Therapists near me in Los Angeles, CA

Hello! I am bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I have 12 years of experience providing individual and family therapy to residents in the Los Angeles area. I earned my Bachelors degree in Sociology in Spanish from Loyola Marymount University in 2007 and Master of Social Welfare from University of California Los Angeles in 2012. I have extensive experience providing community mental health with a strong emphasis on depression and anxiety disorders, including trauma and perinatal/postpartum conditions.

My name is Diana Tavares. I am a patient and empathic Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am passionate about creating a sacred and safe space during the therapeutic process for you to feel confident in your ability to create positive changes in your life. I believe that everyone is deserving of a loving relationship with themselves, the world, and those around them. In our work together, my hope is that we create a new toolbox of coping mechanisms and break personal and generational patterns that no longer serve to enhance the quality of your life and for you to live more aligned and at peace.

I am a mother, an interdisciplinary artist, and a Depth Psychology-Intergrative Therapy and Healing Practices Ph.D. candidate. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field working with people experiencing mild to severe symptoms. As an intern, I provided psychotherapy to people diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and other psychotic disorders residing in a board-and-care facility. I facilitated psychotherapeutic process and topic groups, psychoeducation groups, mindfulness-based techniques for residents, and support groups for families. As an associate, I provided individual psychotherapy and family therapy to adolescents and adults participating in a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient program (IOP). I facilitated psychoeducation group therapy for adolescents and adults in PHP and IOP programs utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Art Therapy, and Mindfulness. I currently provide individual psychotherapy to adults. I offer a holistic and trauma-informed perspective that focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection to promote wellness. I integrate decolonial work by bringing awareness to systemic and intergenerational traumas that affect people in the BIPOC community. As part of decolonizing therapy, I integrate ancestral healing practices and encourage my clients to explore their own ancestral lineage.

Hi my name is Maria Mercedes Giol, I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, California, Utah and Washington. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in Miami, Florida. I have lived in sunny (sometimes Florida, lol ) for 29 years and I am a devoted mother to a 17-year-old son and 1 small dog. I enjoy boating with my family, watching sunsets, hiking, bicycling, singing, and making homemade soaps.

Do you feel trapped by work stress or family problems? Maybe a recent life event has turned your world upside down. Or perhaps you feel stuck—unable to reach your full potential or reconnect with the things that once made you happy. I have dedicated over 13 years to working with teens, adults, and families, helping strengthen relationships and uncover the best in every individual. Hablo Español

I am a 54 year old bi-culutral father of two adolescents in the year 2025. With all of the social pressures that our families have been subject to, it's never been more important to be close and listen to each other. Social disconnect is the new pandemic and the challenges that interefere with social connection are the same ones driving our sense of faulty connection and confusion with pleasure and happiness.

Welcome! I'm Hector Madril, LMFT, Are you feeling worried all the time? Feeling down or depressed? Dealing with negative thinking that wont go away? Are you struggling to maintain a balance between responsibilities and everyday challenges? Let me help you! I will guide you to effectively manage anxiety, depression or elevated stress that may arise when dealing with past or present relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, separation, parenting difficulties, trauma, illness, loss, transitions or other life stressors. We will work with a humanistic approach, integrating evidence-based and mindfulness techniques that will bring a healthy balance and restore wholeness. I'm here for you! You don't need to tackle this alone. Let me assist you to bring about the changes and harmony you desire. I'll treat you with empathy and compassion while sharing the knowledge, skills, and strategies to help you conquer the obstacles on your life journey. Let's team up and work together!

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.

Hola! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I am a bilingual therapist and a 1st-gen daughter of immigrants. I understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to begin your therapy journey and how important it is to have the right support. My own healing journey shapes my work and allows me to provide a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for you.

I’m a licensed therapist with over a decade of clinical experience, helping individuals and families navigate complex and often painful life circumstances. I am licensed in both California and Tennessee and have spent much of my career supporting individuals and families through trauma, crisis, and complex family dynamics. My background includes serving as a child custody mediator and working extensively with at-risk youth and parents. I specialize in trauma-informed care, with particular expertise in sexual abuse, assault, and domestic violence. I understand how these experiences impact not just individuals, but entire family systems—and I approach this work with both clinical depth and practical insight. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I strive to create a space where clients feel understood, respected, and supported as they work toward healing and clarity.

