Therapists in California

I believe that everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life’s challenges and create positive change in their lives. As a licensed LMFT therapist, I support clients towards their self-discovery process through the transformative power of psychotherapy to create meaningful changes in life, empower unique gifts and purpose, and enhance mental and emotional well-being. I believe that each of us possesses an internal source of insight and wisdom that can be cultivated through therapy. My approach is warm, relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed. I work from a place of compassion, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Whether you are looking for guidance, improved relationships, insight, or to develop healthy coping strategies, you can make meaningful changes in your life one step at a time. So I encourage you to take time for yourself to nurture your mental and emotional well-being, activating your innate ability to cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Welcome. I’m really glad you’re here. Starting therapy takes courage, curiosity, and a willingness to look at things honestly. If you’re here, you’re already doing something meaningful for yourself. My background is eclectic. I’ve worked in foster care, hospitals, hospice, and healthcare leadership, which means I’ve supported people through some of life’s most overwhelming and transformative moments. Those experiences shaped how I show up as a therapist: grounded, compassionate, and very human. In our work together, I’ll ask thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions to help you uncover patterns, build insight, and create real change. I also believe strongly in humor. Therapy can hold hard things while still leaving room for lightness, laughter, and relief. Both matter. I’m also a mom, which gives me a deep appreciation for the complexity of balancing relationships, responsibilities, identity, and self-care. I have a strong interest in technology, including AI, and I enjoy thoughtfully incorporating tools and strategies that help people feel more supported, organized, and empowered outside of session, when appropriate. Therapy is collaborative. You bring your lived experience, and I bring perspective, curiosity, and support. We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on growth that is meaningful, practical, and sustainable. You’ve already taken an important step by being here. I look forward to working together.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted from trying to keep it all together? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m Matthew C. Volzer, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health and 12 years helping individuals, couples, and families create lasting change through evidence-based therapy. I specialize in working with people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship challenges, or the emotional weight of past trauma. My approach is practical, compassionate, and results-oriented. Drawing from CBT, trauma-focused therapy, and family systems work, I’ll help you understand the patterns that keep you stuck and give you tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re looking to quiet your inner critic, build stronger relationships, or simply feel more like yourself again—I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start feeling better and make meaningful changes in your life, I’d be honored to work with you.

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.

Hi, my name is Ariane and I am a California-based LCSW. Outside of therapy, I love being active to stay sane including running and hiking, as well as crocheting when I'm inside! I've always got a a novel I'm working my way through as well. I earned my Masters at the University of Illinois but returned to my home-state to further my career. I've been licensed for over 3 years, but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I provide a safe space for clients to work through their struggles without judgement and guiding clients toward their goals. I meet clients where they are at and work together while providing an outside perspective and psycho-education as needed.

I am here for you. As a seasoned Therapist, I understand that embarking on the therapy journey can be scary and bring up numerous feelings. This is "your time" to explore, take risks, sit quietly and lead in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. I do not believe that there is one way to do therapy. If you have difficulty starting to tell your story, I may ask you questions to get to know you. I understand that just as I am getting to know you, you are getting to know me. We are mutually exploring "our fit."

My goal in my counseling is to help my clients live deeply fulfilling lives. I help clients increase their psychological flexibility through various tools and approaches including evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change their thought patterns. I use experiential approaches including Hypnotherapy to work with subconscious minds and remove blocks that are deep in their psyche. I also provide mindfulness training, which is one of the key techniques for the clients to be more present and accepting in their lives, rather than react reflexively. Each individual's struggles are complex and tied to many factors including their social environment, their physical health, the phases of their lives, skills they already possess, etc. In other words, change can happen in a variety of ways and that's what counseling can help with, pointing out the direction and even the next steps that can help the client to get to their goals and intentions. I work with clients experiencing sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, mood issues, ADHD, career counseling, and those who simply need a tune-up.

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I believe it’s no coincidence that you found your way here — this may be part of God’s plan for you to pause, reflect, and explore support for your journey. My name is Danita, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with eight years of experience in the mental health field and four years in private practice. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California, in 2008. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many incredible clients and families, each bringing their own unique strengths, resilience, and life experiences.

Considering counseling is a big step and takes courage. I want to offer you that safe space for you to share in a caring and understanding environment. I can help you through your challenging journey to overcome your angst. My name is Myrna Vargas-Evert and I an LCSW. My experience ranges from working with adults in empowering them to overcome the burden of Anxiety and Depression. I have also worked with children and families providing communication, parenting, and relaxation skills, CBT and Strength Based approaches. My specialty is grief, gerontology, and TBI (traumatic brain injury). I also work with the Gerontology (older adult) population in Home Health & Hospice and persons who experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through a specialized return to Home & Community Program by providing education and support to the patients and their families so that they can have a more meaningful life.

