Therapists in California

Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 10 years experience providing therapy. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from California State University Sacramento in 2010. I earned my Masters in Counseling from The University of San Francisco's Sacramento satellite campus in 2012. I have worked with a wide variety of clients struggling with various mental health and other interpersonal challenges. My approach to therapy begins with establishing a genuine connection with each client and their challenges. . I establish this by providing a warm, open, safe, and non - judgmental environment.

I am a bilingual, bicultural licensed therapist based in California (#27110). I understand the importance of culture and identity and how they each play a part in how we see the world. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping clients through their healing journey. I am committed to helping my clients understand how their past experiences impact their current lives.

I am a therapist with ample life experience, as well as experience serving the client populations of California. I will meet you where you are and have the ability to empathize with you on many levels. I will listen, encourage and support you in a non-judgmental environment. Feel free to express yourself how you like and be open about how you feel. Let's begin this journey and make some progress together.

My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT, harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.

I’m a bilingual therapist who provides a welcoming, safe, and nonjudgmental space to explore life’s challenges. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. Together, we focus on your strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools for meaningful change. My goal is to help you feel empowered, more confident, and connected to yourself and others while navigating life with greater ease.

Hello and Welcome! Hola y Bienvenido! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). In life, many of us experience a series of events either positive or negative. Such events impact us the way we respond to life circumstances, the way we view ourselves, and the world around us. I want to help you overcome the trauma and help you regain back your strength and power. Through our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to heal from your past and/or current stressors that are affecting you. We will work towards identifying triggers, self-insight work, self-awareness, acquiring healthy coping skills, and decreasing symptoms. I specialized in working with tweens/adolescents, adults, and older adults from all different backgrounds, many of whom have experienced various traumas in their lives. Whatever your needs may be or reasons for seeking therapy, I am here for you.

Hi, I’m Jacob Mooradian. I earned my bachelor’s degree from CSU Fullerton and my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, where I focused on mental health and supporting people through life’s challenges. I take a down-to-earth, non-directive approach rooted in CBT, helping you understand the patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you can eventually become your own therapist. I love bringing in media like movies, TV shows, sports, and current trends to make our conversations relatable, engaging, and grounded in real life. My goal is to validate your experiences, help you gain clarity, and build practical tools you can use every day. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can show up exactly as you are and move at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll create a warm, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow with confidence and independence.

Hello, I am Stephanie Moreno-Carvajal and I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for adults and adolescents from various multicultural backgrounds with a trauma-informed approach. I specialize in working with women from various ethnic backgrounds, particularly first-generation children of immigrant parents.I provide a warm and friendly environment open to discuss the treatment style that you would like as well as therapy goals. Sliding Scale fees are available.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based therapies. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment approaches to help clients gain deeper emotional regulation/understanding, develop practical coping skills, and navigate reality of life’s challenges effectively. My focus areas include managing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, identity, and unresolved trauma.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), licensed in California. I received my Masters in MFT from California State University Long Beach. I have been working in the field for almost 10 years. I have worked with a wide variety of clients from infants to older adults. I have experiences working with court mandated individuals, children and adults in the non-profit community mental health sector and with individuals who sought therapy out for themselves. I provide a safe space for my clients to talk openly about topics they choose and I collaborate with them in working towards the goals they set out for themselves. I promote an environment of honest communication and trust for my clients so they can feel understood and accepted.

Hello there! Do you ever feel as though there is much on your mind but no one to share it with? Like no one will understand what it is that you have to say? Are your thoughts and feelings leading to you feeling alone, depressed, or anxious? Or perhaps you've experienced trauma in your life and it is not resolved? Let me be the one to listen, support, and assist you in your journey. My name is Amanda Lewis, LMFT and I have 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, PTSD, ODD, job stress, relationship and communication issues, as well as woman's issues. You'll find that in therapy, I use a warm, non-judgmental, empathetic approach- with a dash of humor every now and again- so that you feel safe and comfortable while allowing me to provide not only support, but skills to assist you in healing and finding a new hope in your life- whether it is work, school, family, or relationships.