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 16 years of experience working with adults and youth. I am compassionate, and curious therapist and in my practice, I create a safe and trusting environment, providing my clients with the emotional support needed to overcome challenging issues and make positive adjustments to be and feel your best. My approach helps clients find their own way through reflection, self care and self compassion.

Hi! I'm Estela, Do you ever feel stuck or just have too much going on? Are you in a transition, or having trouble coping with life stressors? A high number of people experience these things in different ways; often times, they just need a reminder of who they are to help discover their own potential to move forward in life. I describe myself as gentle, non-judgmental, and empathic. I Iike to meet my clients where they are. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore your emotions, thoughts, relationships and experiences and come up with coping strategies you can use to feel more confident moving forward in life. I know it can be intimidating even making the first appointment, but it is through your first step that success will come.

Hi, I’m Bianca Mercado, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe therapy should be a collaborative and individualized experience, tailored to each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. My priority is to create a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. Through compassion, clinical expertise, and a client-centered approach, I strive to support meaningful growth, self-awareness, and lasting change. My therapeutic approach integrates a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. By building on each client’s strengths and focusing on progress rather than perfection, I help individuals recognize their resilience and move toward the life they envision for themselves.

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, and I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's challenges. My passion is helping people from diverse backgrounds manage anxiety, depression, and significant life transitions. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming space where your unique cultural context is respected and valued. Together, we'll work on strategies that foster personal growth, emotional resilience, and overall well-being, ensuring that our approach is always aligned with your evolving needs and goals. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Hello there.....My name is Maria Paola Cortes Elser, I was born in Colombia and have been living in the USA for 23 years now, and as an immigrant, I confronted different situations that helped me to grow personally, and spiritually and understand how special it is to be from somewhere else and become part of this extraordinary country. I understand the challenges that come from this transition from different land to America and all the life experiences that those changes include, mentally culturally and spiritually. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. I have been working in this field for 10 years, and I have experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as Substance abuse. I speak English and Spanish, and my motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and Mental illnesses through faith and professional clinical counseling.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from the Cal State University of San Bernardino and have been practicing for 5 years. Inspired by my own experiences in therapy, I strive to provide clients a safe space by utilizing a non-judgmental approach to help overcome life struggles, by helping them develop healthy coping skills, reduce stress and prevent burnout. My extensive experience in various settings have equipped me to effectively support culturally diverse populations by utilizing multiple modalities of treatment tailored to each client's needs.

Welcome — You Deserve a Space to Be Seen and Heard As a proud Latinx, cisgender woman and the first in my family to earn a college degree, I understand the strength it takes to navigate multiple worlds — balancing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Living with a vision impairment has deepened my appreciation for how our identities intersect and shape the way we experience life, resilience, and healing. In our work together, I offer a culturally affirming and inclusive space where your story matters. Whether you’re exploring generational patterns, identity, or simply seeking relief from life’s pressures, I bring both personal insight and professional experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s connect and see how therapy can support your growth and well-being.

Hi! My name is Yomaira Suazo and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. I identify as a Latina and am bilingual. My experiences include young adults and adults. My main focus is proving a client-centered approach along with other approaches that help to create a non-judgment space for clients to feel safe and unpack, learn, and begin the healing process.

Hi. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters from St. Mary's College of California and have been working with clients for 17 years. I have worked extensively with teenagers and parents, as well as individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues. I am passionate about helping clients be the best version of themselves. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It can also be a valuable tool in learning new coping skills and strategies to manage difficult emotions and situations. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck in life, counseling can support you in finding the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

I've been a licensed psychotherapist for 14 years, and I love this work. I am grateful to be able to assist people in becoming their best selves and recreating their lives. Though a client may share a diagnosis with millions, each person has their own unique source and very individual path to wellness. It's an honor to assist clients on this journey. I focus on therapies that will help you gain knowledge and agency within your self. I offer in person counseling in the East Bay area of San Francisco, as well as therapy while walking.

