Therapists in California

I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who supports adults working through anxiety, trauma, stress, and major life transitions. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. I integrate CBT, mindfulness, and somatic tools to help you understand patterns, regulate your emotions, and feel more balanced in daily life. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your authentic self.

I’m a proud African American/Black Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed in California since 2022. With over six years of experience in mental health and social work, I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges. My focus is on serving disenfranchised communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, trauma survivors, and those facing issues like depression and anxiety. I aim to create a safe, affirming space rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and social justice.

Hola! I go by Ruth! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). For me, therapy is a place where you can be you, be free of judgment, and, most importantly, connect and feel understood with whatever struggles are taking place. My communication style is warm and encouraging. Creating a safe space and an accommodating environment in sessions is always my priority.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I use a client-centered therapeutic approach, solution-focused, strength-based, and very supportive allowing my clients to find the answers within themselves. I have over 4 years of experience working at the Department of State Hospital as a Clinical Social Worker treating patients suffering from severe mental illness and 5 years working in all five of San Luis Obispo County Hospital's Emergency Departments, specializing in mental health crisis and stabilization.

I am recovery oriented licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has provided mental health services in the Los Angeles area since 2022. I believe that in life we go through experiences where we need support and an opportunity to heal in a non-judgmental space. It is my honor and privilege to provide this space and offer support through my education and experience to best resolve issues troubling my clients.

Hi, I’m Paola Zaldivar, a licensed therapist providing therapy for individuals and couples. I have four years of experience, and I believe healing begins in a space where you feel seen, safe, and supported. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity. My goal is to create meaningful, lasting change by helping you understand yourself more deeply and strengthen your relationships. I can also help you navigate major life transitions—such as getting married, becoming a parent, adjusting to an empty nest, starting school, experiencing grief or illness, or going through a divorce—by getting to the root of your concerns and using cognitive-behavioral techniques to help you regain stability and confidence.

I am a therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate addiction, anxiety, and life’s most challenging transitions. My journey into this work began with a deep passion for understanding human relationships and the emotional patterns that shape our lives. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a wide range of evidence-based modalities and emphasize the mind-body-heart-spirit connection informed by my background as a ballroom dancer and integrative nutrition coach.

Hi. I’m Anupama. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist. I have worked with issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD. Panic disorder. I have lots of experience with couples issues and domestic violence. I have also worked with parenting issues I have a calming and gentle approach I like to make my clients feel comfortable right away.

My name is Judy Jordan and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years years of professional experience in counseling with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I took an evening course in Psychology 5 when starting school, and by the end of it , I knew I wanted to become a therapist. I was drawn to understanding people on a deeper level and helping them through their struggles. With support from my dad, I left my job and went back to school starting from scratch. I loved every minute of learning and felt more certain with each class that I was on the right path. My dedication paid off...I earned straight A's and received the Academic Achievement Award in Psychology. More importantly I found a sense of purpose in supporting others on their mental health journeys.

Hello, My name is Dan Powell, and I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist with over 23 years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and professionalism, ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and respected. I am committed to providing high-quality, individualized care through evidence-based treatments tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. My diverse professional background allows me to draw from a broad range of therapeutic approaches, ensuring that my clients receive the most effective and personalized care possible. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my clients to help them achieve their goals and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. My areas of specialization include treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and life transitions. I also provide support for parenting challenges, couples conflicts, and more complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, I have extensive experience in helping individuals overcome alcohol and chemical addictions, as well as working with those who have experienced trauma. If you’re ready to take the first step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being, I encourage you to reach out. Contact me today to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey to healing and personal growth. Best, Dan Powell MA., MFT, BCBA

I have been in practice for 28 years. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and healing, and I am committed to being your partner in this process. Together, we can work towards understanding the factors that contribute to your current feelings or challenges and identify actionable steps to help you move forward. Your comfort and well-being are my priorities, and I am here to support you every step of the way. Let’s explore how we can work together to enhance your quality of life and achieve your goals.

