Therapists in California

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Maurer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've been working as a clinical therapist since 2017. I graduated with my MSW from Cal State University, Los Angeles and became licensed in 2021. I became a social worker because it aligned well with my belief in social justice and working as a therapist has only strengthened this belief. I am lucky to really love what I do and I feel honored to get to witness my clients' growth in the therapeutic process.

​Hi, I’m Patricia Hernandez, LCSW. I help mothers and women find their footing in the beautiful, messy transition of parenthood. My therapy style is a mix of deep root-work (Psychodynamic) and real-life tools (PCIT & CBT), always grounded in a Somatic and cultural perspective. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy; I meet you where you are to challenge the systems that weigh you down and celebrate the traditions that lift you up. Let’s work together to nurture your healing and your family’s future.

Hi there! Its great to connect with you! I’m Sarah Haase, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and founder of Haase Therapy, Inc., where I help teens, young adults, and families feel more grounded, confident, and in control during life’s most challenging transitions. I specialize in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or unsure how to manage anxiety, emotions, or relationships. My approach is collaborative, practical, and compassionate, blending evidence-based therapies with real-life tools that clients can use beyond the therapy room to create meaningful, lasting change.

Hello! I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist who graduated from San Jose State Univerisity and licensed as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in California. I love pets and have 2 cats that I have adopted. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and have a deep understanding of Mexican culture, allowing me to offer culturally responsive care to individuals. I enjoy working with children, parents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, grief, or the effects of trauma. Working with children, youth, and mothers holds a special place in my heart. As a mother and therapist, I understand the importance of feeling seen, supported, and connected.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. University of California, Berkeley (UCB) for the AB in English and University of San Francisco (USF) in Counseling. Because of my personal experiences with having seizures when I was younger, I now concentrate on addressing the emotions and hopes and dreams of people who are dealing with the multiple, and often times consuming, issues of having a seizure disorder as well as any combination of realities and histories that equal the seizure experience. Please let me know if I can bring a more balanced picture to your life and those who you value and love in your life as well.

Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.

I have been privileged being a therapist for over 40 years. I have worked as a probation officer, child protection worker and directer of various treatment programs. I have also been in therapy which gives me a perspective of the the value of therapy as both a client and therapist. I enjoy working with folks in the recovery community, first responders and those who had traumatic childhoods. I respect the courage it takes to ask for help. I treat your courage with honor and dignity.

You might be moving through life feeling weighed down by grief, shaken by trauma, or working hard to stay sober while the world keeps spinning around you. Maybe certain memories linger longer than you'd like, or emotions show up in ways that feel too big or too numb. These experiences can make it hard to feel grounded, especially when you're trying to make sense of who you are now. I know how heavy that can feel. In our work together, I bring warmth, respect, and lived understanding, meeting you wherever you are with care and curiosity, and holding space for who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.

Hi, my name is Brent Batter and I am a licensed marriage family therapist that has been practicing with many diverse groups of clients for 16 years now. I received my master's degree from Cal State Hayward and since been working with age ranges of teenagers through persons in their '80s, both male and female, clients with legal issues, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, career decisions/troubles, and I have a passion for working with and seeing clients exceed the goals that they have for themselves.

My therapy approach is always non judgmental, attuned, and integrates active listening as well as unconditional positive regard. In addition, my multicultural personal and professional backgrounds allow me to work with a variety of cultures. Also, I try my best to meet the client where they are and learn where it is they want to be/go in life. This allows me to assist them in accomplishing the aforementioned in compassionate, authentic, and realistic ways. I am big on psychoeducation and insight driven change and or healing. Although emotional regulation based and emotion focused therapy are integrated into my clinical style, I do not utilize them in therapy without cognitive processing, cognitive behavioral, and or acceptance based modalities as well. This is because our beliefs, automatic thoughts, perceptions of ourselves and others play a role in our mental health just as much as our emotional experiences associated with them, they are interconnected.

Hello!!! I’m Nadia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. My background consist of working with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing different levels of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance dependency and trauma. I’ve worked in outpatient settings such as treatment centers with individuals experiencing drug and alcohol dependency, the homeless population and now currently working with veterans. I focus on building strong rapport while also helping clients develop practical coping strategies.

