Therapists in California

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside children, teens, young adults, and adults as they navigate life’s many challenges. I use an eclectic approach, which simply means I pull from different types of therapy models depending on what fits each person best. No two people are the same, so together we’ll find tools and approaches that work for your life and goals. Sometimes that looks like building new coping skills, sometimes it’s unpacking trauma, and sometimes it’s just having a space where you can fully be yourself. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood. Together, we can explore patterns, uncover strengths, and build strategies for lasting change. I believe therapy is not just about addressing struggles, it’s about cultivating growth, resilience, and self-discovery. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be honored to walk with you on your journey.

I'd say my upbringing inspired me from my home to school. I have seen and heard mental health being mentioned as important and encouraged to take care of. I'd say full circle of having gone to therapy, becoming a therapist, and providing therapy is rewarding in itself, I'd have to put a paragraph explaining why, so I'll leave it as that. I look at therapy as a unique relationship that both mirrors and overlaps qualities of a good friend, parent, sibling, partner, etc., where both the therapist and client focus on tackling the concerns he/she presents in therapy.

It can be hard to know where to turn for help when you start to recognize that something is off in your life. My goal as a therapist is to help you get to the source of your distress and start seeing positive change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Utah, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Montana and have been providing therapy services for over 6 years to children ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with a range of difficult issues. I am very client-centered in my approach, letting you lead the way in determining your goals and direction, and I use a variety of evidence-based modalities depending on your individual needs. I am intimately familiar with the devastating impact that abuse and other adverse experiences can have on your life. Your sense of safety, trust in others, core beliefs, and even your faith can be shaken and may even seem to be destroyed. I have been trained and certified in trauma treatment in order to effectively help you overcome these experiences. My other areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, foster care/adoption issues, addictive behaviors, self-harm, self-esteem, stress management, domestic violence (perpetrators and victims), relationships, anger management, and sexual abuse. If you are struggling to move forward in your life, I would consider it a privilege to assist you with your unique healing process.

As a **licensed marriage and family therapist** with 15 years of experience, I've had the opportunity to work with diverse clients, from individuals as young as three to adults of all ages, as well as couples and families. I began my career in substance abuse counseling and DUI classes. Over the years, I’ve specialized in **talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy**, with a focus on helping clients resolve **unresolved trauma**. I'm also trained in **Parent-Child Interaction Therapy** and can provide these services via telehealth. Most recently, I spent six years as the **Behavioral Health Program Director** for a foster agency in California. This role was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to work with children in foster care, their biological and foster parents, and adoptive families. Although I loved my work as a director, I truly missed the hands-on experience of working directly with individuals and families in a therapeutic setting, which is why I am back in private practice.

Hello! I'm Matt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), currently licensed in Arizona and California. In my life, I’ve seen many people with a broad spectrum of challenges. I’ve also seen that hope and relief are possible. I offer a unique perspective in getting you that help. I enjoy seeing individuals and families solve problems and feel closer together. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, autism, Asperger's syndrome, depression, stress, relationship and family issues, life transitions, parenting, and caregiving issues in a variety of settings. My approach and therapy style draws influence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is important that you and I work together as a team using a collaborative approach and that I meet you where you are.

Hello, my name is Bryan Llorente, I am a licensed clinical social worker and have experience working in several clinical and therapeutic settings. I started my career at Advent Health Hospice Care, one of the largest non-profit hospital systems in the country. Through this position I gained experience in providing therapeutic counseling services to individuals and families who are going through major transitional period in their lives (receiving a terminal illness, death of loved one, living adjustments etc.) As a result I am well experienced in dealing with depression, anxiety, situational stress, loss of a loved one, grief, and am understanding of how medical issues can affect a person’s mental health. I have also worked for Orlando Health at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies covering the ED/Triage, antepartum and postpartum units of the hospital. This position gave me experience with providing crisis interventions and psychotherapeutic counseling to patient's who have a history of severe mental health issues, or who are actively experiencing medical emergencies, traumatic events, domestic violence, manic/depressive episodes, psychotic episodes, and suicidal ideations. In addition, I provided education on post partum depression and child care. In 2021 I began teaching classes as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Central Florida's College of Health Professions and Sciences. I have also worked for the National Suicide Prevention Line where I learned how to deal with a variety of mental health and emotional crisis situations over the phone. I feel well equipped to help my clients deal with a variety of issues, whether in person, or online. I take an objective and collaborative approach to understanding problems, and work with clients to create strategies to address problems head on so that clients learn the skills necessary to achieve their goals.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I’m licensed in two states, California, and Georgia. I am also currently pursuing my license in a third state, Florida. I have been a social worker for 20 years, 16 of which have been in the mental health field. I was in the military for 10 years and discharged as an Army Captain. I also have a second master’s degree in educational counseling and a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential. I have many years of experience in the areas of social work, counseling/therapy, career development, and upper management. I have had the opportunity to work for government, educational, non-profit, and profit/private organizations. I have expertise working in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, military sexual trauma, childhood trauma, general anxiety, sports performance anxiety, and depression. I feel my many years of experience affords me the professional knowledge and skill set needed to assist my clients in their therapeutic journey.

