Therapists in California

Many of the individuals and couples I work with are at a crossroads—frustrated, sometimes burnt out, and seeking practical, workable strategies for change. Therapy offers a dedicated, supportive space to identify obstacles and map a path toward meaningful personal growth. With over 15 years of experience across healthcare, restorative justice, and outpatient settings, I provide telehealth therapy at Grow for adults and couples. My practice focuses on: *Chronic Pain & Complex Medical Issues *Anxiety & Phobias *Fertility & Family Building Support *LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming Care *Eating Disorder/Substance Use Step-Down Maintenance: Supporting ongoing recovery from substance use or eating disorders following higher levels of care. *Couples Therapy: Improving communication and relational dynamics (clinical outpatient focus only). Practice Boundaries & Administrative Policies To maintain a clear focus on clinical care, please review the following scope boundaries: *Legal & Forensic Services: I do not provide forensic evaluations, court-ordered treatment, litigation support, or expert witness testimony for legal proceedings, divorce, or custody disputes. *Disability & Administrative Paperwork: I do not perform disability evaluations or complete short/long-term disability claims; I do not write Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters. *Telehealth & Medical Requirements: Virtual therapy for chronic pain, ARFID, or medical distress serves strictly as a complementary psychological service. Because virtual care lacks physical monitoring: A. Clients with ARFID or eating disorders must maintain ongoing care with an in-person physician for routine medical safety. B. Clients seeking pain reprocessing or somatic therapy must have their pain evaluated by a physician. ******If medical or psychiatric needs exceed virtual outpatient scope, I will assist with referrals to local in-person providers**************

Hi there, I'm Cynthia. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you wanting to be the best version of yourself? I been providing therapy for client ages 8 and up for over 10 years from all socioeconomic statuses and ethnicities. I know that the foundation of thearpy is trust and that takes time. It is my job to earn your trust so that you feel safe to expand, grow, look within. You are always the driver in the journey I am just here to facilitate and support it.

First and foremost, I am a father of two. I hold a doctorate in clinical psychology and have worked in government setting as a supervisor to many social workers over the past 28 years. I have been licensed as a therapist in California since 2004 and have worked with 100s of individuals, couples and teens since then. I have had over 200 hours of post PHD training in the areas of anxiety, depression, child abuse and neglect, bipolar disorder, couples counseling, divorce, child custody and phobia.

I have experience working with children, families, and individuals as a social worker since 2003, and as a licensed clinical social worker since 2017. Prior to training as a therapist I worked as an advocate for children, youth, and families in various community based non-profits. Witnessing families succeed as I helped ease their burdens led me to the path of clinical social work! I consider it a privilege to be invited and entrusted with the task of walking alongside you during a challenging moment in your life. Seeing you grow and succeed is one of the best rewards I could ask for.

HI, I am Pat Moriarty. I have been in practice from many years and enjoy helping clients grow and make the changes in their lives they desire. I have extensive experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, grief, and health care issues, as well as life transitions. I help people understand what and why they are experiencing certain feelings and help alleviate discomfort.

I am Ryan Ross, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Texas with over ten years of experience in mental health. Growing up in a military family, I moved frequently and lived in several communities early in life. I started college at Grambling State University in Louisiana and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Bakersfield. Working in correctional facilities showed me how trauma, grief, and unaddressed mental health struggles affect individuals and families. That experience inspired me to earn a master’s degree in Social Work so I could support people through their hardest moments. Over the past decade, I have provided care across community mental health settings, correctional facilities, and telemental health platforms. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors.

My approach centers on deep listening, empathy, and honoring each client’s lived experience. I intentionally consider cultural, environmental, and systemic influences, ensuring therapy is respectful, collaborative, and client-led. I believe in creating a comfortable space that supports growth while affirming each person’s identity and self-determination. I am especially enthusiastic about returning to a practice setting focused on working with adults, where I can support clients in exploring identity, healing, and growth.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience helping adults and couples work through anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship struggles, and life transitions. My style is warm, real, and supportive, the kind of space where you can take a breath, be yourself, and not feel judged. I work collaboratively, pulling from CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and person-centered approaches to support your goals. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone steady to talk things through, we’ll move at your pace and figure it out together. Therapy can feel like a big step, I’m here to make it feel less intimidating and more like a real, healing connection.

