Therapists near me in San Diego, CA

As a seasoned clinician, I specialize in helping clients find steadiness during times of uncertainty. I bring a mindful, practical, and collaborative style to therapy, helping you slow down, make sense of your experiences, and build the skills and confidence needed to create meaningful change. My goal is to offer a grounded, compassionate space where you can reconnect with your strengths and move toward a life that feels more aligned and intentional.

I'm Marisa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (115264) who received my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, specializing in children, youth, and families. I have expertise in working with individual adults specializing in Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Transitions, Relationship Issues, and Self Esteem. I utilize collaborative treatment approaches based on your individual needs because I feel that every person is unique with a different story. I strive to help you feel empowered and to develop a stronger relationship with yourself. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and anything related to the arts.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need a safe place to vent and grow? Do you struggle with depression or/and anxiety? Is there unresolved trauma or grief that impacts your daily life? I work with clients from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages and experiences who are ready to create a life worth living. Together we will work to restore balance and harmony in your life. We'll use a whole-person approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Through therapy, we can begin to facilitate the work of processing and healing underlying issues in your life. Together we can develop a strong foundation that can lead to long-term progress and change. I pride myself on providing a safe and empathic space for my clients throughout their journey of self-empowerment and self-discovery. Taking the first step can be difficult, I praise you for taking the first step in self-development and prioritizing yourself and your well-being. I look forward to working with you and being a part of your overall journey.

Hi there, my name is Sydney and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist here to assist you in your therapeutic journey. I was born and raised in Sonoma County and am now serving my community via both in-person and telehealth. I have experience working in community mental health, school-based, and private practice settings. I am dedicated to my clients and enjoy seeing growth and self-exploration through our journey together.

Warmest greetings to you! Is there a part of you that is hurting and needs a safe place to address it? Therapy is your time to be heard, speak your heart, find greater ease with yourself, and learn to work with what might get in your way. Our work together is be based on your needs, goals and pace. I will encourage you to explore your inner world, using a kind and caring lens. My goal is that you to discover greater self-acceptance which can set the stage for more healing. I will work to help you increase your connection to yourself and others and to find the strength and peace of mind to meet challenges. With compassionate listening and focused questioning you may break patterns and begin to move forward. You can learn ways to manage depression and anxiety so that you may thrive. No matter what has transpired in our lives these events are opportunities for greater understanding, growth and wisdom.

I am originally from Los Angeles and moved to Amherst Massachusetts to study photojournalism at Hampshire College. While I appreciated that pictures tell their own stories, I felt pulled to linger within the ongoing experiences of the folks I captured on film. Obtaining my graduate degree in psychodynamic therapy from Smith College confirmed the importance and complexities of witnessing people beyond just a moment in time.

I believe the main goal of therapy is to remove the obstacles and blockages that preclude us from being genuine. My approach is straightforward yet compassionate. As your therapist, I simply hold the mirror up and allow you to reveal the parts of yourself that have broken off over the years as a result of stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other unresolved issues. Together we mitigate the impact of maladaptive behaviors and search for answers that are more closely aligned with your goals. The answers to many of life’s problems are internal, but we have been conditioned otherwise. I have over 20 years’ experience treating mental health and addiction issues. I use a solution focus that incorporates a wide variety of modalities tapered to your needs. I treat many issues including family of origin, addiction, primary mental health, couples, trauma, and more. I am an EMDR trained therapist, and I help clients to process painful experiences that disrupt your life and well-being. I am hesitant to ascribe to any one therapeutic orientation. Everybody is different. I combine breathwork, meditation, ACT, CBT, as well existentialism and spirituality. I look forward to working with you on your path to wellness

I work with adults navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, depression, and the impact of trauma. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns with honesty and curiosity. My approach integrates CBT and DBT to build practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen communication, while also incorporating Jungian-oriented insight to deepen self-understanding and meaning. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, self-aware, and empowered, supporting lasting change, clarity, and emotional balance.