Mike Valenzuela, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is dedicated to helping adults overcome anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and depression. I employ evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, to provide effective support tailored to your needs. My collaborative and empowering approach ensures that you not only heal but also acquire practical skills that promote lasting well-being and resilience. Together, we can unlock your potential for a more fulfilling life.

As a clinician, I am dedicated to achieving results for my clients. I believe my clients can find their best solutions, and my job is to help them navigate towards these goals. I take a collaborative approach, working together with my clients to explore and distinguish difficult emotions and their underlying story. Once my client has a good understanding of where they’ve been and where they are, we can work together to plot a course towards where they want to me.

Having difficulty managing life stressors such as work, relationships, self-esteem, or just life in general? It would be more shocking if we were handling all the stressors and triggers of our current world without the need for the support of others. I find it a privilege to work with adolescents and adults during times in everyone's lives in we need a little more care and compassion. My approach to therapy is primarily humanistic, incorporating attachment theory, narrative therapy, solution-focused and family systems work in working through issues that ultimately lead will us toward growth and healthy transitions. I come from a person-centered approach, in which we collaborate to find the style and framework that feels most aligned to your goals and needs. I work to guide clients in understanding and validating their lived experiences, safely and without victimization. Through personalized insight and psychoeducation, we work together to develop tools focused on self-regulation, expressing feelings in healthy, nonjudgemental ways, and creating a feeling of security and trust in both your mind and body.

Hello, My name is Bonnie. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California since 2005. I am also licensed as a Registered nurse and have worked in the field for 35 + years. I am a 58-year-old mom of 18 twin daughters in their first year of college. Yep, raising teenagers is no joke! Parenting has its fair share of hills and valleys. I have been married for 23 years. Are you finding that maintaining relationships is a struggle at times? Do you need someone to listen and hear you? I want to build rapport and understanding with each client. I have worked with clients struggling with a variety of issues and concerns. I have experience with clients who have experienced Anxiety, Depression, OCD, family and job stress, domestic violence, complex trauma, PTSD, child custody issues, teen issues, parent-child concerns, grief process, and people experiencing difficulties with substance abuse and use. My therapy is individualized according to what each client wants and needs. My goal is to align with my clients so they will experience being supported in their lives. I use therapy modalities that include: compassion-focused, solution-focused, multicultural, strength-based, Christian, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical therapies. My strengths lie in my ability to put people at ease. I am honest, straight-forward, down to earth, value authenticity, and enjoy getting to know all kinds of people while refraining from judgment. I enjoy music and I sing and play the piano. I enjoy my family, traveling, reading, and my dog Toto, and 2 cats. I look forward to meeting you. Let's talk!

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I help pre-teens, adolescents, and adults struggling with different life challenges become the best versions of themselves. I work full time as a Behavior Health Counselor for a school district in California, and I take clients part time in the evenings from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. I pride myself in developing strong and authentic relationships with my clients as they include me as part of their healing journey. I work best working one-on-one with clients and their families. I no longer take on clients for couple's therapy.

Thank you for visiting my page. Deciding to embark on the path of healing can be challenging, and I applaud you for taking the first step. I work with adults seeking to address concerns regarding relationships, self-worth, and fear of commitment. I offer a safe and supportive space for exploring these complex issues. My goal is to help folks develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges with confidence. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, traumatic experiences, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to help you create a more fulfilling life. I invite you to reach out.

Hi, I'm Alex, and I'm really glad you're here. I primarily work with young adults and transition-aged adults, helping them navigate anxiety, perfectionism, relationships, and the ways past experiences can shape identity. In a world that can often feel rushed, critical, or overwhelming, therapy can be a place to slow down and feel genuinely cared for. I strive to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and deeply human - one where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself away, or hold it all together. I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California with over seven years of experience. I bring warmth, presence, and genuine care into my work, and I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel deeply supported and accepted. I see therapy as a collaborative process where we build on your existing strengths and work toward meaningful, sustainable change.

My name is Alfred Renard Carter and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My clinical experience and specializations are focused on Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management. I take a strength-based approach to empower you to overcome the psychological and emotional distress you're experiencing. I believe in allowing your (client) clinical needs to determine the theoretical approach and interventions most suitable for your treatment. While my education and professional experiences provide me the competence to provide effective treatment, I don't profess to be an expert on you. You're the expert on your life journey. My role as your therapist is to walk with you through your past as well as present challenges to alleviate the psychological symptoms and barriers preventing you from overcoming its impact on your well-being. I'm honored and privileged to walk with you on your journey.