Hi, I’m Stephanie Doran, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPC17781). I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University and have been practicing for 6 years. I specialize in helping clients, ages 10 to 65, with issues such as anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and substance abuse. I create customized treatment plans that are tailored to each client’s unique needs.

I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Hello. My name is Frank Garcia. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am an easy going, yet upfront and honest Clinician who advocates, educates, and empowers clients to make the best of their circumstances and overcome the impossibilities. I keep life simple! I give my best to the people I serve and put what's in front of me as priority. I previously worked in an Inpatient Crisis Treatment Center. I am currently a Crisis Clinician responding to emergency psychiatric events and complete suicide assessments. I am in process of completing Certification for Sex Addiction training (Module 1 of 4). I am EMDR-Trained. I follow the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy model.

As a therapist, I use a trauma-informed, client-centered approach grounded in compassion and respect. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. My goal is to positively impact their lives by helping them build insight, resilience, and meaningful change. I see myself as someone who is deeply committed to understanding each client’s unique experience. I focus on listening with empathy and without judgment, so clients feel safe, heard, and respected. I believe that understanding a person’s emotions, background, and patterns is essential to providing meaningful support. Overall, I aim to combine compassion with evidence-based practice, continuously growing as a therapist while supporting clients in a thoughtful, personalized, and respectful way.

My passion is helping people transform the life they have into the life they want!!! In the pursuit of my passion I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine and my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I have been privileged to work in a variety of environments providing psycho-therapeutic services and support including Concordia University, numerous elementary school campuses, various social service agencies and churches as well in my own private practice. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families offering Solution-focused short term and long term therapy, customizing therapy based on the client’s needs and seeing them more fulfilling lives.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping anyone willing to make the necessary changes to live a fulfilled life. I will walk that extra mile side by side with you on the journey to reach healing, maintaining a balanced life, health, and peace of mind. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals and feel empowered to take the lead on their desired outcomes from treatment. I’m passionate about creating resources for clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, life transition, military stress, relationship issues, and gender identity. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request. I am fluent in Portuguese, and Spanish.

Hello I'm Sonja — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. My path to this work wasn't a straight line and I think that makes me a better clinician. I started with a career in corrections in Arkansas, where I learned early on how to connect with people in difficult circumstances without judgment. That experience shaped how I show up in the therapy room to this day. I transitioned into mental health as a psychiatric technician, working directly with all age groups across inpatient and community settings; providing direct care, facilitating group therapy, and delivering individual therapy during my internship and later as a registered clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. By the time I became fully licensed, I had accumulated nearly a decade of real-world clinical experience across some of the most demanding settings in behavioral health..

My passion is people and I am most curious about what makes us who we are. I have been in the field of mental health for 20 years and I have worked with an array of clients. The most effective work comes from those clients that are not afraid to be vulnerable, to self reflect and to do the work.

Hello, my name is Asher and I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist that specializes in trauma, addiction and anxiety disorders. I specialize in working with children ages 10-18 years of age. I also specialize in working with adults with an emphasis on memory and aging disorders. I am a brainspotting practitioner which is a trauma/anxiety treatment in the same family of EMDR.

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.

Hello, I'm Gino Memoli, a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through personalized therapy sessions. I specialize in addressing personality disorders, mood disorders, and trauma using client-centered modality to help clients explore and heal various aspects of themselves. Additionally, I apply the Gottman Method to enhance relationship dynamics for couples and families, focusing on building stronger, more understanding connections. My approach is direct, honest, and compassionate, aimed at fostering deep personal growth and resilience in a supportive environment.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

Welcome! I am glad that you are here taking a step towards change. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than twenty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Southern California. I have worked in a wide range of areas supporting POC and the queer community. I have helped clients manage and cope with challenging emotional issues, life transitions, and relationship problems. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.

I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full potential. I will listen to you and will try my best to support you in finding the path to happiness by practicing and using the tools and methods that are helpful and tangible.

I'm Lily, a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed therapist supporting mothers, parents and families through pregnancy, postpartum, and the identity shifts that come with both. My practice is fully telehealth, which means you can meet with me from wherever feels safest and most comfortable, your couch, your car during a nap window, wherever works. I just care about you showing up as you are. As a parent, human, 1st generation Latina, and someone who has lived through depression, postpartum struggles, and loss, I'm drawn to supporting others through situations that can be difficult to even put into words. My work is personal. Instead of seeing clients as a number, I hold space for the parts of life that are hard to process, heal, or acknowledge. My hope is to be part of a journey that doesn't just empower my clients, but also gives them tools and skills they can carry forward to navigate this journey we call life.

Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic. I have been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation), and Seeking Safety for trauma treatment. When treating anxiety, I take a CBT, or exposure approach with skill-building. For depression I utilize CBT concepts, or behavioral activation with skill-building. For sleep issues, I work with the CBT for insomnia treatment model. These are just a few examples of treatment approaches I utilize. I am relational focused, which to me means finding a plan that works best for you, practicing cultural humility and not trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. I look forward to working with you.

Hello, I am Lisa-Marie! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing whole person therapy to clients in need. I earned my Bachelors in Social Science from Aquinas College and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Nebraska. I've worked in many different clinical and medical settings ever since. I have experience leading clients through of issues including trauma, life transitions, grief, women's issues, sexuality, depression, general anxiety and somatic challenges. Through many years of clinical practice I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives. I practice an eclectic approach, bringing a variety of therapeutic techniques to address the needs of the individual, but always assess where one in the process of addressing change. I am fully committed to listen and offer my best professional practices to help you. You can count on my empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation we take part on. Thank you for taking the first step and for allowing me to be part of this very important journey. Look forward to meeting you!

I understand how challenging it is to come to therapy and speak of subjects that can bring about fear, anxiety and feelings of being judged. Therapy is the safest of environments to bring up topics that have brought about great pain or arrest in one’s life. My hope for you is that therapy becomes a useful tool to transform your life into how you envision it to be. Life is too short not to be lived out to its fullest potential. By working with you, I hope to collaborate in a transformation process where life goals come to fruition. As your therapist, I am your advocate and will support you in all areas where challenges, obstacles and barriers are encountered. I hope this message finds you well and instills a sense of hope that anything, if one’s mind is put to it, is possible to change for the better.

Deciding to begin therapy is the first step in a life changing decision. Welcome, my name is Marisol Cendejas , I am a bilingual therapist who cares about creating safer spaces to empower mental health and wellness in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), and all communities. As a therapist who shares a similar background, I can understand your unique personal and professional experiences, family dynamics, and/or the stigmas against mental health in our community and culture. Have you noticed that you are often sad, worried, or irritable? Is it impacting your relationships with your partner or family? Changes in mood can be brought upon in many situations including life changes or stressors, maybe recent trauma or a past trauma that is now coming to surface. As your therapist, my goal is to provide a safe place for personal growth and healing and will provide you with specific tools to help you manage your thoughts and feelings in a new way so that you can claim your life back.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through a variety of life challenges. I have been practicing in school-based setting for over 6 years, helping clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and move toward meaningful personal growth. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I value truly listening to what each client hopes to achieve. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while equipping clients with practical skills to manage daily challenges and move confidently toward their personal goals. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish and am committed to providing culturally responsive care where clients feel understood and supported. I pride myself on developing strong, authentic relationships with my clients and consider it an honor to be included in their healing journey. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal oriented.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my master's from California State University of Long Beach. I have over 5 years working in outpatient and inpatient medical settings. I have worked as medical and mental health social worker. I have experienced working with adults, older adults dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, life changes and other challenges.

Are you ready to take steps towards actionable change? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for young adults, adults, and older adults facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to develop resilience, gain clarity, and make positive changes in their lives.

I am a client centered therapist, which means I believe that the client is the expert on their experiences. I ask questions, am open to feedback, and trust the client's capacity for growth and self-actualization. Additionally, I provide coping skills and evidenced based practices to help clients in these areas. I also use art therapy in my practice, which is workable in telehealth.