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

Hello, my name is Sonia Gomez, and I am a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. I believe that everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I want you to know that you don't have to face life's challenges alone. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where we can work together to help you better understand yourself, navigate difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to walk alongside you at your own pace. I am fluent in both English and Spanish and am honored to provide therapy in the language that feels most comfortable for you. It is a privilege to be part of each client's journey, and I look forward to helping you build hope, resilience, and the confidence to move toward the life you want.

Are you looking to create a new life narrative-story rooted in your strengths? My life and work experiences working with adults and children experiencing emotional disorders, trauma, anxiety, and life barriers hopefully can help us collaborate on building that new resilient story together. Outside of work, I enjoy various forms of exercise: HIIT workouts, yoga, nutrition topics, science, music , gardening, and traveling. I have an avid interest in learning about other cultures and have lived and studied abroad in Ecuador, South America.

Hello, my name is Steven Nelson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over nine years of clinical experience. While my professional background includes family and relationship therapy, my current focus is working with individuals, helping each person navigate their unique journey toward healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds and professions, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, active-duty military members and their families, nurses, attorneys, and many others facing a wide range of life challenges. Life's difficulties are a natural part of the human experience. At times, individuals may feel isolated in their struggles or believe that no one truly understands what they are going through. These thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, substance use, and other challenges that impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. When left unaddressed, these difficulties can become overwhelming and interfere with one's ability to move forward. I believe that meaningful change is possible through a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapeutic approach. My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can gain insight, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop healthier ways of managing life's challenges. Together, we can work toward healing, personal wellness, and lasting positive change. In addition to my Psychological Therapy license, I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.

I am a licensed mental health therapist with experience across private practice, community, academic, governmental, nonprofit, and corporate settings. As a Vietnamese refugee who has faced profound hardship, I bring a deep understanding of resilience, trauma, and healing to my work. I support individuals, couples, families, and communities navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex cultural, relational transitions. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client, blending evidence-based practices with cultural awareness, trauma-informed care, and spiritual flexibility. I meet clients where they are, honoring their experiences and challenges. Through a collaborative and compassionate process, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and create lasting change—so they heal and thrive. Tôi là một nhà trị liệu sức khỏe tâm thần được cấp phép tại California, với kinh nghiệm trong nhiều môi trường như thực hành tư nhân, cộng đồng, học thuật, chính phủ, tổ chức phi lợi nhuận và doanh nghiệp. Là người tị nạn Việt Nam từng trải qua khó khăn, tôi có sự thấu hiểu sâu sắc về khả năng phục hồi, sang chấn và chữa lành. Tôi làm việc với cá nhân, cặp đôi, gia đình và cộng đồng đối mặt với sang chấn, lo âu, trầm cảm và chuyển đổi phức tạp trong văn hóa, mối quan hệ và cuộc sống. Phương pháp của tôi mang tính tích hợp, điều chỉnh theo từng thân chủ, kết hợp các thực hành dựa trên bằng chứng cùng sự nhạy cảm văn hóa và linh hoạt về tinh thần. Tôi tôn trọng trải nghiệm và bản sắc riêng của mỗi người. Thông qua hợp tác và thấu cảm, tôi hỗ trợ thân chủ phát triển nhận thức, củng cố khả năng phục hồi và tạo ra thay đổi ý nghĩa, bền vững—để họ có thể chữa lành và phát triển.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic, and supportive space for healing and growth. I believe in offering culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental care tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you are seeking guidance through personal challenges or working toward specific goals, I am here to help you navigate the journey with compassion and understanding.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in sunny southern California, living with my partner, of many years, John, and our three cats, three dogs, and tortoise, who by the way, is currently hibernating...and don't we all wish we could do that at times? I have many years of experience working with individuals, and with a varied range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and relationship challenges. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with many ethnic populations. My style is down-to-earth, relatable, at times, direct, and always with a touch of humor. I love what I do and consider it an honor to help you resolve whatever it might be that is holding you back. I look forward to working with you! By the way, a former client recently said: "I am so grateful to have worked with you, you are truly gifted, and I have learned so much!"

