Therapists in California

I’m Kourtney Carter, PhD, LCSW, CCS, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working with individuals and couples facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and ADHD. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, enhance emotional regulation, and live in alignment with their core values. Together, we work collaboratively toward meaningful and lasting change that supports your overall well-being and personal growth.

I’m Ryan McNeel—therapist, Air Force veteran, and someone who’s lived through the chaos I now help others walk through. With over 20 years as a trauma medic and 6 years as a therapist, I bring grounded, no-nonsense care to people who’ve spent too long being the strong one. I’m here to help you heal, move forward, and reclaim your momentum—with zero fluff and full presence. I’ve worked in war zones, ICUs, and now therapy rooms—helping clients break out of emotional paralysis and take meaningful steps toward change. My approach blends trauma-informed care, EMDR, group work, and forward-motion therapy to meet you where you are. I believe healing doesn’t have to mean sitting still—it can mean moving, expressing, rebuilding, and reconnecting with a version of you that feels alive again.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

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