Hello and Welcome! Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, holding grudges, carrying guilt, poor boundaries, trauma that control us, or being anxious/angry all of the time. I would like to help you free yourself from emotional pain, deal with life on life's terms, and to experience a satisfying life. I will do my best to provide you a balance of constructive advice, honest feedback, empathy, humor, and warmth. I have a lot of experience working with individuals struggling in relationship. I can help with anxiety, trauma, grief, and much more. I also do relationship work with individuals. I know that sometimes the loneliest place is in a relationship that is not working. While I'm not accepting couples, there is some amazing work that can be done when one partner changes their patterns. I can teach you how to talk so that your loved ones will listen, and teach you how to listen so that your loved ones will feel heard by you. We can break patterns that aren't work, and learn how to be in a balanced and healthy relationship. I welcome diverse cultures and the LGBTQ community.

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. Currently, I work with clients aged 18 to 64. My approach to therapy is tailored to the client’s needs. I enter into therapy with whatever you bring into the session. If you need a creative approach to solve your problems, then I would 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.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and California, and I show up in therapy as a real person first. I know how important it is to have a space where you can be seen and understood without judgment. My style is warm, honest, and down-to-earth. I don’t use labels to define you. I listen, reflect, and walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or shame, I help you untangle what feels heavy so you can move toward healing and peace.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my master's in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in California and have been practicing for the last 8 years. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts, and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.

Hi there and great job on taking that first step in considering if therapy is right for you. I invite you to come with me on a journey of your own choosing where we will walk together in darkness to find the light you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s life’s little annoying stressors or more complex issues, as a trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand what this is like and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Whether you choose me or another therapist, make the choice to just give it a try. Sometimes all you need is another person to hold the light while you do the work you need to heal.

Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I have worked inpatient and outpatient mental health. I am Rogerian trained, which means i have awareness of my boundaries and the clts boundaries. I am clt centered, being aware of my transference in the therapy relationship; often using the transference for clt growth. I am humanistic, which means any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. As a clt centered therapist my role is to hold a mirror up as to allow the clt to witness their experience and offer reccomendations for tx plan. Also, empowering the clt to connect and use their strengths; support, spirituality or agnostic beliefs. I have used various modality interventions including meditation, visualization, and exposure acclimation. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. My experience is broad, from post partum to end of life issues and many life stages in between. Whether its anxiety or depression. From bipolar to ocd or schizophrenia; i work at creating a safe environment where boundaries are clear and the clt feels free to discuss their issues in safety and privacy.

Starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even intimidating—and it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the courage it takes to take this first step toward caring for your mental health. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where you can explore challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-care, and more. My goal is to help you strengthen communication and boundaries with yourself and others so that you can improve your quality of life and move toward the future you envision. Therapy is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about personal growth. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and identify strategies to help you move toward them, whether that means change over the next month, six months, or a year. You’ll leave our sessions with practical insights and “next steps” you can put into action right away. I believe life’s purpose isn’t simply to be happy, but to find meaning—and within that meaning, joy emerges. While the journey isn’t always easy, it can be transformative. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Drug Counselor, and Behavior Analyst. I take a strength-based approach, helping you use your unique abilities to address challenges. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to empower you in creating lasting change. Most importantly, I bring a relaxed, compassionate, and trustworthy presence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and supported.

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

Kaiser client you need a referral from Kaiser first then Kaiser will send you a link to book a session with me. I specialized in treating grief, anxiety depression, anger issues, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. Are you experiencing anxiety? Is this impacting your relationships and overall happiness? Depression manifests various forms but is among the most common issues faced by individuals today. If you do find a time in your schedule, please contact me to see if I can adjust my availability

Hello, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have provided therapeutic services for adhd, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, family conflict, grief, and trauma. I focus on healing, challenging negative thoughts, and establishing new healthy perceptions. I look forward to meeting with you on GROW!

Hi! I am an LMFT based in California, more specifically the Bay Area. I am a father of two beautiful girls (#girldad), an avid golfer, and blackbelt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. I have been working in mental health and performance coaching for over 10 years. My passion is to help athletes and their parents find strategies to balance the demands of their sport and other areas of their life that they may be struggling with. I especially love working with fathers trying to engage their fatherhood in new ways.

