Therapists in California

Hola, welcome to my profile! My name is Edna Salcido and I am a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I obtained my bachelor's degree from CSU Monterey Bay and my master's degree from USC. Through my years in practice, I have provided a safe space for healing as I support moving through anxiety, depression, grief, processing trauma, boundary setting and many diverse life challenges. I have experience working out in the field providing mental health services in homes and schools as well as experience in a medical setting as a lifespan therapist.

My name is Susan Madson, I am a LCSW. I specialize in depression, anxiety, anger issues, identifying coping skills, build relationship skills, identify client strengths, increase self care tools, build self esteem, teach meditations skills, grounding, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. I help to reduce trauma symptoms by helping clients to learn self regulation skills. I encourage client to participate in homework assignments to build skills to stabilize a clients emotional and behavioral functioning. Further, specialties include addiction issues, grief work and couples therapy. My most common therapy techniques that I use first is client centered therapy approach. I start where the client is most comfortable and work on building a safe environment for the client. My first goal is to build a therapeutic relationship with my client. Then my goal is to work with strength based, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, solutions focused, interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness therapy techniques. I use an eclectic approach as each client is different and has different needs. My goal is to help the client's to identify the fact that sometimes therapy is identifying the small steps that client is making towards their treatment goals.

I listen and find your strengths to help you become the person you want to be. I am direct and hold you accountable as well as help you find forgiveness to heal and find the joy to lead you to a better life. I believe we all have the opportunity to overcome life's challenges but we must have the courage to ask for help. Sometimes asking for help can be scary and I want to provide you with a safe and honest space to create the life you deserve.

My career as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and university professor served me well in my current practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Doctorate in Education/Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a university professor, I became the Multiple Subject Program Director, Graduate Reading Director, and Supervisor of Student Teachers with both national and international publications.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), based in California. I received my MSSA in "Mental Health" from the Case Western Reserve University, and I have been practicing for the last ten years+. I help clients who are struggling with stress, anxiety and/or depression, heal and become the best versions of themselves. I also have extensive experience in working with adults who are survivors of domestic violence (DV), intimate partner violence (IPT), and those who are suffering from symptoms of PTSD. I also enjoy working with families who may be experiencing triangulation and communication difficulties. My preferred clinical approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation embedded in DBT, Narrative Therapy, and psycho-dynamic therapy. Finally, I view my clients from a holistic perspective so that I can understand what barriers may be restricting you from experiencing true happiness in life.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and first-generation Filipino American, I bring a culturally sensitive approach to guiding individuals toward healing, resilience, and personal growth. I specialize in trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), EMDR, and Brainspotting—advanced, evidence-based interventions designed to address the root causes of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. With experience working with individuals from various backgrounds, I’m passionate about helping clients process life-altering events, break free from past trauma, challenge unhelpful core beliefs, and manage ongoing stress. My mission is to empower clients to build meaningful lives and strengthen their relationships. Are you feeling stuck under the weight of addiction, anxiety, or depression? Are emotional blocks keeping you from living the life you want? You do not need to go through each day merely trying to survive —you can thrive in life! Therapy is a compassionate, non-judgmental space where healing can flourish, and you can learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and self-awareness. Healing is possible, with just a little persistence, and hope. I am here to support you every step of the way! I provide most therapy sessions through GROW’s secure Telehealth video platform for convenience and accessibility. For clients who prefer in-person care, I offer periodic sessions in the greater Sacramento area and South Lake Tahoe—especially for those interested in trauma-informed brainspotting or walk-and-talk nature therapy. As of September 2026, I do not accept medical insurance, but offer cash-pay options to cover the cost of therapy sessions.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I meet my clients where they are. I use a strength-based eclectic approach and am empathetic to my clients. I work with individual clients who are dealing with life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress etc. I use a nonjudgmental approach and work with clients to build rapport. I have over ten years of experience and I have worked with, teens, adults and the elderly, and neurodivergent clients. I provide support to my client in every step of their journey.

