Therapists in California

I am a licensed professional in California with extensive experience in the mental health industry. With 5 years of dedicated work and an additional 9 years of complementary experience, I have worked in various settings including the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, substance abuse facilities, and PHP/IOP/RTC levels of care. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step to addressing whatever challenge you are facing or questions you may be asking yourself. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with your life and don't know how to change it. Perhaps you know what the underlying issue is but are afraid to tackle it. Maybe you struggle with co-parenting after a divorce or your teenager is self-harming and you want to help but don’t know how. Maybe you struggle with addiction or self-medicate to avoid dealing with emotional pain. I help clients to examine their core values and also identify any limiting beliefs they may have so that they can better align with their core values.

Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience in the mental health field. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to process, learn to unlearn that which is no longer helpful to you, and rebuild. My services can be provided in English, Portuguese, or Spanish and include stress management, coping with depression and/or anxiety, and learn to live with what cannot be changed. A meaningful life must be constructed, with care and diligence, kindness and courage.

My name is Shant Bardakjian and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Glendale, California. I currently work with children, adolescents and adults within the greater Los Angeles area. My approach to therapy is tailored to the client’s needs. I enter into therapy with whatever the client brings into the session. If you need a creative approach to solve your problems, then I would use Narrative Therapy. If you need to fix your problem right away, then I would use Solution Focused Therapy. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I use an eclectic approach with a person centered lens that can be flexible for whatever need is brought into the room. My communication style is calm and approachable. I would like my clients to feel at ease in sharing whatever is on their heart without fear of judgment. I decided to become a therapist because I have wanted to help people discover their best selves. I have been drawn to helping people discover their innate ability to heal past whatever is keeping them stuck in life. My aim is for whoever works with me to be able to define a goal that can be accomplished and for trust to be gradually built within the therapeutic relationship. In this way, the progress that is seen in therapy will in turn translate to improvements in multiple areas of your life. In our first session together, you can expect the primary focus to be for me to hear your story of what brought you to therapy. The first session is to determine if there is an initial connection and also questions that would enable me to better understand what would work best for you as treatment progresses.

My approach to therapy is to help each client or couple adapt and grow from life's circumstances. I help my clients thrive within their community and experience a grounded and vital sense of connectedness to self and all others. I am a firm believer that there are not bad parts / people, only bad roles, patterns and wounds. There is always hope for growth, healing and reclaiming vitality and connection. I utilize a holistic approach that embraces one's intersections and addresses mental, emotional, and somatic (bodily) experiences.

I'm an LPCC credentialed in California, holding an MA in Counseling from LMU. With four years of experience in community mental health, I help clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to manage life's stressors. I believe in a strong therapeutic alliance, often using humor to reframe and process clinical challenges. I understand that therapeutic progress can be slow-paced, and significant change unfolds over time. My priority is to foster a secure and trusting relationship in sessions, creating a space where clients feel safe enough to engage in a truly transformative experience.

I am a Psychologist licensed in California and have provided psychotherapy to individuals for over 30 years. I am also a lifelong artist and I am interested in how the creative process functions in our lives. I help people connect with their true potential that may have been ignored or forgotten in their search for meaning and purpose in their lives.

Hi, I’m Sara Burt, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Luis Obispo, California. I grew up in Lake Tahoe, shaped by the rhythms of nature—something that still grounds me today. I'm a mother, partner, and someone who finds meaning in quiet moments and honest connection. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and a belief in your capacity to grow and reconnect with yourself. My work draws from relational, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches. I support people navigating motherhood, life transitions, identity shifts, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges. At the heart of my work is creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported. Outside the therapy room, I’m often with my family or hiking local trails with my two Australian Shepherds—bringing the same presence and care into every session.

In our work together, I will focus on understanding your unique needs and helping you prioritize your mental health. My goal is to guide you toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself, finding moments of peace to make each day a bit lighter and brighter. I’m committed to honoring your cultural, religious, and spiritual principles, ensuring that you can both care for yourself and continue to support others. With a diverse professional background, I tailor therapeutic interventions to fit your individual needs, offering a personalized approach to your well-being.

Therapy is the process of meeting with a licensed mental health professional to help you resolve problematic behaviors, thoughts, feelings and sensations. Through therapy you can change self-destructive behaviors, resolve painful memories, improve relationships and more. With commitment and time you will be able to live a mentally and emotionally healthy life. I have specialty training in the following treatment modalities: EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; DBT Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Ego States Therapy; Perinatal Mental Health and TFCBT Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use a combination of these modalities in my treatment of clients based on their individual needs.