Therapy can be a frightening, overwhelming process, yet one of the most rewarding and life changing experiences of your life. It allows you to be you, share your thoughts and feelings without judgement, feel safe, gain insight into your thought process, your behaviors, and learn to be in control of your overall experiences. Through your strengths and weaknesses, you will learn to embrace each and every experience, and you will gain the knowledge to make the changes you need to achieve your goals. You will find the power within you to bring fulfillment to your life journey. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping people, couples, and families grow, and learn what they need to have a more fulfilling life experience. I will listen to your life experience. I will listen to your challenges. I will work with you on reaching your goals or helping you identify your goals in order for you to feel successful in our therapeutic process.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified. I understand that individuals are continually adapting to their surroundings and doing their best to manage amongst systemic, environmental, and interpersonal stressors. In my therapy sessions, I offer a space for individuals to both process their experiences and explore strategies for managing stressors in a healthy way. I have extensive experience over the past 15 years supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.

Welcome! My name is Dr. Michael Labib, a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working as a Clinical Psychologist and life coach. I am fluent in both English and Arabic. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. In 2009, Dr. Labib joined the United States Armed forces as an active-duty Military Psychologist in the USN, in 2017 he separated from active-duty service and worked as a civilian advisor to the First Marine Division, then joined the department of psychology at the El Segundo Air Force Base. Since 2017, I worked on developing my telehealth private practice. I understand it takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! Beginning September 23rd, I will have availability on Tuesdays only. 5pm: weekly or bimontly appointments 6pm: weekly or bimonthly appointments 7pm: weekly or bimontly appointmets If you have a question about a particular day/time, please feel free to message me. My name is I'm DuJuana Ware. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) with a faith-based (Christian) background. I am licensed in California and Texas and currently provide only virtual sessions. I reside in the state of Texas which means I follow Central Standard Time (CST) for scheduling. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad? Do you struggle with low self-esteem and confidence? You are not alone. My goal is to help you become your BEST self. Together, we can identify what you feel is not working and address the WHY behind it. We will use a combination of cognitive-behavioral strategies with a client-centered focus to improve how you see yourself and experience life. Creating a more balanced view of yourself will enhance your relationship to self and empower your relationships and communication with others. Whether you are struggling with being a teenager or #adulting at any age, I am here to help. Let's GROW!

I believe that healing happens when we embrace our most authentic selves. My practice is built on a holistic, down-to-earth approach—one that honors the mind-body connection, values lived experience, and meets you exactly where you are. With a background in behavioral science and therapy, I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers of children with complex diagnoses, families navigating behavioral challenges, and adults seeking deep, sustainable change. Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, an individual exploring alternative lifestyles, or someone ready to break old patterns, I offer a judgment-free space to realign with your truth. Together, we’ll blend evidence-based strategies with intuitive, heart-centered care—because transformation isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about rediscovering who you were always meant to be. Let's get you back to you.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Texas, and Virginia. I have over a decade of experience working with a diverse population of individuals. I have worked in community mental health, public schools, corrections facilities, hospitals, and as an EAP provider. I am most passionate about working with the younger generation as I feel like that is where the most change and progress can be made. I would love to be a positive influence on the next generation. As a first-generation Iranian American, I understand the feeling of being caught between cultures. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. My approach is warm, empathic, and solution-focused.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome challenges related to trauma, family dynamics, cultural barriers, depression, anxiety, and anger. My passion lies in empowering clients to reach their goals through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. In my private practice, I offer evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapies via tele-mental health technologies such as Video On Demand (VOD) and Zoom. This allows clients to express themselves in an objective and non-judgmental environment as they embark on their journey to healing. My real-world approach ensures that clients receive practical and effective support.