Brannon La Force, a Mobile, Alabama native, is a mental health professional with 35 years in the field. He holds licenses in Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Virginia, and Texas as professional counselor. He completed a BA in History from Asbury University, and a MS in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. He is a PhD doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology with Walden University. He is the Owner and Senior Clinician with Brannon La Force, LPC-S & Associates, PLLC and currently lives and works abroad as a digital nomad. Mr. La Force is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University where he teaches forensic psychology. In addition to owning a private practice, he has worked in community mental health, a forensic hospital, hospital emergency rooms, and inpatient psychiatric units. While the bulk of his work has been in the US, Mr. La Force has also written behavior plans for intellectually disadvantaged adults in Australia, treated genocide survivors in Rwanda, and supported sailors in the US Navy with their mental health needs on the island kingdom of Bahrain. His areas of expertise include trauma, relationships, and borderline personality disorder. He is an avid proponent of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and runs a DBT group. He also supervises associate counselors in Texas and Kansas and precepts psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide for their psychotherapy rotation. Mr. La Force has three adult children, two of which are also counselors. He is an avid Crimson Tide fan, loves seafood and provides support to Village Health Team in western Uganda.

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.

Veronica Villanueva, LMFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #149992 | Currently Accepting New Clients If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, I'm here to help you write a new chapter in your story. I'm Veronica Villanueva, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. I'm licensed to practice in California and offer teletherapy throughout the state.

I’m a licensed therapist with a focus on helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to help clients build practical skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and creating meaningful change. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and centered on helping clients gain clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of balance in their lives.

I have extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, applied behavioral analysis, neuropsychology, and psychoanalysis. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from one or a combination of these methodologies based on what will be most beneficial for each individual. Additionally, humanistic and Adlerian psychology have significantly influenced my perspective, shaping my practice into an eclectic framework. I believe that there is no single ‘best’ therapeutic approach—only what is best suited for the individual seeking support. My diverse training allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique and specific needs of each client, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience.

I began practicing as a therapist and psychologist in 2012 after graduating from the Higher School of Psychology in Moscow, Russia. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients across different clinical settings and cultural environments. After relocating to the United States, I chose to continue my professional path as a Marriage and Family Therapist, bringing with me approximately 12 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through emotional, relational, and life-transition challenges. Before entering the mental health field, I spent more than 30 years working as a legal professional in consulting, corporate law, and finance. While these professions may seem quite different, both have deepened my understanding of people, relationships, decision-making, conflict, resilience, and the many ways life circumstances can shape our experiences. Working across different professional, family, organizational, and cultural systems has given me a broad perspective on the challenges people face and the strengths they draw upon to adapt, grow, and find meaning in their lives. Altogether, my professional experience spans nearly four decades across different countries, cultures, populations, and work environments. This diverse background enriches my work as a therapist and allows me to bring a thoughtful, practical, and culturally sensitive perspective to the therapeutic process. I understand that every person's story is unique, and I strive to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported as they navigate life's challenges and opportunities for growth. Perhaps most importantly, I genuinely value the work I do. Being a mental health professional is more than a career for me—it is a source of purpose, meaning, and connection. I feel grateful for the opportunity to accompany people on their journey toward greater self-understanding, healing, and fulfillment, and I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with that process.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring experience working with individuals across the lifespan, children to adults. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of social work settings, which has given me a broad perspective on the many ways people grow, heal, and overcome challenges. While I’ve valued each of these roles, my greatest passion lies in the therapeutic setting—supporting clients in discovering their strengths and fostering meaningful change. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and attachment-based interventions—all delivered through a trauma-informed lens. As a social worker, I am deeply committed to fostering a therapeutic environment that honors diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences each client brings to the process.

I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Do you feel unseen or unheard? Do you struggle with feeling like you don’t quite belong—or maybe feel disconnected from yourself entirely? Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, juggling societal pressures and cultural and familial expectations. Others carry the weight of childhood or intergenerational trauma. Some struggle with imposter syndrome in their workplaces or post-grad programs, while others long for healthier, more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and those around them. As a professional therapist, I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, humor, and empathy. I aim to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. If you value honest, direct feedback and compassionate encouragement, I am ready to help you navigate life’s challenges confidently and clearly. Are you ready to embrace self-acceptance? To unlock your full potential? To experience more profound healing and fulfillment? I’m ready when you are. Together, we will identify your stressors, develop practical coping skills, and build the resilience to move forward with strength and purpose. I offer therapy in English and Spanish. Let’s connect! Schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation or book your first session today to begin your healing journey. I offer a sliding scale for therapy sessions. Contact me to check eligibility. For Kaiser members, Complete a mental health intake with Kaiser and request an external referral to Grow Therapy. Once approved, call Grow Therapy and provide my name. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

I am a dedicated therapist and strong advocate for growth, healing, and wellness. I support my patients journey to wellness by looking deeply into the whole person and the impacts of social demands/expectations, stress, lived experience, circumstance, relationship, shame, and trauma on those I work with. I have immense passion for supporting people with self discovery, centering the selves and healing.

