compassion and understanding, recognizing these as fundamental elements for personal advancement and emotional reconciliation. By integrating mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, I actively assist clients in developing an enhanced self-awareness and fostering a compassionate outlook on their experiences.

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.

Hi there! I'm Cindy Nguman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, and I’m so glad you’re here. I work with clients all across the state through the convenience of Telehealth, creating a safe and supportive space, wherever you are. I specialize in supporting young adults and adults who are navigating life’s many ups and downs, whether that’s anxiety, stress, depression, dating, life transitions, identity exploration, or relationship challenges. You're not alone in what you're going through, and together, we’ll work to help you feel more grounded, confident, and understood. My style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I use a person-centered approach, which means I deeply value who you are and what you bring to the table. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy to help us make meaningful progress toward your goals. Reaching out is a brave first step, and I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey. 💛

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in southern California. I work with individual adults only, utilizing Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) in treating those suffering from single trauma events. I also do a lot of relational work assisting with learning how to set healthy boundaries and prioritize your values in relationships. Areas of treatment: Anxiety, Depression, Life Stressors/Adjustments, Relational issues, Trauma/PTSD.

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

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.

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.

Katerina Sorrell, MA, PPSC, LPCC, is a licensed psychotherapist and National Board Certified Counselor with over a decade of experience helping clients achieve healing, resilience, and personal growth. With a Master’s in Counseling from Chapman University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from CSULB, she offers a strong academic foundation paired with compassionate, culturally responsive care. Katerina is fluent in English and Spanish and provides services to children, adolescents, and adults, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Her work spans working with Orange County Department of Education and various school districts in Orange County, California, where she has served as a School Counselor and Mental Health Practitioner. She specializes in crisis intervention, early identification of students in need, and the development of supportive mental health strategies. Katerina also volunteered with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, demonstrating her deep commitment to mental health advocacy. In addition to her school-based work, Katerina provides individual therapy in private practice in Laguna Hills, California,, helping adults, military and youth clients manage challenges like anxiety, depression, family conflict, peer pressure, and trauma. Her unique background also includes career assessments, allowing her to support clients in discovering their strengths and life direction. Whether in schools, clinical settings, or the community, Katerina empowers her clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, connection, and hope.