Book 100+ of the best therapists in California

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.

For those who struggle with decision-regret and anxiety around making the perfect choice, picking a therapist is three steps into the therapy already - if you're here reading this and that's you, I commend you as your therapy has already begun. Anxious and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, "imposter syndrome", endless struggles to be perfect, only to be met with guilt and regret; all uncomfortable things that we humans try to avoid and control, yet all of that avoiding and controlling just doesn't seem to do any good. You're here to learn better ways to manage these experiences, and that's where I can help. I leverage 14 years of clinical experience as an adjunct professor in clinical social work and as a therapist in the public and private sectors in Canada, the US and Australia to assist my clients. I am a well traveled surfer, climber, author, entrepenuer, and musician and I enjoy spending time in my backyard that is the central coast of California, exploring all that it has to offer.

I’m a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through a holistic, trauma-informed approach to healing. I specialize in helping clients explore their emotions, navigate challenging life transitions, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. By integrating a mix of mind-body techniques, attachment-based therapy, and culturally sensitive care, I help clients create lasting change and develop the tools they need to live more fulfilling, balanced lives.

Hi there, I’m Manny. Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Trauma combined with an emotional core (experiences of intense fear/guilt/shame) commonly splinters parts of our personality and represses such into the shadow/unconscious realms of our psyche. In response, many of us have adapted and survived by putting on masks in hopes of fitting in and being accepted by the people around us. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Clients may also experience suicide ideation and/or self-harm because there are parts of themselves that no longer serve them. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter. I am a Doctoral Candidate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, my studies focused on Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. As a Holistic practitioner, I believe that each individual already possesses what is needed for their healing and it is my duty, as a guiding witness, to help the client navigate, process, and integrate such.

Hello, my name is Paola Leon and I am a Bilingual Marriage Family Therapist. I am a Latina, first generation female who specializes in Children, teens and young adults up to 25 yrs old. I have extensive knowledge and training in working with neurodivergent populations specifically children, teens, and young adults. I am an advocate of the LGBTQIA+, and LatinX community. I utilize evidence based modalities in treatments such as CBT, ACT, Play therapy and EMDR. My commitment to my clients is to offer a safe and nonjudgmental place in where any and all feelings are allowed.

Do you walk through your day feeling anxious and worried? Do you feel disconnected from your relationships or unable to pinpoint the feelings that keep holding you back in your life? Racing thoughts, panic attacks, social anxiety, relationship insecurity. My clients come to me seeking relief from anxiety and relationship difficulties that cause them to feel like they’re stuck repeating the same mistakes and getting the same results. If you are tired of feeling like you’re living your life out of a series of habits and survival then you’ve taken an important step and I’d like to work with you.

As a licensed therapist of more than thirty years, I have the experience and expertise to work with clients on a variety of issues. I provide a safe therapeutic environment that builds trust and openness. Clients who engage in the counseling process discover new energy for life and relationships. This results in positive change and increased self-awareness. I’m actively involved in the sessions, providing guidance, structuring interventions, and setting goals. Positive change happens one step at a time, trusting that life can get better. I also have expertise in anger management/domestic violence treatment.

My name is Judy Jordan and 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 the Academic Achievement Award in Psychology. More importantly I found a sense of purpose in supporting others on their mental health journeys.

Welcome! I look forward to meeting you. My practice offers a safe space to feel heard and understood. Here you will gain clarity, feel empowered and gain new skills to work through life's challenges. I have over 15 years of experience helping others as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also a certified Health Coach. I take a holistic approach to wellness taking all areas of your life into consideration to help restore balance. We will work together to understand your thoughts and feelings and learn new skills to cope and manage with life's stressors and worries.  My goal is to provide compassion and empathy to connect and understand your struggles. I will use different modalities and collaborative treatment measures, to help you cope with any of life’s various obstacles. My therapy sessions are designed to examine personal issues and provide patients with effective tools in helping manage emotions and behaviors. Some of my specialties include: anxiety, depression, life transitions, parenting skills, self esteem and health and wellness.

Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.

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.

Hi! Welcome to Grow! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & hold a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. My academic curriculum specialized in: family systems, biopsychosocial thought, psychodynamic approaches, and person centered interventions. Therapeutically, I specialize in substance abuse counseling/addiction, as I am also certified as a substance use counselor and have worked in substance abuse treatment as a residential treatment technician before becoming a therapist. Further, I specialize in working with kids & adolescents who struggle with emotional defiance/conduct disorders & developmental disabilities. Further, I have experience in dual diagnosis treatment and exploring grief/loss issues. My style to therapy comes from a Rogerian, CBT, and Humanistic approach and embracing the “entire self”. My passion in being a therapist is to see and embrace progress, meeting people where they are at, being present during “aha” moments, and serve altruistically. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy participating in ministry work, being active in recreational sports, volunteering as a crisis counselor & hospice volunteer. Some of my past work experience has included: working in special education as a substitute teacher, in the public-school sector as a tutor/instructional assistant, and as an in-home behavior interventionist working with kids who have developmental disabilities.