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist supporting children, adolescents, and their families through challenges of emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts. I assist clients in living values driven lives through skill building, processing, and support. I use a DBT and CBT framework to assist clients in implementing practical skills to work towards their goals, improve their mood, and strengthen relationships. I provide a warm, empathetic, and compassionate space that meets you right where you are.

Hello! I am a License Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master of Social Work from California State University Long Beach. I received my BA in Psychology degree from California Stated University Fullerton. I have been practicing mental health counseling for 17 years. I help adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with careers, stress and burnout, traumatic life events, experiencing depression and anxiety to be able to function as normal as they can be.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with complex and high acuity mental health needs. My work is grounded in trauma informed and trauma responsive care, with a strong commitment to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQI+, neurodivergent clients, and individuals in rural communities. I work across the lifespan, including children (7+), adults, older adults, families, and couples. My approach is collaborative and empowering, centered on the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives and require my clinical expertise. I often describe my role as “working myself out of a job” to help clients build the insight, skills, and confidence needed to advocate for themselves and navigate systems independently. As a trauma specialist, I tailor evidence based interventions to each client’s identities, needs, strengths, and goals. My primary approaches include Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)-(EMDRIA certification pending), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I also integrate Internal Family Systems informed interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, exposure based strategies, mindfulness, and other approaches as clinically appropriate. I adapt treatment for neurodivergent clients and clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities because therapy should adjust to the person and not require the person to adjust to therapy. I am continually shaped by the courage, insight, and lived experiences clients bring into our work. Every advanced training, specialty, certification, and state license reflect lessons learned from clients. I carry their trust, stories, and influence into every session with gratitude and responsibility. To learn more about my clinical approach, specialties, services, book an initial consultation, and private practice, please visit Mapping Resilience Therapy Center at https://mappingresiliencetherapycenter.com/

Nicole Widman is the founder of Eden Therapy Group, a private practice based out of Southern California that functions to heal, restore and equip God’s sons and daughters. Nicole operates from a deep conviction to raise up men and women who are led by the Spirit by creating a space for her clients to discern God's voice and encounter God’s transformative love.

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.

Hi, my name is Bjorn! In my practice I focus on helping my clients overcome obstacles to a healthier life by creating a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. Therapy can go in many directions, but I primarily focus on helping clients to identify specific needs that they have, process difficult feelings, psychoeducation, realizing important goals for growth and how to achieve them. In the therapeutic process I share many tools to help with healing including awareness practices, cognitive behavioral therapy, personality work, psychoeducation, and somatic therapy.

I’m a laid-back, client-centered therapist who believes therapy should feel like a safe, relaxed, and nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self and explore what’s on your mind. My approach is collaborative and grounded in meeting you where you are. Together, we’ll work toward a path forward that feels meaningful and aligned with your unique needs and goals. I’m here to listen, offer support and perspective, and help you recognize and build on the strengths you already have. I believe meaningful change happens at your own pace, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 24 years of clinical experience helping adolescents and adults heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change in their lives. I specialize in working with individuals affected by domestic violence, emotional, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, childhood neglect, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Throughout my career, I have worked in nonprofit community mental health settings in a variety of leadership and clinical roles, including Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor, while maintaining a private practice since 2010. Since 2019, I have focused primarily on private practice and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and support clients through their healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, direct, intuitive, and empowering. I believe people are resilient and capable of change when provided with the right support, tools, and insight. Together, we work to understand how past experiences continue to affect present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and decision-making, while developing practical strategies to improve self-worth, restore functioning, and achieve personal, educational, career, and relationship goals. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches, I tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, strengths, cultural background, and life experiences. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival, reclaim their sense of self, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

My name is Jeremiah, and I am a professional counselor who understands what it is like to be on both sides of the therapeutic process. Having spent over 25 years in recovery and worked through my own experiences with trauma, I bring both professional training and personal insight to the counseling relationship. I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, and addiction. My approach combines traditional talk therapy with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process painful experiences, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier beliefs about themselves and their lives. I believe healing is possible, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward lasting change.