Hello and welcome, With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to balance, mindfulness, and joy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. This journey has reinforced my belief that each person's path to well-being is unique and deserves a personalized approach. My therapeutic style is eclectic, drawing from various modalities to create a tailored experience for every client. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, or simply looking to enhance your overall well-being, my approach is designed to meet you where you are. By integrating techniques from different therapeutic models, I aim to provide the most effective and compassionate care possible. I believe that life is about finding balance and learning to navigate our paths with mindfulness and joy. In our sessions, we will work together to uncover your strengths, explore new perspectives, and develop practical strategies to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. Your journey is unique, and so is my approach. I am here to assist you in finding your own sense of well-being and to support you every step of the way. Thank you for considering me as a partner on your path to mental wellness. I look forward to working with you and helping you create a life filled with balance and fulfillment.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I consider myself to be a focused, inspired, compassionate, curious, solution-oriented, somatic, holistic, client-centered therapist. Providing the kind of support, understanding, and insights that give my clients the hope, motivation, and aha moments to elevate their self experience and personal healing to the next level. My intention is to provide the best and most consistent service to each person I have the privilege to meet.

I first and foremost adapt my style of therapy to meet your needs. We work together to identify what best supports you toward your goals or areas of focus in therapy. Some clients progress through insight and understanding about an issue while others progress through tangible present-moment skills and tools, all of which I can provide support you with. I also feel that Identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc) plays an important role about how we experience the world and how the world views us and I incorporate this into therapy. I see therapy as an equal and collaborative effort between us. I offer a broad range of personal experiences and clinical background to therapy. I enjoy working with people of color and I identify strongly with them. I have extensive experience working with couples, mixed race individuals, inter-racial relationships, the LGBTQQI community, and athletes. I believe I have a great feel for supporting you to be comfortable entering into therapy. Finding a balance of acceptance of you and where you are at in your life while also supporting you with the change you want to make. I offer inquisitive questions to inspire critical thought with tangible actions and tools that you can use.

Welcome — You Deserve a Space to Be Seen and Heard As a proud Latinx, cisgender woman and the first in my family to earn a college degree, I understand the strength it takes to navigate multiple worlds — balancing cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Living with a vision impairment has deepened my appreciation for how our identities intersect and shape the way we experience life, resilience, and healing. In our work together, I offer a culturally affirming and inclusive space where your story matters. Whether you’re exploring generational patterns, identity, or simply seeking relief from life’s pressures, I bring both personal insight and professional experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s connect and see how therapy can support your growth and well-being.

Life can feel heavy-especially when anxiety, depression, guilt, or relationship stress start calling the shots. You don’t have to carry that weight alone. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to understand what’s holding them back and learn practical tools to move forward with confidence. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in real-life change. Together, we’ll identify unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges. Therapy with me isn’t about perfection-it’s about progress, resilience, and learning how to show up for your life with clarity and purpose. When you’re ready to feel more empowered and less overwhelmed, I’m here to help you take that next step.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed in California with 18+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I help adults who are struggling, become the best version of themselves at their own pace.

My name is Marisol Keegan, LCSW. I provide strength-based, solution-focused trauma psychotherapy for adults (18+). I work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, sexual orientations, and value systems, and I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership where we work together to reduce distress and build resilience. As an immigrant and Latina professional, I bring both personal understanding and professional insight to my work.

Hi, I'm Jacqueline. Do you ever wonder, am I enough, as an individual, in relationships with others, at home, at work, or in other environments? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I would love to help you manage anxiety, depression and improve your relationship with yourself and others. Together, we can identify opportunities to feel balanced and to be your best self. We'll use an approach that will address your need for a healthy mind, body and spirit. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, self-judgment, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can make a difference. Taking the step to reach out can be the right choice. Carl Bard once said, "Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start today and make a brand-new ending". I am available to support you during your life transition, self-growth and renewed healing. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can be your best and feel your best. Let's work together!