Sometimes, the most profound connections are formed when someone truly listens.I’m Cintia, here not just to hear, but to deeply understand you. In a world where trauma and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart’s true narrative. What a degree in Clinical Psychology and a seven-year journey as a therapist has allowed me to is delve deep into the realms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. While these are my primary focuses, I also bring profound insights into PTSD, intricate family dynamics, relationship challenges, and concerns faced by the LGBTQ community.

Hi! First, I want to thank you for visiting my page and giving me an opportunity to see how my therapeutic style can assist you with reducing your distress and increasing your life satisfaction. I am so honored that you have decided to review my profile and see if I am a good fit for your journey. I have been working as a therapist with a variety of mental health disorders and systemic family dynamics since 2015. I initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and decided that was an unfulfilling career direction for me. Upon deciding to pursue a master’s degree, I decided to pursue the MFT field. Becoming and MFT was the career goal I had as a teenager, so you could say that pursuing the field is a lifelong dream come true. My methods of therapy are person led. I like to provide space, and safety to assist you with addressing the reasons you made the brave choice to pursue therapy. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). It is a gentle, evidenced based method that uses mindfulness and increases coping skills to assist with achieving therapeutic goals. Additionally, I utilize the technique of Brainspotting that assists with deeper, difficult to resolve trauma. I am LGBTQ+ affirming therapist. I work with clients who are questioning, in their transition process, as well as those who are working on their mental health unrelated to their sexual and gender orientation. If necessary, I can consult with you if you need me to provide gender affirming letters when required for insurance and surgical and hormonal procedures. I really appreciate the time that you took to read through all this information, and I hope that it helps you make an informed decision.

Hello. I am a psychotherapist who values not only the creative attributes of the mind but also the wisdom of the body and soul. My presence-oriented, client-centered approach, helps me connect in a way that empowers the change and growth you desire. I offer practical tools and guidance that support you to achieve wellness and balance. My areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, relationships, cross-cultural, and creativity. I am well-versed in teaching coping skills, self-regulation, and mindfulness practices. Somatic, psychodynamic, depth, art, energy psychology, guided imagery, and CBT are some of the therapeutic modalities I apply. I also have extensive experience working with energy therapies and the active imagination. Because I care deeply about supporting my clients through times of need, the relational guidance and support I maintain helps clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges. I especially connect with those who are struggling to find their way through life transitions and the difficulties encountered along the way. My own life experience informs and gives insight into these struggles, and my open, authentic, and non-judgmental personality helps clients to feel safe and at ease. Building trust and openness is key to my work, and I value each and everyone’s unique story and journey. I also have a background in the creative and professional arts and this experience gives me a unique insight into supporting those who are creatives. Additionally, I have an insider's perspective on cross-cultural issues and understand some of the challenges one meets when living in a country different from where they were born. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in East-West psychology with a focus on imaginal practices and their transformative potential.

Hi! I'm Dr. Gonzalez and I hold a doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist (#103979) in the state of California. I've been license for 7+ years. I offer therapy with individuals, families, couples, and groups using an eclectic approach. I enjoy working with individuals who are struggling with different adjustment in their life or adjustments after a trauma was experienced.

Hi, I’m Melissa — deeply devoted social justice warrior and mental health advocate. I believe we are already whole, even in the mess, and that therapy isn’t about fixing or taking parts of you away — it’s about curiosity, self-acceptance, and learning how to move through life with authenticity and self-compassion. I bring both lived experience and heart into the therapy space, especially for those who’ve spent a lifetime feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or out of place. Together, we make room for all your parts, get curious about your inner world, and figure out ways of living that actually work for you. I show up with warmth, humor, and deep care, and I love helping people reconnect with their own magic, trust themselves more fully, and create lives that feel more spacious, aligned, and truly theirs. You don’t need to be fixed — you get to be understood.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I have been in the mental health field for 35 years and have worked in many settings and with many issues throughout my career. I have a doctorate in clinical psychology, a masters in clinical social work and a masters in counseling. I am comfortable working with all populations and strive to meet my patients where they are in their process.

My name is Penny, and I have been in practice for 14+ years. I am here to help you grow and heal. I enjoy meeting a client where they are, and I take a client centered approach to treatment. My approach is rooted in respect, empathy and confidentiality. I value the courage it takes to be vulnerable and ensure clients are comfortable sharing their unique experiences.

I’m Maria Arellano, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I’m bilingual in English/Spanish. I have 10 years of experience helping individuals and families improve their mental health and well-being by developing coping skills to overcome life challenges. I have experience assisting adult individuals presenting issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, anger management, PTSD, and stress due to life transitions. In collaboration with clients, I assist them in setting measurable and achievable goals according to each client’s needs and presenting problem as well as identifying the steps to accomplish the desired outcomes.