Hi, I'm Henry Tran, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy since 2016. For the past seven years, I've worked in a hospital setting, supporting adults through depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, personality disorders, and stress. I've worked with clients across the lifespan, from children to older adults, each bringing their own unique needs and life experiences. This has shaped my ability to adapt and meet people where they are, while grounding my work in a culturally responsive and inclusive lens that honors each client's background and identity. My style is solution-focused and client-centered, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and empowered to grow. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Supportive Therapy, and Mindfulness-based practices, always tailoring our work to fit your unique needs, goals, and pace. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I grew up in Europe, graduated from Pepperdine University in 2007 with MA in clinical Psychology, in practice since then. Married, father of 2. Life can be challenging and certainly has its ups and downs. I strive to assist clients in gaining awareness, understanding, and control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through exploration, self-reflection, and insight, I work with clients and provide the space that is necessary to process, gain insight, and achieve desired change.

My name is Wendy Bertram and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW) based out of Arizona with a Masters in Social Work from ASU. Currently I'm licensed in both Arizona and California, providing both in-person and teleheatlh services. I use a client centered approach and multiple therapy models, depending on your needs. I am here to partner with you to work through the issues causing disruptions in your life and to help you meet your goals. Everyone’s experience is unique, and the therapeutic experience should reflect this. My expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, stress and worry, caregiver stress, and those struggling with the impacts of medical diagnoses. By employing a client-centered approach, I work to foster a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I employ evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, and coping skills for positive change.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist who works with adults navigating anxiety, grief, and complex relationship dynamics. My approach is supportive, grounded, and tailored to your unique needs. I help clients better understand their emotional patterns, process difficult experiences, and build practical tools for lasting change. I also have experience supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence and veterans. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to move forward at your own pace.

Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.

Welcome — You Deserve a Space to Be Seen and Heard As a proud Latinx, cisgender woman and the first in my family to earn a college degree, I understand the strength it takes to navigate multiple worlds — balancing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Living with a vision impairment has deepened my appreciation for how our identities intersect and shape the way we experience life, resilience, and healing. In our work together, I offer a culturally affirming and inclusive space where your story matters. Whether you’re exploring generational patterns, identity, or simply seeking relief from life’s pressures, I bring both personal insight and professional experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s connect and see how therapy can support your growth and well-being.

Seeking therapy is a courageous first step toward healing. You deserve to feel seen and supported. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, grief, and the lasting effects of difficult experiences. I offer a warm, supportive, therapeutic partnership where you can feel understood and empowered to make meaningful change. I have been practicing for 7 years and while I currently provide Telehealth services, I have experience working across a variety of settings including community mental health agencies, within school systems, and in group practice, which has given me the gift of working with individuals from many different walks of life. My approach is integrative and strengths-based, meaning I consider how your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences are interconnected while drawing from approaches including CBT, IFS, attachment theory, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help you build insight, develop practical tools, and create lasting change. I believe healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, and together we’ll build practical tools, deepen self-understanding, and work toward the goals that matter most to you in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and dual diagnoses. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and focused on treating the whole person—I utilize evidence-based and self-empowering modalities to help clients gain insight, heal from within, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Jungian therapy will look at the relationship of your “self” to your experiences and look at problems as a symptom of something deeper. ​ Whether it be a thought or perception, dream, belief, value or current relationship that brings you to therapy, we'll look for what messages are coming to you from within. Tapping into your own creativity, we can use myth and metaphor, poetry, dreams, literature and art to explore your relationship to the problem.

Hello I'm Sonja — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. My path to this work wasn't a straight line and I think that makes me a better clinician. I started with a career in corrections in Arkansas, where I learned early on how to connect with people in difficult circumstances without judgment. That experience shaped how I show up in the therapy room to this day. I transitioned into mental health as a psychiatric technician, working directly with all age groups across inpatient and community settings; providing direct care, facilitating group therapy, and delivering individual therapy during my internship and later as a registered clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. By the time I became fully licensed, I had accumulated nearly a decade of real-world clinical experience across some of the most demanding settings in behavioral health..