The pressures of the modern world seem never ending, particularly when you deal with an untreated or difficult to treat mental health or substance use issue. I specialize in certain mental health diagnoses including personality disorders, postpartum issues, depression/anxiety, self harm/suicidal ideation. I am prepared to assist you in offering helpful coping strategies, understanding the psychology behind your experiences/symptoms, processing feelings and thoughts, and gaining better traction on your life. My specialty is in mental health and substance use (dual diagnosis). I am DBT certified. I have worked with individuals impacted by cycles of trauma, violence, and substances in various settings including psychiatric hospitals, county jail, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient clinics. My mission? Help people THRIVE and be SEEN/HEARD despite these circumstances. I understand that both making sense of the issue(s) at hand and reaching out is incredibly anxiety producing. What I provide is a safe and warm space where you can explore your needs, current feelings, history, and goals. You have the power to stop fighting what is out of your control, and harness your power to control what is just within your grasp.

Do you want a better day tomorrow than you had yesterday? Do you worry about things you have no control over? Do you ask, “Is this all there is to my life?” What happened to your dreams, your goals, your “someday I’ll be…I’ll do…, I’ll have…”? Hello, please call me Stephanie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years in the helping profession. I love the Martial Arts for it’s discipline of the body, mind, and spirit. I believe everyone should learn some Self-Protection techniques for all aspects of life; Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial etc. Wellbeing is my personal ambition. My two favorite words are Peace and Hope. I also have a faithful trust in God. I am not in charge.

As an American Family Therapist, I work from a systemic perspective, focusing on the entire family unit rather than just the individual. My goal is to help families uncover and understand deep-rooted patterns and issues that interfere with healthy communication and connection. Through this process, I support each member in developing more effective ways of relating, resolving conflict, and fostering emotional safety with the family system. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy and view my work through that lens. This means focusing on mindfulness, expanding tolerance for discomfort, increasing effectiveness in relationships and strengthening emotional regulation. When challenges arise in therapy, I often find that the root of the issue can be addressed through one of these core areas. For clients struggling with post-traumatic stress injuries-particularly common in military populations-I also incorporate Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help them reframe and work through trauma-related beliefs. My approach is structured, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of each individual or family.

Hello! My name is Robin Aquino, a licensed LCSW in California. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and confidence. Whether you are facing anxiety, struggling with depression, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to support you in moving toward meaningful change. I believe in authenticity, and I am real with my clients. Together we can create a safe space where you can bring in vulnerability without feeling judged.

As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I have been working in the field for over 25 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy. I am here to empower both women and men who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have also incorporated the use of journaling, art, and sandtray therapy into my practice.

Everyone needs support;have you been dealing with life with no support from friends or family? Are you dealing with childhood trauma,estrangement and or abandonment from your family of origin?Are you having difficulty attracting and keeping a healthy intimate relationship?Do you feel you are repeating generational patterns? Maybe you have been coping all these years without really exploring and understanding your pain.We help clients understand themselves with compassion rather than shame and self judgment.I help you to change generational patterns that are not serving you .We are sensitive to your values ,needs and are culturally sensitive. My work mainly consists in solution focus with collaborative efforts from the client in order to attain goals . Todo el mundo necesito ayuda,aqui le ofreceremos la terapia totalmente en espanol para que pueda entender.

Hello, my name is Melisa, and I am an experienced therapist with a passion for helping individuals overcome mental health challenges and achieve their full potential. With nearly a decade of experience in the field of mental health, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse clients and gain expertise in various evidence-based therapies. As a therapist, I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without fear of stigma. My approach to therapy is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. I specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent child therapy among other modalities. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to empower my clients to make meaningful changes in their lives, improve their relationships, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, and I am committed to providing the highest quality of care to my clients. If you are seeking support in navigating life's challenges and improving your mental health and well-being, I would be honored to work with you.

Hello there! Life is a journey, and we all need help sometimes. Congratulations on making the first step to taking back control over your life. You are brave and courageous to starting this journey and exploring the benefits that therapy provides. I am a California based Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I became a mental health provider because I believe everyone deserves to have adequate access and have the support to be in good mental health. I love the social work profession and that I can make a real difference in people's lives. I have clinical experience working with diverse populations of youth and adults in multiple behavioral health settings. I am here to support you with the process of getting your life back on track. I truly believe that to experience the best life you can, you must care for all aspects of your health and wellness, which of course includes mental and emotional health. I enjoy using humor when it is appropriate & invite my clients to laugh and share as much as they need to. I offer telehealth therapy sessions. Telehealth really helps to reduce anxiety and help you get back on track with your life, conveniently from the comfort of your own space. Together, we will work to find ways to get you back on track towards a fulfilled life. You deserve a space to safely and comfortably open, heal, learn, and grow during therapy.

Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of clinical experience. I have worked in County Mental, Substance Abuse, and Health Care settings with a wide range of individuals throughout the age spectrum. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. It takes courage and strength to reach out, yet it is the beginning of the healing process. I work from a client-centered whole-person approach that draws on your strengths to collaborate with you to bring about healing. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, struggle to stay focused, not being able to complete tasks, unable to find time to enjoy the things you like to do, and/or struggling with relationships; now is the time to take that step. Let's work together to create solutions to bring about a better quality of life. Today is the day to change your tomorrow.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an integrative approach to my work. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral therapy, anxiety, grief, art therapy, stress management, mindfulness and guided imagery. I have a collaborative client-centered approach, which is warm, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental. I help you discover your own insight, cultivate strengths and find meaning and purpose for a more balanced life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience who is passionate about working collaboratively with all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My therapeutic approach is person-centered therapy. I will focus on being nonjudgmental, emphatic, and supportive by allowing you to actively take the reins during each session. I am here to listen and allow you to tell me your story.

With my years of experience working in college counseling center, my ideal client would be college (undergrad and graduate) students who are seeking support to remove barriers to their academic progress. I work best with clients who are motivated and committed to getting therapy support to address their concerns. This include issues around various transitions college students face (adjusting to college, exploring their identities, clarifying values, etc.).

I am not only a therapist but a real person. Everyone struggles with mood and thoughts and sometimes we all need help navigating the intensity of these experiences. I hope to be a guide for you as you walk through whatever challenges are keeping you from moving forward. This process will be challenging and will take work, however if you take away one thing from reading this, it is that you are not alone and there are people out there waiting to offer help.

Change is hard, not having the tools, direction and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy. The atmosphere that is created in the therapy session is one of warmth, safety, and acceptance. I have a straightforward, interactive approach to treatment. I am passionate about my work and strongly believe in the healing benefits of therapy. Reach out to me, I’d love to help you help heal, connect, & thrive. Together we can create the life you want.

I am Jaron Haynes, an African American/Native American licensed therapist with 20 years of clinical experience which includes working with families, adolescents, the chronically mentally ill, those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, domestic violence, and personality disorders. As an expert in Marriage & Family Therapy he brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and vast experience to provide the highest quality of care and patience necessary for even those high conflict parenting clients. Jaron is a licensed professional that exhibits compassion and empathy. His passion to help those in need and his desire to give back to the community that helped shape him has led him to work with clients from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I received my Masters in Social Work at California Long Beach. I have experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in crisis and life challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change.

Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist offering therapy to individuals. I am passionate about reducing the stigma around therapy and creating a supportive space for healing, exploration, and growth. As a grounded therapist I seek to help clients navigate life’s challenges with insight, clarity, and accountability. With over 15 years of clinical experience that spans diverse settings, including community mental health, high-crisis inpatient care, and residential programs for foster youth. I have supported individuals and families facing anxiety, depression, blended family dynamics, neurodivergence, and significant life transitions such as loss, incarceration, or shifting roles within family structure.

Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California for 20 years and I hold a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Counseling. I am in my second marriage for 29 years now, after my 24-year first marriage failed. We have seven children between the two of us, 31 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I have had good success counseling couples who have given up on their relationship, especially those who have experienced infedelity. I don't counsel children until they are 18. I enjoy helping people understand how they became the way they are and therfore find ways to leave dysfunction behind.

Hello my name is Belinda Valdivia and I am a bilingual therapist licensed in California and have been working in different settings with diverse populations. Are you constantly worried about your problems and having difficulties controlling your anxious thoughts? Do you feel sad and low motivation to do the activities you once enjoyed? Have you experienced recent or past trauma that you have tried to avoid thinking about but keeps replaying in your mind? Is your child having issues managing his emotions and not sure how to help them? Having difficulties sharing how you feel with others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help guide and empower you to meet your therapeutic goals. I have been providing for the last ten years individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults as well as family therapy. As your therapist my goal is for you to have a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings and feel that someone is listening to you without judgment. You can check out my website for more information at https://guzmanbelinda.wixsite.com/therapy-with-belinda

Short-term counseling with an experienced professional to clarify thoughts and feelings, learn mental health management skills and plan for mental health and wellness. Possible topics include general mental health questions, improving mental health, goal setting, building cognitive and behavioral skills, dealing with life transitions, and clarifying thoughts and feelings. I am not licensed in treatment of substance abuse or addictions. I do not do court related work. Adults only.