Hello, I'm Natasha, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, CA. Do you feel like you’re constantly overthinking, putting others first, or avoiding conflict to keep the peace? Anxiety has left you feeling exhausted and disconnected, or past trauma makes it hard to feel safe and grounded. You want to break free from these patterns, set healthy boundaries with confidence, and experience emotional stability. Your goal is to feel calm, confident, and in control of your life, but you’re unsure how to get there. If this sounds familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in supporting people struggling with anxiety, trauma, and patterns of people-pleasing or overthinking. Using a compassionate, person-centered approach, I help you build healthy coping skills, process difficult experiences, and create healthier relationships with yourself and others. Together, we’ll work to help you find peace and confidence. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you're already showing strength by exploring your options. You deserve support, healing, and a space where you feel heard. I offer virtual individual therapy for clients in California, providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, I’m here to help. https://www.clarkfamilycounseling.com

Life is really complex and challenging so I’m glad you’re checking in to find ways to support a fulfilled, happy and thriving YOU. Whether you are here to process trauma, sort out your future plans or relationships, learn new coping to manage stress, or some other area of your experience that is having an impact on you, I’m honored that you’ve considered how I can support you. In a process you are empowered to design, we will create a space where you can grow, heal and feel better using a variety of evidence-based techniques, a safe virtual environment and our therapeutic relationship!

Hi! My name is Bhavan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I specialize in trauma-informed care, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, along with a variety of other issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique experiences. My work also encompasses cultural identity by focusing on you as an individual and supporting you explore how your cultural lens shapes your understanding of trauma and resilience. My aim is to support you along your healing journey towards well-being, by helping you reclaim your sense of self, safety, balance, and personal strength.

Hello, I am Elizabeth Kelly, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with individual adult clients aged 18 and older. If you are seeking help with working through grief, loss, difficult changes, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, aging challenges or any other issues that may be hard to overcome alone, I am here to help you through. I follow a client-centered approach, meaning that I believe that you have the internal strength and ability to grow. Together, we will create goals to best serve you. I will listen to your concerns and provide coping skills and resources to help you through your difficult situations.

I’m someone who believes that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationships where we feel safe enough to be real. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, honesty, and deep respect for your story. I’m especially drawn to working with people who’ve had to hold it all together for others, often at the expense of themselves. If you grew up feeling unseen, like you had to shrink yourself to stay safe or lovable, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing it that way. In our work together, I’ll meet you with curiosity and compassion. I’m here to help you understand where your patterns come from, reconnect with the parts of yourself that got buried, and figure out what healing actually looks like for you. There’s no pressure to be perfect—just space to be honest, explore what matters, and feel a little more free.

Hello and welcome! I am a doctor of Psychology, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional clinical counselor. I am located in California and have 14 years of experience in helping individuals navigate their emotional challenges through various evidence-based treatment methods. My goal is to empower you to understand yourself better, heal from past traumas, and improve your relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

Hi, my name is Sarah and I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in CA. I work with adults and the geriatric population, specializing in managing anxiety and depression through a variety of therapeutic modalities. I focus on client-centered therapy and utilize the empowerment model. My approach varies based on the needs of the client. I frequently work with clients through CBT, supportive therapy and strengths-based therapy.

Hello my name is Virginia Myricks, LMFT and my goal is to encourage, challenge and empower you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I understand that every individual struggles with life challenges in their own unique way and it would be my pleasure to work with you on identifying your goals, offering treatment interventions that are best suited to your individual needs and to assist you in experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Hi! I'm a Latina Clinical Social Worker based in California who is passionate about self-empowerment, personal transformation, and the art of psychotherapy. I earned my MSW degree in Masters of Social Work from California State University of Northridge and have been practicing for 13 years. I have worked in varies clinical settings and have more than 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. My clinical experience includes working in the following settings: hospital, home health care, mental health outpatient clinic, schools, management, and a non-profit community mental health center. My diverse experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to make an influential impact in the life of others. My intention is to walk beside you on your journey to emotional healing so that you can be empowered to step outside the shadows of your past and walk freely towards the beautiful destinations of your future. I guide overwhelmed, stress, and burnout adults to heal from within helping them regain control of their lives, find peace, and thrive.

