I believe that authenticity and genuineness should underlie any therapeutic relationship. With 16 years of clinical practice, I have a lot professional training and life experience to draw on. I offer different modalities and levels of therapy, tailored to where you are at and what you are interested in - whether you are seeking transformational change, or merely transformation of a situation or life circumstance. I work from heart-centered approaches and offer a deeper integration of body, mind and being. I specialize in one-on-one therapy, often with a focus on areas such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. I also utilize many different therapeutic techniques, such as CBT, DBT, am IFS-informed, Attachment Theory, HeartMath, and a gentle focus on more somatic mind/body healing. I am located in Chico, CA and offer sessions in-person as well as online. If my current listed time slots do not fit your schedule, please feel free to message me.

"The things that we love tell us what we are." -Thomas Aquinas I love helping others achieve their personal, emotional and mental health goals. I have over 25 years of professional clinical experience so you are in good hands! I utilize a solution-focused, brief therapy model to help my clients achieve success in a shorter, more focused approach. I believe that you are the expert of YOU and your life. My role is to help you navigate your journey to wellness. Our initial appointment will be information gathering and an opportunity to determine if my methods and modalities are a good fit for you and your needs. I am here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. I promise to provide and safe and judgment free space for you to show up authentically and genuinely. Come as you are.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Brandman University and have been practicing for the past 10 years. I help adults struggling with life stressors coupled with anxiety/depression or other mental health issues to overcome challenges and stressors to improve their overall quality of life. I utilize an approach that is specifically tailored to the clients needs and supports their goals and healing process.

Hello, my name is Layla Hernandez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the mental health field. I'm fluent in English and Spanish and take a client-focused approach to therapy. I utilize evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), to ensure the best outcomes for my clients.

Hi, I’m Kristen Holt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area in Northern California. I am a music lover, nature enthusiast, and a mom of two children. I aim to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to be fully yourself. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, navigate life’s challenges with confidence, and start feeling more like yourself again.

Benzion is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their mental health journey. He holds a Master of Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2007. Benzion believes in a holistic approach to care, building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each client to foster hope and lasting change. "I am humbled by the courage and vulnerability my clients display every day. I am honored by the privilege of being with you in your most intimate places to develop trust and build hope for the future. Thank you for considering the journey of building a better future with me."

Marcus Jones is a result driven therapist that assists individuals in managing symptoms of mental illness, maintaining sobriety, resolving motivations for self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, and improving relationships. His experience is inclusive of adolescent and adult populations. Marcus is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and drug Counselor, and Certified Anger Management Specialist. He earned his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest, Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor in Organizational management from Ashford University. Marcus has has worked in the field of Mental health for 20 years. In the last 7 years, he has provided counseling services in individual, families and groups, with experience in a range of settings from community counseling to inpatient treatment settings. He specializes in Addiction, Anger Management and Men issues. He has served as the Director of Inpatient Addiction and Outpatient treatment services at an Atlanta based Mental health hospital, he is the former host of 102.6 the Situations Radio’s Mental Health Monday’s. He has an in-depth understanding of the different levels of mental Healthcare and how they can best serve individuals suffering from Mental Illness.

Hi, I’m Steven. Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like life has become harder to manage? Maybe you’re struggling with relationships, work, stress, or finding the motivation and balance you once had. Perhaps you’ve been so focused on getting through each day that you haven’t had much time to be kind to yourself. I help individuals navigate difficult emotions, life transitions, and unexpected challenges by creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we will explore what may be holding you back, identify patterns that are no longer serving you, and build on the strengths you already have. Using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while tailoring our work to your unique needs, we will work together to develop practical tools for managing challenges and creating meaningful change. My goal is to help you reconnect with your confidence, resilience, and the healthier, more balanced version of yourself. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I would be honored to support you as you heal, grow, and move forward.

Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown

Hi, I’m Johanna! I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), nationally certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I provide individual therapy for adults across California with support that is genuine, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness. As a Latina therapist, I’m especially passionate about supporting first-generation and BIPOC individuals navigating anxiety, intergenerational trauma, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in meaningful, real conversation, creating a space where you can reflect, heal, and grow. I primarily work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges. My therapeutic style integrates mindfulness, CBT, and person-centered approaches, helping clients deepen self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and build more fulfilling connections. I believe meaningful change begins when you feel truly seen, understood, and supported on your path to healing.

