Therapists in California

Hi, I’m Cynthia. These are tough times, and many people are struggling. If you’re anxious, down, or facing life transitions or relationship issues, I’ll help you process it all, build coping strategies, and move toward the life you want. As a first-gen Latina, I understand issues around cultural identity, bias and assimilation. I don’t specialize in eating disorders, trauma, autism or substance use.

If you’re feeling anxious, down, stuck in old patterns, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts, you’re not alone—and things can get better. Therapy can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself again. I’m a California-based LCSW supporting teens and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, OCD, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, encouraging, and structured. We’ll identify what’s getting in the way, build a plan that fits you, and practice practical tools you can start using right away. We’ll also track your progress so you can see real momentum. You deserve support that feels steady, hopeful, and useful. When you’re ready, I’m here to help.

Hello, my name is Ana Ruiz, I am a Licensed Marriage Family and Child therapist. My work focuses on trauma, attachment disorder, anxiety, depression, life transitioning and parenting. My priority is to offer a strength-based approach that works for you. My goal is to provide you with the tools necessary for you to transition from surviving to thriving and provide an environment where you feel heard and validated. I work with children and adults. I am bilingual in Spanish.

I'm a CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. I bring both deep clinical experience and a very human understanding of how hard it can be to ask for help. My approach is collaborative, honest, and practical. I use evidence-based modalities such as DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and systems-based work, always tailored to your goals and lived experience. Therapy with me is about gaining insight, building skills, and creating real, sustainable change. Clients often tell me they leave sessions feeling more grounded, more confident in their choices, and better equipped to handle emotions and relationships with clarity and self-trust. My goal is to help you feel less overwhelmed, more connected, and more aligned with the life you want to build.

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

I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen, safe, and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through connection. I work with adults navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and the emotional weight of caregiving, relationships, and work stress. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward — and together we create space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and build tools that actually fit your life. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths, deepen self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic. I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, affirming, and supportive of your unique story

I’m Leann Gonzalez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. I offer whole-person care in a safe, transparent, and compassionate environment, honoring each client’s values, background, and lived experience. For clients who desire it, I integrate faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process in a respectful and client-led way. My work focuses on healing complex trauma, strengthening relationships, navigating family conflict, and supporting clients through life transitions. I combine evidence-based approaches with practical tools and thoughtful reflection to help clients grow emotionally, relationally, and—when aligned—spiritually. My goal is to walk alongside you with empathy and clarity as you move toward healing, balance, and meaningful change.

I knew I wanted to be a therapist from a young age. I received my MSW from UCLA in 2006 and became an LCSW in 2011. I have worked with children, tweens, teens and adults. I am drawn to CBT and EMDR because of its emphasis on creating positive cognitions and its potential to empower clients to take control of their lives. My experiences with individuals dealing with the generational cycle of trauma have solidified my desire to help others navigate their own struggles and find lasting well-being.

I am a clinician with experience helping clients who struggle with finding their sense of self and feeling confident in their life decisions. I work collaboratively to support individuals in exploring their values, understanding patterns that may hold them back, and developing the skills and insight needed to make empowered, fulfilling choices. My approach focuses on guiding clients toward self-awareness, resilience, and a greater sense of clarity and satisfaction in their lives.

I’m Dr. Deanna Mercado, a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience walking alongside individuals, couples, and families in their healing journeys. My work is grounded in depth psychology, which means we look beyond surface symptoms to explore the underlying emotional patterns, relational wounds, cultural narratives, and unconscious dynamics shaping your life. I believe many struggles , anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, identity questions, or life transitions , are invitations to deeper understanding. In our work together, we will gently explore your personal history, family stories, and internal world to uncover meaning, strengthen self-awareness, and restore connection to your authentic self. My approach is reflective, relational, and culturally attuned. I hold space for the complexities of identity, ancestry, and lived experience, recognizing that healing happens not only within the individual, but in relationship to culture, community, and the larger story of your life.

