Blue Shield Therapists in Sacramento, CA

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and California. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force and work with many service members, family members, and veterans. I have worked with clients who have experienced struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and career transitions. I partner with you as a reflective, healing presence in the midst of uncertainty and persistent change.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work full time with veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I see clients in the evenings or weekends. I enjoy helping clients to navigate life changes, process feelings, and learn healthy coping strategies. Sessions with me will be comfortable, relaxed and productive. I see California clients only. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! I'm Anthony. Ever find that you're spending too much time in your head? Do you find that worrying is interfering or making it harder to manage all of life's stresses? Are you struggling to remain present in the here-and-now? I help individuals address their anxiety, depression, and stress that may be impacting their ability to keep up with life's responsibilities. Together, we'll explore all the qualities of what makes you, you. Utilizing, what we discover, as some sort of blueprint, to improve or expand upon. I have an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based techniques that best fit your needs. If you experience unplanned life events/changes, anxiety, depression, or stress disrupting your flow in life. Know that you're not alone and we'll take it on together. Be ready to learn, adapt, and grow your skills and resources to conquer all that life throws your way. Lastly, I want to thank you for seeking therapy to enhance your mental health well-being. It's a difficult decision to open yourself up and accept help. I look forward to meeting you!

Hello I'm Jessica! I am a therapist with a passion for supporting maternal/paternal and prenatal mental mental health, I understand the unique challenges and joys that come with starting a family and raising children, as well as those with special needs such as ADHD and autism. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for moms and parents to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to develop the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. With a compassionate and strengths-based approach, we will work collaboratively to identify your goals and priorities, and develop a personalized plan for achieving them. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, or simply looking for a supportive and understanding ally on your journey, I am here to help. With years of experience and training in various therapeutic modalities, I am committed to providing evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual client. My ultimate goal is to help moms and parents feel empowered, resilient, and confident in their ability to care for themselves and their families.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master's in 2017 and have been practicing in the mental health field since. I have about 3 years of experience working as an African American Special Skills Clinician where I provided clinical therapy services to clients who requested a Black Therapist. I help adults struggling with trauma, racial issues, family issues, depression, and anxiety to reframe and be the author of their own story.

Hello! I'm a Hmong-American therapist based in California with experience working with BIPOC and underserved communities of color. I also have experience working in Child Protective Services where I supported children and biological, foster, and adopted parents in the foster care system. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, or life transitions. My approach is empathetic and client centered. As needed, I also press and push for accountability to help clients work toward the change they desire.

As an integrative therapist, I use the approach/es that most resonate with you to help you understand the causes to your distress as well as identify ways to help you cope in a personalized manner and attain your goals. With validation, compassion, an open-mindset, and flexibility to healing, I can help you be, do and feel better to live a happier life. Taking care of yourself and establishing your boundaries are key. Please feel free to ask me any questions, and I'll reply as soon as possible. I deeply care about each person I do therapy for and can provide necessary referrals. You've made it this far! Continue taking the steps towards booking your therapy session and strengthen yourself. My best to you!

Hello I've been doing therapy for over 15 years, helping various needs. I'm a licensed LMFT that has assisted children, teens , adults and families in learning new skills. I've worked as a substance abuse counselor, Foster care social worker, Community Therapist and School counselor. As i continue to grow, i hope to help utilize my knowledge and experience to help others be their best self to manage, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, build confidence, self esteem building, transgender issues, and various other situations. It's a joy to walk help people within their search for healing, insight, and empowerment. Sometimes it is hard to access the inner guide we have due to outside influences, fear, doubt, or from being out of alignment. Asking for help is one of the hardest things you can do, but can be very rewarding. As a therapist, I strive to help you connect to your authentic self in order to help you have more for filling experiences on your life journey. I applaud your courage for taking the first steps towards positive change through therapy. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.

Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW # 87376 I have experience working with individuals across all age groups and within diverse multicultural settings. I begin by meeting clients where they are, whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. My practice is centered on compassionate, client-focused care. My journey began working with at-risk youth prior to college, which inspired me to continue outreach with individuals and groups facing significant challenges. This path ultimately led me to the field of Social Work. Through Telehealth, I have been able to expand my practice into new areas, taking on challenges that continue to drive my passion for this work.

I'd say my upbringing inspired me from my home to school. I have seen and heard mental health being mentioned as important and encouraged to take care of. I'd say full circle of having gone to therapy, becoming a therapist, and providing therapy is rewarding in itself, I'd have to put a paragraph explaining why, so I'll leave it as that. I look at therapy as a unique relationship that both mirrors and overlaps qualities of a good friend, parent, sibling, partner, etc., where both the therapist and client focus on tackling the concerns he/she presents in therapy.