I am not here to fix you because you are not broken. I am not here to judge you because you are free to be whoever you want to be. I am here to help you reach your goals and find a trajectory to true happiness. Your journey to wellness begins when you recognize the role you play in your own life. You are powerful, capable, and worthy of the joy you seek. I am here to walk this path with you. I have extensive experience treating clients with Relationship Distress, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Codependency, Bipolar Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder. I am a certified specialist in the areas of anxiety and addiction.

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile and for taking the time to learn about my psychotherapy practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist who provides a safe, trusting, nonjudgmental, and respectful environment in which my clients are able to work through their difficult issues. I provide individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. Throughout my career I have worked with individuals of all ages from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. In addition to my private practice, I have had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings such as school settings, residential programs, substance abuse programs, transitional living facilities, group homes, and hospital settings. My experiences in these settings enables me to bring valuable knowledge and resources to my clients in my private practice. I specialize in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, weight management, grief/loss, substance abuse, LGBT issues, adolescent issues (school, emotional, behavioral/family), young adult issues (career, transition, relationships), and personal growth.

Hello! My name is Mariam Chilingaryan and I am a licensed Psychologist. Through my clinical work, I aim to help people feel more like themselves again... especially when life feels heavy or disconnected. I’m drawn to exploring the deeper layers of what people carry, how past experiences shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. In our work together, my goal is to offer a space where you can be real, feel understood, and start making sense of things at your own pace. You don’t have to have it all figured out (none of us do), but you can pick up the momentum that will make that meaningful difference!

Hello, I have extensive experiences in providing mental health services as a License Clinical Social worker (LCSW) to adolescents, adults, and older adults. I received my master's from the University Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for 20 years. I enjoy helping adolescents, adults, and older adult struggling with mental health issues and has helped many clients to gain understanding and insight into their mental health issues and learned health coping skills to improve their life and have healthy relationships with people they interact with.

This is my third decade providing mental health services and interventions. My approach is genuine and authentic, warm and welcoming. I hope to help others appreciate what is sometimes the absurdity and incongruity of life's situations. For me, Grow is secondary employment and I continue practice in a county mental health plan delivering complex interventions for youth and families. I am a clinical supervisor and lead several teams providing intensive community based interventions, outreach, and supports. I offer my time in the evenings.

Welcome! My name's Becca. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping others. I’m dedicated to creating a strong therapeutic alliance, founded in shared goals for a life worth living. I’ll provide a warm, supportive, safe, and professional space for you to feel comfortable delving into difficult past and present situations, in order to pave a new, happier, and healthier way forward. Making the decision to start therapy can bring up a mix of emotions. You have reached a point where you are ready to take control of your life and create a change for the better. For this, I greatly applaud your courage! While the work may be challenging at times, I am a firm believer that “The only way out is through.” And oh, will it be worth it when you break through. In working together, it is my ambition that you (re)gain a sense of empowerment in your life. If this is what you’re looking for, then let’s get started.

Hello! My name is Carlos and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I specialize in working with adults and couples and I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). I am passionate about psychotherapy and I believe that it is my duty to my clients to stay abreast of the latest trainings and opportunities for professional development.

Welcome, I'm Wilson Flanders, I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. I am a licensed clinician in 4 states (CA, NY, FL & MA) and enjoy helping clients improve their mental health and their lives. I find joy in seeing clients achieving their goals, and feeling that I made a difference in their lives. I am a digital nomad, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have been in the field for 8 years working with teens, young adults and adults in their mid-life. I help clients struggling with anxiety, stress, life changes and transitions, and depression/loss. Together we will find solutions, understanding, and growth so that you can become the best version of yourself. I help individuals move from stuck to empowered through structured, evidence-based care. Whether developing strategic objectives for mood regulation, guiding you through life challenges, or building better relationships with yourself and/or others - I approach every aspect of my work with intention and empathy. I believe in healing that’s both human and structured — where science meets soul.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with teens, adults, and families. I enjoy working together with my clients and listening to what they want to achieve. I support my clients by providing them with the skills they need to manage their daily struggles and ultimately reach their goals. My approach to therapy is person-centered as it allows clients to gain their own understanding of their experiences to help them with their personal growth. I use evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to support my clients in the healing process. I like to individualize each of my client's needs, and there is a vast assortment of many other approaches and tools that I use. I'm honored to be trusted by my clients and to support them with their mental health. Knowing that I have a part in affecting the lives of others is very rewarding to me. I get great pleasure in educating and helping people reach their fullest potential to live their best life.

I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.

