Therapists in California

Welcome - I'm so glad you're here! Getting started with care is a big step, and I want to recognize the courage it takes to be here. Congratulations on taking your first step into your therapeutic journey by being open to self-discovery and transformation. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and my focus is experiential approach where individuals evoke and process their feelings in the here and now.

Hello! My name is Brooke and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I am a strengths-based, client centered, and solutions focused therapist. I strive to create an environment that you feel supported, safe, and free of judgment. I work with individuals and couples of all ages who are experiencing anxiety, depression, peer/interpersonal relationship conflicts, bullying, life transitions, low self-esteem, burnout, insomnia, anger, panic attacks, and stress management. My approach is to integrate evidence-based practice and theory while honoring your individual needs and meeting you where you are at. My goal is to provide you with the tools to enhance your quality of life and feel more confident with navigating life's presenting challenges. My promise as a therapist is to be with you every step of the way. I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! I’m Heidi! I know how hard it is to spill your guts to a stranger, and I don’t take that lightly. Feeling safe and comfortable is the most important part of therapy, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to help. I take a down-to-earth, real-world approach to therapy because I’ve survived my own struggles, and I know what it’s like to fight for healing. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies with holistic and mindfulness-based techniques to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or relationship challenges, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore your emotions and create lasting change. I have worked in inpatient facilities specializing in substance abuse, mental health, and trauma, providing intensive support to individuals in crisis. In my private practice, I have worked with both survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence, as well as high-profile individuals in Hollywood who require a high level of discretion and specialized care. My experience in these settings has deepened my understanding of complex trauma, addiction, and the unique stressors that come with high-pressure environments.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has worked with individuals that are experiencing a variation of difficulties. I specialize in helping patients with anxiety, depression, and stress. I also have experience helping individuals with ADHD, brain injury, relationships, self-esteem, school/career and other life difficulties. We all want to be heard when something is bothering us. Having someone hear us when we are upset can mean a lot. It can also feel good to have someone to vent to when a day has been long. I am interested in helping you through life's struggles and setting goals for the future. I'm also here to guide and support you through difficult experiences. I am here to listen because sometimes you may need to share when life changes or need help processing what has happened. I want to be there for you even when the day is neither good or bad. I am here.

Are you struggling emotionally during the process of trying to build your family? Has the experience of trying to get pregnant, stay pregnant, and become a parent been much harder or more complicated than you expected? This is so common, and so difficult to talk about. The grief, loss, frustration, anger, and deep sadness can be hard to navigate. I can help. I specialize in working with people struggling with infertility, high risk pregnancy, pregnancy and infant loss, adjusting to parenthood, or building a life that looks different than you anticipated. I provide a warm and supportive space to work through these challenges honestly, where we can confront how you are feeling and move towards feeling whole.

I have been a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001. In 2005, I was trained by Postpartum Support International (PSI), and have specialized in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders since that time. I served as PSI’s Orange County Coordinator, offering support and connecting women to community resources, from 2005-2017. In addition to my work in private practice, I taught LMFT students at the undergraduate and graduate level for 10 years, and became certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in 2015. In 2017 I helped develop Hoag Hospital’s Maternal Mental Health program, where I served as Lead Therapist. I was trained by the Beck Institute in 2018 in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders.

I feel each individual enters the therapeutic relationship in their own distinctive way. I strongly believe that every person is the author of their own story and unique in their narrative of what change looks like for them on a personal level. I am passionate about helping people make change both big and small that will enhance their sense of seIf and ability to create more meaning and authenticity in their lives and relationships.

Healing begins when you are honest with yourself about what’s not working. But getting raw and real can be difficult with people who know you– or think they do. Their view of you, expectations and agendas influence what you feel safe to share. This is where the magic of therapy comes in: it offers a space for an honest conversation between you and another human being–one where you can finally get real. We all need to feel felt—to be seen and understood. We yearn for a safe space where we can speak openly about what we’ve experienced and embrace all parts of ourselves. This kind of authentic connection helps us make sense of why we think, feel, and act the way we do–and to discover who we are beneath the stories and defenses. This is the key to real, lasting change. I bring 30+ years experience guiding people on their path. My approach is collaborative, although clients often say they are grateful to have a therapist who can be direct in service of their growth. A former yoga teacher and massage therapist, I focus on embodied healing. I’m also a published author and professional editor—and yes, I’ve been to Burning Man (several times). I have worked with all sorts of people—from Silicon Valley CEOs to moms who lost custody of their kids to addiction. I work with artists, athletes, dancers, writers, and hold a special place in my heart for geeks and those who’ve lost capacity after an accident or injury. I weave bio-hacking principles into therapy for those who want optimal vitality. It is possible to transform emotional pain into a deep sense of being at home in your own skin. There is a calm, wise essence within you that knows the way to healing. Let’s explore this together.