Hi! I'm Susanna Franchi. I have been working in the mental health field over twenty years. I earned my Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am very dedicated in doing my best work in sessions with clients to help them improve and lead satisfied lives. It has been rewarding seeing my clients improve and grow which has given me continued motivation to continue my work as a therapist.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My passion for counseling started in 6th grade where I was nominated to be a peer counselor and I saw the power of how communication, active reflective listening and conflict resolution could shift relationships. I grew up in a chaotic household and studying psychology helped me to develop compassion, empathy and understanding where there was profound pain. My own experience with trauma, depression and anxiety helps me to understand clients from a lived perspective.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, but also licensed in Oregon. I received my masters from California State University Bakersfield and have been licensed for more than five years. I have experience with kids, teens, and adults. I have worked in a Group Home, in Homeless Services, and in Forensics, so I have a varied experience. I am currently working on my AASECT sex therapist certification that will be completed by the end of 2025.

My name is Sue Fry Van Rheenen, a licensed Psychologist in Nevada City, California. I have 30 plus years of experience working with adults, couples and youth. I have experience in working with a wide range of concerns that include depression, anxiety and self-esteem. My focus is exploring and identifying those patterns of behavior that interfere with one's ability to find balance and productivity. I work with my clients to change these patterns and to establish a new way of being where happiness can be better realized. My goal is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where my client can meet those challenges that require courage and patience. I am here to support you in this process.

My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.

Hello and welcome. Psychotherapy is a transformative tool to assist you in centering your mind, body, and spirit. There is no need to limit your life or extend your suffering, I can help you find the relief you’ve been searching for. I’m trained, licensed, and competent in various evidence based practices. In honor of the diverse and multicultural world we live in; along with my own life experiences. As of result of this, I have evolved into an experienced Integrative Therapist. Truly believing and knowing, our minds, our bodies and our spirits are designed to heal themselves. Honoring life, as a whole and healing from the inside out. I'd like to thank you in advance for caring for yourself. Whether you are looking for self-healing or for enhancement. I look forward to meeting and joining you on your healing journey.

Hello, I'm Sarah. Does it ever feel like your thoughts and emotions have a life of their own? Are you unsure what's "wrong" exactly, but you know this isn't the life you want to live? What about having a gut instinct that you experience this world differently than those around you seem to? I'm a therapist who specializes in working with those who are or may be neurodivergent. Professionally, I currently hold credentials highlighting my ability to work with those who are Autistic and ADHD, although neurodiversity covers far more than those two labels. Personally, I'm AuDHD and have been through the "what the?!" experience of late identification. What I have learned officially I carefully and intentionally integrate into my neurodiversity-affirming practice. I believe we of the neurodivergent community are not "wrong," nor do we need to be "fixed." We live in a world that isn't supportive of how our brains naturally work and as such will experience anxiety, depression, identity confusion, sensory struggles, and many other struggles far more than neurotypicals will. If you choose to work with me, I will do my best to help you learn tools and skills to help manage anxiety, masking, depression, burnout, emotional reactivity, executive function struggles, and various other struggles you may be experiencing. However, a large part of our work together will also be around identifying, accepting, and embracing who you are in order to help you identify and pursue a fulfilling life, whatever that looks like.

Great to meet you! Hi. I'm Ninel. After receiving my Master’s in Counseling Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy and spending a few thousand hours on internships, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’ve worked in various settings, from psychiatric hospitals and residential facilities to my practice, in the last ten years. A bit about my approach to therapy Today’s life doesn’t give us the luxury of spare time. We need effective, fast fixes that enable us to get back on our feet and wrestle with life and its demands. I continuously look for opportunities to improve my skill set as a psychotherapist to provide the best possible treatment to my clients. I utilize leading-edge techniques that allow me to help you effectively and efficiently. I’m direct, to the point, don’t sugar-coat things, and my clients love me for that.

