Therapists in California

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the Los Angeles area and have been practicing mental health in social work for 14 years. I have worked with clients from across the life spectrum and in different settings, including the hospital and family clinics, but most recently have specialized in adults going through life transitions and managing depression and anxiety.

As a therapist, I work with individuals of all genders, couples, and teens starting at age 15. While I specialize in supporting women in their 20s and 40s, I also work closely with adolescents navigating the unique challenges of teenage life, including identity development, academic pressure, social dynamics, family conflict, and the emotional ups and downs that come with growing up. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel heard and equipped to handle the complexities of this transitional stage. Across all age groups, I’ve observed a common thread: the relentless pressure to excel, meet expectations, and maintain a sense of control. This often leads to self-doubt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. In short, issues that deserve care, attention, and validation. Whether you’re facing a major life transition,like starting college, beginning a new career, navigating relationships, or becoming a parent, or simply feeling uncertain about your direction, you’re not alone. I invite you to reach out and begin a conversation where we can explore your experiences and work toward clarity, connection, and balance.

Hi there, I’m Manny. Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Trauma combined with an emotional core (experiences of intense fear/guilt/shame) commonly splinters parts of our personality and represses such into the shadow/unconscious realms of our psyche. In response, many of us have adapted and survived by putting on masks in hopes of fitting in and being accepted by the people around us. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Clients may also experience suicide ideation and/or self-harm because there are parts of themselves that no longer serve them. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter. I am a Doctoral Candidate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, my studies focused on Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. As a Holistic practitioner, I believe that each individual already possesses what is needed for their healing and it is my duty, as a guiding witness, to help the client navigate, process, and integrate such.

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.

Do you feel stuck in your life, in your work, or in your relationship? Have you been feeling on edge, overwhelmed, or like one small inconvenience might send you over the edge? Are you unsure of what to do to better your mental health, or how to do it, or where to start? My name is Rachel Chistyakov and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with my Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy. My approach to therapy focuses on healing, connection, and emotional insight. I focus on these therapeutic factors to better allow individuals, kids, teenagers, and families to reach their goals and improve their lives. I work collaboratively with my clients to tailor treatment so that whatever may be affecting them can be worked through in a safe and comfortable environment. Besides being a therapist, I am an Adjunct Professor and I teach psychology Master's students. I also volunteer with my local library and animal rescues whenever I can.

Welcome! My name is Shannon Saltzman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of clinical social work experience and over 20 years in the field of social work, I specialize in treating adults and older adults. My approach I provide individual therapy to clients residing in the state of California. Treatment is comprised of a combination of evidence-based talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapies, and a solution-focused approach. As a therapist, I provide a warm, supportive, empathetic, non-judgemental, safe space for healing and recovery. I help clients move through whatever it is they may be struggling with and develop coping tools that they can continue to use beyond our time together.

I am currently licensed to provide telehealth therapy to clients residing in California, Washington, and Oregon. As a second-generation Asian American immigrant, I have experiential understanding of the complex intersections of culture, family expectations, and identity that many individuals—especially from Asian and other immigrant cultural backgrounds—navigate daily. I specialize in helping adult clients and parents (ages 18–85) untangle painful family dynamics, work through cultural and intergenerational conflicts, and heal from relational wounds and past trauma. I offer a compassionate, collaborative space where we can explore and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, break cycles of emotional pain, and move toward healthier ways of relating—with yourself and others. I also work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, academic or career stress, spiritual conflict, grief, and behavioral struggles such as substance use, compulsive behaviors, and lifestyle challenges rooted in unresolved trauma. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with cultural sensitivity and a strong belief in your ability to grow, heal, and reconnect with your sense of purpose. If you're feeling stuck in painful patterns or difficult relationships, I invite you to reach out and begin your journey toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional freedom.

I am very pleased to meet you. Before coming here and seeing my profile, you may have struggled alone for a long time, unable to easily share your personal issues with anyone, or perhaps you did share, but felt misunderstood or not fully supported. In a safe and trustworthy environment, I am ready to listen to your concerns or issues with empathy, without any bias or judgment. With my expertise, I am confident in working together with you to resolve your worries or challenges. I will listen to your unique history and problems with curiosity and respect, and I will do my utmost as a counselor in collaboration with you.

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, 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.