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, Hola! My name is Patricia Leon, and I am a Spanish/English Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Are your children struggling to manage their emotions? Are behavioral concerns affecting their performance at school, friendships, or relationships with others? Are you experiencing challenges with parenting or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life? If so, I may be able to help. I believe that everyone encounters challenges and struggles throughout life that can sometimes feel overwhelming and impact overall well-being. My goal is to support individuals and families in developing healthier coping strategies, strengthening emotional regulation, building resilience, and navigating life’s challenges within a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of modalities and interventions. I tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals, with an emphasis on personal growth, healing, and meaningful change. Whether you or your family are navigating emotional, behavioral, relational, or life-transition challenges, you do not have to face them alone. I would be honored to support you on your journey toward greater emotional well-being and resilience.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nine years of experience treating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, life transitions, and long-standing patterns in how people relate to themselves and others. I see mental health as the ability to perceive reality accurately, including the differences between yourself and others, and to respond to it effectively. I tailor my approach to your needs, whether that's practical life challenges, rigid thought patterns, or emotional pain held in the body after trauma. I also help you untangle enmeshed family relationships: recognizing where your own feelings and needs end and others' begin, and setting boundaries without guilt. I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic theory. Effective therapy, in my view, means both challenging the thinking and relational patterns that keep you stuck and learning to understand and regulate the emotions underneath them.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) currently living in Pennsylvania, but was born and raised in California (Bay Area). I have been practicing as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 19 years, and am licensed in both states. I find therapy rewarding at all ages, but specifically enjoy working with adults and families. My goal is to help you build up the confidence you need to be successful.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia focused on providing services to individuals and families. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work and a PhD. in Social Work: Policy, Planning and Administration and have over 10 years of experience providing clinical services to children, teens and families. The onset of my career began with helping children and families within a community mental health setting as well as those involved in the child welfare system. My clients have a wide range of concerns including: Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I've also worked with clients who have experienced trauma and abuse. I believe in a humanistic, person-centered, cognitive behavioral approach to therapy where the focus is on helping clients develop a stronger sense of self within a non-judgmental therapeutic setting. I am a proponent in addressing factors that contribute to the healing of the spirit, mind and body. I am happy that you have taken the first step in your healing process and I look forward to working with you.

Hello! I love meeting people where they are, and helping them transition to their next best thing. Whether it be transitioning from college to adult life, or perimenopause ladies rocking into their next best self, I love being there to support when you're unsure and to reflect and help processing things that just aren't making sense...yet! Transitions can make us anxious for trying something new, or depressed from letting something go. I am there as a calm and positive force for you to springboard into what's next, while honoring and holding on to what still is a part of the YOU you are growing into!

Welcome, my name is Kiran and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #28451) with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in and provide mental health support to people dealing with fertility issues, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2002. In 2005, I started working on the maternal-child health floor in a hospital setting where I was able to help patients experiencing grief, loss, postpartum depression, and medical trauma. My passion truly lies in working with individuals going through their journeys and challenges in pregnancy, childbirth, any type of loss, adoptions, or surrogacies. In 2019, I struggled with my own loss of losing my father and felt it was the right time to move on from the medical field in the hospital setting to a smaller medical setting. Working as a preceptor in this new smaller medical setting, I quickly realized that this was not my calling as I began to miss working with the perinatal population. Soon after, I was given an opportunity to provide mental health therapy to the perinatal population and I believe this remains my calling. I am of Asian descent and love learning about everyone's family histories, cultures, foods, etc.

Congratulations! You have taken the first steps in the journey to your goal(s). I am extremely grateful you are considering me to partner up with. I consider my relationships as instrumental in learning who I am. The relationships that most speak to who I am include being a spouse, father, brother, son, colleague, and friend. My grandparents are deceased. Through these relationships I have learned a great deal.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, CEAP) based in California, Georgia, Maryland, and New Jersey. I received my Masters from the University of Maryland Baltimore and have been practicing for 25 years. I help young adults, adults, and elderly adults struggling with life transitioning issues that may cause stress, depression, and anxiety through CBT, DBT, and psychoeducation treatment modalities that helps individuals reach their highest potential.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, as well as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. I offer a safe place where individuals are able to begin their therapeutic healing journey. My desire is to be a vehicle to facilitate the healing process for individuals. I am deeply honored to assist clients on the road to healing. My faith, hope, and beliefs have enabled me to continue this work, and I feel thankful to be a vehicle that facilitates the healing process.

My ideal client is someone coping with anything from daily stressors to severe mental illness—feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or simply stuck. They may be navigating complex relationships, the aftereffects of trauma, or struggling with symptoms that disrupt their sense of self. Some may have tried therapy before; others are seeking a fresh, compassionate approach. What they share is a hope for change, a desire for clarity, and the drive to find new ways forward—whether that's healing, understanding themselves, or just feeling “okay” again. As a seasoned therapist with advanced NMT training and a passion for innovation, I use a person-centered, solution-focused approach, blending therapeutic modalities to fit your unique needs. Fluent in English, Tagalog, and conversational Mandarin, I provide support that is compassionate, adaptable, and culturally sensitive. If you want to be met with both expertise and genuine care, you’re in the right place. I embrace individuality and creative problem-solving, helping clients find hope even in tough situations. We'll collaborate closely—finding what works for you—so you never face challenges alone.