Dana has over 30 years of clinical experience facilitating emotional healing transformation in a vast diversity of populations, including couples and marital dynamics, crisis intervention, substance abuse, eating disorders, family systems and children and adolescents, often incorporating eclectic treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR, Person-centered, object relations, analytical, and Jungian). Client testimonials frequently express appreciation for her warm, grounded approachability and efficacious, nurturing interventions. From her Clinical Director and Lead Therapist positions, Dana maintains a humanistic Supervisory Leader-to-entry level perspective toward folks obtaining mastery of their unique individual agency healing, growing, sharing consciousness clarity and well-being.

I offer a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Perhaps in pain, grieving, growing, uncertain, hopeful. I believe healing happens in safe connection, in being witnessed with compassion, and in slowly finding your way back to yourself. My style is warm, grounded, and intuitive. I’m especially passionate about supporting people through trauma, anxiety, relationship pain, motherhood, identity shifts, and seasons of emotional heaviness. Together we make room for both the ache and the healing, with gentleness, honesty, and care.

I am a kind, caring and understanding person who places value on my love for all people. I believe all people matter regardless of who they are. I value providing a safe, warm, non-judgmental, direct, and compassionate space by actively listening and providing support and guidance to clients so they can become the best version of themselves. The most important qualities we desire as humans are to feel valued, heard and respected. This is exactly what I model.

Hi, my name is Julie. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist based in Los Angeles , CA., where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, supporting you through talking, art making, somatic experiencing, breath work, and mindfulness. Your therapeutic process will be a unique reflection of who you are and what your goals for therapy are.

Hi, I’m Erim a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist born and raised in Southern California. One of my biggest priorities is creating a safe and welcoming place for my clients. I am experienced in treating anxiety, stress management, relationship challenges, grief, loss of relationships, job stress, disappointment management, and life transitions. My aim is to allow room for processing as well as equipping, educating, and empowering my clients with practical tools and techniques that they can use in their everyday lives.

My name is Nadine and I was born and raised in Iran, went to high school in England and came to the US when I was 16. Having lived in three different countries, I am very familiar with how culture affects individuals. I have a sense of humor and enjoy meeting people from different walks of life. Every individual that I meet, has a different story. I am here to listen

Hello and welcome. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your courage to take the first step in selecting a therapist. The thought of sharing intimate thoughts, struggles, and personal experiences can be overwhelming and frightening. I hope to help you feel confident that you have come to the right place to express your needs and work on feeling better. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) from California. I have over 12 years experience in providing services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, and other challenges. I have had the pleasure of working in various settings. For about seven years, I worked at a community mental health agency treating children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of needs especially those who have experienced trauma. I have found that each individual comes with their unique story and background. My first experience using telehealth was during the pandemic. With the increase of mental health needs, I discovered the importance of being able to provide services through the telehealth platform. It inspired me to continue to reach those clients who desire telehealth for various reasons. Life can be busy with schedules and finding time for therapy is not always easy. Telehealth can make therapy a little easier.

25 years experience. I see everybody and I love kids. My approach is psychodynamic rather than cognitive behavioral. Glad to explain the difference to you if you don’t know those terms. I generally see people over a period of at least a few years. And former patients say that they appreciate the results we get.

Hello, my name is Teresa Mills a Licenced Marriage and Family therapist in California. Are you looking for a space that offers openness, support, and understanding? Together we can create a safe space free of judgement, and tailored to your therapeutic needs, and paced at your progression. I focus on strengths and not just symptoms. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and intended to support meaningful lasting individual growth.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with nine years of experience working with adolescents (high school–aged and older) and adults facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. I specialize in supporting teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviors, and trauma/PTSD. I have extensive experience helping adolescents navigate academic stress, social anxiety, identity development, emotional regulation, and the impact of difficult life experiences. With adults, I work collaboratively to address mood concerns, trauma histories, life transitions, relationship stress, and patterns that may be keeping them feeling stuck. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood and empowered. Together, we work to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and foster meaningful healing and personal growth so clients can move toward becoming the best versions of themselves.

