Therapists in California

I wholeheartedly believe it’s my role as a therapist to assist you in realizing, accessing and cultivating the internal and external resources that you already possess. Stress, conflict, and pain are those given aspects of life. I'll support you in healing, reconnecting and making empowering choices to achieve peace and feel more joy on a daily basis. Together, we will create a safe space for vulnerability and strength; both are needed for change. Our sessions will allow you to move through stuck points in your mind, relationships and environment. My approach is empathic, direct, emotionally supportive and solutions focused.

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.

Christopher Lawver is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings. He graduated from Antioch University Los Angeles with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and the University of Southern California B.A. Communication Arts and Sciences. Chris Lawver has practiced in West Hollywood and San Francisco, California, specializing in substance use and addiction recovery, codependency and relationship evaluation, and self-empowerment in diverse populations. In 2010, Lawver received a certification in Psychoanalysis from The Los Angeles Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies on the Brentwood campus, adding insight-orientated therapy to an impressive skill set. Chris Lawver has worked at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Sciences and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian community services, Jeffrey Goodman special care clinic with HIV/AIDS services and underserved communities of color and LGBTQ people. In San Francisco, he worked with formerly incarcerated individuals to find their way forward after being released and re-integrated into the community to find jobs and stability. He has worked in community mental health settings, practicing CBT and DBT modalities with severe mental illness and dual diagnosis. He’s expanded in recent years to include modern wisdom, energy work and conscious raising approaches, and Kundalini yoga. He has formulated a unique therapeutic approach with an eclectic interpersonal and interactive style. He is warm, with a good heart and an empathic understanding. Drawing upon personal and professional experiences with grief, addiction, and adversity, he empowers clients’ humanity, creativity, and achievements in society. Awareness, Insight, Action > Change

My name is Sheilly Arora, and I am a practicing psychologist for almost 20 years. I love what I do and find it a privilege to be of help to others. I am fluent in several Evidence Based treatments including and not limited to treatments for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and PTSD. While originally from the East coast, I did both my internship and post-doctoral training in California. I have been here ever since and feel lucky to be able to call California my home.

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.

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.

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.

Hi, I’m Marvin West, a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist with training in Expressive Arts. I believe therapy is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and self-discovery. You are the expert of your own experience, and my role is to meet you where you are—through the highs and the lows—offering guidance and support along the way. Let’s take this journey together to create a brighter, healthier future for you.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I also hold a Doctorate in Education, with a focus on change and leadership. In my work experience, I have seen a wide range of clients, but my specialties lie in substance abuse/addictions, and working with the Latino and LGBTQ communities. Currently working with only adults. No couples or families.

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.

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 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.

I’ve studied and practiced many methods. I like to be eclectic and work with you with what’s needed to get you back on track and feeling your best. I was a teacher for many years, then went for my masters in social work. Life has many twists and turns. Sometimes we can feel off balance or are suffering from depression or anxiety. We’ve all had our ups and downs and getting back on track and feeling our best is a goal I enjoy helping people achieve to live the life they want.

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.

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 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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PLEASE Read Entirely: Families often come to seek more information on how to establish and produce healthier habits that benefit their well-being and self-esteem. They learn that the healthier they are, it increases their happiness and in turn benefits relationships. Kendall helps families and individuals explore and identify who they are, their communication style and how to protect these realizations with healthy boundaries. After learning more about themselves, families often feel much more equipped to decrease or rid themselves of symptoms that prompt them to seek therapy initially. It's always an honor, privilege and a wonderful opportunity to process with families in their sacred spaces. Consider starting your journey to Optimum Wellness today by scheduling a Live Session with Kendall Bradford, LCSW and Associates. Love and Light! ** Therapy is an emotional process and we do not conduct sessions while family's are operating moterized vehicles. Please do not drive during sessions and if you must, we can schedule a time for you to park or find a safe space to have the session. Thank you! ** We love couples therapy and family therapy. However, neither are not covered through insurance at this private practice. The price is out of pocket for couples or families between $150-$180 (depending on sliding scale). Private Practice Website: www.OptimumHealing.org or Contact using the email on file

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!

You don’t have to struggle alone! I look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with you in your journey in discovering how to make positive changes, decrease negative behaviors and thoughts, and help improve your mood and engagement with life! In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we have created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives. If that sounds like you, you are stuck. We can feel lost and alone when we are unable to move forward, whether in work or a personal relationship. Therapy can help you break free of that and thrive. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on teens, adults, and couples. I have worked with clients on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and family reunification. I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I also minored in sociology.

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 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.

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.