While I believe that therapy is a personal experience that looks different from person to person I believe we all want the same thing: to feel supported through the pain, heartache, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life struggles. I am here to be that support for YOU. I am here to help you process through past traumas, manage current crises, develop healthier coping mechanisms, feel empowered, and provide that safe space for you to share the story that you have feared sharing for far too long. Book with me by clicking on my website and I can provide that safe space for you.

My name is Cory Sullivan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. I have a passion for helping people find their new normal after traumatic injuries and/or chronic illness and have first-hand experience with the grief, and loss of identity that comes with life after a traumatic injury. I take an eclectic approach to helping to clients with anxiety and depression with a mix of different approaches, modalities, and psychoeducation. I focus on letting my clients know that they are not in this alone, despite what their irrational thoughts tell them. I collaborate with clients and let them know that we are on this journey together.

Hi, I’m Jessica Castro, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’m a mother of two and have been married for 15 years, which gives me a deep, personal understanding of the joys and challenges that come with relationships and family life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and stronger connections. My clients often share that therapy with me helps them feel heard, empowered, and better equipped to handle life’s stressors. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where meaningful change can happen.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Registered Art Therapist based in California. I have been practicing for 18 years with an array of populations and in different settings. I help individuals of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and relational issues, or personal struggles that may be causing distress and preventing them from becoming their best self, or preventing them to meet their goals in life.

Hi! I'm Antonio Martin Aceves Santiago... But I go by Tony. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from California who currently resides in Santa Barbara. I got my BA at UCSB and my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch Universtiy-Santa Barbara. I have been practicing since 2021, I've researched therapeutic work through video game therapy in college (yes I even gave my class a 101 on my approach working with kiddos and adults through this method), I've worked in Community Mental Health, Group Practice and was the clinical coordinator for a crisis residential unit. I've provided Individual therapy to children, teens, adults, couples therapy and family therapy. However I specialize working with children,teens and adults.

Hello! I’m Cynthia Valenzuela, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I specialize in supporting young adults as they navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, major life transitions, career stress, and complex family dynamics. My goal is to create a space in which you feel safe, seen, and heard to start your journey towards healing and self-discovery. My approach blends evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based strategies, all while honoring your lived experiences and cultural identity. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in trust. Together, we’ll explore your story, uncover the patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection to yourself.

Hello, I'm Morgan, and I'm glad you're taking the first step to creating change in your life. As we embark on this therapeutic journey together, you can anticipate insight, genuine authenticity, and a guided path toward positive change. My ultimate goal is to offer you support and a deep understanding that uncovers the root causes of your challenges. Taking a compassionate, direct and attentive approach, I place a strong emphasis on building a trusting, therapeutic relationship. My approach is all about gaining valuable insights, complemented by providing practical skills whenever they can make a real impact. Openness and honesty are at the heart of our interaction, ensuring that our sessions are valuable. Your decision to seek help is a significant step toward personal growth, and I'm here to help you enhance your life in meaningful ways. With over 8 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I've successfully worked with a diverse range of concerns including Depression/Anxiety, trauma, substance use, everyday stressors, self-esteem, relationships, and parenting challenges. Let's work together to create positive changes that will truly make a difference in your life.

I have 23 years of experience working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I'm privileged to have worked with a multitude of cultures, communities and organizations aimed to address both personal and environmental stressors which lead to unique feelings and responses. I provide coping skills to manage anger behaviors that arise from life events, relationships and traumas. I provide therapeutic homework which allows you to practice independently the skills that are taught in therapy.

I am a bilingual and first generation Honduran American Marriage and Family Therapist who is based in California, born and raised in Los Angeles area. I received my masters at Pepperdine University and have been practicing therapy for the past 5 years. Over the past couple of years I have been working with young and older adults dealing with depression, anxiety and past traumas such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Hello, my name is Brent, and I am a therapist with over a decade of experience specializing in men's health, trauma, and PTSD. I work with individuals aged 18-64, including veterans, military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders, who are dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, and adjustment issues. My approach is strengths-based and utilizes a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and techniques involving the vagal nerve. These methods empower individuals to navigate challenges, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.

Hi, I’m a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with a passion for supporting individuals navigating life transitions, identity shifts, and relationship challenges. I work with clients who are often juggling multiple roles—professionals, partners—and help them reconnect with their values, cultivate self-compassion, and build more sustainable ways of living and relating. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and strengths-based. Whether someone is managing stress, grief, or rediscovering their sense of self, I aim to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and forward-moving.

