Addiction Therapists in San Diego, CA

I started helping those who are seeking to up-level their experiences and shine as their true and authentic selves in 2019. My journey first started in residential treatment facilities where I held space for those in early recovery from substance use disorders. This population ranged from men's only, women's only and LGBTQ+ Many of these individuals also struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma and eating disorders. I have also had the opportunity to work with adolescents at risk of sex trafficking. This work is extremely rewarding as the clients are at an age where they are most influential and willing. I am a deeply spiritual person and practice in the study of yoga and meditation and participate in somatic healings such as Kundalini Light Intergration (KALI) and breathworks. I am also a level two Reiki practitioner (training to become a master) and a certified personal trainer. When I am not holding space for healing, I enjoy being in the outdoors, surfing, climbing, reading and cooking nutritious and fun to eat meals. I hope to continue the journey of providing a safe space for individuals where healing can occur for years to come. I offer sessions both early in the morning (5am - 7am) and later in the evening (6pm - 9pm) to accommodate those who work nine to five or those who just prefer early morning or evening therapy sessions.

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services, nonprofit organizations, and hospital emergency departments. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration. Luke emphasizes healthy habit development, consistent focus on goals, and communication skills. Luke believes in solution focused therapy, positive psychology, reducing substance use, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve quality of life and achieve goals.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in CA. I received my Masters Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 2011. I have dedicated my career to working with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression and managing different life stressors. Making the decision to start therapy and recognizing that you want to make changes in your life is a big step and my goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for you and help you reach your goals.

Often starting therapy can often feel overwhelming. I congratulate you on taking the first step to improving your life. I specialize in working with adults of all ages navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem, addiction, LGBT+, and Gender. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy and I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself and work to better your circumstances.

Hello and Seja bem-vindo! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I grew up in Brazil and moved to California to pursue my career as a therapist. I truly believe that due to life challenges, stressful jobs, career and busy lifestyle, it's very easy to dismiss our inner voice. That is the voice that wants to be heard, tell us about our emotions and hurdles. Allowing your inner voice to be heard will empower you to embrace the beautiful journey of self discovery.

**ACCEPTING ADULTS (18+) ONLY** Hi, I'm Yang. And I'm here to help you heal from self-abandonment and emotional dysregulation. Self-abandonment occurs when we struggle to stand up for our needs and live by our authentic values; often, we don't even know what they are. Those who struggle with self-abandonment don't feel like they know who they really are, and what they want, and often feel directionless and ungrounded. We feel small, afraid, anxious, aggressive and dependent on others. Emotional dysregulation occurs when we don't understand our emotions and how to manage them. They control us, instead of the other way around. We behave in ways we wish we didn't, and we build up shame around those behaviors as if they are who we are. We cannot separate our emotions from who we are. These issues often lie at the heart of different mental health struggles, such as depression, anxiety, as well as many relationship challenges. The good news is that resolving these, therefore, can potentially lead to ripple effects of change in your life.

Hello! I’m Dr. Oceana Free, a Licensed Therapist practicing in California currently providing holistic therapy to adult individuals. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, spirituality & women’s issues, along with depression, anxiety, addiction, heartbreak & loneliness. I offer eclectic, psychodynamic, faith-based & spiritual therapy. I have 25 years of professional experience in the mental health field & have an LMFT & PhD. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity & compassion. Each person is unique & has unique challenges. I am here to support & empower you in your journey.

Hi, I'm Kristen Montiel. Searching for the right therapist can be a daunting process when you may already be feeling stressed or struggling. I know it's not easy and I'm so glad you're here! After experiencing my own struggles with family and relationships, I set out to help others who also felt stuck. I have a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and a doctorate in psychology. With over 15 years of experience, my focus is helping individuals and couples understand themselves and use their own strengths to discover healing, even in the most difficult circumstances. I provide a non-judgmental space where clients can feel comfortable to work through challenges by exploring deep rooted patterns of hurt and disconnect, while developing new perspectives, learning new skills, and creating sustainable changes. I’ve helped hundreds of people find hope and renewed satisfaction in their lives and relationships. I look forward to helping you too!