As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to empowering you on your journey toward a fulfilling and hopeful life. I specialize in a supportive yet direct approach, helping you uncover the roots of your challenges with expertise in areas like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Using an integrative methodology tailored to your unique needs, I draw from EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy to equip you with the tools for personal growth, goal achievement, and discovering deeper purpose

You constantly do for others, yet neglect your own needs. You worry about things you can not control, fear the unknown, and haven't figured out how to let thoughts go. You do too much, and have a hard time saying, "No." Now, imagine what it would feel like when you finally speak up for yourself, and feel appreciated for all that you do. Hello, please call me Stephanie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years in the helping profession. I love the Martial Arts for it’s discipline of the body, mind, and spirit. I believe everyone should learn some Self-Protection techniques for all aspects of life; Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial etc. Wellbeing is my personal ambition. My two favorite words are Peace and Hope. I have a faithful trust in God. I am not in charge.

Sometimes we all need a little extra support during tough times. Let me be that support for you. Therapy can be a very scary process for many people. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and to provide you with the tools and resources needed to get through your day to day struggles. I strive to facilitate a space where clients can process shame, guilt, isolation, self-forgiveness and hopelessness. I am passionate about what I do. When you are ready to begin your journey and start your healing process, I would love the opportunity to walk along with you.

As a therapist, I am committed to helping you have healthier, more balanced, harmonious lives and relationships. My therapy approach includes traditional and holistic healing techniques that involve mind, body, heart and spirit as well as things unseen. My years of experience in community mental health include individual, child, couples, co-parenting and family therapy. I am able to relate well to many different cultural, ethnic, socio-economic groups. With an M.A. in transpersonal psychology and an M.B.A. from University of Chicago plus 25 years of corporate experience, I use a broad range of skills to help my clients explore their needs and goals. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, many of my clients have learned mindfulness techniques that enhance their recovery. All of us need confidential support for different things at times. My job is to compassionately support you in what you need, with your values, to have the life that you want.

Life can be overwhelming, and healing is never one-size-fits-all. I meet you where you are with deep empathy and zero judgment, while bringing genuine teamwork and mutual accountability to our work. Drawing from my background in endurance running and competitive powerlifting, I view therapy much like training: lasting change takes patience, consistency, and active practice. With experience across community mental health and school settings, I provide strengths-based, evidence-driven care for adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. Together, we’ll gain better understanding of our patterns and build practical strategies to help you navigate life’s transitions with confidence and resilience.

Hello! My name is Jessica Canada-Rudolph and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I received my Master's degree from Alliant University and have been practicing for 6 years. I love what I do! I am here to help with things from decreasing anxiety symptoms to improving communication. As an LMFT, I can be a neutral ear to listen with compassion and help you discover your solutions! ** Please note that AI note taking is an integral part of my practice. This is a tool that not only helps me be present in session, it gives you a summary of what was discussed and I make certain to remove any proper nouns, if needed, before the note is saved. If you do not prefer AI note taking during sessions, please consider services with any of the other, wonderful Grow Therapy providers **

Hello! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a trauma-informed, somatic & relational approach to therapy. I work with thoughtful adults who want to understand themselves more deeply, reconnect with their bodies, and create more ease and clarity in their relationships. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in nervous system education—supporting meaningful, lasting change rather than quick fixes.

Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start. -Nido Qubein I take a whole person and collaborative approach to therapy, catering therapy to the individual sitting in front of me. My specialties are in the field of grief and loss. Grief is not just bereavement, it is also the loss of a job, a relationship or a dream.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, difficult life transitions, addictions, and relationship challenges. I believe therapy is a journey inward—one that honors the mind, heart, and spirit and can ultimately create greater peace, connection, and satisfaction in life. My work is grounded in the belief that we each have inner strengths and wisdom that can become difficult to access when we are overwhelmed by loss, change, painful experiences, or long-standing patterns. Therapy can help us reconnect with those strengths, develop new ways of coping, and move toward a greater sense of clarity and self-compassion. I sometimes think of this as reconnecting with our Best Self—rediscovering the qualities within us that allow us to live more authentically . I hold a Master of Arts in Spiritual and Counseling Psychology and have trained in grief and loss, community mental health, psychiatric settings, and addiction treatment as well as maintaining a private practice. I am committed to creating a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore what is difficult while also discovering their capacity for growth and change. My approach is integrative and relational. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and patterns; mindfulness and acceptance-based practices to cultivate present-moment awareness and self-compassion; and existential/spiritual perspectives to explore meaning , authenticity and purpose. Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we make space for your experiences, your relationships, your losses, and the transitions you are facing—while honoring the wisdom you have gained along the way. Whether you are seeking relief from emotional pain, navigating a significant life change, or simply wanting to feel more connected to yourself and your life, therapy can offer an opportunity to reconnect with what is strong, meaningful, and alive within you.