I have specialties in trauma, grief, and loss as my primary focus. In order to get this training, I’ve worked with programs in hospitals, with parole, and on the VA campus, as well as within LGBTQ+ community and programs focused on BIPOC clients. I've usually worked within a few areas at a time to make sure I can reach and create the best practice possible with all my potential/current clients. I also really enjoy/am familiar with working with anxiety disorders (PTSD, CPTSD, OCD, GAD), depressive disorders, Bipolar disorder, personality disorders, family systems, intergenerational trauma, and... really whatever you need to process, including life events like break ups or respectful divorces.

I am a skilled, empathetic therapist who is committed to providing you with support, insight, and practical tools. You have more strengths and fewer weaknesses than you realize. Working together, we explore you, letting you see yourself as you really are and always have been - worthwhile and loveable. You can learn and move forward. Seeing a licensed therapist often provides new ways to work through the issues and fears holding you back. No matter the obstacles, we will find solutions together. My goal is to help you feel comfortable in your own skin and make wise decisions for your life. We disarm obstacles and implement techniques building confidence, competency, comfort, and trust in yourself. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." Vivian Green

My clinical experience has been providing individual therapy services to adolescents, adults and seniors. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and family issues. My goal is to create a space where clients can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding and to empower individuals to present their true selves confidently to the world. I aim to help clients embrace all parts of themselves as they heal and grow. You are the narrator of your story and I am here to guide and help support you through your journey.

Hello, I am April Jordan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, in 2005. I am a wife, mother of young children and understand the stressors linked with trying to balance life. I specialize in Women issues, Postpartum, anxiety,ADHD, depressive disorders, relationship stressors and career transitions. My Therapeutic approach is strength-based , solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My Professional experience I have worked years in mental health, medical social work, family services and with the criminal justice system. I used to be a medical social worker in the ED. I am a therapist that likes to look at restoring you back to feeling better and providing you with real life therapeutic tools needed to get back to a sense of normalcy.

My name is Laurissa Miller, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I have over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families with a strong background in trauma, PTSD, and foster care. I have also worked extensively with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, and I strive to meet clients where they are while working together towards meaningful, achievable goals. I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.

Hello...Most of my work is Brief Emotional Therapy, 4-7 sessions, although I do have folks that have been with me for longer. I work with issues of anxiety and depression as well as relationship issues and problems with emotional intimacy, both with ourselves and others. Much of my work involves moving towards your most meaningful or valued life while accepting the pain /anxiety that inevitably comes with it I'm here to facilitate your journey on whatever you are experiencing or going through without judgment or attitude. I help manage the depressions or anxieties that come with life, cope with a crisis, or move into the growth and evolvement that are ours to have. I practice tele-therapy daily. If you see an open slot you are welcome to take it without any advance notice. Thank you, Dr. Robert Lusson

Hi, I'm Trinh. Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of life, unsure of which path to take? Are doubts clouding your decisions, leaving you yearning for clarity? Does the weight of past experiences hold you back from moving forward? Life's transitions can be challenging, whether you're navigating parenthood, seeking meaningful connections, or feeling the pressure to conform to societal norms. But here's the truth: there's no one-size-fits-all solution for the journey ahead. That's where I come in. As your guide, we'll embark on a journey of exploration and growth. Together, we'll unravel the complexities, tap into your strengths, and carve a path that's uniquely yours. I aim to help you rediscover the clarity you seek and empower you to confidently move forward, embracing the challenges that come your way. If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Let's work together to create a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Hola and welcome! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and have been supporting clients for over seven years. I specialize in helping individuals especially those from Latino and first-generation backgrounds navigate the weight of worry, sadness, and trauma. My approach is culturally sensitive, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that healing should honor your lived experience.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience assisting clients from many different backgrounds from eating disorders to anxiety/depression to trauma. Through my education and my experience, I have been able to implement different therapeutic modalities that have assisted my clients on their treatment journeys.

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

Hey there, I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and Massachusetts. I received my masters from University of New England with a focus in Individuals, families and groups. I’ve been practicing for 13 years. I specifically enjoy helping people find perspective through the voice of their pain. I think pain and discomfort can be our best teacher if we allow ourselves to look at it, this way.

