Therapists in California

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience in medical social work, and I’m now bringing that deep, compassionate care into private practice. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments—chronic illness, hospitalization, loss, and major life transitions. My background in healthcare has given me a unique perspective on the connection between physical and emotional well-being. I understand how medical issues can impact mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. I’ve supported patients and families through grief, anxiety, depression, caregiving stress, and adjustment to new diagnoses, and I bring that same thoughtful approach to therapy. When working with clients, I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and move toward healing. Whether you’re coping with health-related stress, life transitions, or seeking greater emotional balance, I’m here to walk with you at your pace. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I aim to make that step feel grounded, safe, and supportive.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to help adults navigate life's complexities. With expertise in mental health and a commitment to fostering positive change, I specialize in addressing issues such as stress, relationships, and self-discovery. My therapeutic toolkit includes evidence-based modalities tailored to your unique needs. In my practice, I incorporate animal-assisted therapy as a unique and supportive element of the healing process. Whether it’s the calming presence of a therapy dog during sessions or structured therapeutic activities involving animals, I’ve found that the bond between humans and animals can open up powerful pathways for trust, regulation, and emotional connection. Animals can offer a grounding presence for clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I love seeing the ways they help people feel more comfortable, understood, and at ease.

I love working with folks struggling with self love and compassion. I specialize in codependency, trauma, and Highly Sensitive People. Clients will discover self confidence, communication, and expression of feelings are a byproduct of our work together. I utilize Inner Child techniques and nervous system regulation exercises to help regulate the body so that it is better able to respond to life's events.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), licensed in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. I have a Master of Arts in psychology and have been practicing for 14 years. I help adults of all ages, who are struggling with symptoms relative to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other issues, to reduce their symptoms on their path towards mental wellness and the best version of themselves.

Hi there. I'm Steve. I specialize in relationships of all kinds, especially romantic/intimate/sexual and including ethical nonmonogamy (ENM). I believe living in the world today means the demands for your attention are often relentless, sometimes making you overwhelmed, stuck, or feeling like you've lost touch. Think of therapy as a place where you and I show up for YOU—for that very blessed being you get to be, this whole life. In turn, this helps all your relationships thrive, which again, helps you thrive too! We all have a natural drive to adapt, learn, and grow, and we do so in relationships—with ourselves, with others, with ideas and values, and with the world. You and I will listen closely—from where you are right now—to help reconnect you to your innate tendency to grow and change in desired ways. This may very well mean tolerating more friction and tension at first. It’s alright. You will get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Over time, knowing how you feel, think, and act—right here and now—will help you make better choices, recharge your sense of well-being, and enliven your relationships.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Psychologist based in California. I have received my Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Psychology and Psychology of Social behaviors from the University of California, Irvine. I have obtained my Masters in Clinical Psychology from California State University of Fullerton. I have received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University. I have been seeing clients for the pas 13 years in different settings from private practice to community mental health centers and recovery centers.

Hello and Welcome to Grow Therapy, my name is Sabrina Thurman. Do you ever find yourself struggling in relationships, at work, with family, peers or with your health and wellbeing? You are not alone, and change is possible. I have helped clients' just like you to make sustainable and permanent life changes, by increasing my client's ability to manage and cope with stress. I use a holistic approach to address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. I am excited to begin our journey together. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. My job is to provide a space for you to process your feelings while assisting you to feel safe within our teletherapy environment. You are the expert on your life, your personal goals have value and will drive our treatment plan. My ideal patient is focused on personal growth and healing.

Throughout my many years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been committed to providing the highest level of professional and compassionate care when serving individuals during their most difficult life challenges. I tailor my approach to therapy based on the unique needs of each person I get the privilege to help. My mission is to help you gain healthy balance so you may enjoy positive relationships, fulfill your life’s purpose and achieve your highest potential. I work with clients from a strength based focus while providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow. It takes courage to seek help and to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take the first steps toward change, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Welcome! Dr. Kristi Hottenstein offers a personalized, holistic approach to therapy and coaching. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hottenstein has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through life's challenges and transitions. As the practitioner and owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients, drawing on her extensive education and certifications. Dr. Hottenstein is a National Board Certified Counselor, licensed in Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a master's in counseling from the University of La Verne, and a bachelor's in sociology from Alma College. In addition to her counseling credentials, she is certified in negotiation and mediation and holds a supervisory certification, enabling her to provide supervision to Limited License Professional Counselors. At Compass Counseling & Coaching, Dr. Hottenstein is committed to helping her clients navigate both difficult times and new adventures. "I chose the name Compass Counseling & Coaching for my practice because, at times, everyone needs a compass to help guide them," she explains. "I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach." Dr. Hottenstein uses a variety of counseling techniques to encourage self-awareness and the acceptance of personal responsibility. Her belief is that the more we understand ourselves, the better equipped we are to respond to life's challenges. Whether you are seeking support in personal growth, relationship issues, or coping skills, Dr. Hottenstein is here to provide the guidance and support you need on your journey.