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.

First, let’s take a moment to say “good for you” for making the choice to take your therapy journey. Therapy has many faces and is different for every person, so it’s important to figure out what therapy means for you. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with depression and anxiety, wanting to work through trauma, or dealing with life changes, know that this is your process. I am here to help support you as we venture out together during your unique journey. I am here to provide a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space filled with the supports and skills for coping so that you can accomplish your goals. I have worked with various cultures, age groups, and ethnicities across a variety of challenges, including: trauma, depression, anxiety, stage of life changes, identity, relationship issues, behavioral challenges, and more. I have gained certifications in TFCBT, MAP, and IPT evidenced-based practice models and have 10yrs of experience. I wholeheartedly believe that it is incredibly important to choose the therapist that fits best with you and hope we have the opportunity to connect to help you reach and attain what you envision for your journey.

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

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

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with teens, young adults and new parents who are struggling with anxiety, depression and adjustment issues. I use evidence-based treatments to help you or your loved one manage symptoms. I help my younger clients work through the many trials and adjustments that come with growing up, and I work with young adults who are experiencing periods of transition and who often describe themselves as stressed out and overwhelmed. I help new and expecting mothers & fathers who are struggling with a perinatal mood disorder, or simply need support while adjusting to parenthood. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, or for your loved one, I’m here to help you through these difficult times and empower you with therapeutic tools that will last you a lifetime. I work with clients experiencing a variety of issues including: Anxiety Depression & suicidal ideation Adjustment issues Family conflict Low self-esteem Relationship issues Grief & Loss Self-harm behaviors Drug use/abuse Bullying Trauma Together we’ll explore what brought you to therapy in the first place, but we’ll also go beyond that. You’ll learn new ways to understand and solve your problems and develop healthy coping mechanisms so that you’ll be equipped to care for your mental well-being in the long term.

First, I wanted to briefly commend you for investing in your mental health and thank you for being here. Erica is a warm and compassionate therapist who values holistic health and believes in the importance of seeing the full picture in all her clients. She specializes in working with teens and young adults and has a particular focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, and recovery over a year and more on addictions such as eating disorders and substance use . Erica uses an eclectic approach to therapy that includes past, present, and future perspectives. She incorporates a range of modalities, including psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Erica is committed to ensuring that her clients feel safe, respected, and heard during therapy, and is always looking to expand her knowledge and skills. Erica is excited about the evolving mental health landscape, particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and is passionate about making therapy more accessible and innovative. Erica received a Master's of Marriage and Family Therapy from California Professional School of Psychology-Alliant University and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Public Relations Journalism from University of Georgia in Athens, GA. She did her training at a number of outpatient clinics, inpatient clinics/hospitals, residential facilities, and detention centers in the San Diego, CA area serving the underserved populations before going into private practice. Outside of work, Erica is passionate about nature and the great outdoors, spending all of her free time hiking, swimming, and playing with her dog. She loves traveling to new places, with Aruba being her favorite destination so far. Erica's love of nature and the outdoors is a reflection of her belief in the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

My name is Krystal Johnson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, from California State University, Hayward, in 2011 and received my Licensure in 2015. A little bit about me- wife and mother of 4, Licensed Zumba Instructor, Musician, & love to scrapbook! I enjoy working with individuals and couples in meeting their goals!

Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

I am licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) originally from the central coast of California. I now live in the Greater Sacramento California Area and have experience in working with adolescents/teens and adults who struggle with various issues including depression or the intricacies of being part of the LGBT community. I have three years of experience in education supporting adolescents as a Therapist ages 11-15.

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.

Meet Tara Zandi, LICSW – a compassionate and highly skilled therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults, children, and families. Tara holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, blending deep academic knowledge with practical expertise. She’s trained in a powerful range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, PCIT, EMDR, and even yoga for children—offering a holistic and personalized approach to healing. Whether working through depression, anxiety, or behavioral health challenges, Tara meets her clients with empathy, insight, and culturally sensitive care. Fluent in English and Farsi, Tara creates a welcoming space for diverse communities to feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wellness.