Hello. My Name is Eric. Are you feeling tired? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Are your relationships not as good as what you hope they would be? Are you feeling down, and hard to be true to yourself? Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? I help people manage anxiety, depression and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's working well for you, and what can be improved upon in your life so you can find yourself, and achieve your full potential in life. We will utilize a whole body care an approach that addresses the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness into the session to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can understand you are not alone, and can learn positive coping skills to manage your feelings that are not allowing you to achieve your full potential. Let's work together!

I am a therapist who provides a strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach to care. I believe each person is the expert on their own life, and I work to meet clients where they are while supporting them in identifying their strengths, goals, and capacity for growth. My hope is to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and safe to show up as themselves—without fear of judgment.

Hi, I’m Melanie! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and the pressure of balancing everything life can bring. I especially enjoy working with professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, and individuals with nontraditional careers or lifestyles who may look like they have it all together but still feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about what comes next. My approach is warm, collaborative, and solution-focused. Together, we’ll identify what isn’t working, build practical tools, and create realistic steps toward a life that feels more balanced, intentional, and aligned with you.

I am a licensed mental health professional with several years of experience working with individuals facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive and safe environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their healing process. I employ evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and person-centered therapy, to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we work to identify patterns that may be holding them back and develop practical strategies to improve their overall well-being. I am committed to meeting each client where they are and guiding them toward meaningful, lasting change at their own pace.

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.

Good day to you, my name is Mario Palacios I am a LMFT. I have been a therapist for over 25 years. I have had my practice since 2011. In that time, I have learned and have continued to learn what it takes to become a more effective therapist. During this time, I have treated many people with various issues/challenges that have resulted in positive outcomes. The most important impact for me is being able to see when my client has been able to make changes in their lives where they have improved themselves, found more clarity and continue to seek more improvement.

Hello, I’m Kim Paylor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), school counselor, and clinical supervisor with a diverse background in mental health, education, case management, and student support services. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, veterans, families, and young adults across school, community, and clinical settings. My experience includes working as a school counselor, special education resource teacher, therapist in private practice and telehealth settings, and clinical case manager within the HUD-VASH program supporting veterans. Prior to entering the mental health field, I also spent many years working in customer service, payroll, human resources, and university settings, which has given me a strong understanding of life stressors, workplace challenges, relationships, parenting, and major life transitions. I bring warmth, compassion, authenticity, and real-world understanding into the counseling relationship. I specialize in anxiety, emotional wellness, trauma-informed care, self-esteem, stress management, and helping clients develop healthier coping skills, emotional resilience, and greater confidence in themselves and their lives. My strongest area of focus is supporting adolescents, teens, and adults between the ages of 11–45. My therapeutic style is highly person-centered, supportive, and collaborative. While I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, I strive to create a counseling experience that feels approachable, practical, empowering, and genuinely supportive rather than overly clinical or judgmental. I believe therapy works best when clients feel truly heard, valued, and comfortable being themselves. I often incorporate guidance, emotional support, skill-building, and strengths-based strategies to help clients not only process challenges, but also build confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and practical tools they can apply in everyday life. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported, empowered, and encouraged as they work toward healing, balance, and meaningful change.

Hello. I am a licensed social worker in California. I began practicing in the mental health/behavioral health field in 2011. I originally was licensed in Maryland in 2015 but then returned to California in 2016. Since starting in the field, I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 4 years old to 75 years old; most experience working with individuals between the ages of 10 and 35. I have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, and relationship issues. I am an ally of the LGBTQI community and can provide a safe, telehealth space for them. Unfortunately, at this time, I cannot accommodate individuals seeking letters for emotional support animals or those mandated by the court or legal system for therapy. With that said, my goal in being a counselor, is to assist my clients in meeting their identified treatment needs. I am flexible and willing to do whatever I need to do to assist you and help you in any way that I can. If when viewing my profile, you feel as though I am a good fit, but my schedule does not meet your scheduling needs, please feel free to send me a message as I may be able to fit you in at a different time. I work evenings and weekends.