I'm here to help those who otherwise wouldn't be able to pay out of pocket and provide an opportunity to meet with a doctoral-level therapist with specialized training in couples, family, and individual therapy. I am dedicated to the field and actively engage in continuing education and research to sharpen my craft. Aside from that, I'm a Therapist of Color, Asian-American, in an interracial marriage of 20 years, and have four children. I'm available virtually at this time.

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,, 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.

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.

I am a bilingual (English/Farsi) and multicultural Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have over 10 years of training, and experience in my field. I received her BA from California State University of San Marcos and earned my Master's and Doctorate degree in clinical psychology from APA accredited Alliant International University. '¨ I have experience providing bilingual services to teens, adults, older adults, Family, and a couples in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient, and college counseling settings. I began my clinical work at South Bay Guidance Center and Sharp Mesa Vista's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intensive Outpatient Program. I completed an APA-approved Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship at Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services.'¨'¨I provide Individual, couples, and family therapy for teens, adults and older adults, and specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, identity conflict, trauma, anger management, emotion dysregulation, perfectionism, substance use and difficult life transitions. I help clients find their inner resiliency by using integrated approach which includes evidenced-based therapy centered on the following frameworks: psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindful Self-Compassion therapy. Everyone has the capacity for true positive change. I value the complexity of people's unique diverse backgrounds and life values/goals, and use these to guide treatment to help clients reach their potential. My goal is to help you understand your past and develop new ways of dealing with life challenges to create a healthier present. I believe that the best therapy is done when the client and therapist have a strong working relationship. Developing a safe, trusting relationship and working collaboratively creates an environment in which this change can happen more quickly and effectively. I view myself as a caring change agent ready to facilitate the process in a beneficial and meaningful way.

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.

As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I have been working in the field for over 25 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy. I am here to empower both women and men who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have also incorporated the use of journaling, art, and sandtray therapy into my practice.

If you are a client of Kaiser Permanente, it is necessary to obtain a referral from Kaiser before proceeding. Once you have received the referral, Kaiser will provide you with a link to schedule a session with me. I specialize in helping individuals navigate grief, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship challenges, and behavioral concerns. Many people live with anxiety without realizing how deeply it affects their relationships, decision-making, and overall quality of life. If you find yourself feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, you’re not alone—and support can make a meaningful difference. Depression is not always obvious or dramatic; it often shows up as fatigue, irritability, disconnection, or a loss of motivation. It is one of the most common and misunderstood struggles people face today, yet it is also highly treatable. With the right support, individuals can regain clarity, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of control over their lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Hello! My name is Charmaine and I’ve been a licensed clinician for 8 years and a social worker for the past 15! The trust you build with your therapist is the most important factor in developing that relationship and cultivating a space where change can happen. I would love to help you author your own story and gain motivation to make lasting change.

I really love being a therapist, and it’s so rewarding to support people on their journeys of self-discovery. In many ways, I get to give back the same kind of support that therapy gave me. Over time, I’ve come to see that things like anxiety, depression, chronic illness, or struggles in relationships and careers often show up when something’s off in the mind-body-spirit connection. I’ve been through my own path of growth and transformation, and along the way, I picked up some powerful tools that I truly believe can help you find more healing, love, peace, and purpose in your life. In my work, I lean into attachment theory and also explore the deeper, more spiritual aspects of what it means to be human.

My goal as your therapist is to help you create a meaningful and enjoyable life. Whether you come to treatment to manage a pre-existing condition/diagnosis, or are looking to improve the relationships in your life; I am happy to assist you until you get to where you would like to be. In today's society; stress, anxiety, and depression can often take over our health, wellbeing, and relationships leaving one with an unsatisfactory life. In treatment we can explore the obstacles that are causing you pain or are holding you back from your full potential, and work together towards creating happiness and contentment.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist who had been seeing Clt for over 10 years for individual, couples and family issues. I've got my education from Pepperdine University. I enjoy working on helping you to achieve your goals in life, decrease your stress and improve your self-esteem. I've been very successful in helping Clts to eliminate their feelings of depression, anxiety, fears, uncertainties related to struggles in the relationships and also helping families to have significantly better understanding of each other.