After graduating university, I taught English in Japan and Vietnam for five years. I developed an empathetic patience and ability to work with people from different backgrounds than myself by living in foreign countries where I had no connection. Upon my return to the United States, I began applying my patience and people skills by working in the mental health field for the past ten years until becoming licensed as a therapist.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has clinical experience in medical social work, home health, geriatrics, and end of life care. I am looking forward to building my clinical practice with Grow. I am trained in CBT techniques and use a strengths and system based approach to my work. My full time work is managing a team of social workers and support staff in Hospice. I bring a caring, client-centered and practical approach to my work.

My name is Chiwoo. I enjoy working with individuals who struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. As a recovering people-pleaser myself, I understand the challenge of being your authentic self while trying to meet other people's expectations. In therapy, I combine evidence-based approaches with my own healing journey to help you feel less alone, build self-trust, and live with more confidence.

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate in Leadership from Evangel University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Specializing in women’s issues has been a deeply meaningful focus of my work, and I consider it an honor to be entrusted with my clients’ stories. Rooted in my Christian faith, my approach is grounded in both compassion and clinical excellence. I strive to provide care that is evidence-based, ethical, spiritually sensitive, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a university professor, where I have the joy of teaching, training, and supervising graduate students on their path to becoming licensed therapists.

Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.

I’m a mental health provider who believes healing happens when we feel seen, supported, and connected to our own inner wisdom. My work blends evidence‑based approaches with a gentle, holistic lens, helping you better understand your patterns, reconnect with your body, and build a life that feels steadier and more aligned. I show up with warmth, clarity, and respect for your lived experience, and I’m committed to creating a space where you can move at your own pace and feel supported in meaningful, sustainable change.

PLEASE NOTE: I specialize in Gerontology. I believe in empowering older adults by fostering independence, resilience and sense of identity. Aging is a journey that should be met with dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth. By actively listening, providing tailored support, and encouraging self-determination, I can help older adults maintain their autonomy and confidence. Resilience is nurtured through meaningful connections, purposeful activities, and a focus on strengths rather than limitations. I am committed to honoring an individual's experiences, celebrating their uniqueness, and creating environments where people feel valued and capable. I challenge stereotypes about aging and promote a vision of later life filled with possibility and fulfillment.

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and enjoy being a guide on your journey to find your spark again. I use a humanistic approach to better understand the whole picture of who you are, where you come from, and the life you want to live. Keeping a warm and healing space, let us talk about all the things and nothings because I will listen. You are heard. You are not alone. Everyone has a story, but not everyone has an audience.

Welcome, my name is Kiran and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #28451) with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in and provide mental health support to people dealing with fertility issues, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2002. In 2005, I started working on the maternal-child health floor in a hospital setting where I was able to help patients experiencing grief, loss, postpartum depression, and medical trauma. My passion truly lies in working with individuals going through their journeys and challenges in pregnancy, childbirth, any type of loss, adoptions, or surrogacies. In 2019, I struggled with my own loss of losing my father and felt it was the right time to move on from the medical field in the hospital setting to a smaller medical setting. Working as a preceptor in this new smaller medical setting, I quickly realized that this was not my calling as I began to miss working with the perinatal population. Soon after, I was given an opportunity to provide mental health therapy to the perinatal population and I believe this remains my calling. I am of Asian descent and love learning about everyone's family histories, cultures, foods, etc.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Artist based in Southern California. I studied art therapy at Loyola Marymount University and have been a practicing since 2018. I enjoy facilitating art-making during telehealth sessions when a client is interested in using art as a part of their process. I am excited and hopeful to get to be a part of your journey

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Pasadena, passionate about helping people move past the patterns that make them feel "stuck." As an Asian American therapist, I understand the unique pressures of navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the pursuit of success. Life often feels like a constant cycle of trying to keep up—with professional demands, relationships, or heavy expectations. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to "perform" or have all the answers. Instead, we can slow down and really look at what’s happening beneath the surface of your life. I work with introspective individuals ready for deeper change. Many of my clients are high-achievers who have "made it" on the outside, but internally battle feelings of shame, people-pleasing, or boundary struggles. Whether you’re processing complex family history, navigating identity challenges, or feeling burnt out, I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach blends two core principles: understanding your history and listening to your body. I use an intersubjective approach, which means we work together—using our relationship as a window into how you connect with the world. I also integrate the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) to help you get more comfortable in your own skin. This is about more than just insight; it’s about learning to calm your nervous system so you can navigate life without feeling constantly on edge. Ultimately, I want to help you move toward a life that feels authentically yours. By bringing hidden patterns into the light, we can reclaim your stability and freedom. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past alone.

