Therapists in California

Hey there, I'm Mersedeh, but feel free to call me Mary! Are you currently feeling a bit stuck, like life's lost its sparkle? Do you sometimes wonder if change is just a myth? Are you missing the thrill of those early relationship days when everything felt like an adventure? Or maybe you're on a quest to cultivate healthier connections, both with yourself and the people around you. And if you've got some not-so-great habits you'd like to change, we've all been there. Guess what? I'm here to lend a friendly ear and a warm heart. Let's chat and work on bringing some sunshine with a warm smile and a can-do attitude, back into your life! I'm here to help you tap into the wisdom of your own experiences, and together, we'll create a nurturing space for healing and growth. My goal is to empower you, helping you understand what might be holding you back and guiding you through it. We'll embark on this journey using an evidence-based approach tailored to the unique needs of your mind, body, and spirit, ultimately restoring balance in your life. I'm passionate about incorporating Psychoanalysis, mindfulness, and art techniques to foster a deeper and more loving connection with yourself. Taking the step to seek therapy is a courageous move, one that demonstrates your commitment to healing your emotional wounds. Be proud of yourself for prioritizing your well-being, and let's work together to achieve the positive changes you're seeking! 🌱😊

Hello! I am an experienced and compassionate therapist dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges and find their path to emotional well-being. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth and healing. **Please note I currently have no availability for evening appointments.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Hi I’m a licensed professional counselor based in Georgia, also licensed in California. I received my Masters degree from Argosy University and I have been practicing in a mental health field for over 20 years. I help adults of all ages struggling with everyday stressors, grief, anxiety, depression, issues with addiction, relationship issues, work stress etc. to assist and support in finding ways to manage these issues

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.

Hi!! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California with 10 years of clinical experience in various mental health settings. The focus of my work is on children, adolescents, adults, and families. I believe the therapeutic process should be an integrative and collaborative approach toward healing, recognizing that every person has a unique history. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. Thank you for trusting me in your journey to healing. I look forward to working with you.

As an ABOLITIONIST, I believe in *literally* abolishing police, prisons, & all other forms of state violence. I am happy to discuss in-depth but for now, know that I am most heavily oriented in the work of folx like Project Nia; Interrupting Criminalization; Equitable Care Certification, and Survived & Punished. Of course, I am still deepening my learning and praxis, as one ought. As a RESOURCE MAVEN, I facilitate linkages to information & resources to support people’s wellbeing. Meaning I actually make the calls with you, etc., if wanted/needed. This type of support is a major source of joy for me & something that I’m happy to help with! I’m a FACILITATOR of JOY because, as a Queer, Disabled, Neurodivergent, fat, Gender Nonconforming Black person, I place special emphasis on helping marginalized folx find and (re)create joy in a world that denies us joy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is on understanding the environmental and contextual factors at play in your life. I come to therapy with a trauma-informed/healing-centered perspective and work collaboratively with you on determining what kinds of interventions are best suited for your needs. My approach is laid back and can be viewed as “coachy,” meaning I ask questions and provide feedback to help you figure out solutions that will work for your life. I also encourage you to bring your creative and spiritual practices to therapy, so if you want to include art, tarot, crystals, ancestor reverence, etc., we can do that!

I believe that healing happens when we embrace our most authentic selves. My practice is built on a holistic, down-to-earth approach—one that honors the mind-body connection, values lived experience, and meets you exactly where you are. With a background in behavioral science and therapy, I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers of children with complex diagnoses, families navigating behavioral challenges, and adults seeking deep, sustainable change. Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, an individual exploring alternative lifestyles, or someone ready to break old patterns, I offer a judgment-free space to realign with your truth. Together, we’ll blend evidence-based strategies with intuitive, heart-centered care—because transformation isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about rediscovering who you were always meant to be. Let's get you back to you.

I am a very straightforward, direct clinician. I work best with motivated clients who may not have the answers but are ready and willing to do the work. I have significant experience working with clients at all levels of care in substance use and mental health treatment. I enjoy untangling ruptures and attachment styles to provide insight around what the underlying issues you are currently struggling with. I am proud and excited to launch my private practice to focus on this client base.

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, 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.

In my role as a mindfulness-based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to delve into their inner workings with a sense of compassion and empathy. I emphasize the importance of being fully present in the current moment and embracing a mindset of acceptance without criticism in my therapeutic approach. Furthermore, I prioritize guiding clients toward cultivating a deep sense of self-compassion and understanding, recognizing these as fundamental elements for personal advancement and emotional reconciliation. By integrating mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, I actively assist clients in developing an enhanced self-awareness and fostering a compassionate outlook on their experiences.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I have years of experience working with teens and older, with a primary focus on working with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before.