As a board-certified psychotherapist, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of remarkable clients. My professional journey encompasses assisting parents in the reunification process with their children, guiding young adolescents through the complexities of emerging emotions, and supporting older adults as they navigate the challenges of lifelong illnesses. My education is a bachelor's degree in child and Adolescent Development and a master's degree in social work.

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.

Hello my name is Natasha Simon and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Are you a trauma survivor? Do you experience intense and uncontrollable emotions? Do you experience depression and anxiety? Do you struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues? If you are experiencing any of these issues, I am here for you. At this very moment you may feel helpless, but there is hope for you to overcome and move forward from the issues you may be experiencing. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and collaborative. I use principles of psychodynamic therapy, CBT and DBT and I adapt my treatments to best fit your needs. I believe strongly in the therapeutic relationship and I make sure to co-create a space where you can feel safe to be you and embark on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I meet you where you are at and welcome you without judgment. My purpose as your therapist is to be a resource and tool to assist you with becoming empowered to make positive changes and healthy choices in your life.

We know that initiating counseling services for your child or yourself can be very challenging. However, please know that you are making a positive step towards a healthy change in your life. During the counseling process, together we will identify your strengths and use those strengths to help propel you in making the necessary changes you would like to make in your life. If you want to obtain support in dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse, anger management, trauma, parenting assistance, divorce or substance abuse, I am here to help you navigate this process.

I have been in private practice since 2012. I mostly see clients suffering from depression and anxiety, but I am open to other disorders. My goal from the start is to EMPOWER my clients. I only work with ages 15 to 65 years old. I work from a very practical base and help clients either change their circumstances or adjust to it. My background is in forensics as I have worked with inmates and people with criminal cases, judges, attorneys and probation officers for over 14 years. My style is nondirective in therapy. I let the client lead me as they are experts on themselves.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." — Arthur Ashe Hello there! I am first a mom, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, and a neighbor and friend. In my life, I have naturally been inclined to help others. Realizing this, I decided to embark on a journey to become a professional helper of other humans, to help improve their life and feel better about their choices. Along this journey, I have become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I obtained my MA from Pacific Oaks College in 2013 and my Psy. D. Marital and Family Therapy from The Chicago School in 2021. I then started working in counseling and after completing my continued education for counseling studies with an emphasis on alcohol/drugs abuse studies at UCLA in 2020. I support and promote clients to explore their potential and utilize strengths to manage challenges in life. As your therapist, I strive to be authentic and nurturing and come from this understanding, as my true self, and as a South-American therapist. My years of experience and navigating through life while learning the art of therapy and counseling helped me to develop a strong patient-centered approach to join patients where they are at. Feedback I have heard from clients is that my experience working with different cultural backgrounds helps clients feel safe and they report that I have a more inclusive therapeutic relationship with them than other therapists.

Hello, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from the Portland State University in Portland Oregon and have been practicing for 4 years as a licensed clinician. I help adults and young adults struggling with mental health and addiction disorders to become the best versions of themselves. I have been employed in mental health inpatient and outpatient agencies and addiction programs with effective results.

As a black female school-based therapist, my dream client is one who approaches therapy with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the process of self-discovery and growth. My dream client understands the importance of mental health and values the support that therapy can provide in navigating the challenges of adolescence. Ideally, my dream client is someone who is eager to explore their identity, including aspects of race, culture, and gender, in a safe and affirming space. They are open to discussing sensitive topics and are willing to challenge societal norms and expectations that may be impacting their well-being. My dream client is proactive in their approach to therapy, actively participating in sessions, completing assigned tasks or homework, and practicing coping skills outside of our sessions. They understand that therapy is a collaborative effort and are committed to working together to achieve their goals. Additionally, my dream client is respectful, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and support within the therapeutic environment. They are open to learning from different perspectives and are willing to engage in discussions around social justice, equity, and inclusion. Overall, my dream client is someone who is committed to their personal growth and development, embraces their uniqueness, and values the power of therapy in fostering resilience and well-being.