Hello and welcome, I'm Kristine! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. Do you feel like you haven't been enjoying your life the way you would like to - or even the way that you used to? Does it seem like there have been more worries than answers/solutions in your life? I empower high performers to manage depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationship nuances. Together, we can identify what hasn't been working the way that it used to and find ways to sharpen what does work while adding new methods that can balance and bring hope back into your life. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues or the cycles of life transitions - I'm here to help. It takes a lot of courage to seek therapy so I look forward to supporting you in your journey of growth and transformation. You can expect to have a safe, nonjudgemental and empathetic space to feel seen and validated when working with me. When it comes to mental health, I follow a "No B.S." policy - No Blaming&Shaming! Together you and I will use an eclectic and flexible approach in therapy that fits your needs!

Hi, I’m Luke Lorefice, a therapist and college/career counselor dedicated to helping young adults, including neurodivergent students and those facing emotional or academic challenges, find clarity, confidence, and purpose. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA Extension. My work blends mental health expertise with practical career guidance to support individuals navigating education, employment, and life transitions. Through Grow and my private practice, Wave Point Counseling, I help clients explore meaningful paths whether that’s higher education, a career pivot, or rediscovering a sense of direction.

My name is Kathy Kelly, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed since 2009 and have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families in crisis. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adjustment disorders, and understanding behavior patterns that are set from childhood. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are experiencing difficult life changes, stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic mental health disorders. The most common approaches that I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotionally focused, mindfulness, solutions focused, grief, and trauma focused therapy. I am confortable working with various levels of life experiences, including childhood trauma, current stressors, life transitions, and I appreciate using psychodynamic and family systems therapy to help my clients understand and identify patterns of behavior, and negative thought patterns that originated from their past experiences. I provide a safe space with the goal of making my clients feel welcome, comfortable, and at ease. I have been very successful at teaching clients coping skills, and helping clients process their feelings and emotions with the goal of finding peace, happiness, and an overall sense of well being. Your journey begins today and I will be there with you to guide you and support you.

I started my professional career in child welfare. I transitioned to mental health and primarily work with adolescents, providing mental health resources and interventions and family supports. I am open to meeting with clients during some weekday evening hours and some weekends as well. I hope to provide you the space and support needed to help guide you through your current distress.

I believe that therapy can heal, but I also know that telling a stranger about your deepest pain can be a strange feeling. Perhaps you've been feeling sad, depressed or worried, and hopeless that anything in your life can change. Or maybe you aren't sure what you would even want help with. You know you feel bad, but if someone were to ask you "How can I help?", you aren't sure what you would say. These problems can feel permanent and unsolvable. After all, something feels broken and unfixable, so how could you not feel that it takes all the energy you have just to get up in the morning and go about your day? Depression or anxiety can also feel isolating, as if nobody else could possibly understand. You may have even received advice from people who you feel mean well but can't understand what you're going through. Depression and anxiety are not permanent or unfixable, and therapy can help. Imagine feeling peace of mind, and excited about life and its possibilities. It starts by learning about you and going at your pace. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 16 years experience working with adults and teens, I've seen therapy work, and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that journey for others.

Hello there.....My name is Maria Paola Cortes Elser, I was born in Colombia and have been living in the USA for 23 years now, and as an immigrant, I confronted different situations that helped me to grow personally, and spiritually and understand how special it is to be from somewhere else and become part of this extraordinary country. I understand the challenges that come from this transition from different land to America and all the life experiences that those changes include, mentally culturally and spiritually. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. I have been working in this field for 10 years, and I have experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as Substance abuse. I speak English and Spanish, and my motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and Mental illnesses through faith and professional clinical counseling.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from LA County. I believe in developing/practicing coping strategies as well as providing psychoeducation to my clients to assist them in achieving their mental health goals. I pull from my previous training and certifications in Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy and parent-child interaction therapy, to assist my clients with their mental health. I have worked with children, adolescents, and families/caregivers to assist with decreasing symptoms and behaviors such as sadness, over-thinking, non-compliance, etc.

Hi, I’m Chris. You may be here on a whim. You may want to capture a more positive experience of life. You may feel like your world is unmanageable or confusing. You may be absorbing an intolerable level of pain. I meet you where you are and provide a sounding board for understanding your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I am your collaborator and partner. Through our dialogue, you will begin to better understand your instincts and motivations. The goal, over time, is to uncover deeper insights. I actively listen, constructively challenge, and collaboratively teach. I am positive, compassionate, and non-judgmental. What makes this starting point so gratifying, is that you have already begun the work. By taking this first step, you are demonstrating readiness for positive change.