Good day! My name is Daniel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience serving multiple populations including clients struggling through financial hardship, life changes, relationship issues, emotional/ physical abuse/trauma, diagnosis of a serious mental illness in the family, and depression/ anxiety. I graduated from the University of Texas A&M - Commerce and am currently licensed in California, Kentucky, and Texas. I believe the bravest and most fulfilling way to grow is to "do the work" and I look forward to assisting clients in that journey in every way that I can.

Hi, I’m Kristen—Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience supporting high-achieving women and young professionals who are navigating burnout, career transitions, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” Many of my clients are driven, capable, and successful on paper—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from the life they’ve built. They’re often at a turning point: ready to pivot careers, grow a business, or redefine what success actually means for them. My approach is collaborative, direct, and results-oriented. I combine evidence-based therapy with practical strategy to help you regulate stress, gain clarity, and make confident, aligned decisions—without spending years in therapy. This work is about more than insight; it’s about creating real momentum in your life and career. You can expect a space where you’re both supported and challenged—where you don’t have to perform, but you also won’t stay stuck. Together, we’ll move you out of burnout and into a more grounded, intentional way of living and working. For those who value faith as part of their healing, I also offer a nondenominational, faith-integrated approach rooted in compassion, purpose, and spiritual alignment. Whether you’re building something new, questioning your next move, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again—this is a space to reset, realign, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Washington, as well as my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University. I believe in guiding individuals towards their authentic selves and empowering them to live fulfilling lives. My goal is to help you identify your aspirations, overcome obstacles, and develop strategies to achieve your true potential.

I am a compassionate, collaborative therapist who supports individuals and couples in achieving their therapy goals using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy, along with integrative techniques tailored to each client’s needs. I focus on helping clients develop healthier coping skills, improve communication, strengthen emotional awareness, establish balanced routines, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships. My work also emphasizes fostering self-compassion, assertiveness, confidence, and positive perspectives on life circumstances. My approach is direct yet supportive, solution-focused, and grounded in practical tools and guidance, empowering clients to feel confident and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. I bring my genuine self, professional knowledge, and years of experience to create a trusting, collaborative relationship where both client and therapist can feel confident in working together.

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Muñoz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering tele-health services to individuals above the age of 18. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I have been practicing for 9 years. My services are available in both English and Spanish. I work with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, and life adjustments.

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

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist practicing in California. I earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University – Los Angeles. I received my license in 2020, and work with adults, adolescents and seniors. At present, I meet clients in-person or virtually for couples and individual therapy. Often people seek therapy when they are going through a rough patch. We can work together to navigate, and attempt to improve the situation by applying coping strategies, reviewing options., and other techniques.

Are you pondering on embracing a new pathway to healing? Ready to conquer those negative thoughts or triumph over trauma to meet that you that you have never seen? Look no further. I am a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. I utilize an integrative approach to assist clients with achieving their goals and maximum mental wellness as we collaborate together on their journey to healing.

Hi, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been practicing since 2006 and have experience in both intense community mental health and private practice. I help individuals who experience issues with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-worth. I use evidence-based practices, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, then tailor these approaches to suit your unique needs to help you face the future with new coping strategies and with a stronger sense of self.

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

I have been practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) for over 20 years, working with clients of all ages from diverse places and backgrounds, who are experiencing personal emotional struggles or navigating complex relationships. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to set goals, identify and process emotions, increase healthy communication skills, deepen insight, expand your sense of self, and affect positive change in your life.