Hello, my name is Teri Hedman and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I take a holistic approach to healing and I would love to partner with you on your journey. I value warmth and authenticity in my work. I hold an open, curious and non-judgemental stance with a healthy dose of compassion, and right use of humor. I strive to be honest and straightforward, which may mean saying the thing that is hard to hear. I don’t pretend to have all the answers or be the expert on your life. I’d like to support you in finding that wisdom inside yourself. I believe that our struggles and our gifts are two sides to the same coin. The more “lead” we have, the more “gold” is possible to alchemize. I have walked my own path of healing and am driven to support others in finding the same liberation it provides.

Hello and welcome! My name is Shannon Merritt and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Southern California and offer telehealth services to clients across the state. My expertise includes supporting individuals through life transitions, managing depression and anxiety, coping with loss, and addressing various mental health challenges. I am also passionate about helping people recover from addiction and/or trauma.

Hello! I am a psychotherapist licensed in CA and NH. I work to help people alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction and more. I work to help people gain insight in to their lives , determine what they want out of life, and work towards that. I love my work and look forward to getting to know people and be a supportive part of their journey!

Hi there. My name is Alexis Morris and my preferred name is Lexi. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, my primary goal is to provide compassionate and effective therapy to individuals seeking support and guidance. With a foundation in evidence-based practices, I specialize in helping clients navigate through life's challenges and achieve their personal goals. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. My approach is collaborative, focusing on building a trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters openness and growth. I believe in the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. Through exploration and self-discovery, my aim is to empower clients to cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies. As a counselor committed to ethical standards and ongoing professional development, I strive to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field. My dedication to the well-being of my clients is reflected in my advocacy for their mental health and personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.

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.

Hi there, my name is Cynthia Haynes, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work in private practice, providing one-on-one individual therapy as well as couples counseling. I have over 10 years of experience in private practice. I love my career, I love helping people and am passionate about helping people grow and experience meaningful, positive results in their lives.

Like a sports star who sees their team struggling, no matter what it is you are facing, I'm confidently yelling, "Put me in!" because I love what I do and I am damn good at it. The therapeutic work we do together will not necessarily be easy, but it will be effective and along the journey you and I are going to laugh together, look forward to our sessions, form a genuine bond, and get you the relief you seek.

Are you struggling in living your best life? Do you feel ‘off’ and not sure why? Having difficulties in your interpersonal relationships at home/work? Is the past keeping you feeling stuck? I will help identify and explore barriers keeping you feel ‘stuck’ in life. We’ll work together in identifying what is keeping you from living an authentic and fulfilling life. I will work with you in developing healthy coping strategies and tools in order to enrich your everyday life and overall functioning. This can be with family, friends, or in whatever capacity you’re struggling. We can identify how anxiety and depressive symptomolgy presents. How you currently deal with interpersonal and behavioral issues and develop new healthy coping strategies.

I am a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, in California. My therapeutic approach is grounded in commonsense, honest dialogue, reflective listening, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. I incorporate breath work, journaling, dream exploration, and present-moment awareness to support deeper self-understanding. Our personal stories—full of both gratitude and regret—offer insight into the choices we make. In therapy, we explore those patterns, discover new options, and move forward with courage and compassion. Clients leave with practical tools, greater self-awareness, and a foundation of personal responsibility that supports lasting freedom.

Hello, I am an LCSW with over 34 years of experience in mental health. I pride myself on tailoring therapy to the individual, couple, or family I am serving and their specific goals. I utilize a variety of modalities and philosophy's to provide services that meet the unique needs of those I serve. My many years of experience have taught me how to provide interventions for clients that result in long lasting changes and in my clients living more of a life that they want to be living.

Welcome! My name is Lorrie! Life can be challenging and complicated. Choosing a therapist doesn’t have to be. I believe that building a genuine, open, and honest therapeutic relationship with my client is the best way to connect. Together, we will work to explore areas of your life that are challenging to set you on a path of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose. Are you tired of relapsing?? Tired of struggling to stay sober?? My experience in the field of Substance Abuse allowed me the privilege of helping those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders as well as their families. I have worked in this field for the past sixteen years and it has given me a compassionate perspective for those struggling to get and stay sober. I am enthusiastic and passionate about helping you find unique and creative solutions to problems. Parents, would you like some peace in your home? Are you tired of the lying and manipulation? Need support dealing with a teen with addiction issues? I can help.