Hi! I’m Pooja Parashar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master’s from USC. I’m passionate about making therapy accessible & breaking the stigma of seeking help, especially with clients of color. My approach centers on building an empathic connection & meeting you where you are. I offer virtual & in-person services, specializing in trauma, communication issues, & anxiety, viewing clients holistically within their broader life context. I strive to create a healing environment by tailoring therapy to your needs. I am deeply committed to offering a supportive space where you can truly feel safe and heard.

As mentioned before, I was a CPS Social Worker before I was a therapist. Both of my degrees are in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon. I am very responsive, and your story matters to me. I have been practicing for 6 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

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.

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

Hello there! I'm an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) residing in sunny California. My educational journey led me to earn my MSW from California State University, Northridge, and I've dedicated the past ten years to the field of mental health. My passion lies in assisting young adults grappling with career stress and burnout to unlock their full potential and thrive in their endeavors.

Hi! I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and received my Ph.D. from Walden University in 2021. I specialize in helping children and adolescents with a variety of mental health conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress, and anger.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Southern California. Welcome! I'm dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey towards healing and wellness. With a heartfelt commitment to integrating mind, body, and spirit, I specialize in trauma recovery through a blend of somatic therapy, holistic approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) At the core of my practice is somatic therapy, which explores how our bodies hold and express our life experiences. Together, we'll delve into these physical and emotional connections, using gentle movement, mindfulness, and body awareness techniques to release trauma and restore balance. In our sessions, we'll also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), empowering you with practical tools to manage stress, navigate challenging emotions, and transform negative thought patterns into positive actions. Whether you're seeking relief from past traumas, managing anxiety or depression, or simply striving for a more fulfilling life, I'm here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Hi there! I'm Justin Sunseri, a therapist from California. I've spent over 17 years helping people work through mental health challenges and recover from trauma. My passion is empowering those stuck in survival mode - flight, fight, shutdown, or freeze. By tapping into the body's natural wisdom, I guide people to feel safer and more grounded so they can rediscover their most authentic, joyful selves. I support individuals, couples, and families on this transformative journey with compassion and expertise. I'm deeply inspired by cutting-edge research like the Polyvagal Theory and love blending science with heart. Let me know if you'd like to explore working together!

Hi! I'm a LCSW practicing in the state of CA. I'm passionate about helping you find your voice, peace and to make sense of all the chaos around you. I received my B.A. from UCLA in 2008 and MSW from USC in 2013 and have been primarily supporting youth and adults from all backgrounds of life since. I would describe my therapeutic style as active, engaged, empathetic and direct. I truly believe in getting to know you and your story without any biases, I will work alongside you as an agent of positive change and will support your journey in gaining the confidence needed to improve yourself and your situation

I am so glad that you are considering starting therapy! As you browse around to see who you think will be a good fit, thoroughly read through the profiles and do not be afraid to ask questions. The most important thing about the Therapeutic relationship is that you feel comfortable and heard. I'd like to share a little about myself...... I hope I can be the right therapist for you. I absolutely love working with people. I have over 5 years of experience working with children ages 3 and up. In my 6 years of practice I have provided services to children, adolescents and their families. My focuses include: depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life adjustments, communication, parenting, social skills, coping skills and advocating for children with special needs. I also have over 3 years of working in correctional facilities with juveniles and adults. I work within a person centered approach, meaning that the focus will be centered on you and your therapy goals. I utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills and interventions to help decrease problems symptoms and behaviors. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California and have been practicing since 2017. I believe our therapeutic journey is a path to be walked on with a healing partner. I work with organic and eclectic therapeutic methods specifically tailored to meet your goals. I consider it a privilege to be given entrance into the lives and hearts of my clients.

Hello, I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and earned my master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. I am a US Navy veteran and former police officer. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and transplanted to San Diego due to my military service. Being bi-racial, I welcome the experiences of various walks of life. Those ten years of civil service taught me about the resilience and fragility of the human psyche, which sparked my passion for mental health as it applies to human behavior. I work with people who suffer from anger management, sexual aggression (CASOMB - California Sex Offender Management Board certified treatment provider), sex/pornography addiction, poor self-regulation/impulse control, anxiety, depression, history of trauma, antisocial, narcissistic, and psychopathic/sociopathic personalities, individuals with criminal histories, adult ADHD, difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships, and low self-esteem. I also enjoy working with veterans, law enforcement, and other first responders or professionals who are impacted by vicarious trauma and burnout. I am LGBTQIA-affirming and respect spiritual and religious values. Therapy requires hard work and courage. I’m honored to be part of your journey to healing and personal development. You’re the hero of your story. I’ll be your sidekick.