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping people feel more grounded, confident, and supported. I have extensive experience working with adults and older adults from various backgrounds facing emotional issues and complicated medical conditions. I specialize in supporting individuals managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and caregiver stress, as well as those seeking guidance in building healthier relationships and improving self-esteem. My work is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration-creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I’m a licensed therapist who supports individuals healing from trauma and navigating anxiety, depression, financial stress, relationship challenges, and the impact of toxic or high-stress work environments. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and grounded in family systems and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I help clients build self-understanding, emotional resilience, and self-compassion in a warm, affirming space where all parts of you are welcome—especially the ones shaped by stress, responsibility, or past experiences that deserve care and understanding.

I am a warm, empathetic, and eclectic therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through healing and growth. As a bilingual, trauma‐informed Latina clinician, I specialize in working with teens and adults (13+) navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, immigration‐related stress, and women’s issues. My approach centers on creating a safe, culturally attuned space where your story is honored and your strengths guide the path towards healing.

My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT, harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.

Hello, I'm Elysa Thangchaipinyokul, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving adults throughout California. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and have over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. Raised in a first-generation immigrant family, I understand how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences can shape emotional well-being and relationships. I strive to provide a supportive, culturally responsive environment where clients feel understood, challenged, and empowered to grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I believe therapy should feel like a safe space where you can be heard, gain insight, and develop practical tools to create meaningful change. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while tailoring treatment to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for change, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

As a bilingual (English and Mandarin) social worker, I believe in meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. My experiences living across cultures and exploring different aspects of identity have shaped my appreciation for the diverse paths people take in life. Through our journey together, I will walk alongside you as you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and healing.

My name is Jacob Lapides and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and I have been in this field for over 10 years now. I am a Holistic therapist who likes to focus on healing an individual from all aspects including mind-body wellness. I bring an eclectic skill set of many different therapeutic approaches and orientations so that I can use different techniques to find the best tools and interventions to help and support whoever I am working with.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, providing various services to adults and families. My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and insight-oriented with a holistic focus on the mind-body continuum. My style, while rooted in empathy, is also very direct. I will act as your mirror in order to help you see yourself more clearly. I also utilize positive psychology and strength-based approaches to help clients identify ways to increase their quality of life. Clients often walk away from therapy feeling heard, hopeful, and willing to attempt homework to improve their lives.

Hola hola! First off, proud of you for exploring the option of therapy, it is not easy to take that first step. My name is Alanna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in California. I genuinely enjoy supporting my clients through the therapeutic process. My approach is collaborative, culturally minded, authentic (pain is real), and based on evidence and truth. Whether it is a faith crisis, recent or historical traumatic event, challenges with your relationship with food/ body image, or navigating new life changes; I am here to walk alongside you in this season. In our sessions together, let's be real and identify the key area of struggle so you can move forward empowered and free.

Hello! I am an attachment based therapist that also specializes in psychodynamic theory. I believe therapy is a process where we discover our authentic self and learn to tolerate intolerable feelings. My goal for you is to understand your needs and hopes and dreams. We work on learning to set healthy boundaries for yourself. This is essential for healthy family functioning, work and romantic relationships. Therapy takes work, but it is work well worth it. Understanding yourself is well worth it!! What could be more important than to live an authentic life, and enjoy flourishing relationships? Everyone has the innate need to be heard and seen. I help you attain that for yourself. Theres a famous quote that i encourage all my clients to remember..."We teach people how to treat us". I specialize in working with couples, and individuals. I believe therapy can and will change the trajectory of your life. You are worthy of love and respect. You are worthy of understanding, "you are enough".