My practice, Raíz Psychotherapy, is deeply grounded in the understanding of how systemic issues of the world we live in play major roles in our mental health. Acknowledging the system impacts to individuals’’ lives, I take a liberatory approach as we dive deeper in our work together to explore the factors influencing your day-to-day life to better support you in meeting your therapeutic goals. I love to work with people who are motivated to engage in therapy, and that can look many different ways. Sometimes motivation manifests as curiosity to look at certain patterns or areas of your life in new ways, it can also look like knowing exactly what changes you want to make in your life and knowing it's time to start that work, and or others being motivated looks like finally taking the big step to ask for support. Regardless of how motivation looks for you, if this resonates with you, we can do great work together to get to the root of your experience and create change. Past clients have described me as collaborative, understanding, trustworthy, authentic, and supportive.

I am a Doctor of Psychology and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 37 years of experience in the field. During that time, I worked on issues of domestic violence, community violence, and child abuse while on staff at several community, not-for-profit, and governmental agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area (CA). I have been in private practice for over 29 years.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.). My approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from various evidence-based modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), mindfulness-based techniques, narrative therapy, and solution-focused approach. I tailor my interventions to your specific needs, working collaboratively with you to determine what works best. My communication style is caring, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I aim to create a safe space where you feel heard, validated, and supported. Expect me to be an active listener, ask insightful questions, provide compassionate feedback, and empower you with coping skills and strategies for growth.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julia Gunderson specializes in trauma and mood disorders (anxiety and depression). Julia earned her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Phillips Graduate Institute (2007). The focus of her work for many years has been in the community mental health setting and private practice. Since 2007 Julia has worked in various non-profit settings working with children and adolescents. She has many years of experience working with various types of populations in the Los Angeles area. She has been giving back and educating many about mental health and destigmatizing the need for mental health, especially in the Latino culture. Julia is nationally certified in TF- CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and certified in PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy) as well as a PCIT trainer. Trained in YSBP (Youth with Sexual Behavioral Problems), FFT (Family Functional Therapy), and CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in the School) models. Julia was born and raised in Los Angeles and has a private practice specializing in child and adult trauma, anxiety, and depression. She is bilingual in Spanish and strives to provide her clients with acceptance and attention so that they will no longer feel alone with their problems. Julia is committed to helping clients feel better and make changes easily and has the skills and passion to assist them.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed in California with 18+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I help adults who are struggling, become the best version of themselves at their own pace.

My name is Alicia Gutierrez and I am a License Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years' experience in California. I am passionate about supporting my clients, through challenges to experience healing growth in their lives. My passion for mental health comes from working with underserved communities, including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance used, and mental health challenges. I personally have experienced the difference it makes when you have one personal believing in you and how it all begins with small steps.

Hello, my name is Yesenia Segovia, with an LCSW based in California. I really value listening, being a warm presence, bringing a sense of calm, understanding where you're coming from, validating your experiences, and empowering you to make changes. Seriously, this is a judgment-free zone! Feeling safe and comfortable in therapy is super important to me. We'll team up and work through whatever you're facing together, and I'm here to support you in reaching your well-being goals. Over the years, I've helped many people just like you find healing and achieve what they're aiming for.

