Therapists in California

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) based in California. I would like to be of support to you. Life can be filled with challenging and painful experiences making it difficult to hold hope for a better future. I believe we all have the courage and strength to overcome these experiences. I am here to help you start building the hope to do so. Therapy can be overwhelming and yet stimulating and warm. It can lead to honest conversations that can change your outlook on your past, present and future. My goal is to create a safe space where you can work towards your needs and goals with my support. I have been a health care provider for almost 20 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families of diverse backgrounds. My clinical interests are anxiety, trauma, depression, children behavioral issues, immigration, relationship and marital issues, family issues, parenting support, motherhood and perinatal wellness.

Welcome! My name is Kiana Shelton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of post-graduate experience. As a Black woman, mother, and ally to all marginalized communities, I deeply understand the importance of having a safe space where your vulnerability is truly held and honored. I am committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that helps you gain deeper self-awareness and supports your journey toward growth and emotional well-being. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your emotions with compassion, uncovering pathways to resilience, inner peace, and a more fulfilling life.

Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist. Thank you for taking the brave step to seek help during this challenging time. It takes courage to reach out, and I’m here to support you with compassion and care as you navigate this journey. My name is Terri and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of California dedicated to supporting individuals and their families during life’s transitions. In addition to providing therapy services with Thrive with Thistle Therapy, I am a mother of two young children and I serve as a clinical social worker on the mother-baby units of a hospital. I have experience providing care and support to patients and their families navigating challenges including: pregnancy complications, baby blues, difficulty adjusting postpartum, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), birth trauma, NICU admission for their baby, adoption, surrogacy, infertility, pregnancy and newborn loss, and first time parents. ​ I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University. In an effort to better serve my clients, I obtained a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International to equip me with specialized knowledge and skills to support individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

I'm a bilingual (English / Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California. I obtained my Masters degree from the University of Southern California in 2014 and my license in 2017. I have experience working in outpatient contract community clinics, crisis stabilization programs, and psychiatric hospitals. In 2022, I transitioned to working with only adult clients. I hope to provide a safe space for all my clients to process, heal, gain insight and awareness of limiting beliefs, and develop healthy coping skills to manage any challenges they are facing.

I am a licensed MFT with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I specialize in supporting first-generation individuals and those who have experienced trauma, postpartum, anxiety, depression, and family challenges. My therapeutic approach integrates client-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic work to offer a holistic and personalized treatment plan that addresses both the mind and body. I deeply value creating a safe, collaborative, and empathetic space where clients feel heard and supported. My goal is to help clients process past experiences, gain self-acceptance, and build empowerment and confidence. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and I work closely with clients to explore their feelings, foster self-awareness, and help them develop the tools to thrive in their relationships—with themselves, their families, and their partners. Over the past 6 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on first-generation immigrants. I offer services in both English and Spanish and find great fulfillment in helping clients navigate the unique pressures and challenges that come with balancing multiple cultural identities.

My name is Samantha Yeager, Ph.D., and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have extensive clinical experience helping clients cope with anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, PTSD, substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, insomnia). I believe in a person-centered approach to therapy and work collaboratively with my clients to develop a personalized treatment plan. I currently offer individual therapy for adults (ages 18+).

Do you often feel overwhelmed with all of life's demands? Are you repeating the same patterns over and over in your relationships or parenting? Are you experiencing a major life transition and feel alone? Therapy is a helpful and courageous act to process the areas where we feel stuck in our lives. I'm Allison, an LCSW in Northern California and I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions and parenting challenges. With gentle support and understanding, I love to empower my clients to find healthy ways to cope with their stress and get to the root of their struggles. Using a compassionate and honest approach, together we can work collaboratively to create positive changes that align with your life's goals.

Hi! I'm Estela, Do you ever feel stuck or just have too much going on? Are you in a transition, or having trouble coping with life stressors? A high number of people experience these things in different ways; often times, they just need a reminder of who they are to help discover their own potential to move forward in life. I describe myself as gentle, non-judgmental, and empathic. I Iike to meet my clients where they are. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore your emotions, thoughts, relationships and experiences and come up with coping strategies you can use to feel more confident moving forward in life. I know it can be intimidating even making the first appointment, but it is through your first step that success will come.

Hi! I'm Lynette Alarcon I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California. I graduated from Brandman University in 2018. I have been in the field since 2017 treating Individuals with depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, trauma, and addiction. I have training in trauma informed care, DBT, CBT, motivational interviewing, PC Care and am familiar with the 12 step programs.