Hi! I'm Lesly. I'm a first -generation Latina Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California who is committed to making therapy accessible, relatable, and meaningful—to people who often feel unheard or paused by their past. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life‑transitions, and the unique challenges of identity, culture, and self‑esteem. My mission is to create a safe, affirming space where your story matters, your voice is heard, and your growth is intentional. If you’re ready to start thriving, let’s connect :)

My name is Jesse and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and have been in the mental health field since 2008. I understand that life can be challenging, as everyone balances different roles and responsibilities. As a therapist, my goal is to help you understand your struggles and empower you to overcome them.

Hello! My name is Melissa Bautista and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. In life, different circumstances can arise that can affect our mental health. Although these circumstances may be inevitable, I would like to be able to be a resource to help you during those times. I work with adolescents and adults. I have had the opportunity to work with diverse populations and diagnoses. I would like to be a part of your first steps toward getting back to a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I will provide a safe space for you and I am here to support you.

At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.

I am firmly rooted in the belief that the therapeutic process is a symbiotic collaboration between therapist and client. Regardless of whether you're navigating a temporary challenge and seeking targeted, solution-driven guidance, or grappling with a persistent concern that requires long-term therapeutic involvement, there are moments when we all benefit from external assistance. I recognize the importance of individualizing therapeutic interventions. Everyone's journey is distinct, influenced by their unique life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual belief systems. It's essential to take a comprehensive view, taking into account not just the present symptoms but the whole person and their life narrative. By understanding each person’s individual story, I can offer more tailored guidance and interventions. This personalized approach not only addresses the immediate concerns but also empowers clients to better handle future challenges with increased confidence and self-awareness. I earned my doctorate degree from the esteemed California School of Professional Psychology. My professional journey has seen me serve in a range of environments. This journey includes my work at the UCLA Anxiety Disorder Clinic, where, as a psychological assistant under a seasoned psychologist, I honed my skills in managing anxiety disorders. My expertise also extends to substance abuse environments, both in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, as well as outpatient clinics, where I've addressed the intricate dance between anxiety, depression, and addiction. My work in collegiate settings, such as President Barack Obama’s alma mater, has equipped me with insights into the stresses and anxieties faced by students navigating academic pressures and life's pivotal decisions. Furthermore, In the unique and challenging setting of maximum security prisons. Where as a forensic psychologist, I've supported inmates, including those serving life sentences, through the complex emotional landscapes of anxiety and depression linked to their circumstances. My therapeutic approach is anchored in both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic theory. Typically, I employ psychodynamic perspectives to facilitate deeper insights into the origins of a client's psychological concerns. This understanding then serves as a foundation upon which we build a CBT-driven treatment plan, ensuring you're well-equipped to achieve your therapeutic objectives.

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.

My name is Mary Sowah-Quaye, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California State University in Bakersfield. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, and relationships issues.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida who works with young adults navigating their transitions into adulthood, adults struggling to balance her work and family life, and older adults helping them find meaning in their lives. I think therapy works best when it feels like you're talking to someone who's on your team—someone who gets where you're coming from, isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, and helps you figure out what actually works for you in real life. My approach is personalized- I meet you where you are and tailor our work to support your unique goals. For young adults, we work on finding ways to manage stress and work on improving relationships. In working with adults, treatment can be focused on managing anxiety, navigating difficult transitions in life, and improving relationships. For elderly adults, we can focus on finding meaning in life, working through family issues, and building a stronger support network. My goal is to create a strong foundation for our work together and help you feel comfortable and ready to begin your journey toward greater well-being.

Hi, I’m really glad you’re here. I know how hard it can be to reach out for therapy, and I want to thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself. If you’ve been feeling drained by anxiety, depression, or the weight of old wounds, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve done everything you can to feel better, but it still feels like it’s not enough. I want you to know that you’re not broken. You’re human. I’m Sarah, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience helping people heal, find clarity, and reconnect with themselves. My approach is warm, practical, and supportive because therapy should feel like a place where you can finally take a deep breath. Together, we’ll explore what’s been keeping you stuck and find ways to help you feel more grounded, steady, and at ease. Change is possible, and you deserve to feel like yourself again.