Hello! I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) (LCPC) (LPC) (LCMHC) (LMHC) licensed in various states. I received my Masters from Avila University in Kansas City and have been practicing for over a decade. I have adults struggling with life problems and aid them in regaining control over worry, panic, fear, or dread in order to become the best version of themselves.

I began my LMFT career with completing my master's at University of Phoenix in 2009 and completed my full licensure in 2018. I have 7 years of experience in addiction treatment through methadone care and have been working in the most current 6 years at a VA hospital assisting veterans and their families/couples creating heathier communication and making their lives better.

Taking the first step toward therapy is an act of courage and I commend you for being here. Life can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re just trying to meet our basic needs while navigating stress, anxiety, or emotional pian. I understand how difficult it can be to find balance and prioritize your mental health, especially when each day can feel so different. Some days are filled with hope, while others feel nearly impossible. My role as your therapist is not to offer a perfect life, but to help you develop the tools and resilience to face life’s challenges with confidence and self-compassion. I provide a safe and supportive space to explore feelings such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or emotional fatigue. My goal is to walk alongside you through your healing process wherever that journey takes us. I specialize in working with a wide range of clients, including children, adults, older adults, veterans, military families and individuals receiving short-term therapy thought Employee Assistance Programs ( EAPs). I use an integrative, personalized approach to therapy, recognizing that each individual brings unique experiences, needs and goals. My work draws from a psychodynamic foundation and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Behavioral Techniques and a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma. Change can be both empowering and unsettling, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together we will uncover what’s been holding you back and move toward the life you want to live. If you are ready to begin this journey, I invite you to reach out today.

I am a bilingual Latina Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I graduated from USC in 2019 and I have been doing individual therapy for six years. I have worked with children, teenagers, adults, and families who suffer with depression, anxiety, self esteem, trauma, stress management and relationship issues. I love helping people, and I am glad that I can help others build skills and cope with their stressors and emotions.  My approach to therapy is client-centered as I want to provide a safe space, support, and help those in need. I am certified in MAP and FOCUS.

I am a licensed mental health provider in California and Missouri and have helped clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that can assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.

My name is James Clark and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California providing therapy through tele-health throughout California. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship and mutual understanding are key to reaching my client’s goals.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I have recently been certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 20 years of experience working with a very diverse range of folks (women, men, the LGBTQ community, those living with HIV,People of Color, those dealing with substance issues). I enjoy working with people who are seeking a caring, compassionate, understanding person who listens and offers a hand up while they battle back against depression and anxiety. I also enjoy supporting people who are struggling with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and employ a powerful tool (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy) that is clinically shown to greatly reduce OCD symptoms.

As a therapist, I aim to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns with honesty and curiosity. I work with individuals navigating challenges such as self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support practical skill-building, emotional regulation, and improved communication. I also incorporate elements of Jungian psychology to help clients develop deeper insight into themselves, their relational patterns, and the meaning behind their experiences. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, self-aware, and empowered, while supporting lasting change, healing, and a greater sense of clarity and inner balance.

Hi! I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix a and have been practicing for 7 years. I help young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles. I have worked in a multitude of settings that include residential, PHP, and IOP.

Welcome. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California and Indiana. I have experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, transition and other life situations. If you need support, answers or just want to talk things through to better understand yourself and your choices I can help. I have experience with Jungian therapy, CBT and DBT as well as life transitions (what we might call grief work). With the current election you may have expectations, disappointments or just need to process. I welcome you in whatever part of the process you are in. I do require your intake form and measures completed and submitted before your first session. If you are unable to complete and submit by our first session, I will cancel and reschedule to give you enough time. I also use GROW AI for help with session note taking. I look forward to our work together. Welcome! Rachel

Hi! This is Snow Lee, I have over 10+ years working with individuals and providing human service. My background consists of working in different settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and crisis. I have experience and understanding of working with individuals from a diverse background. I start my work by collaborating with my clients working through their current issues and helping them identify its root cause. We work together by becoming aware and conscious of their thoughts, behaviors, & emotions and it its influences and relation to their root issues.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I congratulate you on starting your journey and I'm here to make sure that it's meaningful to you. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life, transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also specialize in working with couples families and relationship difficulties. I take a client centered collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin. I'm here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can be yourself.