With over twenty years of experience in the mental health field, I am a seasoned clinician versed in evidenced based practices tailored to your individual needs. I will work with you collaboratively to ensure not only symptom relief, but improvement in relationships, communication and your specific goals. I will focus on helping you find your path according to your unique story and goals while helping you learn new coping skills and gain insight along the way.

Hi there. Thanks for stopping by. I’m Chynna, a perinatal mental health clinician. I specialize in supporting parents and partners of all genders navigate towards a version of parenthood that feels good, from before day one and beyond. My work with clients is informed by my undergraduate degree in Gender Studies with a concentration in Women’s Reproductive Health, as well as a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology. Your sessions would benefit from my extensive post-graduate trainings in: Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Perinatal Mood Disorders (PSI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Drawing upon these modalities I utilize an eclectic blend of primarily somatic, systemic, attachment-centered, and psychodynamic approaches to ground and grow what is already working into what works well so you can thrive. To our work together I bring lived experience as a parent who sought assisted reproductive technologies to become pregnant. My winding path to becoming a parent and a clinician arose out of my own challenges during my pregnancies and postpartum periods. These experiences, coupled with a lack of culturally aware support that honored my unique identities as a Black woman from a deeply spiritual Caribbean culture, left me feeling lost and alone. While my path’s start may differ from yours, I have likely been close to where you are and so I offer you hope and an array of strategies to honors all parts of you that show up in our work together.

Currently accepting new clients, my name is Esperanza Applestein, I am a bilingual spanish speaking license marriage and family therapist with 20 + years of experience in the mental health field in California. Working with adults, couples and families. My mission is to provide therapy to assist individuals in achieving emotional balance. My practice is focused on working on relationship issues, improving communication, parenting, depression and anxiety, trauma and complex trauma.

Hi, my name is Natasha! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have been practicing for 12 years. I help people with depression, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, and several other areas so people become the best versions of themselves. I am certified in CBT, DBT, Trauma-informed care, Domestic Violence, Seeking Safety, and CBT for PTSD. I look forward to connecting with you!

I’m a 1.5-generation immigrant and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) therapist. I support individuals as they navigate the complexities of living between cultures, cope with experiences of discrimination, and explore generational trauma. My work focuses on helping clients establish healthy boundaries, develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, and release internalized messages that distort their sense of identity and worth.

It takes courage and resiliency to embark on the journey of finding your “best self.” Life is full of unique challenges and lessons including traumatic events, grief, relationships and family all can take their toll on our psyche. I use an eclectic, integrative, approach that includes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Clinical Hypnosis for pain management, performance enhancement and memory retention among other treatments to find what restores joy and peace to you! My goal is to provide a supportive, caring space to work on your symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, post-partem depression, grief or any other diagnosis that is impacting your daily life. I am a Christian having attended all Christian Universities but embrace all spiritual practices. I respect all faiths, beliefs and cultures and consider myself an ally to the LGBTQ community. I very much believe in a holistic whole body wellness plan. Lets work on living your best life ever with Mind, Body and Spirit working together!

Hi! Do you feel burdened by anxiety or overwhelmed by dark and gloomy thoughts? Do you feel frustrated that you are not as happy as you used to be, less sociable, more alone? Do you feel that life's circumstances have gotten you down, tired, and burnt out? I am an LCSW with over decades of experience working with individuals and families navigating life's journey with chronic illness, grief, anxiety and depression. Sometimes life can be tough and challenging. We may feel stressed, overwhelmed and isolated. Life transitions can be difficult and take effort, dedication and motivation. I specialize in treating self esteem issues, grief, anxiety, depression, post partum depression, caregiver stress, burn out, communication and relationship difficulties. Let's collaborate to identify what's not working so that we can reset, achieve balance and positivity in your life, and maximize day to day functioning. I am here to provide assistance, support and guidance and to remind you that reaching out is a sign of health and strength

Hello. I am a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that is living in Florida. I am also licensed in Florida and Idaho. I have worked in the mental health field in various roles since 2010. My desire to work with clients stems from always having a desire to help those suffering. I believe that mental health treatment needs to be uniquely individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. This may mean treatment that is culturally sensitive, or just meets the person where they are at regarding their motivation for change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years clinical experience working with children, families and adults across a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, school based, crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric facilities, large non-profit, and private practice. My goal is to assist my clients to feel comfortable in reducing their symptoms and helping them to be their optimal selves.