Hello/Hola, I'm Jessica Reyes-Feliscian, a bilingual (Spanish Speaking) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals overcome self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression and stress, process grief; navigate life transitions. My goal is to empower you to develop healthy coping strategies, find inner strength, and foster a deeper understanding of yourself. I offer a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space where you can grow and heal. I look forward to joining you on your journey to self-discovery and emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping people feel more grounded, confident, and supported. I have extensive experience working with adults and older adults from various backgrounds facing emotional issues and complicated medical conditions. I specialize in supporting individuals managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and caregiver stress, as well as those seeking guidance in building healthier relationships and improving self-esteem. My work is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration-creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. In our individual sessions, we’ll explore how your past experiences shape your present feelings and behaviors, including any underlying self-doubt or anxiety. Together, we’ll examine the personal, relational, and cultural influences that have shaped your experiences, helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your unique story. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing, we’ll address the feelings associated with anxiety and self-doubt. I believe that healing involves both understanding our experiences and reconnecting with the wisdom of the body. Through exploring the stories you hold about yourself, increasing awareness of physical and emotional responses, and developing practical tools for coping, we can create new pathways toward growth and resilience. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can express yourself freely, explore new perspectives, reconnect with your values, celebrate your strengths, and begin to feel more grounded, connected, and open to life’s possibilities.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not like yourself lately? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Hi, I’m Gustavo, a licensed therapist in California. I work with adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck—especially when stress, relationships, or major life changes start to feel overwhelming. A lot of the people I work with feel like their mind won’t shut off, like they’re constantly overthinking or carrying stress that doesn’t go away. Others feel burned out, unmotivated, or disconnected from themselves. Some find themselves repeating the same patterns in relationships or coping in ways that don’t actually help long-term. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In our work together, we’ll focus on practical strategies that help you feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions. I’ll help you build confidence, set clear boundaries, improve communication, and start breaking the patterns that keep you stuck. My approach is direct, supportive, and goal-oriented. I won’t just sit back and nod—I’ll help you understand what’s going on and give you tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.

I am a highly empathetic, positive individual that seeks to assist my clients in finding their worth, self love and myriad of abilities to thrive within life challenges. I enjoyed walking with my clients to find the best version of themselves and who they want to be. I meet my clients where they are and walk with them through awareness and healing process.

My name is Itzel S. Lopez Gonzalez and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I specialize in providing psychotherapy services to neurotypical and neurodivergent adults who are experiencing a variety of mental health struggles due to past relational trauma or current stressors. I specialize in treating Complex PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression Disorders, Anxiety Disorders.

I am a licensed marriage family therapist based in California. I received my master's degree from the University of San Francisco and have been practicing for 20 years. I help people of all ages who are struggling with difficult situations, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impacting their relationship with self and others. I help people learn how to talk to and treat themselves with kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Welcome to my page! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, I walk alongside teens, adults, and older adults during their most vulnerable moments. Over the past seven years, my mission has been to help clients facilitate deep healing, build practical coping skills, and uncover their true purpose. My therapeutic approach is uniquely enriched by my previous, successful career as a cytogenetic technologist. By blending my deep roots in genetics and brain science with compassionate psychotherapy, I provide a holistic, science-informed space where you can safely heal and grow.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 36 years of experience. I earned my master’s degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida, and have devoted my career to supporting individuals facing mental health and life challenges. I specialize in treating PTSD, depression, wellness and life transitions, helping people reach their fullest potential. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, I’ve had the opportunity to work in diverse settings across Florida, Puerto Rico, and California. My background also includes university teaching, leading workshops and webinars, and consulting in various capacities.

I truly believe each individual is the expert on their own life and trust that through treatment, they will learn more about themselves and gain confidence as they contribute in their healing process. My vision for therapy is to aid each client in gaining awareness about who they are and how they came to be with an empathic and client centered approach.

Marjorie is a Spanish language Bilingual Psychotherapist from South America and has been practicing in the USA since 2008 as a MSW provider and since 2012 as a LCSW therapist. Marjorie graduated with both a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in clinical social work from California State University Los Angeles. Marjorie works both in her own private practice -focusing on women’s issues and minority populations - and as a Psychiatric Social Worker for a large managed health care organization, helping clients with diverse psychosocial stressors or chronic mood disorders. Marjorie has extensive experience in social work, advocacy, case management and mental health services for over 18 years. Marjorie has provided psychotherapy services for adults and children from various cultural backgrounds, she’s sensitive to the linguistic needs of the clients served (Spanish/English). Areas of focus: Assessment and diagnosis formulation, treatment planning, counseling (short term specific or situational issues), psychotherapy (long term broader range for mental illness) and crisis intervention.

Hi there, I'm Mercy. My job is to hold space for you; space to calm the storm, room to communicate with your commitment to self, and freedom to recognize the courage it took to get this far. I have over 29+ years of experience working in various fields within the scope of psychology; I have worked as a 7th grade teacher, college instructor, worked with foster/adoptive parents and children, social service work with Prevail (previously known as The Women's Center), various volunteer groups, community organizations, clinics, treatment centers, group homes within San Joaquin Co, San Diego Co., Sacramento Co., and more. I bring that level of experience and offer that knowledge base when relevant to our sessions. I have been both a client and a therapist. I believe in healing, helping and hope.

Hi there! Glad to know you are here. I first want to state that I value your willingness to seek help. As a provider, I bring a warm and caring environment to help you and guide you through your mental health journey. Being a curious person when encountering people who faced life challenges and seemed to demonstrate great resiliency, always sparked my interest in the field. Having the direct experience of being heard and accompanied by a professional during difficult times has also shaped the provider I am today, as I always try to put myself in your shoes.

Hi, I'm glad you are here. My name is Alicia and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Southern California and working telehealth statewide. I am committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and clinical expertise. I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space, where clients can work through various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Hi there! I'm Nancy, and I am so excited to share a bit about myself with you! Growing up, I experienced some pretty challenging situations within my family, and as a result, I spent much of my childhood in the foster care system and moving from place to place never being able to call a place my home. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the importance of early intervention and prevention in the mental health field. It was through my experience as a survivor, and my own personal struggles that I discovered my passion for helping others. As a mental health professional, I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of individuals, but one experience that stands out to me the most is that of my younger brother. Despite struggling with reading and writing, he was consistently overlooked and eventually turned to drugs, never finishing high school. It's a heartbreaking situation, and I often wonder what could have been different if someone had taken the time to help him earlier. Unfortunately, my brother now suffers from bipolar disorder and experiences panic attacks due to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and loss he feels. It's because of him that I've dedicated my career to helping others before they reach that point of no return. The point where there is nothing more than resignation and accepting what is than what one could become. Overall, I'm incredibly passionate about what I do and am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families in need. I'm excited about the opportunity to get to know you and be of support to you in your toughest moments in life. Warmly, Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie

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.

Hello! My primary focus is supporting adults as they navigate life’s challenges—including depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, and the unique transitions of perimenopause and menopause. I am deeply committed to guiding clients through these experiences with compassion and insight, helping them uncover clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) located in California, with 12 years of dedicated experience in the field.

I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us, sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies, to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.

Hello and welcome. I am a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping adults, adolescents, couples, and families navigate trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, shame, and major life transitions. My approach is rooted in depth psychotherapy, which means we explore not only symptoms, but the deeper emotional patterns, early experiences, and unconscious narratives that shape how we live and relate to others. I aim to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting change. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco. I also completed four years of doctoral training in depth psychotherapy at Pacifica Graduate Institute. In addition, I have specialized training in expressive arts therapy through John F. Kennedy University and extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence through training with the Marjaree Mason Center.

Welcome! I use a non-judgmental and warm approach to help you sort through current challenges and identify a way forward. We all need support at times in our lives and therapy can be a space for you to gain insight, cultivate compassion, identify old patterns, and listen to your own internal wisdom. Short term therapy can be a helpful way to address specific issues and identify action steps to reduce stress and increase your overall wellbeing.

Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change. My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences. My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.

I listen and find your strengths to help you become the person you want to be. I am direct and hold you accountable as well as help you find forgiveness to heal and find the joy to lead you to a better life. I believe we all have the opportunity to overcome life's challenges but we must have the courage to ask for help. Sometimes asking for help can be scary and I want to provide you with a safe and honest space to create the life you deserve.

I have been providing therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and support groups for seven years. My approach is based on client-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapies that focus on self-acceptance and self-discovery by helping you build insight and access your strengths where you can feel empowered and understood. As your therapist, I intend to provide an open, safe, and collaborative space for healing. I am here to provide you with the support you need and create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Seeking help is an act of courage and self-care.