Hello, My name is Thalia Diaz, and I'm thrilled to have been connected with you! As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, caring, and non-judgmental space to work with clients. I am aware that the times in which talk-therapy is sought out are also the times in which life feels overwhelming. Whatever that struggle may be, I believe that the human spirit is strong and capable of healing. I am passionate about working alongside my clients to heal those wounds and setting them up to be able to reach the goals they've set for their futures. Though I have experience working with a wide range of people, my passion is to help young adults who struggle with trauma, depression, grief, and/or anxiety to process their life stories, strengthen their sense of identity, and develop the skills needed for the life they desire.

My goal in my counseling is to help my clients live deeply fulfilling lives. I help clients increase their psychological flexibility through various tools and approaches including evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change their thought patterns. I use experiential approaches including Hypnotherapy to work with subconscious minds and remove blocks that are deep in their psyche. I also provide mindfulness training, which is one of the key techniques for the clients to be more present and accepting in their lives, rather than react reflexively. Each individual's struggles are complex and tied to many factors including their social environment, their physical health, the phases of their lives, skills they already possess, etc. In other words, change can happen in a variety of ways and that's what counseling can help with, pointing out the direction and even the next steps that can help the client to get to their goals and intentions. I work with clients experiencing sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, mood issues, ADHD, career counseling, and those who simply need a tune-up.

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.

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.

I'm so proud of you for taking the first step in you're therapeutic journey! This takes a lot of courage and bravery, characteristics you'll need along your therapeutic journey. I'm Aaron, and I'm licensed marriage and family therapist, and I'm here to help people grow in emotional maturity through learning the art of self-compassion and developing a positive mindset. When you start strengthening your emotional maturity, you can begin to face the future with more confidence, peace and hope.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my master's in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in California and have been practicing for the last 8 years. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts, and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.

My role is to assist you in your path to change by improving your sense of self. This includes developing an awareness of your ideas, feelings, and actions, which serves as the foundation for forming new habits and encouraging healthy self-talk about change. The key to lasting change is building these practices into your routine. Practice them regularly, tweak them as you go, and gradually, they'll become second nature.

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.

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.

Hi there, I am Christine. I have been honored to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds struggling with challenging issues for many years. I base my understanding how people function and heal in human physiology and Christian practices. People experience adverse events differently, impacting them emotionally, physically, and spiritually. These experiences are often not understood verbally by the person, that is why it is important for me to help individuals understand the healing process. Change from a Christian perspective is very practical and personal, while taking into account what might remain unknown on the nonverbal level. In therapy, I utilize a Christian perspective, where the whole person, mind, body, soul, and spirit are valued and addressed according to a biblical interpretation. The mind, body, and spirit are all connected, and the spiritual component is essential to complete wholeness and restoration. I believe the Bible is the infallible and inspired word of God and is relevant to all areas of life. I believe it is vital to utilize evidence based therapeutic approaches while incorporating scripture as we take a closer look at all areas of your life. The integration of Christian teaching in therapy with individuals who desire this type of intervention helps them gain a sense of hope for life in Jesus Christ. In my therapeutic approach, I value the positive benefits of faith-based interventions enabling individuals to connect their mental health treatment with their faith creating a more holistic approach to treatment and personal growth. I am here to help; you do not have to figure this out alone.

Hello, my name is Antolyn Rosales. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the SF Bay Area in California. I received my Masters from the University of San Francisco. My specialty is providing psychoeducation and therapy to individuals and families to help manage difficult emotions and cope with stressors while fostering meaningful interactions. My therapy style is unique. I utilize principles and strategies from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Behavior Therapy to help make change. My role is to help one identify the source of the dysfunctional behavior patterns and offer guidance toward more functional behavior patterns and ultimately change.

Do you often feel overwhelmed or struggle with relationship issues? Life presents us all with mental, emotional, and psychological challenges at times. I can help you explore difficult situations in your relationships and find ways to overcome your current struggles. Since 2002, I have been supporting men and women who are tired of constantly trying to please others. I help individuals move from feeling stuck to achieving clarity in various aspects of their lives.

Hello! My name is Elaine and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that therapy should feel like a conversation with a trusted friend—open, honest, and without pretense. With a straightforward approach and a genuine interest in understanding your unique story, I aim to create a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, I'm here to help you navigate life's ups and downs with compassionate support. Let's work together to find the path that feels right for you. My specialties include: working with parents who have a child with special needs, LGBTQ+ issues, and grief. I know you are tired of not feeling like yourself. You deserve to start feeling good again.