I am licensed in California . I have 20 years of professional work experience . I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work , from California State University Long Beach. I thrive in the opportunity to help clients move through the counseling process , with the goals of adaptive coping and wellness in the management of their issues and stressors. I enjoy educating clients on Wellness Practice and extending supportive psychotherapy to clients .

Are you willing to take the first step towards change? If so, I am here to help. I empower individuals to take back control of their lives. Through a collaborative approach, we can identify the issue's you are struggling with and help you find new ways to cope and manage. I am passionate about helping others and will support you on your journey of personal growth. Let’s begin by exploring together and start the healing process today.

Dr. Kobliska is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in working with adolescents and the adult population. She has over 9 years of direct experience conducting psychological assessments, diagnosing, coordinating and teaching groups, and individual psychotherapy. She is trained and highly skilled in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Dr. Kobliska is a detail-oriented, go getter that helps others take charge of their lives, and live it out effectively. She loves problem solving and coming up with creative ideas to make sure that everyone she partners with can serve their highest potential. She has a strong drive to live life with intention, serving both her family and clients.

Hi! My name is Jose Rodriguez, I have been working in behavioral health since 2008, and it has been a very rewarding experience. I have an energetic and enthusiastic approach. Please note that I am licensed in both California and New York. I stay up to date with the latest studies to provide the best care possible. I am well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I am originally from New York, so I have had the opportunity to gain experience at reputable institutions such as New York Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Health System. I have also served as Director of the Behavior Health Department at Salinas Valley Health in Salinas, California. I earned my BA in Psychology from Boston College and my Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I also earned my MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy boxing, playing golf, yoga, lifting weights, and going to the beach! The goal in psychotherapy is for you to become your own therapist. We would achieve this in a collaborative and strategic manner. There has always been a need to address our emotional well being but until recent times, this topic is more accepted than ever to discuss. Not only do I help people address their problems, but I also aim to help people be self-actualizing.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's in 2014 and have been practicing for 11 years. I help adults manage their stressors in life and help them reduce their symptoms to be successful in their own life. I have experience working with children from 4 years old to older adults of the age of 80 years old.

Hello! Thank you for reviewing the information for my online practice, Coleman Counseling. My name is Mrs. Michelle Coleman, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in mood disorders, adjustment disorders, and helping individuals navigate life stressors. Over the years, I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds who bring a wide range of concerns, and I remain passionate about supporting adults as they pursue growth and healing. At Coleman Counseling, I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. Together, we will identify your strengths, set goals, and work toward creating meaningful, positive changes in your life.

Have you find yourself repeating unwanted patterns in your work, relationships, or other aspects of your life? Are you dealing with feelings of low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? I am so excited that you have decided to take this next step in your journey to allow me to assist you with promoting healing, helping you reach desired goals, to become a healthier stronger version of yourself. II have helped individuals with trauma, mental illness, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss. I utilize a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral and supportive interventions. I am a bilingual therapist who is passionate about facilitating the healing process by collaborating with you to assist you with your goals. I strongly believe in creating safe spaces for clients without judgement.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from New York University and have been practicing for 13 years. I have also have 7 years of experience as a educator and supervisor for pre-licensed therapists. I love helping my supervisees and clients overcome their challenges, learn great lessons in the process, and achieve their highest potentials.

Counseling can be a place where you make meaningful changes in yourself and your life. I tend to focus on strengths and use Coaching and Positive psychology. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) can be helpful to change your thought process and develop new coping skills. EMDR and Brainspotting are both very effective for quick trauma relief. Please note I have a special interest in working with the LGBTQ community and consider myself an Ally.🌈 I look forward to working with you!

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I would describe my own as warm, caring, non-judgmental, compassionate, sensitive, respectful, knowledgeable, experienced and committed. I’ve been using CBT in my practice. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life

I get satisfaction from being a voice of reasoning for others through my genuineness. I consider this a life purpose for me. I am driven by a deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with their mental well-being. I believe in providing a safe space with a non-judgmental stance while supporting the patient through his or her emotional well-being and encouraging autonomy.

