Therapists in California

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 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 therapist providing compassionate, collaborate results oriented therapy for clients seeking to change their lives for the better. I am devoted to acceptance and commitment therapy with the understanding that people have the capacity to grow and resolve. I believe that clients have the answers within themselves to remove barriers and challenges in their lives and it is a privilege to assist them in recognizing it and bringing it out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In my role as a mindfulness-based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to delve into their inner workings with a sense of compassion and empathy. I emphasize the importance of being fully present in the current moment and embracing a mindset of acceptance without criticism in my therapeutic approach. Furthermore, I prioritize guiding clients toward cultivating a deep sense of self-compassion and understanding, recognizing these as fundamental elements for personal advancement and emotional reconciliation. By integrating mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, I actively assist clients in developing an enhanced self-awareness and fostering a compassionate outlook on their experiences.