Hi there, I'm Maddie! Do you worry all the time? Want to feel more confident and empowered? If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to help. I bring a warm and relational approach to my work. With training in mental health, mindfulness, and yoga, my counseling style is rooted in a holistic-based approach. I also have training in issues surrounding anxiety, self esteem, grief, relationships, career, depression, personal development, and LGBTQ+ topics. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (License #80432) and an LPCC in the State of California (License #15087). My counseling practice is supported by a Masters of Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and hundreds of hours of continued education in psychotherapy. I’m here to encourage you to become the person you would like to be. ***Online counseling is NOT recommended for persons who: - are currently dependent on drugs or alcohol or have a recent history of substance abuse. - are suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation. - are in crisis. (*If you are in need of crisis services, please contact 911, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your local emergency room for immediate help.*) If you meet any of the criteria listed above, online counseling will not offer an adequate level of support to meet your needs at this time. I would recommend face-to-face sessions which may offer the level of contact and engagement that would be most beneficial to you.***

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing for 7 years. I graduated with my master’s in social work 15 years ago and have a wealth of experience working with clients that are battling with depression and anxiety. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people from all walks of life overcome their mental health impairments. I have a fervent passion for seeing my clients succeed in life by virtue of gaining self awareness and learning healthy coping skills.

I am Licensed MFT and I help my client to explore their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in a safe and confidential space. The goal is personal growth and improve mental wellbeing and navigate the client through anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship issues, through collaborative work my client able to gain the tools and insight to deal with the at hand problems and future issues. Developing rapport with my clients is a primary focus and understanding their struggles in their own words, by providing them with safe and nonjudgmental environment.

I am a licensed clinical social worker that has been practicing for the past 11 years. I have a back grown in advance DBT training and EMDR basic training. Although I consider myself as taking an eclectic approach to treatment I lean on DBT and EMDR in my individual work. I strive to make the time that we meet to be a safe, calm, and free from judgment place.

Trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, I am available to help teen and adult clients navigate trauma, anxiety, relational issues, and communication. As a first generation Eritrean American born and raised in the Bay Area, I struggled with a sense of belonging throughout my adolescence, often straddling the line between multiple identities and insecurities surrounding the idea of not being “American enough" and not being “African enough.” Early on in college, I took a psychology class that helped me further understand the human condition and its applications in my own life. I learned transformative concepts in terms of moods, relationships, and behaviors, prompting me to further pursue the field of psychology. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to get advanced training in various therapeutic approaches, which I believe help clients get the most out of their therapy experience.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and I've been practicing for 10 years. Whether you're navigating pregnancy, adjusting to life with a new baby, feeling disconnected in your relationship, or just trying to stay above water; I am here to help you breathe, unpack, heal, and feel empowered again.

Hello, my name is Kelly Castillo, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including childhood trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal is to support you in becoming the best version of yourself—whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, or relationship issues. I bring an authentic and honest approach to therapy, creating a safe and comfortable space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered. I am trained and certified in several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I tailor treatment to meet your unique needs and goals. I’ve worked in a variety of clinical settings, which has allowed me to develop a flexible, integrative approach that adapts to each client’s journey. Beginning therapy may feel overwhelming but together we can work through the struggles and learn new coping strategies.

(IMPORTANT: LIMITED AVAILABILITY IN EARLY MORNING AND AFTER 9PM during week of 8/11/2025, 8/25/2025, and 9/15/2025) 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. (Late night appointment available and preferred)

I’m a first-generation, Vietnamese, transgender, and queer therapist who brings both professional training and lived experience to the work. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. In my practice, I often draw from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process trauma and experiences in a way that feels restorative. EMDR supports the brain’s natural healing by using bilateral stimulation—like eye or auditory movements —to reprocess memories and reduce their emotional intensity. I also use Narrative Therapy, which invites clients to explore the stories they’ve been told or have come to believe about themselves. Together, we uncover how those stories were shaped—by culture, relationships, systems, or past experiences—and work toward reclaiming narratives that center resilience, agency, and authenticity. I understand the importance of creating a space where clients feel seen, affirmed, and safe to show up as their full selves. Whether you’re navigating trauma, identity exploration, or simply seeking to reconnect with yourself, I’m here support you in that process with care, collaboration, and accountability. Are you looking for a mental health letter for gender-affirming surgery? I write those! Feel free to reach out for short-term therapy services to complete the letter assessment process with me. My practice uses old fashioned, human-generated tools and information methodically accumulated over years of community and evidenced based research. I do not use AI programs at any point in the therapeutic process. *I am not currently accepting family, couples, or group counseling inquiries* *Pls inquire about my reduced rate spots at $150/hr*