Therapists in California

My name is Shant Bardakjian and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Glendale, California. I currently work with children, adolescents and adults within the greater Los Angeles area. My approach to therapy is tailored to the client’s needs. I enter into therapy with whatever the client brings into the session. If you need a creative approach to solve your problems, then I would use Narrative Therapy. If you need to fix your problem right away, then I would use Solution Focused Therapy. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I use an eclectic approach with a person centered lens that can be flexible for whatever need is brought into the room. My communication style is calm and approachable. I would like my clients to feel at ease in sharing whatever is on their heart without fear of judgment. I decided to become a therapist because I have wanted to help people discover their best selves. I have been drawn to helping people discover their innate ability to heal past whatever is keeping them stuck in life. My aim is for whoever works with me to be able to define a goal that can be accomplished and for trust to be gradually built within the therapeutic relationship. In this way, the progress that is seen in therapy will in turn translate to improvements in multiple areas of your life. In our first session together, you can expect the primary focus to be for me to hear your story of what brought you to therapy. The first session is to determine if there is an initial connection and also questions that would enable me to better understand what would work best for you as treatment progresses.

Christopher Lawver is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings. He graduated from Antioch University Los Angeles with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and the University of Southern California B.A. Communication Arts and Sciences. Chris Lawver has practiced in West Hollywood and San Francisco, California, specializing in substance use and addiction recovery, codependency and relationship evaluation, and self-empowerment in diverse populations. In 2010, Lawver received a certification in Psychoanalysis from The Los Angeles Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies on the Brentwood campus, adding insight-orientated therapy to an impressive skill set. Chris Lawver has worked at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Sciences and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian community services, Jeffrey Goodman special care clinic with HIV/AIDS services and underserved communities of color and LGBTQ people. In San Francisco, he worked with formerly incarcerated individuals to find their way forward after being released and re-integrated into the community to find jobs and stability. He has worked in community mental health settings, practicing CBT and DBT modalities with severe mental illness and dual diagnosis. He’s expanded in recent years to include modern wisdom, energy work and conscious raising approaches, and Kundalini yoga. He has formulated a unique therapeutic approach with an eclectic interpersonal and interactive style. He is warm, with a good heart and an empathic understanding. Drawing upon personal and professional experiences with grief, addiction, and adversity, he empowers clients’ humanity, creativity, and achievements in society. Awareness, Insight, Action > Change

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with about 15 years of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges. I have worked in a variety of settings including mobile crisis, inpatient care, corrections, and community mental health, so I understand how complex and overwhelming things can get. My approach is down to earth, practical, and tailored to what works best for you. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or just feeling stuck, I am here to help you build the tools to move forward.

Hello, my name is Salomon Garcia, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in southern California. I have been practicing for over 6 years. I have worked with a broad range of individuals ranging from teen to older adults. I have helped clients struggling with anxiety, depression, work-stress, low self-esteem and life transitions. My aim is to provide a relaxing and safe space to help people to be the best version of themselves.

Hi! I'm a licenced therapist (LCSW) I provide holistic, trauma informed therapy that focuses on the body, mind and spirit to bring lasting change. My approach is collaborative, warm and compassionate and utilizes a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Strength Based Therapy, (non toxic) Positive Psychology. I am licensed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Texas.

Jahthaime Smith MS, is a licensed counselor who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Ecological Theory to help clients identify thinking patterns and societal influences contributing to imbalance. Originally from NYC, this counselor brings his diverse spiritual, cultural, and mental cultivation to therapy. I invite you to Therapy at Evergreen Telecounseling! This agency specializes in how culture, society, and the environment affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

Hi, I am Matthew Ortega! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the beautiful, sunny state of California with nearly 15 years of experience working with clients in the community. Are you longing for more right now? Is ADHD executive dysfunction ruling your day? Are you needing help coping with a new diagnosis of Bipolar disorder or OCD? Or are you looking for a safe place to discuss topics with your spouse, validate your feelings and restore your relationship to its former glory? I help empower individuals and couples of all ages and relationship statuses to overcome their obstacles and live a happy and fulfilling life. I use an educational and interactive approach to elevate and validate you. My approach offers cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, harm reduction, and trauma-informed perspectives as needed for YOUR unique situation. Together we dig deep to bring forth your most rewarding and fulfilling life. I take pride in leaving the stigmatizing labels at the door, here you are welcomed as you are! I believe it takes great strength and courage to take the first step in connecting with a therapist. My goal is to make you comfortable and empowered throughout the entire experience. If you’re ready to make the commitment and put in the honest effort to dig deep and blossom, then I am here to support you! I look forward to working with you and building this relationship!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where I specialized in the Psychology of Trauma. I support individuals of all ages in processing a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, substance use disorder and various patterns of addiction, intimate partner issues, trauma, both current and past involving families and work environments, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

I am Dr. Paul Fernandez. I have been a licensed therapist and psychologist for more than 30+ years. I have spent my career concentrating on providing mental health services to the Latino/Hispanic community in Southern California, with a special emphasis in substance abuse, addiction recovery, anxiety/stress, depression, and anger management. I bring a unique, spiritual, Latino/Hispanic perspective to mental health counseling that focuses on the needs of our community. Soy el Dr. Pablo Fernández. He sido terapeuta y psicólogo autorizado durante más de 30 años. He pasado mi carrera concentrándome en brindar servicios de salud mental a la comunidad latina/hispana en el sur de California, con especial énfasis en abuso de sustancias, recuperación de adicciones, ansiedad/estrés, depresión y manejo de la ira. Aporto una perspectiva única, espiritual, latina/hispana al asesoramiento de salud mental que se centra en las necesidades de nuestra comunidad.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Master's degree from California State University, Fresno, and my Doctorate from Walden University in Minnesota. With 18 years of experience in the field, I specialize in helping individuals navigate their emotional and relational challenges to lead more fulfilling lives. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on empowering my clients with the tools they need to achieve their personal and interpersonal goals.