I am a licensed clinical social worker who have been practicing for over 12 years. My passion is working with adults and guiding them in overcoming trauma and healing wounded child parts. This passion is due to my own healing journey as a child who was touched inappropriately, exposed to domestic violence in a military household where my father abused drugs, physically abused my mother, and later experienced the death of my then 3-year-old son. Through my own healing journey, I learned how to "manage" my symptoms after receiving CBT talk therapy and grief counseling but had never healed from my trauma or knew about a wounded child part until receiving my own EMDR counseling. Since then, I have dedicated my life to supporting others who are on their own healing journeys. Before healing, I experienced symptoms consisting of low self-esteem, mood instability, not feeling safe, trust issues, and the need to control everything which negatively impacted my relationships with others. The journey was difficult but successful, thanks to EMDR. Thankfully, your journey doesn't have to be difficult. EMDR and Brainspotting are two highly effective modalities in treating trauma by helping to heal wounded parts through the brain's own healing process. If you're tired of feeling that you're always being judged, feeling stuck and unable to move forward because “something” is holding you back, experiencing trust or relationship issues, not feeling as if you're good enough, or if you're waking up sad, angry, irritable, or depressed and not understanding why, you may have a wounded part that's ready to heal. If so, I would be honored for the opportunity to help the wounded part within you to recognize that they're safe, they can trust, and that they're good enough.

I provide straightforward, collaborative therapy for adults and adolescents who are ready to actively engage in the process. My style is warm, direct, practical, and grounded in the belief that therapy involves work both in and outside of sessions. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship patterns, boundaries, life transitions, and self-esteem while building skills they can actually use in everyday life.

Hi. I'm an old white lady with years of experience living on this earth. I want to share what I've learned with you and assist you to recover from trauma, abuse, and attachment dysregulation. I'm culturally competent and have specific experience working with people who are first-generation Americans who are walking the line between two cultures, learning how to integrate all their parts into a cohesive whole.

Hello! I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) (LCPC) (LPC) (LMHC) licensed in various states. I received my Masters from Avila University in Kansas City and have been practicing for over a decade. I have helped women struggling with life problems and aid them in regaining control over worry, panic, fear, or dread in order to become the best version of themselves.

I help adults who look like they’re holding it together on the outside, but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same relationship patterns on the inside. We’ll work on stress management, emotional regulation, communication, and the deeper “why” behind your reactions—so you feel more grounded, confident, and consistent in daily life. My style is warm, structured, and down-to-earth. You don’t need perfect words—just a willingness to show up. I use CBT/DBT/ACT tools for practical change, and I can integrate deeper work (Brainspotting/IFS) when it’s a good fit. I also create a dedicated space for men—especially men of color—who want to explore masculinity, culture, identity, and relationships without judgment.

As a seasoned therapist with nearly 20 years of consecutive licensing across multiple states, I specialize in a diverse array of client issues, including men's issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, aging and chronic illness challenges, sexual addiction, trauma and PTSD, anger management, clinical depression, and anxiety. My approach is built on an affirming and caring nature, allowing clients to feel safe and understood in our collaborative work. I utilize various therapeutic modalities, including person-centered therapy, CBT, and ACT, alongside group therapy, to tailor my interventions to each individual’s unique needs. My strong listening and speaking skills facilitate deep connections with clients, empowering them to explore their struggles, find meaning, and ultimately create positive changes in their lives. The impact of my work is reflected in the growth and resilience of my clients, as they navigate their personal journeys toward healing and fulfillment.

I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where people can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. My approach blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection to help clients build insight, resilience, and confidence. My style is collaborative and empathetic, communicating in a way that feels grounding and approachable. This combination makes clients feel both heard and guided.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience and an additional background in integrative and functional medicine. I take a holistic mind-body approach to therapy, recognizing the connection between emotional health, physical wellness, stress, lifestyle, and nervous system functioning. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, chronic pain, life transitions, and relationship challenges, using evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical tools for lasting healing and personal growth.

I have worked in the behavioral health field for many years, both in direct practice and in executive leadership roles. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how people heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is trauma informed, collaborative and client‑centered. I work alongside each person to explore their concerns, clarify their thoughts, and reconnect with their desires for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. I believe everyone deserves that opportunity, and therapy can be an important part of the journey toward it.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience providing individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I am deeply committed to helping clients heal emotionally, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of worth and purpose. My passion for this work is rooted in lived experience. Moving to Nigeria at the age of six, losing my father at twelve, and later experiencing the loss of my newborn taught me firsthand about grief, strength, and the importance of compassionate support. These experiences shaped both who I am and how I show up as a therapist—with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for each client’s journey. I believe healing happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in helping clients move from feeling overwhelmed or stuck toward clarity, emotional balance, and meaningful personal growth.

Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change. My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences. My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.

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.