Therapists in California

Hello, My name is Marshawn Rodgers. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living in Southern California. I have been in this field for 20+ years. I specialize in grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. If you don't identify with any of these struggles let's talk anyway. Congratulations on taking the first steps to nurture and care for yourself. I am hoping that you will assist me in helping you reconcile your past, present, and set up a positive outlook on your future.

Are you willing to take the first step towards change? If so, I am here to help. I empower individuals to take back control of their lives. Through a collaborative approach, we can identify the issue's you are struggling with and help you find new ways to cope and manage. I am passionate about helping others and will support you on your journey of personal growth. Let’s begin by exploring together and start the healing process today.

My name is Mary Sowah-Quaye, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California State University in Bakersfield. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, and relationships issues.

Hi! My name is Jose Rodriguez, I have been working in behavioral health since 2008, and it has been a very rewarding experience. I have an energetic and enthusiastic approach. Please note that I am licensed in both California and New York. I stay up to date with the latest studies to provide the best care possible. I am well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I am originally from New York, so I have had the opportunity to gain experience at reputable institutions such as New York Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Health System. I have also served as Director of the Behavior Health Department at Salinas Valley Health in Salinas, California. I earned my BA in Psychology from Boston College and my Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I also earned my MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy boxing, playing golf, yoga, lifting weights, and going to the beach! The goal in psychotherapy is for you to become your own therapist. We would achieve this in a collaborative and strategic manner. There has always been a need to address our emotional well being but until recent times, this topic is more accepted than ever to discuss. Not only do I help people address their problems, but I also aim to help people be self-actualizing.

Dr. Charness is a former assistant district attorney specializing in prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault, and rape cases. Additionally, she has her PsyD in clinical psychology specializing in trauma, attachment theory, and affect regulation. She has worked extensively with patients suffering from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse trauma. Further, Dr. Charness has a wealth of experience with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and self-harm. She incorporates many modalities in her sessions, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. She effectively supports clients working through past trauma and finding resolve and peace within themselves, which is crucial to individual mental health and functionality. Inclusivity and remaining culturally sensitive to patients are of utmost importance to her. Dr. Charness has also contributed to several books, including Voices of Pain, Voices of Hope, Students Speak About Racism, and Learning Through Discussion. Her most recent passion is her blog on Psychology Today (under law and crime) regarding the intersection of law and mental health. She focuses primarily on how legal rulings can impact our mental health, motive, trauma-informed interrogation, and investigation, particularly in domestic violence and sexual assault cases, and the failings of both the legal and mental health systems. Teaching about the realities of what life looks like inside the courtroom for a victim of domestic violence or rape, whether it be to a classroom of students or an audience of readers, is incredibly important to her.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in the power of change, all you need are the right tools. I have invested in earning additional certificates to ensure that I am equipped to support you to meet, and surpass, your goals. I am a registered Art Therapist, EMDR and Energy Psychology practitioner. After a thorough assessment and creation of a care plan, together we can work towards creating the life you've dreamed of, embracing who you are and moving through the traumas that have held you back. As a therapist, I believe in possibilities. Anything is possible when you are willing to do the work. Are you ready to go beyond? Beyond your ideas or conclusions of what you can create. Together, we will go there.

Have you find yourself repeating unwanted patterns in your work, relationships, or other aspects of your life? Are you dealing with feelings of low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? I am so excited that you have decided to take this next step in your journey to allow me to assist you with promoting healing, helping you reach desired goals, to become a healthier stronger version of yourself. II have helped individuals with trauma, mental illness, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss. I utilize a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral and supportive interventions. I am a bilingual therapist who is passionate about facilitating the healing process by collaborating with you to assist you with your goals. I strongly believe in creating safe spaces for clients without judgement.

I get satisfaction from being a voice of reasoning for others through my genuineness. I consider this a life purpose for me. I am driven by a deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with their mental well-being. I believe in providing a safe space with a non-judgmental stance while supporting the patient through his or her emotional well-being and encouraging autonomy.

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I would describe my own as warm, caring, non-judgmental, compassionate, sensitive, respectful, knowledgeable, experienced and committed. I’ve been using CBT in my practice. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from New York University and have been practicing for 13 years. I have also have 7 years of experience as a educator and supervisor for pre-licensed therapists. I love helping my supervisees and clients overcome their challenges, learn great lessons in the process, and achieve their highest potentials.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations in different community settings. I have adapted different approaches in my clinical work to fit with the populations that I serve. As a therapist, I work to help make clients feel grounded and supported in our session appointments. I strive for authenticity when working with others. I try to help clients value honesty within themselves and in others. I hope to be able to facilitate growth and change in our time together.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from California State University, Los Angeles and have been practicing for 8 years. I aim to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, comfortable, non-judgmental and empathetic. I provide counseling to adults using evidence-based interventions to meet individual needs. During the course of therapy, I implement various psychological approaches depending on the problem that is being treated and tailor treatment that will best benefit you.