Welcome! I am glad that you are here taking a step towards change. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than twenty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Southern California. I have worked in a wide range of areas supporting POC and the queer community. I have helped clients manage and cope with challenging emotional issues, life transitions, and relationship problems. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Hello, I am April Jordan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, in 2005. I am a wife, mother of young children and understand the stressors linked with trying to balance life. I specialize in Women issues, Postpartum, anxiety,ADHD, depressive disorders, relationship stressors and career transitions. My Therapeutic approach is strength-based , solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My Professional experience I have worked years in mental health, medical social work, family services and with the criminal justice system. I used to be a medical social worker in the ED. I am a therapist that likes to look at restoring you back to feeling better and providing you with real life therapeutic tools needed to get back to a sense of normalcy.

If you are feeling stressed, self-critical, down or worried, I would like to help you feel more confident, calm, present, and steady in your life. My approach to counseling is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore and overcome obstacles in order to grow, heal and become the best version of yourself. With patience and understanding, I’ll assist you in uncovering new strengths, perspectives and solutions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and together we will set meaningful goals based on what you want to change or improve about yourself, your life, or your relationships. Reaching out for help shows courage. As your therapist, I will work with you to develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and help you learn strategies and skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

Schyna Pour is a licensed clinical social worker/psychotherapist with 10 years of experience specializing in children and adolescents. Schyna treats patients between the ages of 6 and 35 and depending on each client’s needs, she uses methods/therapeutic models including: play therapy, music, role play, and guided imagery, Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic/Person-centered/Holistic/Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution-focused, Mindfulness, Trauma-focused, Family Systems, Gottman Couples. Schyna believes therapy is a healing conversation that provides clients with a safe, non-judgmental, person-centered, strengths-based and eclectic place to express their challenges, and help them to rediscover their strengths, talents and resources. Schyna uses a collaborative partnership to support clients in building a personalized strategy and finding solutions that are consistent with their values, beliefs, and unique needs. She collaborates with individuals, couples, and families to help them find the best solutions and resources to meet their specific needs and overcome barriers. She believes in creating a space where the client can challenge themselves in a compassionate way to create sustainable change.

Hello! My name is Melissa (she/her pronouns) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the profession for 12 years. In Monterey County, I have historically served children and their families. I have treated individuals from various backgrounds and specialize in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, identity/gender exploration, trauma, and adversity. I believe that therapy can serve you in a multitude of ways and it's your choice on how you would like to navigate this journey. In your sessions, I would support you with mental health tools and a safe and non-judgmental space to explore, process, and learn from your experiences.

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and a proud first-generation Mexican American. I earned my degree from the University of Houston and bring both professional knowledge and personal perspective to the work I do. I am passionate about walking alongside others in their healing and growth journey. I understand that therapy is not “one size fits all,” and I strive to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. My hope is to be the right match for you as we explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward the changes you seek.

Sometimes difficult moments leave us feeling stressed, depressed, anxious, angry, and at times, all of those emotions at once. But you do not have to face these challenge alone. Through therapeutic support and guidance, these same challenges can be approached as opportunities for growth and positive change. As a therapist, my job is to be a collaborative partner with you, and provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. My practice offers evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, behavior modification, adjustment/life transitions, and bereavement. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of experience working in California, fluent in both English and Spanish.

Hello, I’m Maria Fernanda Perez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in a helping capacity for over 19 years. I specialize in working with violence and trauma survivors, teens, adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. I support couples and families who desire to develop a deeper connection to their body. For many of my clients this looks like symptoms of high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and trauma interfering with their ability to connect with themselves. My traditional mental health background has given me a solid foundation in helping others to better finding their inner self.

Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.

Whether you are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or a life transition, I am here to offer support and help you make meaningful change. Using cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as strength-based and solution-focused models, my goal is to help my clients develop coping skills to manage day-to-day stress, strengthen their relationships and gain an improved quality of life. I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working with adults, couples, families, and children. I utilize my professional and personal experience, humor, and warmth to create a strong, collaborative relationship with my clients.

Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, bouts of low mood, chronic anxiety, constantly doubting yourself, feeling insecure? Do your core beliefs limit you from living authentically? Do you constantly think about past experiences and self-defeating messages you learned as a child? This is the space for you. My name is Monica Reza, LCSW. I am a strength base- intersectional therapist. I am Mexican, who was born and raised in Southern California. My life experiences on every level has motivated me to becoming a therapist. I have been in the mental health field for 8 years. My experience has been working with patients who suffer from a chronic illness and mood disorder, Veterans with severe mental illness and dual diagnosis, and marginalized groups coping with symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. My clinical approach leans towards CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focus, and Somatic Therapy. Our sessions will focus on distress tolerance, emotional regulation, improving relationships with self and others, and building a sense of self-worth. What we will be doing in our sessions: Identify goals, learn and incorporate healthy coping skills, practice mindfulness and acceptance, process and reflect, find solutions, behavior activation, create new core beliefs, and most importantly, healing. I look forward to meeting with you.

Hello and welcome! My name is Cristina. I specialize in treating trauma and have used evidenced based modalities, such as EMDR to treat trauma related symptoms. I am in the process of obtaining my perinatal mental health certification through PSI (Postpartum Support International). I approach mental health as holistically as possible, exploring components of the mind, body and spirit to address healing. I like to work with you collaboratively to create goals and explore which areas of healing are necessary for you. I take a client-based approach and aim to make the space feel safe and a place where you feel comfortable to open up and share. We all deserve to feel seen and heard, and I hope that is your experience with me! I look forward to meeting you!

I am Brandy Stewart, a licensed clinical social worker in California with 19 years of clinical experience serving children, adolescents, transition age youth, adults and families. I help individuals who struggle with managing relationship issues resolve interpersonal conflicts to promote healthy overall functioning. I also help people manage emotional distress and conflict, as they heal from the past, in order to achieve a greater wellbeing.

Congratulations on taking this major step towards seeking a higher quality of life, whether for yourself or a loved one! Though your situation is unique and will require targeted goals, these past several years have left many people feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless and/or “mentally foggy.” Sometimes, entire families are scrambling to figure out how to manage the ripple effect of one member’s mental illness, and how to help maintain a quality of life for everyone involved. As an LMFT, I help clients with topics such as recovery from trauma, adjustment to major life changes, managing mood dysregulation, stabilizing activities of daily living, and implementing healthy coping skills. Even events generally considered to be “good” (such as buying a house, getting a promotion, or getting married) rate high on the stress index. Your list of concerns will be unique to you and will require a targeted approach to building goals. I am especially interested in coping with grief/loss/trauma, reconstructing lives according to choices rather than reactions, blended and bi/multi-cultural families, our LGBTQ communities, the multi-generational ripple effect of mental illness on families, and the dual diagnosis of developmental disability and mental illness. While talk therapy and EMDR are my primary modalities, I believe strongly in the healing effects of creativity, visualization and somatic work.

I’m an LCSW with over 20 years experience in counseling individuals, couples, and groups. I specialize in issues of self esteem, relationships, and in helping clients find out exactly what they need in order to feel confident, calm, hopeful, and on-track. Often, new clients come in with some degree of anxiety, depression, or both. Don't worry if this is true for you. I'm highly experienced and my clients have told me they've benefited greatly in reduction of these symptoms. I don't believe that pain is useful in any way. I believe in insight, relief, and healing as quickly as possible. My style is inquisitive and interactive — I want to know what you need to tell me. I want to know what is causing your life to be anything less than pleasant, safe, and manageable. I want you to be okay, to feel okay, and to be confident in yourself and in your choices and relationships: I want you to feel certain that you are worthy, and that it is good to be you. And while most of my clients do present with some degree of past trauma, or injury to their sense of being worthy and needed, the fact is that life is not easy for anyone. But if we are carrying unhealed wounds, every setback or disappointment can bring back pain from the past. I find that once the major wound of how we see ourselves is healed, then the rest of life’s problems are much easier to resolve. So whether anxiety or depression, or conflict in a relationship has brought you here; I'm ready to help you find out what you want and need, and what's in the way. I don't believe in suffering. I do believe in relief, in hope, and learning how to undo pain.

My practice is focused on a client-centered, humanistic approach that encompasses the treatment of individuals as a whole person. My approach offers a calming and non-judgemental environment to allow the space to explore different pathways to healing. I integrate interventions from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral therapy, mindfulness and person-centered therapy as well as solution-focused therapy. I try to empower clients to draw on natural strengths for motivation and to develop resilience towards change so that they can continue to grow and heal. I focus on replacing negative coping skills with healthy stress management so that my clients can feel empowered, embrace change and lead fulfilling lives.

Hi, I’m Victoria Elena Lane, an LCSW in California. I provide inclusive, affirming care for Queer, Trans, BIPOC, and Women’s rights communities. Specializing in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity-based stressors, I use a client-centered, solution-focused approach to support individuals at every stage of their mental health journey. Together, we’ll uncover clarity, foster balance, and empower growth in a safe, supportive space.