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Northern California for 20+ years. I believe everyone has inner wisdom that is often difficult to access when we have dealt with trauma, fear, shaming and abuse. My goal is to help clients access the parts of themselves that they feel disconnected from or would like to develop further. I believe very strongly that healing and change are possible at any age! I like to teach skills that help with finding the strong parts of each person, that may have been suppressed or cut off, due to life circumstances.

Hello, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from the University Antioch Los Angeles and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults at different stages of life and transitions who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma to help nurture and restore a sense of balance. My approach to working with clients is centered around the individual as a whole - recognizing intrinsic uniqueness and reinforcing inner strength – supporting an individuals innate ability to grow and thrive.

I work with adults who want to better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. My style is direct, curious, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I take a holistic, culturally aware approach and believe therapy should lead not only to greater insight, but to meaningful change in everyday life. I value honesty, self-reflection, and creating a space where clients can explore difficult things without feeling judged.

I utilize a strength-based approach, utilizing strengths you already have and can build upon to overcome challenges. We can modify and utilize other techniques as needed. I want to ensure you feel comfortable with how YOUR treatment will go.I have a broad range of experience working with babies, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and the end-of-life population.I prioritize a safe environment for you to feel supportive, heard, and seen.

Hello, I’m Cristina Osollo! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 12 years of experience. My primary focus is substance abuse, depression, trauma, anxiety, and relationship discord. I take an integrative approach to therapy, using evidence-based frameworks to provide concrete tools and strategies for symptom reduction and deeper exploration. I believe we all have what it takes to create the life we are meant to live. I invite you to take the step of finding out what is possible for you. Through a process of discovery, awareness, and a commitment to self-understanding, there is a hope of embodying your truest self. Bringing a delicate balance of effort, care, and experience, it would be my privilege to accompany you on this intimate and very often, deeply satisfying journey.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I received my Masters from Cal State Fullerton in 2017. I have experience working with people of various backgrounds including but not limited to: adults, young adults, adolescents, children, parents, professionals, immigrants, POC, LGBTQ+, Hispanic/Latinx community, multi-generational families, and many more. I can be a listening ear and guide you towards your goals.

Hello there, I'm Alma. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with elementary-age children and young adults. I can help you manage anxiety to avoid burnout, and in children to avoid losing control of their emotions. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I integrate mindfulness to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with being overwhelmed, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety, I'm here to help. You deserve a safe space to be heard, heal and grow.

I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.

My name is William Money, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have 8 years in the field and I love my job. I am not the person to give advice or tell you how to live your life. I will not tell you I know everything because I don’t. I will meet you wherever you are therapeutically no matter where you are in your journey. I am not judgmental and I have experience with lots of things so if you feel we are a good fit please reach out to me to schedule our first appointment.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life isn’t quite yours? I help adults navigate: anxiety, depression, complex ADHD/ADD, generational trauma, perfectionism, codependency, people-pleasing, and interpersonal conflict. I also support people during times of transition or entering a different phase in life that can be difficult to experience. I take an integrative and personalized approach by blending compassion, humor, and practical strategies to help you regain clarity, confidence, and a life that truly feels like your own. Whether you’re struggling with stress, feeling lost, or ready for meaningful change, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make life feel a little lighter… and finally stop arguing with your own brain at 2 a.m.