Have you been managing a chronic illness on your own and feel exhausted and in need of some support? Did you also experience medical PTSD? Are you struggling with substance abuse and feel the time has come to re-evaluate its role in your life? As a woman, are the daily challenges of life starting to feel overwhelming? If you are experiencing anxiety, are you ready to let that go and explore a world of more peace and less fear? I empower people to build a life that holds meaning and purpose regardless of past setbacks and negative experiences. Together we will work to identify and overcome challenges that are specific to you. I love asking the right questions to help change the way you are thinking about a problem. It’s important to me that we work together, through talk therapy, to get to the heart of your pain and resolve it so that you can move forward.

The most precious you can give to yourself is a little bit of your own attention. Life can get so busy and it's easy to become distracted by daily tasks. This makes it easy to loose sight of the most important person in your life....YOU! You are the most important project that you will ever work on and I am so glad that you are here. I have over 24 years of experience in the mental health industry and I am passionate about working with clients from all different backgrounds and life paths. I have experience working with a wide variety of ages from children to adolescents and adults. I also have experience working with with a variety of mental health diagnosis. It has been a blessing to have worked as a School Counselor for 22+ years, and know that it has provided me with a wealth of experience in so many areas with a large variety of clients with all different needs. I strive to meet my clients where they are and am passionate about helping them work on their goals. I have particularly enjoyed helping clients manage transition, trauma, depression, grief, adjustment, anxiety and parenting. I also am passionate about working with First Responders and their families. I have been part of a First Responder family for 27+ years, which has provided me with a wealth of information as well as compassion and commitment to serve this population.

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.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or find yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns? Life can throw us emotional and mental challenges that leave us feeling lost, disconnected, or unsure of what to do next. My goal is to help you make sense of what’s happening, understand yourself more deeply, and find healthier ways to move through difficult moments. Since 2002, I’ve worked with men and women who are tired of always putting others first. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck and build clarity, confidence, and direction—so you can create relationships (and a life) that feel more authentic and fulfilling.

I'm so glad you're taking this step to prioritize your mental health—it's the foundation of everything else in life. As a mother of three young adults, including boy-girl twins and a neurodivergent daughter, and with experience as a psychologist, coach, and leader in both tech and education, I bring a wide range of lived experience to my work. I work with individuals and families at all stages of life, helping them release outdated mindsets and adopt empowering new ones by uncovering the root causes, patterns, and obstacles that hold them back. My approach integrates neuroscience, cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and depth psychology, always focusing on creating meaningful connections that unlock new possibilities. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I hold an unwavering belief in each person’s boundless potential. By focusing on what truly matters, we can always transform challenges into opportunities.

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, I'm Audrey! I’m a therapist dedicated to helping individuals break free from cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, and past trauma so they can reconnect with their authentic selves. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore challenges at your own pace and develop the tools to create a more fulfilling life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based techniques to help you heal and grow.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I received my Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the California Professional School of Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in 2017. I have been practicing in settings like the California Department of Corrections and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Central California Health Care System for seven years. My experience is primarily with adults who have a severe mental illness, or merely symptoms that are disrupting their sense of wellness and are a barrier to their happiness.

Dr. Sterling focuses on specifically "women issues," grief, life transitions, cultural issues, anxiety, depressed moods, and will support other various challenges. Dr. Sterling practices a humanistic and person-centered approach when providing counseling and life coaching support. She is very compassionate while helping people with overcoming adversities and reaching their resilience. Also, she is genuine, real, and present during each conversation. Dr. Sterling displays a real authentic persona that is comfortable, relaxed, and filled with good energy! The objective she focuses on is to bring ease into a persons life no matter the situation or where they come from! Dr. Sterling will uplift your spirits and is someone to look forward to speaking with! "I have a PhD. in Philosophy/Advanced Human Studies. I have over 17 years of experience educating higher learners & helping others through various lived experiences. I take nothing for granted, all I have is a blessing including working with people from this perspective within my life!" Dr. Sterling has accomplished a lot, but she is truly genuine and humble. She will not only build you up, she will lift you up, and teach you how to get up no matter how many times you fall down! "I'm here, lets talk!" ~Dr. Sterling

Hi, I’m Lainie Popp. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in EMDR, parts work, and mindfulness-based approaches. I help adults who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism learn how to feel more calm, present, and less overwhelmed in their daily lives. My style is warm, collaborative, and supportive, focused on helping you understand yourself with compassion and feel more comfortable in your own mind and body.

There is always room for growth no matter what age or where you are in life. It is my mission to help people in their personal growth and reach their full potential. I genuinely care for others and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. Life can get overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Through the Rogerian approach, I meet people where they’re at, being compassionate and warm, yet honest and straightforward. As a therapist I love utilizing a combination of therapeutic techniques from person-centered, CBT, TF-CBT, mindfulness, REBT, solution focused, psycho-dynamic, Gestalt and other modalities that have research proven results. Whatever you’re going through, I am here to support your journey. I am experienced and qualified to provide psychotherapy to individuals for issues varying from: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, low self-esteem, suicide ideation, to life stressors and more. You deserve to heal, grow, and live the life you want to live.

