Therapists in California

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

I help people explore what they really want in this life, and whether their intentions are consciously aligned with their actions. I am here to help you get to know who you are, what you want to do, and your options for how to get out of your own way. I am a spiritual person and if you would like your spiritual beliefs incorporated into your treatment, please let me know. Things I believe: I believe feelings and emotions are clues to solving the riddle of You. I believe no feeling or emotion is “bad.” I believe anger, for example, can be utilized as fuel, and can be consciously channeled into intentional, value-based action. I believe we can feel the feelings, and act on the facts. I believe integrity is the recipe for healthy self esteem. I believe: Your beliefs + your values + aligned actions OR genuine and “active “ apology = integrity. I believe an “active apology” includes what should have been different and/or what will be different in the future. I believe very few humans know how to identify their emotions and emotional needs. I believe even fewer know how to communicate their needs effectively. I believe emotional literacy, emotion regulation, and communication skills are tools that every human needs to successfully function in this world. I believe conflict can be an opportunity for growth, and a deeper and stronger connection, when all parties are willing to learn healthy and effective ways of communicating with one another. I believe no individual is “the problem” and is instead an important alert that the system in which they live has problems. I believe community is the answer to a lot of problems in our current society. I believe empathy is how we can heal each other.

Hi there and great job on taking that first step in considering if therapy is right for you. I invite you to come with me on a journey of your own choosing where we will walk together in darkness to find the light you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s life’s little annoying stressors or more complex issues, as a trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand what this is like and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Whether you choose me or another therapist, make the choice to just give it a try. Sometimes all you need is another person to hold the light while you do the work you need to heal.

Are you a high achiever but frequently feel you're "faking" your way to success? Do you find yourself stuck in a situation you haven’t figured out how to change? Do you have unhealthy negative thought patterns and bad habits? Let me help you let go of old messages that tell you that you're not good enough or that you'd be better if your relationship, weight, career, or circumstances were different. The key to overcoming life's numerous obstacles is showing up and being present for yourself. I'll assist you in developing and utilizing your inner abilities so that you can lead a happy, fulfilled life. I strongly desire to provide each person with the tools to identify their assets, develop fresh perspectives, and adopt constructive behavioral habits. I believe psychotherapy should be approachable, accessible, and results-driven. My goal is to empower individuals, couples, and families to define and claim the lives they were meant to live. This means starting by getting clear about hopes and dreams. I take a collaborative and holistic (mind/body/spirit) approach, meeting you where you are. Let's broaden your support network and level up to view and interact with your situation in new ways with expanded support and energy.

Hello! I'm Melissa. I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work. Been doing it 20 years. Whatever you are going through, I can assure you, I've worked with someone who's dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction, worked in 5 in-patient drug & alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career (mostly w/men). I have years of professional experience working with an array of issues and populations. I enjoy working with individuals and families. I have several years experience working w/teens, including those who grew up in the system, been abused, at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is reported as: I'm "easy to talk to," "friendly," "down to earth." I've been told I'm helpful & a "good listener;" that's important to me. I'm mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I'm non-judgmental. I believe no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you're coming from and help anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we're on the same page, and smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That's my aspiration, to help, get to know you. Please understand this is not just a job for me. I'm genuinely here for you! Thanks for taking the time to read this & learn more about me as a professional.

My name is Judy Jordan and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years years of professional experience in counseling with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I took an evening course in Psychology 5 when starting school, and by the end of it , I knew I wanted to become a therapist. I was drawn to understanding people on a deeper level and helping them through their struggles. With support from my dad, I left my job and went back to school starting from scratch. I loved every minute of learning and felt more certain with each class that I was on the right path. My dedication paid off...I earned straight A's and received the Academic Achievement Award in Psychology. More importantly I found a sense of purpose in supporting others on their mental health journeys.

Building self-awareness is often a hard place to start. I meet my patients where they are in their journey and support the process. Sometimes taking the first step to explore psychotherapy is confusing. Ask questions so you can find a therapist who is the right fit for you. My approach meets people where they are presently, to determine where they want to be in the future. I like to get to know my new patients to determine their needs in treatment.

As a second-generation Asian American and mother of a young child, I understand the complex challenges immigrant families have in balancing cultural and family expectations with finding personal fulfillment. After experiencing significant work stress in my previous career, I began a lifelong journey of self-discovery and inner healing. I decided to become a therapist because of the inspiration and strength I received from my own therapy. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients to provide courage and hope as they navigate various challenges in family, relationships, school/work, and the self.

Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I have worked inpatient and outpatient mental health. I am Rogerian trained, which means i have awareness of my boundaries and the clts boundaries. I am clt centered, being aware of my transference in the therapy relationship; often using the transference for clt growth. I am humanistic, which means any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. As a clt centered therapist my role is to hold a mirror up as to allow the clt to witness their experience and offer reccomendations for tx plan. Also, empowering the clt to connect and use their strengths; support, spirituality or agnostic beliefs. I have used various modality interventions including meditation, visualization, and exposure acclimation. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. My experience is broad, from post partum to end of life issues and many life stages in between. Whether its anxiety or depression. From bipolar to ocd or schizophrenia; i work at creating a safe environment where boundaries are clear and the clt feels free to discuss their issues in safety and privacy.

