Hi, I am Matthew Ortega! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the beautiful, sunny state of California with nearly 15 years of experience working with clients in the community.
Are you longing for more right now? Is ADHD executive dysfunction ruling your day? Are you needing help coping with a new diagnosis of Bipolar disorder or OCD? Or are you looking for a safe place to discuss topics with your spouse, validate your feelings and restore your relationship to its former glory?
I help empower individuals and couples of all ages and relationship statuses to overcome their obstacles and live a happy and fulfilling life. I use an educational and interactive approach to elevate and validate you. My approach offers cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, harm reduction, and trauma-informed perspectives as needed for YOUR unique situation. Together we dig deep to bring forth your most rewarding and fulfilling life. I take pride in leaving the stigmatizing labels at the door, here you are welcomed as you are!
I believe it takes great strength and courage to take the first step in connecting with a therapist. My goal is to make you comfortable and empowered throughout the entire experience. If you’re ready to make the commitment and put in the honest effort to dig deep and blossom, then I am here to support you! I look forward to working with you and building this relationship!
Hello, my name is Salomon Garcia, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in southern California. I have been practicing for over 6 years. I have worked with a broad range of individuals ranging from teen to older adults. I have helped clients struggling with anxiety, depression, work-stress, low self-esteem and life transitions. My aim is to provide a relaxing and safe space to help people to be the best version of themselves.
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.
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.
Have others said you need to relax or stop worrying? Are you overwhelmed by constant what ifs? Do you feel stressed or restless all the time, have difficulty relaxing or don't know how to feel more grounded? Anxiety and trauma can rob you of life's greatest joys and keep you stuck in indecision. You don't have to suffer alone. You are not broken and you are capable of change. Family systems, culture and stigma prevent people who need help from getting help. I help people tackle their anxiety with confidence, reducing doubt, fear and indecision in their lives.
If you struggle with anxiety or depression including social anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, excessive worrying, irritability related to parenting, employment or relationships - I'm here to help you achieve a sense of steady calm to manage all that life throws at you. My clients often struggle with crippling self-defeating thoughts that create a vicious cycle of isolation, loneliness, stress and feeling overwhelmed. I can help break that cycle and empower you to develop a new path forward to achieve what you have not wanted to face alone.
When you schedule with me, I may reach out by phone to complete a brief screening to make sure I can meet your needs and send you the needed paperwork. Please know I currently work weekdays and do not have evening or weekend availability. I do not specialize or work with couples or children. I look forward to talking to you!