My goal is to help you break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety through practical techniques and personalized strategies for growth. With a background in mindfulness, meditation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy. Together we'll create a comfortable space where you can explore your challenges, gain perspective, and deepen your emotional awareness without feeling judged.

Hello, my name is Pak. I am a licensed therapist providing services for individuals in California, Texas, and Nevada. If you're considering therapy, you're likely facing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your well-being and quality of life. It takes courage to acknowledge these struggles and seek help, and I want you to know that I understand how difficult this can be. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Healthy relationships will lead to emotional strength, which is ultimately my goal for all my clients.

I have worked worked in the mental health field for over a decade. I especially enjoy working with couples, adults, and troubled/at-risk youth. I have a dynamic background and skill set that has enables me to successfully help in navigating the most complex and diverse of situations with respect, empathy, and integrity. As a state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I would be honored to help you through your journey to happiness. If you are looking to better yourself, or improve your relationships with your partner or others, taking this first step can be the hardest. My office offers both face to face and telehealth options, with weekend and evening availability.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist located in San Francisco, specializing in psychotherapy for adult/elder individuals and couples. I’ve had the privilege of working within various multidisciplinary teams providing psychotherapy for over a decade. This work has enabled me to develop my therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic processes. I’m passionate, committed to work with people toward their goals, to heal emotional wounds, to achieve more clarity while allowing for growth and improving lives.

Hi, my name is James, and I have a passion for working with couples, adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges in their marriages, careers, retirement, or simply in “finding purpose.” My goal is to help you shape—or re-shape—your life in ways that raise the quality of your day-to-day experience. Since you are reading this, I want you to know that an effective therapist is not only defined by professional training, but also by life experiences, expertise, patience, compassion, and an open mind. Therapy is a partnership, and together we will work toward clear, realistic, and meaningful goals that give you direction and confidence. I believe that growth often begins with the willingness to take the first step, and one of my favorite sayings reflects that truth: “Whatever you believe that you can do; begin it!” – Goethe If you are ready to begin, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

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 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!

My approach is solution focused. I am not primarily concerned with how or why your present challenge developed but will focus instead on helping you to find a way forward. I hope to elicit and reinforce your positive attributes and competencies and help you access your inner strength. Your ability to change or improve your situation depends on your desire to do so and my job is to awaken that desire within you. The biggest challenge all of us face is negative thinking. This is a reflection of our own disappointment of what we see when we look inside ourselves. By improving our self-image through accentuating our positive qualities we begin to see the world in a more positive light. A sure way of feeling better about ourselves is to find something good in every other human being. Note: I do not write letters or fill out forms regarding disability due to behavioral health issues.

I am a highly accomplished Licensed, Marriage, and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience in managing challenging behaviors and helping individuals with ongoing significant social/emotional skill deficits, and/or mental health needs. Along with working with youth from many cultures and economic backgrounds, I also have over 20 years’ experience supervising and managing adults in the education field. My years of experience working for school districts, private practice settings, group homes and currently as a mental health administrator provide clients with a clinician who has a broad range of experience.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and California, and I show up in therapy as a real person first. I know how important it is to have a space where you can be seen and understood without judgment. My style is warm, honest, and down-to-earth. I don’t use labels to define you. I listen, reflect, and walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or shame, I help you untangle what feels heavy so you can move toward healing and peace.

------------For Cash Pay: Sliding Scale Available Upon Request --------- Hi, I’m Javier, a trauma-focused ecotherapist and founder of Eutierria Therapy. I help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color heal from deep-rooted trauma, especially the historical and intergenerational wounds that affect identity and belonging. My approach blends trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, nature-based practices, and ketamine-assisted therapy to guide you on a holistic journey of self-discovery, healing, and reconnection with both your cultural heritage and the natural world. At Eutierria Therapy, I focus on healing the individual and the collective by fostering a deeper connection to the Earth and ancestral wisdom. Together, we’ll explore your roots, build resilience, and strengthen your relationship with the land through mindfulness, land-based rituals, and somatic practices. Whether you're facing trauma, life transitions, or seeking spiritual connection, I’m here to support your journey toward wholeness. If you’re ready to reconnect with your heritage and the natural world, let’s work together to reclaim your sense of self and create a life of deep connection and empowerment.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in the area of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Trauma. I have provided services to military, law enforcement and crime victims as well as those who have less violent experiences that cause problems with their family members and spouses. I feel that it is essential for people to have a safe, respectful and healthy relationship with their loved ones in order to fully appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.