Craig Steckowski is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based out of California and serves clients in both California and Virginia. He served in the Marine Corps prior to attending Alliant University in Irvine, CA for his therapy Master’s degree. After school, Craig then went on to work in Orange County. He was an advocate with the court system for mental health treatment and rehabilitation from chemical dependency. He also spent some time working for an agency that provided support to the homeless population and later, in a community clinic in New Hampshire where he helped to create services that met the needs of the community. Each of these experiences helped to shape Craig’s philosophy toward therapy, which is that therapy should be a non-judgemental, welcoming space for his clients to be their unfiltered, authentic selves. “I just truly want therapy to be a place that you look forward to and value,” he wants clients to know. “It’s your space, and nothing you say, do, or experience is going to change my perception of you.” His main goal as a therapist is to connect with his clients and offer them a place of solid, consistent, and positive support that they can depend on. He prioritizes maintaining a low enough caseload that clients can maintain a regular therapy schedule with him. He also encourages his clients to reach out between sessions if need be. “If you need me to be your hype man and help you through something, I’ll be there.” In his free time, Craig focuses on doing things that help rejuvenate him which includes spending time outside and quality time with his wife. He also regularly seeks professional support from a trusted mentor in the field to ensure he is practicing mindfully and ethically.

Hi, my name is Michael (Mike) Chavez, LCSW, and I provide individual therapy to adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll explore what’s not working in your life and develop practical tools and strategies to create positive, lasting change. Sometimes that means identifying and replacing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with ones that better align with your values and goals. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, balanced, and resilient.

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, recovery from addictions, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with depression and men's issues, including helping men deal with life transitions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hello! I have been a therapist for almost 15 years and have worked with children, teens, individuals, and families. I live in northern California and have been in private practice for 5 years. I am told I am friendly, I laugh when things are funny (never at you and always with you!), and take my role seriously. I have worked in residential treatment, psychiatric care, family courts, and with individuals who have been incarcerated. My wide range of experience has allowed me to see all different types of people and help them all the same. I currently work with clients who are children, teens, and adults. They experience a wide range of challenges and are mid to higher functioning.

It an honor for me to support my clients as they manage their challenges on the path to establishing a life that brings them happiness, meaning, and joy. After a successful career in the business world, (both working for large corporations and managing my own business), I earned a doctorate degree in clinical psychology so that I could use my life experience and my clinical training to help people live their best lives, whether that is overcoming psychological issues like depression or anxiety, striving to maximize their potential, or just enjoying a peaceful work life balance with their loved ones.

Welcome—I’m Sam Moglen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapy for individuals and couples in Berkeley, CA, and throughout California via online sessions. Whether you’re struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, therapy can help you find clarity and feel more connected to yourself and those around you. I am trained in a range of modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Rest and Restore Protocol, the Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapy approaches in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Hi! I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I received my masters from California Baptist University and have been practicing for 8 years. I began my experience in a county jail, transitioned to a state prison, and most recently worked with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) in San Diego County. I find fulfillment in working with adults who have diverse concerns and needs. Through my experience, I've discovered particular fulfillment in supporting individuals grappling with burnout, feelings of hopelessness, and overwhelming emotions.

Life is really complex and challenging so I’m glad you’re checking in to find ways to support a fulfilled, happy and thriving YOU. Whether you are here to process trauma, sort out your future plans or relationships, learn new coping to manage stress, or some other area of your experience that is having an impact on you, I’m honored that you’ve considered how I can support you. In a process you are empowered to design, we will create a space where you can grow, heal and feel better using a variety of evidence-based techniques, a safe virtual environment and our therapeutic relationship!

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I received my Masters degree from CSU Fresno and have been practicing for over 5 years in the public sector in both individual and group therapy settings. I have worked with different populations such as children and teens, adults, the unhoused, veterans and in an impatient substance abuse facility.

Welcome! How have you been feeling lately? If you have been feeling like something is not right, or that it is time you addressed something that has bothered you for a while, then perhaps we should talk. Whether it trauma, difficulty with mood, low self-esteem, attention, interpersonal conflicts, maladaptive habits, pain management, personality disorders you are always welcomed in. I am Dr. Anton Serzhan, Psy.D (Dr. Anton) and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. For years I have been working with a variety of different populations, including the veterans, LGBTQ+, injury recovery and chronic pain patients; adults of every age group, both for individual sessions and as couples. I specialize in the application of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Assertive Communication Skills (ACS), Insight Oriented Therapy (IOT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Guided Breathing, Validation Therapy (VT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am here to be your guide, your resource and your support. Ready to change your life? Then here we go!

Welcome! I'm Ian, and I'm here to help you navigate life's challenges and uncover the strength to create meaningful change. Starting therapy can feel both exciting and intimidating, but my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore concerns like anxiety, depression, and self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication, healthy boundaries, and practical tools to enhance their relationships and overall quality of life. Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, and together, we can work toward building the fulfilling life you deserve. I'm here when you're ready to take that step.

Hi there! Do you feel pulled in a million directions? Many times unable to complete tasks? Are you struggling with life’s challenges, relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I would like to support and help improve how you’re feeling. I am a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)." I have received my Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Long Beach. I specialize in supporting individuals facing dual diagnosis related to substance use and mental health. This includes challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress management, family dynamics, addiction, and overall life management. My approach is compassionate, professional, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. Understanding the diverse cultures, I've had the privilege to visit many countries in Europe, and lived in Asia and Argentina. I am trilingual, fluent in languages: English, Farsi, and Pashto. Living in different countries, meeting people from the diverse backgrounds, has added to my awareness to be mindfulness about the cultural aspects that can influence one's life. This approach will be utilized through, Cognitive-behavioral Model, a strengths-based approaches, and by mindfulness practices. I will consider all life's transitions, then explore what areas in your life need to improve, identify the necessary tools and coping skills that best work. This will help you to a more balanced life. I will also utilize a holistic and client-centered approach by focusing on empathy for my clients, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Therefore, I aim to create a safe trusting space to help overcome issues and highlight your strengths leading to growth. Life can be easier, fun, and blissful! Clients have described my approach as thoughtful, compassionate, creative, and reliable with a calming demeanor and a steady strength-based, supportive presence.

Hi. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and received my Masters from USC. I've provided therapy since 2010. I've spend 14 years working with adolescents but i also having experience working with veterans and people with addiction. I've worked with people that have PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, anger issues, drug and alcohol addictions; I've also facilitated various groups in schools and in psychiatric facilities

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

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 14 years of experience working with adults and youth. I am compassionate, and curious therapist and in my practice, I create a safe and trusting environment, providing my clients with the emotional support needed to overcome challenging issues and make positive adjustments to be and feel your best. My approach helps clients find their own way through reflection, self care and self compassion.

Hi, I'm Casandra, and I'm glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a master's degree from the University of Southern California. I decided to become a therapist because I love being able to help others. One of my favorite things is getting to know others and helping them to discover (or re-discover) who they are. Getting to help others realize their potential and overall improve their mental and emotional well-being is something I enjoy doing and consider it such a privilege.

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

Are you sick and tired of the same patterns and routines? Do you feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to keep up with your work, relationships, and health? Are you feeling stuck because of your anxiety and depression? Do you struggle with making it through the day or having a healthy work/life balance? Is your inability to manage emotions and stress impacting your daily life? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Whether you're dealing with feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues, unresolved issues from childhood, work dissatisfaction and burnout, or cycles of anxiety and depression... I'm here to help.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, I support individuals in optimizing their physical and mental well-being through intentional, compassionate care. My approach is eclectic and strength-based, drawing from Psychoanalysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and SMART Recovery to meet each client’s unique needs. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where healing begins with hope and intention. Grounded in the principles of Whole Person Care, I integrate lived experience with evidence-based practices to guide clients on their path to self-discovery and resilience. Together, we cultivate self-agency and build sustainable strategies for lasting personal growth and emotional wellness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from just outside of New York City and currently live in San Diego. Working to support the mental health of others is truly my greatest honor. We are often programmed by our previous experiences, culture, and past trauma to believe a false narrative about ourselves. Utilizing the therapeutic alliance, I help clients to resolve negative, false, or limiting beliefs that may be hindering their ability to step into their true identities. We do not have to continue to live out the script that we inherited or feel the need to live in the shadows. Instead, we can live with intension, purpose, and a sense of gratitude.

Congratulations on taking steps to better yourself. My name is Vincent, and I'm a licensed therapist based in California with over 20 years of experience. If you are ready for positive change, then let’s begin the journey. I've helped everyone from high school teens to older adults overcome life challenges and gain a better understanding of their situation. I bring a wealth of experience and I'm here to support you.

Hello and welcome! My name is Joel Bovey and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here on Grow Therapy. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I know it’s not easy and often times brings up a lot of anxiety and fears. I’m here to support you along the way. I offer a safe space to open up and unpack all those difficult life experiences and help you put them back together in a more complete perfect imperfection. Thanks again for stopping by along this journey called life and hope to hear from you soon! Warm regards, Joel Bovey, LCSW

My role is to partner with you and provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and to help you develop strategies to effectively manage and cope with life’s challenges. Remember, this is your journey and you are in control. We will work together to set goals that are important to you. Think of me as the persons walking beside you pointing out things to look at a little closer. I’m here to support you every step of the way."

With nearly a decade of experience supporting adults, I bring a holistic, trauma-informed lens to therapy—creating a space where you’re invited to (re)discover your true nature and build genuine confidence. I’m a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and I weave presence and curiosity into every session. My goal is to foster a trusting, collaborative relationship so we can explore difficult thoughts, complex emotions, and life’s challenges together, with care and clarity

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master’s degree at Pacific Oaks College with a specialization in Trauma and I have been practicing for over 7 years. I help people by providing them with coping skills when they are overwhelmed, assist them with building a “life worth living”, and help them with working through every day life stressors including: work, relationships, family difficulties.

I approach our first session with wanting to know what prompted you to book the session. This is because people usually book a therapy session with an issue in mind, or with a problem to solve. I assure you that if you are motivated to change your mindset and ready to work on yourself, that you will be able to feel more peaceful and calm with just one session, and you will leave knowing that you will be able to solve what is going on. We tend to be harsh and critical of ourselves thinking that will promote change when that only causes us to procrastinate and feel depression and anxiety. To address this I offer you my book endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on self-forgiveness- find it on Amazon and in Barnes & Noble, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." I offer you my podcast- "All Things Therapy," which can be found on iTunes and Spotify. It is a mental health and wellness-focused podcast with over 425 episodes related to mental health, fitness, and personal transformation for you to dig into. I intend that the show augments therapy and gives you a resource to look for topics you are facing in the show titles and then listen and apply what is offered and see how that changes things for you.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself? You don’t have to go through it alone. Hi, I’m Gustavo—and I’m here to help you take the next step toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and in control of your life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, or patterns that keep holding you back, therapy offers a space to explore what’s going on—without judgment. Together, we’ll focus on building confidence, setting healthy boundaries, and strengthening your relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself. Your story matters, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I am a licensed professional in California with extensive experience in the mental health industry. With 6 years of dedicated work and an additional 10 years of complementary experience, I have worked in various settings including the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, substance abuse facilities, and PHP/IOP/RTC levels of care. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical health, you have to think, feel, and act better. Each has a corresponding effect on the other. However, the aspect of ourselves that we have the most direct control of is what we do, our acting. While we can influence other people, we cannot control other people. A great source of conflict and unhappiness results from our efforts to control others. If you want better relationships, the only thing we can control is what we do, how we choose to relate. We are responsible for what we do. Others are responsible for what they do. Accepting this fundamental reality and thinking, feeling, and acting in accordance with it is how we increase our experience of power, freedom, belonging, meaning and, very importantly, fun. My professional experience includes over 30 years of post-Master’s clinical work, including leadership experience in foster care, chemical abuse and addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and hospitalization. I am experienced in working with ages three through the elderly. I have worked extensively with youth and families, diverse populations and life issues, providing services in various settings, including family homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, jails, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric facilities.

I believe in the value of building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to tap into your internal strength, self-expertise, and self-expression to promote growth and support healing. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #126521, in California, and I graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2015.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I value using a whole-person and empathic approach in every session. As an LCSW, my goal is to help individuals improve their mental health, address relationship difficulties, and adjust to challenging life changes. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and client-centered perspective, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused and Strength-Based interventions