Hi! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, where I deepened my understanding of human emotions and relationships. Over the past few years, I’ve been honored to support adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, guiding them on a journey toward healing in the private practice setting. In my practice, I focus on empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Many of the clients I work with feel weighed down by past traumas or overwhelming stressors. I use a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help them identify and challenge the maladaptive beliefs that keep them stuck. By replacing these beliefs with adaptive ones, my clients are able to rebuild their self-esteem, cultivate self-love, and approach life with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. I understand that seeking therapy is a courageous step, and I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can work to uncover the root causes of the struggles, develop healthier coping strategies, and implement practical tools that foster long-term well-being. Whether it’s learning to manage anxiety, overcoming depression, or simply finding clarity in a difficult situation, I am here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. My ultimate goal is to help clients transform their lives for the better. Through therapy, clients can gain greater insight into themselves, improve their emotional resilience, and build fulfilling relationships—both with themselves and with others. I am committed to walking alongside my clients on their unique journeys toward healing, growth, and happiness. If you’re ready to take that step, I would be honored to support you in achieving the life you deserve.

Profile: Hi there and welcome! My name is Michelle, and I'm glad you found your way here. Life has a way of introducing anxiety, stress, trauma, and grief when we least expect it. I'm here to support you in returning to a place where you feel safe, self-aware, and empowered. I believe we all have the capacity to be self-healers. I've worked in several realms of healing and medicine for more than 12 years, and I approach my therapeutic connections with warmth and curiosity. I lovingly encourage you to come as you are. My goal is to know you, not change you, and support whichever problems you feel ready to address with transparency and authenticity. I have experience working with adults, teens, groups, couples, families, first responders and military, in managing struggles that come with depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, addiction, self-acceptance and identity-questioning, grief, life adjustments, and women's, LGBTQIA+, or BIPOC issues. We will work toward your goals using mindfulness , trauma-informed CBT, DBT, and gestalt therapy with plenty of education along the way. I believe regular feedback is imperative in creating the awareness needed to shift subconscious patterns to conscious choices. Everyone deserves the chance to live their lives in their truest form, with care, respect, and self-confidence. *Currently only accepting referrals for individual therapy (18+)*

Hello...Most of my work is Brief Emotional Therapy, 4-7 sessions, although I do have folks that have been with me for longer. I work with issues of anxiety and depression as well as relationship issues and problems with emotional intimacy, both with ourselves and others. Much of my work involves moving towards your most meaningful or valued life while accepting the pain /anxiety that inevitably comes with it I'm here to facilitate your journey on whatever you are experiencing or going through without judgment or attitude. I help manage the depressions or anxieties that come with life, cope with a crisis, or move into the growth and evolvment that are ours to have. I practice tele-therapy daily. If you see an open slot you are welcome to take it without any advance notice. Thank you, Dr. Robert Lusson

Hello, I'm Elizabeth, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and your compassionate guide on the journey to improved mental well-being. I am a therapist who believes in creating a safe space for you to be yourself, free from judgment. I am a compassionate and accepting therapist, dedicated to building a trusting connection with you during our sessions. Together, we'll navigate the marathon of therapy with honesty and authenticity. Let's connect and make magic happen!

As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem. I bring a compassionate, culturally informed approach that honors diverse experiences, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients explore self-love, address social anxiety, process difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming space where individuals can explore their identities, relationships, and life purpose. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I support clients through a wide range of experiences—from workplace stress and relationship dynamics to personal transformation and healing from past challenges. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to each individual's unique journey.

Teisha, the heart and soul behind Mental Wellness with Teisha, a mental health practice in California. Teisha is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of a Black, female-owned business, she is dedicated to offering mental health services that reflect her deep commitment to education, advocacy, and community support. Our practice is built on compassion, integrity, and collaboration. These core values guide us in providing the highest quality of care and ensure a respectful and empowering experience for all our clients.

A warm welcome to you! I've been a therapist for many years, have a master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, and draw upon a depth of life and work experience in our work together. You are the expert in you and I am your ally and resource. We team up and collaborate in meeting your goals and freeing you up to be the best version of yourself. Whether your goal is to figure out your career path, get your mood on an even-keel, tame your inner critic, or to move through your grief, I'm here for you.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have 15 years of experience helping individuals cope with the challenges they face in their lives. I have a specialty in treating individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use. I also have been trained in Brainspotting techniques that reduce the effect traumas and other upsetting life events have on a person's ability to find the happiness they want from life.