I am a Licensed therapist and provide online therapy in States California and Georgia. I graduated from UNC-Pembroke in 2013. I have over 7 years in clinical practice working with teens and adults. Also, I have worked with veterans and foster care youth. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing approaches when working with my clients.

Dear Prospective Client, My name is Lina Rappoport, LMFT. I have been licensed since 2013. Originally from Ukraine I came to the US more than 20 years ago. I love to work with pre-teens, teens, their parents, and adults. I love meeting people from all around the world and I connect well with different cultures and ages. In me you will find compassionate, caring, and respectful individual. I will take time to listen and together we will create a plan of action to help you feel better. We all need support these days, so don't hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to meet you. Take care.

Hello and welcome! My name is JC and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Ph.D. candidate specializing in Medical Family Therapy at Northcentral University. I obtained my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Orange County. I operate from a combination of a Patient-Centered approach to therapy wherein I meet my patients where they are at while implementing a Biopsychosocial approach which allows me to comprehensively examine the interplay of biological, psychological, and social elements to understand health, illness, and the delivery of healthcare for my patients and their presenting concerns.

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.

Hello! I am an experienced and compassionate therapist dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges and find their path to emotional well-being. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth and healing. **Please note I currently have no availability for evening appointments.

Elyse is a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. She attended Pepperdine University and earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Elyse has been licensed since 2000 and provides cognitive behavioral therapy, to young children, teens, adults and families suffering from anxiety and depression. She has a special interest in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to address symptoms, as she witnessed its effectiveness with her own daughter. Elyse's experience includes working with children and adolescents and their families/caregivers in school-based settings, out-of-home care. and private practice settings. Additionally, Elyse has training as a Child Development Specialist from Thalians Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, focusing on supporting families with young children struggling with social-emotional regulation. Mindfulness strategies are utilized to help all clients, including her youngest clients, feel empowered by increasing their self-awareness. Change is not an easy process, as it is often more comfortable to accept what is familiar. The desire to change, (whether it is feeling stuck, relationship issues, life transitions, unexpected circumstances, old habits, or patterns of behaviors), occurs when the pain to remain the same is greater than the discomfort associated with the uncertainty of change. Here you will find a warm, welcoming, collaborative, safe space to embrace the courage to change, heal and become the best version of yourself.

I can help every individual, couple, and family in diverse cultural backgrounds by supporting them to get a better understanding of their life, relationships and expectations in order to develop self-awareness, self confidence and creating a balance between mind, body and spirit. I work with individuals who are often facing a variety of mental health concerns including , domestic violence , relationship problems, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma.

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.

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

Iam a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children, youth and adults for the past eight years. My background is special needs case management and parenting as a school social worker. My "why" when I think about my work is this: listening to clients stories' and sitting with them in their path to building resiliency. I believe the client knows themselves and their strengths, I sit by and guide them to build insight about how they want to make changes for personal growth. I champion my clients as they build their capacity for vulnerability to develop their authentic selves. I consider it a huge privilege to do this very important work.

Tonya Meeks, LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Specialties: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety, Bullying, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Trauma, IVF/Fertility Support Hi, I’m Tonya—a therapist, writer, and performer with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. My approach is deeply informed by my background in writing and performance, blending creativity and empathy to foster healing. As a parent of a neurodivergent son, I understand the unique needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). My personal experience allows me to connect with families in profound ways and offer insights grounded in real-world experience. I also offer compassionate support for individuals navigating fertility struggles, having personally undergone IVF as a single mother by choice. In addition to traditional therapy, I integrate creative expression into my work. Through storytelling and performance, I help clients explore their narratives, reframe challenges, and unlock new pathways to self-discovery. This holistic, individualized approach allows me to support clients in ways that resonate with them personally. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults, offering tailored treatment plans for emotional regulation, social skills, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and addiction. My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed, helping clients gain insight and build resilience at their own pace. Beyond therapy, I created and perform in Flying Standby, a one-woman show that explores themes of vulnerability and personal transformation. I believe in the power of creative expression as a tool for healing and personal growth. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, or neurodiversity, I am here to guide you on your journey of healing and self-discovery.

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Virginia. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to 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!