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

As a black female school-based therapist, my dream client is one who approaches therapy with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the process of self-discovery and growth. My dream client understands the importance of mental health and values the support that therapy can provide in navigating the challenges of adolescence. Ideally, my dream client is someone who is eager to explore their identity, including aspects of race, culture, and gender, in a safe and affirming space. They are open to discussing sensitive topics and are willing to challenge societal norms and expectations that may be impacting their well-being. My dream client is proactive in their approach to therapy, actively participating in sessions, completing assigned tasks or homework, and practicing coping skills outside of our sessions. They understand that therapy is a collaborative effort and are committed to working together to achieve their goals. Additionally, my dream client is respectful, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and support within the therapeutic environment. They are open to learning from different perspectives and are willing to engage in discussions around social justice, equity, and inclusion. Overall, my dream client is someone who is committed to their personal growth and development, embraces their uniqueness, and values the power of therapy in fostering resilience and well-being.

My name is Krystal Johnson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, from California State University, Hayward, in 2011 and received my Licensure in 2015. A little bit about me- wife and mother of 4, Licensed Zumba Instructor, Musician, & love to scrapbook! I enjoy working with individuals and couples in meeting their goals!

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 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!

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. I earned my Master's Degree in Psychology Counseling from Mt. ST. Mary's University in Los Angeles and have been practicing for 15 years. I facilitate insight into problematic issues in your life transition towards a life worth living. My approach is empathetic, compassionate, and direct. I help recognize unhealthy patterns of thoughts and behaviors.

I enjoy meeting new people. Each of you has your own challenge. My objective is to listen and work collaboratively with you. I would like to hear your needs and help you find your way through them. Life is short. If I can help you discover a happier life, that will be outstanding. I have a sense of humor. I thinks that's necessary in this life. Please feel free to call me Jen.

Some background: I have 12 years teaching in secondary schools in California prior to becoming a therapist. I have dealt with considerable childhood adversity and loss and continue to build a skillset to help others through difficult times. I am proud to say I love what I do. I am passionate about seeing others change themselves for better, and heal through trauma, injury, and all kinds of adversity which has taken a toll on their spirit.

You don’t have to struggle alone! I look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with you in your journey in discovering how to make positive changes, decrease negative behaviors and thoughts, and help improve your mood and engagement with life! In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we have created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives. If that sounds like you, you are stuck. We can feel lost and alone when we are unable to move forward, whether in work or a personal relationship. Therapy can help you break free of that and thrive. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on teens, adults, and couples. I have worked with clients on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and family reunification. I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I also minored in sociology.

Hi there! I'm Cindy Nguman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, and I’m so glad you’re here. I work with clients all across the state through the convenience of Telehealth, creating a safe and supportive space, wherever you are. I specialize in supporting young adults and adults who are navigating life’s many ups and downs, whether that’s anxiety, stress, depression, dating, life transitions, identity exploration, or relationship challenges. You're not alone in what you're going through, and together, we’ll work to help you feel more grounded, confident, and understood. My style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I use a person-centered approach, which means I deeply value who you are and what you bring to the table. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy to help us make meaningful progress toward your goals. Reaching out is a brave first step, and I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey. 💛

Hi! I’m Felicia Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I am grateful you’re here to see me. I am a highly compassionate, empathic social work professional dedicated to exceptional mental health services including effective treatment to diverse population including children, youth, and families struggling with persistent mental illness. I enjoy working with individuals who are also or was a part of the foster care system, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and trauma.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State University Northridge. I have a extensive history with over 15 years of experience working with adults 18 and over with various mental health diagnoses. I like to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients to have a place to express their thoughts and feelings.

I spent twenty years as a writer in the entertainment industry and began training to be a therapist in my forties. I am a father and live in Los Angeles with my partner, our kids, and several cats. As someone who changed careers late in life, I know better than anyone that it is never too late to start living by your deepest principals, and that transformation is always possible.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida who works with young adults navigating their transitions into adulthood, adults struggling to balance her work and family life, and older adults helping them find meaning in their lives. I think therapy works best when it feels like you're talking to someone who's on your team—someone who gets where you're coming from, isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, and helps you figure out what actually works for you in real life. My approach is personalized- I meet you where you are and tailor our work to support your unique goals. For young adults, we work on finding ways to manage stress and work on improving relationships. In working with adults, treatment can be focused on managing anxiety, navigating difficult transitions in life, and improving relationships. For elderly adults, we can focus on finding meaning in life, working through family issues, and building a stronger support network. My goal is to create a strong foundation for our work together and help you feel comfortable and ready to begin your journey toward greater well-being.

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