Hello, I’m a licensed marriage family therapist based in California. I received my master's in science in California and began practicing as a mental health therapist 10 years ago. I have experience helping adults and youth struggling with moderate to severe mental illness (i.e., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and suicide prevention). I provide them with support and education on healthy coping strategies to overcome life challenges.

I provide evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, mood-related concerns, or life transitions. I understand that reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I strive to offer a warm, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic space. My approach is structured and goal-oriented, beginning with a comprehensive assessment to better understand your experiences, strengths, and needs. Together, we work to identify meaningful goals and develop a plan that supports lasting and positive change. I bring extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood dysregulation. I began providing therapeutic services in 2009 in a school-based setting, supporting students through mental health interventions as part of their IEP services. Since 2018, I have worked in private practice with adolescents and adults, using evidence-based approaches such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build practical skills and greater emotional balance. At this time, my telehealth practice is available for clients age 16 and older, as younger children often benefit most from in-person treatment. I hold a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and completed my supervised clinical training through the Los Angeles Unified School District. My work focuses on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and applying evidence-based strategies to support improved functioning and overall well-being. Please note: I do not provide psychological assessments, disability evaluations, or documentation for emotional support animals. I also do not participate in court-related cases, including custody or other legal matters.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Master's degree from California State University, Fresno, and my Doctorate from Walden University in Minnesota. With 18 years of experience in the field, I specialize in helping individuals navigate their emotional and relational challenges to lead more fulfilling lives. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on empowering my clients with the tools they need to achieve their personal and interpersonal goals.

Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? Are you struggling to find balance in your life? Do you feel like there's a part of you that has died and hasn't come back to life? Hi, my name is Merisa. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and artist. I help highly functioning adults manage their stressors and find more balance in life. I am an art therapist, meaning we will use art as a communication tool to express emotions, process trauma and relieve stress. I have many clients who are not willing to do art therapy, and that's okay as well! Talking is just as effective. If you're from a family who didn't talk about feelings, and/or avoided conflict, it is possible that talking about your feelings isn't easy. I am here to help ease you into it. Therapy is like exercising. You will be working new muscles and I'm here to help you get stronger. Professional Background: I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, minoring in Psychology in 2014 and graduated with my Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy in 2016. I was always creative and wanted to help others which lead me in the direction of art therapy and LMFT. I have worked at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, providing therapy to patients and families; multiple addiction treatment centers and I was also a school counselor. I have been in recovery for years, and have personal and professional experience working with teens, adults and families in substance use and mental health treatment. I am willing to help you with addiction, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, and relationship issues.

Hello, I was born and raised in Stockton, California. I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and in 1997, after 25 yeas of service, I retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Marine Corps, I worked as a Farrier (Horseshoer), as well as a structural welder (Ironworker), as those were the most marketable skill that I had. I came to a point where old injuries came back to haunt me and I could no longer walk (several years later, thanks to a surgery through the VA, I can walk again; thankful for that). At this point, I changed professions and out of a desire to work with veterans, I returned to school, accomplishing all that was necessary to become a licensed counselor. I spent another career working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically as a counselor in the Readjustment Counseling Service (Vet Center). I recently retired from the Vet Center and now I work part-time here with Grow Therapy. As a retired Marine senior staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) and disabled combat veteran myself, the Vet Center was the perfect job. Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling to combat veterans and provide counseling to survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). Vet Centers also provide group counseling, bereavement counseling and couples counseling when this is determined to be of support to the veteran. Readjustment counseling many times consists of treating/addressing symptoms related to post-traumatic stress (PTSD), I.e., anxiety, depression, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, etc. Many veterans go on to work as first responders and working with many first responders as well as medical personal, has provided me with a great deal of additional experience.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read about me. My name is Emily Cortez and I am an LMFT in CA. It is my hope to connect with you in a warm, supportive space to help process and tackle the many challenges that life throws at us. I have been practicing in the field going on 5 years now and have experience working with children, teens, families, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, adjustment/life transitions, trauma, and grief/loss.