Hi, I’m Teresa Haro — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA)--Offering secure Telehealth therapy throughout California. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and I’m glad you’re here. Therapy can help you build self-awareness, confidence, and a stronger relationship with yourself—while also empowering you to form more fulfilling, meaningful connections with others. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your experiences and begin healing at a pace that feels right for you. I support adults facing challenges such as: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress, OCD, Major life transitions, Attention-related concerns, Bipolar disorder, Low self-esteem, Relational stress, Co-dependency, Grief & Loss, and Intergenerational or Childhood Trauma. These emotional experiences can make life feel heavy and overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. I am fluent in Spanish and Bi-cultural. I provide therapy through a culturally humble, respectful, and inclusive lens. I am trained in the following therapeutic mortalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Positive Psychology, Seeking Safety, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness practices. Education: M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles, CA; Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies, California State University, Dominguez Hills, CA.

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of experience in medical social work, and I’m now bringing that deep, compassionate care into private practice. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments—chronic illness, hospitalization, loss, and major life transitions. My healthcare background has given me a unique perspective on the connection between physical and emotional well-being. I understand how medical issues can impact mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. I’ve supported patients and families through grief, anxiety, depression, caregiving stress, and adjustment to new diagnoses, and I bring that same thoughtful approach to therapy. When working with clients, I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and move toward healing. Whether you’re coping with health-related stress, life transitions, or seeking greater emotional balance, I’m here to walk with you at your pace. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I aim to make that step feel grounded, safe, and supportive.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship challenges, life transitions, and patterns that can leave them feeling stuck or disconnected. My style is warm, down-to-earth, compassionate, and collaborative. I listen deeply without judgment while also offering honest reflection, insight, and practical tools to help you create meaningful change. Many people come to therapy believing something is wrong with them. I approach things differently. I believe our emotional struggles, coping strategies, and relationship patterns often make much more sense when we understand the experiences that shaped them. Rather than simply focusing on symptoms, I help clients become curious about what is happening beneath the surface, why certain patterns developed, how they may have helped you cope or protect yourself, and whether they are still serving you today. Therapy with me is a place where you can show up as you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out, know exactly what to say, or pretend that everything is okay. Together, we’ll work toward greater self-understanding, reconnecting with your strengths, developing healthier ways of coping and relating, and creating changes that feel meaningful and sustainable in your life.

I’m Melba — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Rising Tide Family Therapy. I’m especially drawn to working with people navigating the tension between who they’ve been expected to be and who they’re becoming—particularly those who are used to considering everyone else’s needs, have a hard time disappointing people, or are the first in their family to do something different.. I come to therapy from a different career, which gives me a practical lens alongside my clinical one. You might come to therapy feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of what you want. You might be struggling with communication, boundaries, executive functioning, or simply feeling like you’re carrying more than your share. I help people who feel stuck in patterns of overextension — often the ones who've kept pushing until their body or job forced a stop. I take a strengths-based, compassion-focused approach to burnout and stress, helping clients find their footing and build something more sustainable going forward. We’ll look at both what’s happening internally and the systems around you, with an emphasis on identifying where you actually have room to make a difference. And therapy with me doesn’t have to be solemn all the time. I love a good TV or movie reference, a healthy dose of absurdity, and a laugh when the moment calls for it. My roots are in Kerala, India, and I was raised in San Jose, California, within an Orthodox Christian tradition. Today, I’d describe myself as spiritually agnostic. Given my own background, I’m particularly attuned to the weight that can come with collectivist cultures—the obligation, silence, and guilt that can arise when you’re the person who wants something different. I believe that tending to your own wellbeing isn’t selfish; individual wellbeing is part of collective wellbeing.

I work towards building trust with clients. My practice focuses on helping those who struggle with managing stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and women's issues. People tell me often that i have a calm presence. I do enjoy providing realistic skills, people enjoy practicality and need immediate relief from distress at times. Why wouldn't i teach my clients to find relief from the overwhelming stress.