Hello, I am so happy you are here! My name is Ana, and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who specializes in providing therapy for Women and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression and self-defeating thoughts. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in which I will work to help empower you to successfully navigate any concerns related to, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, perfectionism, and self-limiting beliefs. Together, we will work to help you (re)connect with yourself, so you can find greater balance, clarity, and confidence in taking on your challenges.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with teens, young adults and new parents who are struggling with anxiety, depression and adjustment issues. I use evidence-based treatments to help you or your loved one manage symptoms. I help my younger clients work through the many trials and adjustments that come with growing up, and I work with young adults who are experiencing periods of transition and who often describe themselves as stressed out and overwhelmed. I help new and expecting mothers & fathers who are struggling with a perinatal mood disorder, or simply need support while adjusting to parenthood. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, or for your loved one, I’m here to help you through these difficult times and empower you with therapeutic tools that will last you a lifetime. I work with clients experiencing a variety of issues including: Anxiety Depression & suicidal ideation Adjustment issues Family conflict Low self-esteem Relationship issues Grief & Loss Self-harm behaviors Drug use/abuse Bullying Trauma Together we’ll explore what brought you to therapy in the first place, but we’ll also go beyond that. You’ll learn new ways to understand and solve your problems and develop healthy coping mechanisms so that you’ll be equipped to care for your mental well-being in the long term.

Elyse is a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. She attended Pepperdine University and earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Elyse has been licensed since 2000 and provides cognitive behavioral therapy, to young children, teens, adults and families suffering from anxiety and depression. She has a special interest in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to address symptoms, as she witnessed its effectiveness with her own daughter. Elyse's experience includes working with children and adolescents and their families/caregivers in school-based settings, out-of-home care. and private practice settings. Additionally, Elyse has training as a Child Development Specialist from Thalians Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, focusing on supporting families with young children struggling with social-emotional regulation. Mindfulness strategies are utilized to help all clients, including her youngest clients, feel empowered by increasing their self-awareness. Change is not an easy process, as it is often more comfortable to accept what is familiar. The desire to change, (whether it is feeling stuck, relationship issues, life transitions, unexpected circumstances, old habits, or patterns of behaviors), occurs when the pain to remain the same is greater than the discomfort associated with the uncertainty of change. Here you will find a warm, welcoming, collaborative, safe space to embrace the courage to change, heal and become the best version of yourself.

First, I wanted to briefly commend you for investing in your mental health and thank you for being here. Erica is a warm and compassionate therapist who values holistic health and believes in the importance of seeing the full picture in all her clients. She specializes in working with teens and young adults and has a particular focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, and recovery over a year and more on addictions such as eating disorders and substance use . Erica uses an eclectic approach to therapy that includes past, present, and future perspectives. She incorporates a range of modalities, including psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Erica is committed to ensuring that her clients feel safe, respected, and heard during therapy, and is always looking to expand her knowledge and skills. Erica is excited about the evolving mental health landscape, particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and is passionate about making therapy more accessible and innovative. Erica received a Master's of Marriage and Family Therapy from California Professional School of Psychology-Alliant University and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Public Relations Journalism from University of Georgia in Athens, GA. She did her training at a number of outpatient clinics, inpatient clinics/hospitals, residential facilities, and detention centers in the San Diego, CA area serving the underserved populations before going into private practice. Outside of work, Erica is passionate about nature and the great outdoors, spending all of her free time hiking, swimming, and playing with her dog. She loves traveling to new places, with Aruba being her favorite destination so far. Erica's love of nature and the outdoors is a reflection of her belief in the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

First, let’s take a moment to say “good for you” for making the choice to take your therapy journey. Therapy has many faces and is different for every person, so it’s important to figure out what therapy means for you. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with depression and anxiety, wanting to work through trauma, or dealing with life changes, know that this is your process. I am here to help support you as we venture out together during your unique journey. I am here to provide a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space filled with the supports and skills for coping so that you can accomplish your goals. I have worked with various cultures, age groups, and ethnicities across a variety of challenges, including: trauma, depression, anxiety, stage of life changes, identity, relationship issues, behavioral challenges, and more. I have gained certifications in TFCBT, MAP, and IPT evidenced-based practice models and have 10yrs of experience. I wholeheartedly believe that it is incredibly important to choose the therapist that fits best with you and hope we have the opportunity to connect to help you reach and attain what you envision for your journey.

I was a CPS Social Worker before I was a therapist. Both of my degrees are in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon. I am very responsive, and your story matters to me. I have been practicing for 7 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

Hi! I am an LMFT based in California, more specifically the Bay Area. I am a father of two beautiful girls (#girldad), an avid golfer, and blackbelt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. I have been working in mental health and performance coaching for over 10 years. My passion is to help athletes and their parents find strategies to balance the demands of their sport and other areas of their life that they may be struggling with. I especially love working with fathers trying to engage their fatherhood in new ways.