I am a psychotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings. I received my psychotherapy training at the San Francisco State University and graduated in 2012. After working at a private counseling center for 6 years, I opened my private practice in 2018 as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adults and Asian adults. My areas of interests include gay/lesbian and gender issues, sexuality, psychotherapy education, and psychotherapeutic technique.

Building self-awareness is often a hard place to start. I meet my patients where they are in their journey and support the process. Sometimes taking the first step to explore psychotherapy is confusing. Ask questions so you can find a therapist who is the right fit for you. My approach meets people where they are presently, to determine where they want to be in the future. I like to get to know my new patients to determine their needs in treatment.

Have you been managing a chronic illness on your own and feel exhausted and in need of some support? Did you also experience medical PTSD? Are you struggling with substance abuse and feel the time has come to re-evaluate its role in your life? As a woman, are the daily challenges of life starting to feel overwhelming? If you are experiencing anxiety, are you ready to let that go and explore a world of more peace and less fear? I empower people to build a life that holds meaning and purpose regardless of past setbacks and negative experiences. Together we will work to identify and overcome challenges that are specific to you. I love asking the right questions to help change the way you are thinking about a problem. It’s important to me that we work together, through talk therapy, to get to the heart of your pain and resolve it so that you can move forward.

It is not always easy to reach out for help, but you are on the right path. Things will get better as we approach your struggles and goals together. I have any easy going straight forward approach to therapy as I work to meet each client’s unique needs. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and have worked with clients on a myriad of issues including anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, perinatal loss and other women’s issues. My work has also included working with folks on life transitions whether it be family or career related, as these can create much stress for people. I have worked in Connecticut, Florida and Texas, both as a clinical leader and practicing clinician. I am currently licensed in Connecticut, California and Texas. My training was at the Columbia School of Social Work where I received my masters degree. I truly look forward to the opportunity of working together and hope we will talk soon. You are not alone.

Dr. Charness is a former assistant district attorney specializing in prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault, and rape cases. Additionally, she has her PsyD in clinical psychology specializing in trauma, attachment theory, and affect regulation. She has worked extensively with patients suffering from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse trauma. Further, Dr. Charness has a wealth of experience with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and self-harm. She incorporates many modalities in her sessions, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. She effectively supports clients working through past trauma and finding resolve and peace within themselves, which is crucial to individual mental health and functionality. Inclusivity and remaining culturally sensitive to patients are of utmost importance to her. Dr. Charness has also contributed to several books, including Voices of Pain, Voices of Hope, Students Speak About Racism, and Learning Through Discussion. Her most recent passion is her blog on Psychology Today (under law and crime) regarding the intersection of law and mental health. She focuses primarily on how legal rulings can impact our mental health, motive, trauma-informed interrogation, and investigation, particularly in domestic violence and sexual assault cases, and the failings of both the legal and mental health systems. Teaching about the realities of what life looks like inside the courtroom for a victim of domestic violence or rape, whether it be to a classroom of students or an audience of readers, is incredibly important to her.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations in different community settings. I have adapted different approaches in my clinical work to fit with the populations that I serve. As a therapist, I work to help make clients feel grounded and supported in our session appointments. I strive for authenticity when working with others. I try to help clients value honesty within themselves and in others. I hope to be able to facilitate growth and change in our time together.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or find yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns? Life can throw us emotional and mental challenges that leave us feeling lost, disconnected, or unsure of what to do next. My goal is to help you make sense of what’s happening, understand yourself more deeply, and find healthier ways to move through difficult moments. Since 2002, I’ve worked with men and women who are tired of always putting others first. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck and build clarity, confidence, and direction—so you can create relationships (and a life) that feel more authentic and fulfilling.

I spent twenty years as a writer in the entertainment industry and began training to be a therapist in my forties. I am a father and live in Los Angeles with my partner, our kids, and several cats. As someone who changed careers late in life, I know better than anyone that it is never too late to start living by your deepest principals, and that transformation is always possible.