Hello and welcome! It brings me so much joy that you are taking this first big step of showing up for yourself. The task of finding a clinician can be overwhelming in itself, on top of stress or other issues you may already be experiencing. Take a second and give yourself a little pat on the back, you're doing it! My Name is Raven and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have been practicing for 10 years. My practice has been centered around supporting people of all ages experiencing anxiety and depression, particular in connection to life transitions, family of origin issues, relationships struggles, social anxiety, self-esteem, and boundary setting. I strongly believe in creating a welcoming, and non-judgmental space where all of you can be accepted and explored. I am not the expert of your life you are, you have more lived experience being you than I EVER will. I would like to be a collaborative partner and create a safe space where we are able to bring awareness to how certain experiences, behavior patterns or relationships are possibly impacting your wellbeing and preventing you from being the version of yourself that brings you the most joy and fulfillment.

I am a licensed therapist with 18 years of experience working with clients. My style is to help you feel more regulated and centered so that you can connect to yourself and others. I can help you think through difficult situations and be a sounding board to support you to live your Big Beautiful Life! My commitment is to always trust what you tell me. We all need connection to be our best selves. This is a judgement free space for you to bring fears, sadness, and even ambivalence, to develop your wise-mind and cultivate a deep appreciation for what makes you uniquely you.

My name is Heather Brown. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a therapist for 18 years and worked with a wide-array of clients in many walks of life. I like the curiosity of life and ways in which we can explore patterns and change and ways we can make adjustments in our lives to change future outcomes. I work for you and my job is to help you have an easier time on your journey through life and help you to meet your goals.

I provide psychotherapy tailored to your unique needs, using evidence-based interventions to address your mental health challenges. Whether you’re seeking traditional talk therapy or a more integrated approach, my customizable services empower you to decide the focus while I guide you every step of the way. My psychotherapy style is designed around your goals, addressing factors that may impact your mental health, such as stress, relationships, and sleep. With options like nutrition guidance, cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep, stress management tools, and collaboration with your healthcare providers, I take an integrated approach to help you achieve meaningful and lasting change.

I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full potential. I will listen to you and will try my best to support you in finding the path to happiness by practicing and using the tools and methods that are helpful and tangible.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to helping you learn how to cultivate the life you deserve and want. My work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, thinking patterns, and self-limiting beliefs that create daily barriers to life fulfillment. I believe in taking a collaborative approach towards helping clients reach their goals. I hold space for you to narrate your journey without fear or judgment. I welcome your invitation to walk beside you in letting go of the things and ideas that no longer serve you. You deserve the opportunity to cultivate a better you.

I am a licensed mental health professional (LMFT, LPCC) with an MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Mumbai University), a Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice (University of Arizona), and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on Professional Clinical Counseling from Touro University. With over 20 years of experience across clinical care, mental health, healthcare management, research, program development, education, and training, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to advancing healthcare delivery.

I am a licensed clinical social worker located in Oakland, California. I graduated with a Master’s from Smith College School for Social Work (Northampton, MA), with a focus on psychodynamic and attachment theories. Over the last 10+ years, my clinical work has mostly been in community mental health focused on supporting young children and families recovering from, or still living through, trauma. This work has highlighted and confirmed for me the impact of early childhood experiences and the ripple effect that they have in our lives. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and liberatory in nature. Depending on the unique needs of each person with whom I work, I blend attachment and psychodynamic theories, somatic practices, my own sense of playfulness and an orientation towards the inherent wisdom in each of us and the natural world of which we are a part. I bring with me years of experience working with folks impacted by both big “T” Traumas as well as little “t” traumas. Regardless of what you’ve experienced in your life up to this point, I would love to walk with you as you forge your path now. In the present moment. As a queer, white, cis-woman committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression, I love working with folks whose identities differ from my own and those with whom I experience identity overlap. Ultimately, a trusting relationship with a therapist is one of the most significant predictors for healing and change. I realize that your trust in me may be informed by various elements of my lived experience. I am absolutely open to exploring this together to see if we are a good fit. Let’s schedule a consultation and see how it feels.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) working with clients in both California and Massachusetts, I am deeply passionate about supporting women through life’s transitions and challenges, particularly during the perinatal period. As someone who has personally navigated the complexities of birth trauma and postpartum mood disorders, I understand the profound emotional and physical toll that this time can take. I believe that no one should ever feel alone, isolated, or overwhelmed by stigma, fear, or a lack of support, especially when it comes to maternal mental health.

Welcome, freedom and light await! Wherever you are, your journey starts now. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that sees clients in California and Arizona. I received my Masters from San Diego State University. I have been working in mental health for the past 17 years and have been licensed for the past 8 years. I have clinical experience in a variety of settings and with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.