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience. I have earned two master’s degrees from California Baptist University and am currently pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I truly love the work I do and feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself. I’m also a therapist who is honest and direct—I will gently challenge you at times, because I believe growth happens when you are supported and encouraged to step outside of what feels comfortable. Together, we’ll build a strong connection and work toward the goals that matter most to you. I believe in your ability to grow, heal, and create meaningful change, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge and have been practicing for 12 years. I am a diplomate of The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As a licensed therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am committed to helping clients identify and transform negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional difficulties. Through CBT, therapy focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives. My goal as a therapist is to support you in understanding and overcoming the challenges you face, while equipping you with the tools and strategies needed for long-term success. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach, we will work together to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker in California with extensive experience supporting youth in schools, foster adolescents, and young adults. In recent years, I’ve focused on helping young adults navigate the emotional and psychological barriers that hinder educational and career goals. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and individualized, client-centered care. I aim to create a supportive, compassionate space where clients feel understood and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges. My clinical approach emphasizes strengthening self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and building the motivation needed to pursue personal goals. I use a nonjudgmental, down-to-earth style that helps clients feel safe enough to do honest work. Much of our focus includes identifying and unpacking past trauma and the unhelpful beliefs or patterns that contribute to emotional, psychological, and physical distress. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients move toward a healthier, more grounded, and more fulfilling life.

I am a licensed psychotherapist and hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. I have over 30 years experience and have performed thousands of hours of counseling. I have worked across a broad spectrum of mental health settings including private practice, CPS, Residential Treatment Centers, substance abuse facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and conducted psychiatric evaluations in a hospital ER. I've seen it all and dealt with it all. My life’s work has been dedicated to assisting people overcoming problems, and living happier, more rewarding and fulfilling lives.

I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters. I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working—and at this point, that’s pretty clear. My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it. Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes—sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive and empowering space for individuals who are ready to deepen their self-understanding, heal from past experiences, and create more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. I work especially closely with women and people of color who may be navigating the unique emotional impacts of cultural expectations, generational patterns, systemic stress, and life transitions. I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, burnout, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are high-functioning individuals who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel exhausted, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. Therapy can be a place where you finally slow down, reflect, and focus on your own needs.

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, Virginia, 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.

“Sometimes, you have to make a decision that will break your heart but heal your soul.” - Trent Shelton. Sometimes you just can’t. Can’t say no, can’t find motivation, can’t sit through another meeting, can’t stop worrying, can’t wear the mask and pretend to be okay, and/or can’t get out of bed. The list goes on, because at some point or another, we all feel like our struggle is too much to handle. But “trouble don’t last always” and you do not have to face your battles alone. Through a solutions-focused and person-centered approach, my goal is to help you nourish you. I help clients find solutions to issues involving boundaries, self-care, time management, trauma, and stress. Together we can visualize, explore, and define who you are and what you want out of life.

I'm Elizabeth, a bilingual licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree from Indiana University. My goal is to touch, move and inspire all those I come in contact with. I am passionate about empowering people in all aspects of life. I help people embrace their authentic self, develop compassion towards self and others, and live a meaningful life through transformation and healing.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I am certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 25 years of experience working with a very diverse range of folks (women, men, the LGBTQ community, those living with HIV,People of Color, those dealing with substance use issues). I enjoy working with people who are seeking a caring, compassionate, understanding person who listens and offers a hand up while they battle back against depression and anxiety. I also enjoy supporting people who are struggling with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and employ a powerful tool (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy) that is clinically shown to greatly reduce OCD symptoms.

I approach life with curiosity and a sense of purpose. I have worked in the mental health field for the last 8 years from nonprofit organizations, outpatient substance abuse facilities, crisis on call agencies and the judicial system. Prior to my experience as a marriage and family therapist, I was a stand up comic. I try to bring humor into the room whenever possible as I believe laughter is the best medicine.

I am a 10 year veteran therapist who believes in the uniqueness of every person I help to realize their special potential. I know people have the capacity to make meaningful changes in their lives that contribute to greater happiness and fulfillment. I never give up even on the most daunting issues that plaque my client's well being. I stand as a strong support of what is right for the client and help to reveal the fastest courses to achieve personal goals. Together we work magic in altering the most perplexing of realities.