Hello! I’m Melissa Bautista, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over seven years of experience supporting clients through life’s challenges. I provide telehealth therapy across California and strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and easy to talk in. I work with clients who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or navigating transitions, and I help them build practical tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and better understand themselves.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California and I have been practicing since 2001. I graduated from the School of Social Work at Columbia University in the City of New York and have experience working with children and families, adolescents, transitional youth, young adults, elder adults, men, women, LGBTQ+, and the justice-involved. In this day and age, so many of us are bombarded with the day-to-day and simply living blindly, meaninglessly. So many tend to suppress and ignore just to survive. If you are experiencing a crossroads presently and wish to get out of being stuck, if you want to improve your relationships with your loved ones, or if you just want to be able to process safely and receive genuine and practical feedback, you may want to consider scheduling a therapy session with me.

Hello! I am Vanessa Ly and it's so great to meet you. Am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I specialize in treating younger adults and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, or relationship concerns. I have also worked closely with first generation individuals and families to be the cycle breaker. I believe that positive change and growth can happen and it’s the first step to your journey of healing.

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!

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience who is passionate about working collaboratively with all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My therapeutic approach is person-centered therapy. I will focus on being nonjudgmental, emphatic, and supportive by allowing you to actively take the reins during each session. I am here to listen and allow you to tell me your story.

Dear Prospective Client, My name is Lina Rappoport, LMFT. I have been licensed since 2013. Originally from Ukraine I came to the US more than 20 years ago. I love to work with pre-teens, teens, their parents, and adults. I love meeting people from all around the world and I connect well with different cultures and ages. In me you will find compassionate, caring, and respectful individual. I will take time to listen and together we will create a plan of action to help you feel better. We all need support these days, so don't hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to meet you. Take care.

I am Dr. Paul Fernandez. I have been a licensed therapist and psychologist for more than 30+ years. I have spent my career concentrating on providing mental health services to the Latino/Hispanic community in Southern California, with a special emphasis in substance abuse, addiction recovery, anxiety/stress, depression, and anger management. I bring a unique, spiritual, Latino/Hispanic perspective to mental health counseling that focuses on the needs of our community. Soy el Dr. Pablo Fernández. He sido terapeuta y psicólogo autorizado durante más de 30 años. He pasado mi carrera concentrándome en brindar servicios de salud mental a la comunidad latina/hispana en el sur de California, con especial énfasis en abuso de sustancias, recuperación de adicciones, ansiedad/estrés, depresión y manejo de la ira. Aporto una perspectiva única, espiritual, latina/hispana al asesoramiento de salud mental que se centra en las necesidades de nuestra comunidad.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in the area of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Trauma. I have provided services to military, law enforcement and crime victims as well as those who have less violent experiences that cause problems with their family members and spouses. I feel that it is essential for people to have a safe, respectful and healthy relationship with their loved ones in order to fully appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.

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! Welcome to Grow! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & hold a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. My academic curriculum specialized in: family systems, biopsychosocial thought, psychodynamic approaches, and person centered interventions. Therapeutically, I specialize in substance abuse counseling/addiction, as I am also certified as a substance use counselor and have worked in substance abuse treatment as a residential treatment technician before becoming a therapist. Further, I specialize in working with kids & adolescents who struggle with emotional defiance/conduct disorders & developmental disabilities. Further, I have experience in dual diagnosis treatment and exploring grief/loss issues. My style to therapy comes from a Rogerian, CBT, and Humanistic approach and embracing the “entire self”. My passion in being a therapist is to see and embrace progress, meeting people where they are at, being present during “aha” moments, and serve altruistically. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy participating in ministry work, being active in recreational sports, volunteering as a crisis counselor & hospice volunteer. Some of my past work experience has included: working in special education as a substitute teacher, in the public-school sector as a tutor/instructional assistant, and as an in-home behavior interventionist working with kids who have developmental disabilities.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a decade of experience specializing in treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I work with dual-diagnosis clients, where I provide therapy to clients facing complex challenges, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, family and couples therapy, and interpersonal relationships helping clients uncover the underlying emotional and relational patterns that contribute to their struggles.