I started my journey into psychotherapy back in 2005. Over the years, I have learned a great deal regarding how much our lives are impacted by how we see the world, and what we focus on. I have learned that focusing on the present moment, and enjoying each moment for what it offers can be priceless. I have learned, and now teach others how to live mindfully, not in the past or the future, but in the present moment, as when we leave the present moment is when our suffering begins. I have extensive experience in trauma, and overcoming traumas, as well as approaching the world from a cultural perspective. Based on experience, I have seen that we see the world through the sense of our cultural forefathers, and therefore, sometimes we need to adjust our interpretation of what we see and experience. I have been amazed at the tenacity and strength of the human spirit, and I cannot disregard the presence of an all knowing, encompassing presence of a higher being in our lives. It is for this reason that I encourage patients to look at the world from multiple points of view. Sometimes changing the lens with which we look at the world, can make all the difference in what we see and feel.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can happen. I received my MS in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton and my BA in Psychology from UCLA. I spent many years in social work, supporting families and youth impacted by abuse and neglect, and later transitioned into the mental health field to continue that work through a therapeutic lens. That experience shaped my understanding of how trauma affects individuals and relationships, and it continues to guide the compassionate, trauma-informed care I offer today. In recent years, I’ve worked in nonprofit and school settings, providing therapy to adults and teens navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and parenting stress. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply needing a space to pause and reflect, I'm here to support you with warmth, curiosity, and respect. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges and discover new possibilities for themselves.

I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Sierra, and I am a California-based licensed Psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience supporting adults as they navigate life's challenges. My passion is helping people not only understand themselves more deeply, but also make lasting positive changes. I take a holistic approach to therapy that supports the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This often includes strategies such as nervous system education, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), somatic healing, and when helpful, collaboration with integrative providers like nutritionists. I also draw from additional evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy, while paying close attention to how stress or trauma may show up in the body. In our work together, we’ll create a personalized plan that blends insight, practical tools, and meaningful action. My goal is to provide a space where you feel truly seen and supported, and where therapy becomes not just about coping with challenges, but about moving toward the life you most want to live.

You've tried the planners, the apps, the systems everyone swears by. You've downloaded the productivity apps, bought the color-coded notebooks, set seventeen alarms. And you're still here, exhausted, wondering why nothing sticks the way it's supposed to.I'm Jess — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and someone who also has ADHD. I didn't learn about this diagnosis from a textbook and then practice applying it to other people. I live it. I know what it feels like to have a brilliant idea at 11pm and absolutely no ability to execute it at 9am. I know the shame spiral that follows a missed deadline, a forgotten commitment, or another abandoned system. And I know that the problem was never effort or intelligence — it was always the mismatch between your brain and the world's expectations of it.I specialize in working with adults with ADHD who are ready to stop white-knuckling their way through life and start building something that actually fits. My approach is direct, practical, neurodivergent-affirming, and grounded in evidence-based methods — adapted specifically for how ADHD brains actually work, not how they're supposed to. No fluff. No vague advice. Just real work, built around your real brain.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping in navigate life’s transitions with strength and resilience. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical I use evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT) while honoring the unique story and needs of each client. I believe healing happens when we create a safe space for growth, and my goal is to empower you to build healthier relationships with yourself and others.

I’m Dr. Claudia Nuñez a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. I believe therapy is not about reliving pain for its own sake. It is about understanding what your suffering has been signaling and bringing that understanding into the present so you can live with more clarity, self-compassion, and choice. Many of the people I work with feel caught in anxiety and overthinking, people pleasing, guilt, burnout, or a deep sense that something needs to change but they cannot quite name what. Others are moving through grief or life transitions that have shaken their identity, relationships, or sense of direction. Some are navigating a spiritual calling or values shift, and feeling both pulled toward meaning and exhausted by the weight of it all. My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in Internal Family Systems and liberation psychology. Rather than viewing symptoms or recurring patterns as personal flaws, we explore them with curiosity and consider how they may have been shaped by your history, relationships, culture, environment, and ways of adapting. Together, we identify what is no longer serving you, clarify what you need now, and develop responses that feel more intentional, sustainable, and aligned with your values. Alongside talk therapy, I may incorporate mindfulness, somatic awareness, narrative exploration, and evidence-informed cognitive and behavioral strategies. Grounding and breath practices are offered collaboratively and adapted to your comfort—not to bypass pain or minimize the realities around you, but to help you remain present and build greater capacity for choice. My style is warm, honest, and collaborative. We move at a pace that respects your boundaries while supporting meaningful reflection and change.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I have been in the mental health field for 35 years and have worked in many settings and with many issues throughout my career. I have a doctorate in clinical psychology, a masters in clinical social work and a masters in counseling. I am comfortable working with all populations and strive to meet my patients where they are in their process.