My name is Jared and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I have 5 years of professional experience as an individual therapist, family therapist and clinical case manager. I have a school counseling credential and experience working with middle school through 12th grade students, in public schools and young adults who transition into adulthood (TAY). My expertise is helping reduce maladaptive behaviors, anxiety, stress, depression, family conflict, coaching parents, increasing motivation, building a healthy self-esteem, and being self-efficient. My hope is to build a safe space for you to gain insight, build self-awareness, and provide compassion to feel liberated. Therapy helps individuals recognize the roots of their suffering, let go of unhealthy attachments, and develop mindfulness. Therapy can provide a structured path to an idealized future by helping individuals heal, grow, and act with greater clarity, compassion, and responsibility.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health facilities and organizations for over 18 years and have been a LMFT for 6 years. I have experience working with: -Runaway teen youth (12-17 years old) -Children with autism/ADHD (under 12 years old) -Parenting Skills and Anger Management instructor -Transitional Aged-Youth (16-25 years old) -Adult psychiatric hospital setting -Adult outpatient treatment centers -Adults with disabilities (assisting living independently) -Integrative-Health in a health clinic (ages 5 - 65+ year olds). Working with many age groups and ranges throughout my career has humbled me to believe we are all in a quest to maintain a good quality of life within all phases of life. Let's meet to discuss ways we could work together for you to reach your desired outcomes!

I am accepting new clients either VIRTUAL/VIDEO or IN-PERSON for psychotherapy. I've worked in Mental Health since 1997. Sometimes we may need someone available for to process life experiences. As a therapist, I provide a safe place where you can be vulnerable about painful behaviors, thoughts, & feelings. Perhaps you're feeling sad, angry, anxious, confused, or emotionally paralyzed. If motivated, you can manage negative thoughts, change unhealthy behaviors, engaging in healthy relationships, or end destructive patterns. I also work with clients to address memories related to traumatic events. The type of therapy used to treat your needs, may be either long term psychodynamic psychotherapy, or short term treatment modalities such as CBT, MI, CPT, ACT, PE, DBT, or EFT (couples), depending upon what is appropriate. Psychotherapy requires a client commitment of time and effort in- and out- of sessions for those compelled to make life changes. I work with a wide range of individuals and issues.

Hi. My name is Jody Evans and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for the past 10 years. I graduated from Pepperdine university top of my class. I help adults struggling with depression, anxiety and addictions to learn coping skills to manage these disorders. I can provide individual, couples or family therapy. I have experience working with individuals who are going through divorce or any life transition.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing treatment and care for vulnerable populations, including children and adults who require trauma-informed therapy, such as foster youth and individuals affected by domestic violence and/or interpersonal violence (IPV). My therapeutic approach utilizes attachment theory in combination with trauma-informed care, focusing on the development of skills for regulation, healthy communication, and boundaries.

With over 10 years of experience as a social worker and mental health professional, I am passionate about helping individuals step into their future. Working on empowerment, healing, and guiding through the complexity of life. My approach to providing treatment is rooted in empathy and active listening. I make it a priority to check in with clients regularly to ensure they feel supported and heard. I believe in allowing clients to guide me through their own journey, honoring their autonomy and lived experiences, while also providing gentle guidance and appropriate challenges to foster growth and resilience.

Hello my name is Virginia Myricks, LMFT and my goal is to encourage, challenge and empower you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I understand that every individual struggles with life challenges in their own unique way and it would be my pleasure to work with you on identifying your goals, offering treatment interventions that are best suited to your individual needs and to assist you in experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of twenty-six years and have worked with a variety of patients across multiple specialties. I also have a master's degree in Public Health with a focus on behavioral epidemiology. I've worked in medical social work, with patients in oncology, physical rehabilitation and dialysis. In this way, I have a robust understanding of both the physical and mental aspects of my clients.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 15 years of professional work experience. With Grow Therapy, I am looking to help clients with anxiety, family/relationship issues, trauma, and shame & self esteem. I also have experience with developing interpersonal & communication skills directed toward challenging situations. I work with my clients to create a safe, validating, and non-judgemental environment. Taking a step to make improvements and build skills is a step closer to a better, happier quality of life. I am here to support you in that process.

Cynthia Rose has 20 years of experience working within the mental health field in the US and Europe. She has extensive experience treating mental health and substance abuse issues in jail and probation populations, domestic violence offenders, active and retired military personnel, and emergency mental health providers. She is an LMFT, is certified in DBT and is trained in EMDR as well as other modalities that can help.

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 have recently been certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 20 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 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.

My name is Joey Dolowy, (yes it rhymes and yes it is my name, enjoy) and I have been a professional therapist since June of 1998: I have pursued psychology and addiction since a friend over dosed and died when I was 13. I am motivated to help everyone who asks me, it feeds my spirit and it is such a huge part of my identity. I want to help you and I want to hear your story: please contact me and see if my style fits your needs: CHEERS.

I’m Herschel O’Brien, a clinical counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed, client-centered care. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, narrative therapy, and systems thinking. Whether you're facing trauma, mood instability, or life transitions, I offer a safe space where healing is possible and meaningful growth can take root. I believe in empowering clients to become the authors of their own lives, with clarity, confidence, and emotional insight.

Hi! I’m Emily Cortés, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide a supportive space for individuals to explore challenges and build healthier ways of relating. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood as we work together toward meaningful change. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I’ll meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you’d like to be.

Hello, I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California, I live in the Palm Springs area of Southern Cal. My goal in life is to assist others with their mental health challenges and provide them with tools and education that will help them successfully manage these challenges. I look forward to seeing you in one of my sessions.

Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”

I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My approach to therapy is integrative and personalized, drawing from a variety of modalities-including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Humanistic Therapy. I believe that meaningful change begins with self-awareness and compassionate understanding. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck, I’m here to help you identify what’s holding you back and support you in reaching your personal goals. Through CBT and DBT, I help clients challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build emotional resilience. With Brainspotting and EMDR, we can gently access and process unresolved trauma and deeply held emotional pain. My humanistic lens ensures that our work always centers on your unique values, strengths, and capacity for growth. No matter where you are on your journey, I’ll meet you with empathy, encouragement, and practical tools to help you move forward. My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life.

I’m Vanessa (she/her), a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals facing stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to build self-determination, practical strategies, and radical self-love. My approach is holistic and informed by trauma-informed care and various therapeutic modalities. Together, we explore your unique experiences, heal past wounds, and reconnect with your inner strengths, empowering you to create lasting growth, resilience, and deeper self-awareness. I believe in the transformative power of connection and support, and I’m here to guide you on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

Have you just ended or started a relationship, career path and feel unsure of the decision? Have you just had a baby and feel completely lost? Are you struggling to help your child with life's challenges? All of us have experienced one, if not all of these life transitions. These different life changes may be normal, necessary transitions, but at times can be very overwhelming and challenging to manage. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in maternal mental health, life transitions, relational conflicts, and parenting. I aim to build an empathic and understanding relationship with women and families struggling with postpartum depression, separation or divorce, and parenting. I am bilingual in English and Vietnamese.

I am a licensed MFT clinician in California with 6 years of eclectic psychotherapy work experience. I thrive on collaborating/working with clients to help them process and manage stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, a distorted sense of self, trauma from individual/familial abuse as well as the systemic factors therein, schizophrenia spectrum challenges/symptoms, and personality disorders (e.g., antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while maintaining strong/healthy boundaries. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs as we work through what you desire to focus on. I have worked with a variety of clients in different mental health organizations and schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. I am comfortable and have experience working with trauma-related stress disorders, major depression, personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality), isolation/loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders/symptoms. I treat both adults and older teens (18 and over) through individual psychotherapy. I believe in treating everyone with emotional sensitivity while maintaining strong clinical/ethical boundaries. However, gentle confrontations may be needed as a way to bring awareness to certain aspects of the work, though I am mostly collaborative in working with my client's areas of concern, which they want to focus on during sessions. I ask (Socratic) questions based on therapeutic timing and will provide evidence-based psychoeducation when needed, always moving the session with clinical intuition as the process unfolds.

Hello, my name is Deserae, and welcome to my profile! As a licensed clinical social worker, I am passionate about supporting individuals in identifying their own path toward their mental health goals. With a Master's degree in Social Work with an Emphasis on Hispanic Culture from Our Lady of the Lake University, I bring a diverse background and skill set to my therapy practice.

If you’re a client who works with me, you can trust that you have a therapist with the highest level of education and training (B.A from Princeton; Ph.D. from UCLA), extensive experience working with individuals and couples, and a record of professional accomplishment (University Professor, Director of a Graduate Program in Counseling, author of multiple books and articles in the areas of Clinical Psychology and Human Development.) In addition to my work in psychology, I have a background in the creative arts as a Grammy award-winning songwriter and a published novelist. Because of this added dimension, some of my clients have welcomed suggestions for excellent stories, novels, movies, or television shows that depict characters who face similar challenges to their own and our discussions of these works and characters have provided these clients with another valuable source of understanding and growth. On a personal note, I grew up on the East Coast before relocating to California and I’m the father of two daughters.

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering compassionate, client-centered therapy to pregnant women, adolescents, adults, and immigrant families. I’ve supported clients adjusting to HIV diagnoses and navigating parent-child dynamics. My approach is soft, grounding, and collaborative. I hold space for emotions while offering practical tools for growth, with the goal of supporting your healing until you feel ready to thrive independently.

I know what it’s like to face adversity, and I understand how overwhelming grief and loss can feel. Whether you're coping with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change, you're not meant to go through it alone. Grief can make it hard to see a way forward, but healing is possible. With support and guidance, you can begin to process your pain, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover joy and meaning in your life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping many individuals navigate the complex emotions of grief. And I truly believe that no matter where you are right now, there is hope for a brighter future.

For over 10 years, my work spanned from court advocacy to case management for immigrant and underserved communities in Los Angeles. I have worked in community mental health providing culturally responsive therapeutic services including harm reduction and crisis counseling. Rooted in social justice, my work as a therapist is an extension of my passion in helping others empower themselves and assist in their healing journey.

Hi, whether you are considering therapy for the first time or returning after a break, effective therapy begins with a good "fit." I have lived experience as a consumer of mental health services which inspired me to become a licensed therapist to address the gaps I experienced when receiving help. I have worked with, over the past 35 years, as a substance abuse counselor (most recent 5 years as Marriage and Family Therapist) in outpatient, inpatient, child welfare, children's system of care, probation, mediation, in-custody, crisis intervention, hospitalization, opiate addiction treatment, severely mentally ill, unhoused and dual diagnosis treatment, as well as, private practice. I feel that listening, compassion and understanding are very important in a dismissive world. I enjoy lifting others up to help them reach their full potential, however, I will address times when your growth hits a "stuck point" or a setback. These can happen. I enjoy working together with others in a spirit of humility, curiosity, and authenticity.

I bring over 38 years of experience in the mental health field, having worked in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, community clinics, as well as in private practice settings. I am bilingual and bicultural, and throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds in improving their mental health and reaching their personal goals. My areas of specialization include: Depression and anxiety Trauma Grief and loss ADHD and executive functioning challenges Substance abuse and recovery Couples and family dynamics Mental health disorders—especially anxiety and depression—are among the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, with chronic and toxic stress often at the root of these conditions. The good news is that, when properly diagnosed and treated, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health concerns can be stabilized and even reversed—allowing individuals to return to their routines and rediscover a healthier, more fulfilling life. If you entrust me with your mental health care, I will offer you not only my clinical expertise and decades of experience, but also unconditional support, deep respect, and a commitment to helping you heal, grow, and thrive.

Sometimes ordinary psychotherapy just isn’t “it”. Most people who come into my practice come due to persistent sexual and emotional problems that regular psychotherapy analyzed, but did not effectively facilitate. Sometimes, “How does it make you feel?” Is simply too little and not sufficient for change. You are left feeling an inventory of your issues, but not much change. You will likely find me quite different to the above. I don’t fit the mold and this is intentional because traditional psychotherapy frustrates me and I need to bring about relief and real change. I am extroverted and high-energy. I am an active and verbose facilitator, and you come because you desire to do the hard work on yourself. It is my honor to serve. I help emotional/sexual/abuse traumas heal using bilateral stimulation known as tapping, and positive psychotherapy. We laugh together! I work with fathers as well. I teach men how to listen effectively, for conflict resolution and to learn how to validate your mate and yourself for deeper relaxation and communion as a pair. What people are saying: "She blew my mind! I feel so much better." "I should have done this years ago." "Now I have the mental tools to be effective. I have "proof of concept". This is all worth it." "This is rewarding to share; I can provide my kids with tools they can use growing up." "This has had such an impact on my life." "I feel Great!" "You are the best psychotherapist I have ever had, and I have seen plenty of them!"

I have been in practice for 15 years. I do my best to meet new clients where they’re at and allow them to identify what they want to work on. I try my best to be kind, but direct. I value clients time and understand it’s often difficult to begin the therapy process. I allow clients to set the and honor the therapeutic process. Life is hard! And I’m here to help

Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a therapist in California, and I have 13 years of experience supporting clients of all ages. I specialize in working with young adults, and enjoy helping clients navigate life transitions. I'm also passionate about working with survivors of trauma, and have particular experience helping people work through developmental and childhood trauma. My approach integrates practical, day-to-day strategies combined with emotional exploration, helping you gain insights into your thoughts and feelings. When I'm not wearing my therapist hat, I love reading, watching too much reality TV, and spending time with my family.

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're facing a specific issue or simply looking for support and growth, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. With over 13 years of clinical experience, I bring a deep well of knowledge and compassion to our work together. I specialize in supporting clients through communication challenges, conflict resolution, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I genuinely look forward to learning about your story. My diverse background working with individuals from many walks of life helps me build meaningful connections across cultures and experiences. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and goals.