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 am a License marriage and family therapist I provides services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I have been helping individuals with anxiety, social difficulties, Anger management, Depression, trauma and grief. I have experience in facilitating violence prevention programs and anger management groups. I utilizes a variety of techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, DBT, Psychoeducation, Play Therapy, behavior modification, mindfulness and relaxation.

Hey there, I'm Mersedeh, but feel free to call me Mary! Are you currently feeling a bit stuck, like life's lost its sparkle? Do you sometimes wonder if change is just a myth? Are you missing the thrill of those early relationship days when everything felt like an adventure? Or maybe you're on a quest to cultivate healthier connections, both with yourself and the people around you. And if you've got some not-so-great habits you'd like to change, we've all been there. Guess what? I'm here to lend a friendly ear and a warm heart. Let's chat and work on bringing some sunshine with a warm smile and a can-do attitude, back into your life! I'm here to help you tap into the wisdom of your own experiences, and together, we'll create a nurturing space for healing and growth. My goal is to empower you, helping you understand what might be holding you back and guiding you through it. We'll embark on this journey using an evidence-based approach tailored to the unique needs of your mind, body, and spirit, ultimately restoring balance in your life. I'm passionate about incorporating Psychoanalysis, mindfulness, and art techniques to foster a deeper and more loving connection with yourself. Taking the step to seek therapy is a courageous move, one that demonstrates your commitment to healing your emotional wounds. Be proud of yourself for prioritizing your well-being, and let's work together to achieve the positive changes you're seeking! 🌱😊

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Hi I’m a licensed professional counselor based in Georgia, also licensed in California. I received my Masters degree from Argosy University and I have been practicing in a mental health field for over 20 years. I help adults of all ages struggling with everyday stressors, grief, anxiety, depression, issues with addiction, relationship issues, work stress etc. to assist and support in finding ways to manage these issues

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

Justin has been working in the field of behavioral healthcare since 2014. He began his career as a mental health technician within a locked psychiatric hospital in Los Angeles, supporting two units of adolescent and adult psychiatric patients. It was this experience that solidified Justin’s passion for providing compassionate, client-centered care in the mental health, and co-occurring dual diagnosis treatment field. Justin has done extensive work providing direct client care as a facilitator of individual, group and family therapy providing crisis intervention and mental health services to youth and adults identified as at-risk in Los Angeles. Justin has served various treatment programs in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Over the years, Justin’s roles have included Residential Counselor, Case Manager, Primary Therapist, and Program Director. Justin Cowell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). An alumnus of the University of Arizona and San José State University, where he earned his Master’s degree (MSW), has experience in mental health, counseling, and community-based settings. Before joining the Grow team, Justin worked with diverse populations and adolescents. He enjoys incorporating CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology into his sessions and is eager to bring these modalities to work with the recovery population at Grow Therapy. Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, Justin loves all LA sports teams, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, and Rams, and loves going to games. Both personally and professionally, Justin is a proponent of self-care, having fun, and trying new things, and is excited to be a member of the Grow team.

Hey there! I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist from California with 40 years of diving deep into the world of mental health, spiced up with a dash of international flair. My journey has taken me through a Psy.D. program to complete in Clinical Psychology, a master's in Counseling Psychology, and a bachelor's in Sociology. Living and working across the globe has fine-tuned my knack for connecting with people from all walks of life. I'm all about helping you find your ‘Zen’ again, mixing and matching the best bits from CBT and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy to create a chill, judgment-free zone where we can work things out together.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

Micah Gamez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of practice experience in a variety of settings which include: schools, in-patient and outpatient behavioral health services, crisis, substance abuse, medical social work, family services, community-based wrap around services and private practice. Micah is bilingual, bicultural, a mother and military veteran. Micah is culturally competent and utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities and in her approach to counseling others. While including a strengths-based, client-centered, and holistic approach. is my passion to serve you and your needs. At this time, I provide services only through virtual telehealth.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I have years of experience working with teens and older, with a primary focus on working with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in the area of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Trauma. I have provided services to military, law enforcement and crime victims as well as those who have less violent experiences that cause problems with their family members and spouses. I feel that it is essential for people to have a safe, respectful and healthy relationship with their loved ones in order to fully appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.