To others it may seem like you've got it all together, but on the inside you're spinning out of control. Panic randomly punches you in the chest, taking your breath away, and you can't focus on anything else other than how to make it stop. You are consumed by trying to keep up with everyone else since they seem to have it all together, but you can barely function through the day. You feel like an awful mom because you are lashing out on your kids and hating the daily monotony instead of "embracing the joy of motherhood." You feel like you are failing your partner because somewhere along this journey you just lost yourself. You want to be a better mom to your kids. And remember why you fell in love with your partner. And stop the tornado of anxiety that knocks you out on the regular. You want to stop living by the expectations of others and rediscover who you truly are. It's time to win back some peace of mind and self-worth and attract the life you want. I have the DBT and mindfulness skills, which uses both mind and body exercises that will help you manage the crippling anxiety, love yourself better, be a more present and joyful mom, improve your relationships, and attract the life you want.

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.

Many people walk around for years needing help for their anxiety and depression but avoid therapy because they think they "should" be able to manage it on their own. No one should have to suffer alone. The fact is, we are human and we all need help from time to time. With compassion, warmth and support, I will walk with you through your struggles and help you untangle the mess that is sometimes life. You are not broken and you are capable of change. If you struggle with anxiety or depression including social anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, excessive worrying, irritability related to parenting, employment or relationships - I'm here to help you achieve a sense of steady calm to manage all that life throws at you. My clients often struggle with crippling self-defeating thoughts that create a vicious cycle of isolation, loneliness, stress and feeling overwhelmed. I can help break that cycle and empower you to develop a new path forward to achieve what you have not wanted to face alone. When you schedule with me, I may reach out by phone to complete a brief screening to make sure I can meet your needs and send you the needed paperwork. Please know I currently work weekdays and do not have evening or weekend availability. I do not specialize or work with couples or children. I look forward to talking to you!

I utilize a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for well-balanced emotional/mental health. I believe a person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that everyone needs a slightly different approach to accomplish these goals, so I adjust in technique for each specific challenge. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life. “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for over 10 years. I help adults struggling with stress and mental health issues become the best versions of themselves. I am passionate about meeting people where they are at and helping them feel better and reach their goals.

https://sherryyamlcsw.com Hi, I am a trauma consultant who graduated from the University of Southern California, with years of culturally diverse EMDR therapy experience since 2011. My expertise is to tailor research-supported EMDR therapy with highly successful expat, AAPI professionals (e.g. Journalists, Actors, Scientists, Corporate Leaders, Producers, First Responders) who experience a Medical Related Trauma, Fear of Flying, Stage Fright, Phobia, Unprocessed Grief, car accidents, wild fires, War Trauma or Cultural Issues. I received my trauma training at the National Center for PTSD and the EMDR Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program. In our society, we overlook the necessity of trauma work for our highly successful leaders. Many of my clients come to me are specifically looking for EMDR therapy to resolve barriers so they can be a better leader and find a better work-life balance. Others come to me for EMDR therapy after they tried talk therapy for years and didn’t see the progress they hope for.

Aloha! My name is Koalani, and I am a LMFT in California. I specialize in anxiety, stress management; life transitions. I have special knowledge in child development, and in maternal/paternal mental health, and will support postpartum challenges and experiences affecting clients and their partners during pregnancy and the postpartum period. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults in schools, hospitals, military installations, and in private practice.

I am a Licensed therapist and provide online therapy in States California and Georgia. I graduated from UNC-Pembroke in 2013. I have over 7 years in clinical practice working with teens and adults. Also, I have worked with veterans and foster care youth. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing approaches when working with my clients.

As a therapist, I work with individuals of all genders, couples, and teens starting at age 15. While I specialize in supporting women in their 20s and 30s, I also work closely with adolescents navigating the unique challenges of teenage life—including identity development, academic pressure, social dynamics, family conflict, and the emotional ups and downs that come with growing up. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel heard and equipped to handle the complexities of this transitional stage. Across all age groups, I’ve observed a common thread: the relentless pressure to excel, meet expectations, and maintain a sense of control. This often leads to self-doubt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm—issues that deserve care, attention, and validation. Whether you’re facing a major life transition—like starting college, beginning a new career, navigating relationships, or becoming a parent—or simply feeling uncertain about your direction, you’re not alone. I invite you to reach out and begin a conversation where we can explore your experiences and work toward clarity, connection, and balance.