I am an LCSW and a military veteran specializing in trauma and addiction. I believe that effective therapy must be a safe foundation, built on unwavering commitment and ethical practice. My practice is a collaborative space where rapport is established through trust while a custom plan of treatment is mutually established specifically for resolving resistance to your wellness and achieving long-term stability.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 plus years of experience helping individuals and families facing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, crisis situations, and serious mental illness. I provide a safe, supportive space to build resilience, develop coping skills, foster self-compassion, and create lasting change. I will take time to understand your experiences, strengths, and challenges while creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you to share at your own pace.

If you’re feeling anxious, down, stuck in old patterns, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts, you’re not alone—and things can get better. Therapy can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself again. I’m a California-based LCSW supporting teens and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, OCD, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, encouraging, and structured. We’ll identify what’s getting in the way, build a plan that fits you, and practice practical tools you can start using right away. We’ll also track your progress so you can see real momentum. You deserve support that feels steady, hopeful, and useful. When you’re ready, I’m here to help.

My passion is people and I am most curious about what makes us who we are. I have been in the field of mental health for 20 years and I have worked with an array of clients. The most effective work comes from those clients that are not afraid to be vulnerable, to self reflect and to do the work.

Dr. Norman Quintero is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over seven years of clinical experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s emotional, relational, and personal challenges. He is licensed to practice in California, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and Florida, and provides compassionate care for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, stress, anger management, and self-esteem concerns. Dr. Quintero’s approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with humanistic principles to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where they feel heard, respected, and validated. His goal is to help clients gain clarity, develop healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, rebuild confidence, and move toward meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

As a therapist, I am deeply committed to creating a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported in their journey toward growth and healing. My approach is warm, collaborative, and client centered, rooted in the belief that each individual possesses the strength and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. I draw from an integrative framework, blending evidence-based techniques with mindfulness and compassion to address both immediate concerns and deeper emotional patterns. Above all, I strive to empower clients to cultivate self-awareness, build meaningful connections, and live authentically, fostering a sense of hope and possibility in their lives.

I’m Dr. Deanna Mercado, a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience walking alongside individuals, couples, and families in their healing journeys. My work is grounded in depth psychology, which means we look beyond surface symptoms to explore the underlying emotional patterns, relational wounds, cultural narratives, and unconscious dynamics shaping your life. I believe many struggles , anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, identity questions, or life transitions , are invitations to deeper understanding. In our work together, we will gently explore your personal history, family stories, and internal world to uncover meaning, strengthen self-awareness, and restore connection to your authentic self. My approach is reflective, relational, and culturally attuned. I hold space for the complexities of identity, ancestry, and lived experience, recognizing that healing happens not only within the individual, but in relationship to culture, community, and the larger story of your life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over a decade of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. My work is grounded in creating a safe, culturally responsive space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow. I specialize in working with individuals impacted by trauma, domestic violence, and chronic anxiety. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed internally. Together, we work to untangle patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, and build practical tools hat create lasting change. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma informed care, and skills-based interventions to help clients process past move from survival mode into stability, clarity, and confidence. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Healing and growth are possible.

I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for growth. My path began in the theater and the study of Method Acting. This discipline focuses on how internal experience drives outward behavior. I apply this "inside-out" perspective to help you align your internal reality with your external actions. My way of working has evolved over time. I attended top universities and training programs. I was mentored by experts in the origins of trauma, addictions, and relationship difficulties. This foundation allowed me to build a successful group practice in Orange County. During that time, I taught at UC Irvine, chaired the Professional Practice Committee of the Orange County Psychological Association, and sat on its Board of Directors. In the midst of this success, I experienced a personal crisis and divorce. This led me on my own journey of growth. I began an extensive study of Buddhism and meditation which now guides how I live. I spent seven years living in Asia, where I studied with monks and cared for villagers. What I offer now is an integration of strong academic training and Eastern teachings. My decision to become a psychologist grew from a desire to relieve suffering and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence and social connection. I work to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be

In my practice, I am dedicated to supporting clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and personal growth. My clinical focus includes working with individuals who are navigating stress, building self-esteem, and seeking greater balance and clarity in their lives. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented, with a focus on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and develop a more confident and compassionate sense of self. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes.