Therapists in California

Welcome! With more than 25 years experience, my clinical approach is solution-focused, goal-oriented, compassionate and client-centered. I work with you in partnership to help uncover solutions to your challenges so we don't get "stuck" on the problems themselves. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply feeling "stuck," I'm here to help you restore balance and move toward a life of fulfillment. I strive to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make lasting changes. I've enjoyed helping adults navigate life's most difficult transitions for the last 25 years and I'd like to help you, too. By focusing on the skills of distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness, we can begin to feel more in control of our day to day responses to stressors. I provide sessions geared towards formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change. It helps you get "unstuck" and back in control! One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing clients set meaningful, value-driven goals and achieving them. That's why I partner with you to ensure you are empowered to reach your full potential. As you work through life's transitions, I will be there to guide, encourage, and challenge you to push past obstacles and create the life you want. Visit my website at www.valued-directions.com to find out more about my approach to therapy

Congratulations on taking this important step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life! Starting therapy is a brave choice, and I am here to offer a safe, supportive space where healing can begin. I specialize in working with individuals and families navigating the weight of past trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Together, we can uncover your strengths, build resilience, and work toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. If you're ready to start your healing journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you every step of the way. I chose to become a mental health provider because I have always been deeply passionate about helping others navigate life's challenges and find a sense of healing and balance. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how powerful support, understanding, and a safe space can be in fostering growth and resilience. I’m committed to empowering individuals to better understand themselves, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful change. Becoming a mental health provider allows me to combine my desire to make a positive impact with my belief in the transformative power of therapy. My goal is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and to offer them the tools and support they need to thrive.

I believe healing can be found in a variety of ways that are unique to each of us. Our identities, experiences, and stories shape who we are. I believe it is monumental to learn how all of our pieces intersect to create our authentic self. By understanding these, healing can be transformative. I believe social justice work is a requirement for therapists. I believe you have a right to know about who you work with morally, ethically, and politically. I am progressive leaning and do what I can to support human rights and the social justice movements. As a white therapist, I believe it is a requirement for me to be engaged in social justice work along with consistent learning experiences. By providing guidance, support, safety, and empowerment my main goals are to enhance the healing process and promote thriving. I want to create the safest space I can to support connection with your whole, authentic self. In my sessions, I promote self-discovery, transformation, and self-compassion. I use techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and IFS (Internal Family Systems). I believe using trauma centered, intersectional feminist, social justice, CRT, and Queer Theory perspectives are fundamental in therapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of living a meaningful and purposeful life. I believe mental health and wellness is a lifestyle of putting yourself first mentally, emotionally, and physically. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Chapman University. My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver stress, relationship issues, and stress management. It is important for my clients to be comfortable, agreeable and involved throughout the treatment process. Treatment plans are individualized to meet your needs because one size does not fit all. I use a person centered strengths based approach using Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.

I am a licensed mental health provider in California and Missouri and have helped clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that can assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's in 2014 and have been practicing for 11 years. I help adults manage their stressors in life and help them reduce their symptoms to be successful in their own life. I have experience working with children from 4 years old to older adults of the age of 80 years old.

I have had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan—from young children to older adults—in a variety of settings, including schools, crisis units, hospitals, and private practice. While I’ve worked with many different populations, I specialize in supporting children and teens as they navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, school-related stress, social difficulties, and parent-child conflict. My approach is compassionate and collaborative. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients and families feel heard and empowered. Together, we work to uncover strengths, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward healing and emotional well-being.

Hello, my name is Carla. Are you having difficulty with getting through the day without feeling sadness, anxiety, stress, difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships, overwhelming frustration so much so that its difficult to enjoy life or simply balance day to day life? Are you struggling to feel good about yourself? If you are reading this profile you have made a brave step in the direction of taking care of YOU and that's huge. It can be hard to seek therapy or just ask for help in general so let me just say I am proud of you for taking this step!

Hello, my name is Enrique Botello. Glad you are seeking support. Life is not all about sunshine and rainbows but a good thing that they do exist right. Often, life will confront us with emotional obstacles that will make us feel stuck or that there is no hope. I help people to reach their best version of themselves even when life throws rocks at them. Whether you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or other serious mental health symptoms, there is always hope. The use of evidence-based therapeutic modalities will be a process that will help people at different recovery times. No matter how long the road to the best version of yourself might take you, I will be alongside you. Finally, although not a requirement, I specialize in working with athletes of all ages. Sports create a lot of pressure in and out of the sport. Whether it is keeping grades up during school to continue to play a sport or a professional athlete having personal problems. I am here for you. *To ensure enough time for your appointment, please make the appointment on Saturdays at the start of the hour. For example 9:00 am or 11:00 am. For Thursday evening, it is only scheduled for 6:30 pm.

My name is Nancy Roberts and I’m a licensed MFT specializing in trauma, highly sensitive persons (HSPs), and attachment/relational issues. My style is integrative, based on a client’s needs and objectives; I weave in elements of DBT, mindfulness, somatic work, and attachment theories. I am also passionate about working with those who feel misunderstood by or disconnected from the mainstream neurotypical world.

I believe that therapy can heal, but I also know that telling a stranger about your deepest pain can be a strange feeling. Perhaps you've been feeling sad, depressed or worried, and hopeless that anything in your life can change. Or maybe you aren't sure what you would even want help with. You know you feel bad, but if someone were to ask you "How can I help?", you aren't sure what you would say. These problems can feel permanent and unsolvable. After all, something feels broken and unfixable, so how could you not feel that it takes all the energy you have just to get up in the morning and go about your day? Depression or anxiety can also feel isolating, as if nobody else could possibly understand. You may have even received advice from people who you feel mean well but can't understand what you're going through. Depression and anxiety are not permanent or unfixable, and therapy can help. Imagine feeling peace of mind, and excited about life and its possibilities. It starts by learning about you and going at your pace. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 16 years experience working with adults and teens, I've seen therapy work, and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that journey for others.

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters degree in Mental Health from Christian Theological Seminary in Butler University at Indiana. My Masters program is a Four year special degree program which is integrated with Psychology, Philosophy and Theology, that provides holistic approach to Psychotherapy. I work with adults who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, Anger, Trauma events such as military combat, physical and sexual abuse, neglect and Racism.

I am a Marriage & Family Therapist based in Northern California. I earned my Masters degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and have been licensed for 4 years. I have over 8 years of experience supporting families of patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. I work with adults to help them uncover what keeps them stuck in unhealthy patterns and provide tools so they can achieve their personal goals. I am here to help you establish better relationships with your loved ones, learn to set boundaries, and meet your full potential.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my masters degree from Pepperdine University and have been in the mental health field for over 14 years. I have extensive experience working with children and families who have experienced varying degrees of trauma (abuse, neglect). I enjoy helping adults who have experienced childhood trauma to process their trauma, to understand how their trauma may impact them as an adult and to work towards being their ideal self.

Hi, I am Yeny! I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Latina (ablo espanol). I have worked in the communities of Los Angeles for 20 years, with different socio-economic status and age groups from as young as 3 years to end of life. I am a passionate, compassionate psychotherapist, counselor and life coach who wants to empower people in their journey of becoming a better version of themselves. In a safe space that will navigate with clients the areas of depression, self-esteem, culture, family, and relationships.

Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed? Maybe you're noticing the same things happens again and again in your relationships and you don't know how to change it. I can help! I'm Chelsea, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience helping people make sense of their pasts to create the future they dream of. I am a trained EMDR therapist specializing in treating sexual and family violence. I provide virtual therapy to clients throughout California and I create a welcoming and collaborative space for you to safely explore your pain and to achieve healing.

I'm Yashica a LMFT located in Simi Valley, California. I am a seasoned mental health therapist with over two decades of clinical knowledge and experience. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that hope is the catalyst for change. By helping you challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, I aim to set you free to embrace transformation.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that everyone is inherently valuable and deserves to be heard and treated with dignity and respect. I strive to create a non-judgmental, compassionate space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. I prioritize honoring clients' legal rights to confidentiality and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. I aim to build a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering clients to navigate challenges, develop resilience, and achieve personal and relational goals.

Stressed out? Have crippling anxiety or depression? No one understands what you've been struggling with?I get it. I'll help you learn to cope, build confidence and make that change you want to see in your life. As an LMFT, I’ve spent over a decade seeing people at the lowest points of their lives, having suffered child abuse, violent relationships, depression & anxiety, drug addiction, and other hardships. I learned that so many of us feel alone, stuck, and misunderstood. Lets change that.

Hello and welcome - I'm so glad you're here My name is Liliana Ponce, and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California and I bring a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach to my practice. With over fifteen years of experience, I specialize in supporting children, teens, young adults, and families through life's transitions and challenges. For the past seven years, I have provided direct mental health services using evidence-based practices that empower folks to grow, heal, and become the best versions of themselves.

Hi. I am the daughter of immigrants which motivated me to study Multicultural community based psychology. I have worked in many different settings from community mental health to private practice. Currently I am the director of a consultation unit for youth and young adults in the foster care system. I really enjoy working with people on how to maximize their potential to create happier lives; sometimes this is achieved through more traditional therapy while other times this may require life coaching. I do not believe that therapy needs to be a continuous life long process, but rather a process individuals move in and out of at different stages of their lives.

Hello, I’m Violet, a licensed therapist with over 12 years of experience helping individuals to find hope and healing to overcome all of life’s challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety and trauma, infertility, new parents, women's struggles and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. I also have experience and a heart for working with parents of special needs children. Whether it be grief, loss, life changes and transitions, anxiety or trauma, relationship concerns, parenting struggles or family conflict, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, I have 15 years of experience helping clients navigate complex emotions and enhance their relationships. I typically work with professionals seeking support in areas such as romantic partnerships, parenting, relationships with parents, or workplace dynamics. To reach these relationship goals, in addition to improving communication and conflict resolution, usually it is necessary to help clients with managing anger, reducing anxiety, and overcoming periods of low mood.

My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. My hope is to help my clients understand they are not alone and there is always hope to move forward. If you have a desire to make a positive change in your life, therapy may be the right path for you. I provide a user-friendly telehealth office setting and do my best to work with your schedule.

I am Filipino American and immigrated to the United States as a child. While I am not fluent in Tagalog, I can understand Tagalog. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Santa Clara County. I received my master's degree in social work from San Jose State University (SJSU). I have experience working with younger to older adults who struggle with depression and anxiety.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. I hold a Master's degree from Alliant International University and boast over a decade of professional experience. Throughout my 11 years in practice, I have specialized in providing comprehensive support to adults spanning various age groups, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. I feel like the impact I have on clients is to help empower clients in defining meaningful and achievable goals that align with their personal growth and well-being, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation throughout their therapeutic journey

Hi, I’m Corrine. I look forward to working with you. While therapy can be scary and difficult, it can also be life changing and exhilarating. It can bring enlightenment, inspiration, and transformation to your life. Together, we will create a collaborative space where we can reflect on patterns and beliefs that exist in your life and affect your relationships, interactions, and responses in various situations. We will connect past experiences to current behaviors and thought patterns that may no longer serve you. Through our work, we will aim to uncover the root of anxiety, depression, or trauma and build healthy coping skills. Ultimately, I hope to empower you to improve the quality of your relationships and have agency over your life.

Hello, I’m Cesar. Do you feel overwhelmed with life’s challenges and feel you are being pulled in a million directions? Are you looking to restore balance to your life and mind? Has your self-esteem taken a hit due to the constant changes and expectations of society? Are you looking to improve or change the trajectory of your life? I work with adults who experience mental health concerns that range from anxiety, depression, impulse control, inattentiveness, trauma, behavioral concerns, relationship challenges and difficulties with establishing healthy boundaries. Together, we can restore your psychological and emotional health along with devising a plan to help achieve your goals. We will explore underlying concerns that are driving destructive behaviors and develop effective ways to improve overall functioning in all environments.

Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist. Thank you for taking the brave step to seek help during this challenging time. It takes courage to reach out, and I’m here to support you with compassion and care as you navigate this journey. My name is Terri and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of California dedicated to supporting individuals and their families during life’s transitions. In addition to providing therapy services with Thrive with Thistle Therapy, I am a mother of two young children and I serve as a clinical social worker on the mother-baby units of a hospital. I have experience providing care and support to patients and their families navigating challenges including: pregnancy complications, baby blues, difficulty adjusting postpartum, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), birth trauma, NICU admission for their baby, adoption, surrogacy, infertility, pregnancy and newborn loss, and first time parents. ​ I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University. In an effort to better serve my clients, I obtained a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International to equip me with specialized knowledge and skills to support individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Hi, my name is Gerald Anderson. I am a licensed Therapist in California, an LMFT. I have worked as a therapist for a long time. Helping people from many diverse back grounds. I have worked with couples, individuals, and children, helping them to have the support and the tools to process and work through their problems, marital conflicts. I have also worked with drug involved individuals, who are in recovery and I am familiar with the 12 step process.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an integrative approach to my work. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral therapy, anxiety, grief, art therapy, stress management, mindfulness and guided imagery. I have a collaborative client-centered approach, which is warm, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental. I help you discover your own insight, cultivate strengths and find meaning and purpose for a more balanced life.

Hello my name is Edwin, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the mental health field for 13 years and counting. I have been a social worker/therapist for the past 5 years. During my years of working in the mental health field I have worked with children, youth, adults and older adults. I have worked with clients/patients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, acute and long-term changes in their life. I became a therapist because I find it rewarding knowing that I am able to help others.

My name is Joanna Baez. I am a LMFT and a bilingual licensed Mental Health Professional with 14 years of experience working as a Facilitator and Psychotherapist in California, specializing in affordable online therapy. I have worked with clients to help them with a large range of concerns including anxiety, depression, anger issues, substance abuse/addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, and domestic violence. I have experience working with individuals in Federal and State probation as well as parents CPS cases. I have also worked at a State prison and MHTU Crisis Center. My empathetic, supportive, and nonjudgmental counseling style has allowed me to successfully help many clients. I believe that respect, and empathy are the main elements in a solid foundation for a good therapy session. I treat everyone with sensitivity and compassion, creating a safe zone to help them work through any issues. Multiple factors come into play when the mental health provider chooses a modality for the client, such as the age and preferences of the client and their available supports. My approach combines CBT, Attachment-Based Theory, Humanistic approach, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered approach, among others. Your dialogue and treatment plan are completely tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step towards a change to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes a lot of courage. If you are ready to take that step, you can be sure that I will be there to support and empower you!

As a Licensed Clinical social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents navigate challenges related to life transitions, medical conditions, trauma and career challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and supportive. I work with you to empower you to build resilience and crate meaningful and sustainable change. I believe therapy should be safe, empowering space where you can explore your life experiences without judgement; therapy is a brave step; I am here to collaborate with you in your journey.

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

Hello. My name is Dr. Alandrea Martin. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I received my Masters from Argosy University in Alameda, California and my doctorate from Walden University. I have been practicing 15 years. I am passionate about helping clients achieve success while going through struggles and life challenges. I have also worked with couples and families to help increase communication and to resolve conflicts.

Hello there.....My name is Maria Paola Cortes Elser, I was born in Colombia and have been living in the USA for 23 years now, and as an immigrant, I confronted different situations that helped me to grow personally, and spiritually and understand how special it is to be from somewhere else and become part of this extraordinary country. I understand the challenges that come from this transition from different land to America and all the life experiences that those changes include, mentally culturally and spiritually. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. I have been working in this field for 10 years, and I have experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as Substance abuse. I speak English and Spanish, and my motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and Mental illnesses through faith and professional clinical counseling.

Hello, I'm Nicole, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have a passion for working with individuals in order to assist them in developing and utilizing the necessary coping skills to manage and thrive during difficult times, life transitions, and through needed change. My goals are to create a safe and supportive environment for all my clients, while they increase their level of self-understanding and self-awareness.

Hi, my name is Kati Hoover and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I received my degree from California State University, Long Beach. I have been a Social Worker for 21 years and an LCSW for 14 years. I enjoy working with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, self esteem, and relationship issues.

A unique perspective on your life and life phase. You may want a better work/school/life balance. You may be struggling with a deeper loss or trauma. I give a clients the space to seek, find, and triumph, without getting lost. You may have goals you feel are out of reach. You may feel so swept up with others that you’re not even sure what your desires are. No matter what, as your therapist, I am here to help you find your goal and help you reach it with passion.

Ladybird Daniel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. Her areas of expertise include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attachment difficulties, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, self-harming behaviors, parent-child conflict, bereavement, adoption-related issues, and major life transitions. Ladybird earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Sacramento in 2014. Since then, she has provided compassionate, evidence-based care in both individual and family settings, drawing upon an integrative therapeutic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her therapeutic style emphasizes building a strong, trusting relationship founded on empathy, respect, and collaboration. Ladybird incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Client-Centered Therapy to help clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and practical coping skills. She believes therapy is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, where clients are encouraged to explore their strengths, confront challenges, and create meaningful change at their own pace. Committed to creating a safe and supportive space, Ladybird strives to help clients feel understood and validated, fostering resilience and hope throughout the healing process. She works closely with clients to establish personalized treatment goals and equips them with tools to navigate life’s complexities both in and outside of the therapy room. Originally from North Carolina, Ladybird enjoys returning home to visit and indulge in classic Southern cuisine. She is also passionate about outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, and hiking, which provide her with a meaningful connection to nature and balance in her life. Outside of her clinical work, she volunteers as a foster parent for a local animal shelter and finds great joy in caring for animals in need.

Hello, I’m Maria Fernanda Perez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in a helping capacity for over 19 years. I specialize in working with violence and trauma survivors, teens, adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. I support couples and families who desire to develop a deeper connection to their body. For many of my clients this looks like symptoms of high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and trauma interfering with their ability to connect with themselves. My traditional mental health background has given me a solid foundation in helping others to better finding their inner self.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. With a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families to navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth, I've dedicated my career to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where my clients can explore challenges, heal, and thrive. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique dynamics and strengths. Whether addressing communication issues, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, or personal development, I aim to empower my clients to achieve greater harmony, understanding, and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.

Hi!! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California with 10 years of clinical experience in various mental health settings. The focus of my work is on children, adolescents, adults, and families. I believe the therapeutic process should be an integrative and collaborative approach toward healing, recognizing that every person has a unique history. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. Thank you for trusting me in your journey to healing. I look forward to working with you.

Hello, I am Lisa-Marie! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing whole person therapy to clients in need. I earned my Bachelors in Social Science from Aquinas College and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Nebraska. I've worked in many different clinical and medical settings ever since. I have experience leading clients through of issues including trauma, life transitions, grief, women's issues, sexuality, depression, general anxiety and somatic challenges. Through many years of clinical practice I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives. I practice an eclectic approach, bringing a variety of therapeutic techniques to address the needs of the individual, but always assess where one in the process of addressing change. I am fully committed to listen and offer my best professional practices to help you. You can count on my empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation we take part on. Thank you for taking the first step and for allowing me to be part of this very important journey. Look forward to meeting you!

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Art Therapist based in California. I have two masters degrees one from Notre Dame de Namur University in Counseling and Art Therapy, CA and an MA from Hunter in NYC. Most of my experience is with children, couples, families and severe mental illness, also PTSD, Military Trauma, Substance use and ( for children ) parental imprisonment. I have also worked extensively with teenagers and sexual abuse. My style is attachment based and i may use art therapy directives if this is something you would like to explore. Apart from Trauma and especially sexual trauma, sex addiction and substance use i am also well versed in Perinatal, Post Partum and Parenting.

Have you been struggling with anxiety and/or lack of direction? Are you critical of yourself and feeling negative and sad? Do you have issues in your past you feel are impacting your present? Are you challenged by a life transition? Change is hard and not always smooth. Sometimes we get in our own way toward the life we want to live. I can help gain perspective and look at whether your thoughts and behaviors are helping you along your path or hindering your way. We can look at how patterns, thoughts and behaviors that might have been adaptive from a less than perfect past might be getting in your way now. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach to look at thoughts and behaviors and what would serve you best. Incorporating positive psychology, support and compassion you will have assistance on life’s sometimes/occasionally meandering path.

Tracy McClendon, LCSW is a therapist who believes we all have the capacity to grow and looks forward to helping you on your mental health journey. Is it possible you have come to a point in your life where you want change, need to get in control of you or your environment? With direction, support, serenity you can learn to master negative thought processes that bring about negative emotions and behaviors. She believes together, you will build upon your strengths, identify your concerns and you will overcome your challenges.

"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are." - Rachel Naomi Remen Are you having challenges with finding the courage to seek healing that may keep you from becoming the best version of yourself? Hello! I am Lauresha Zinatae Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH. I am independently contracted with Grow Therapy, while operating my private practice, Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., in California. I am licensed in the state of California and Alaska. I recently received my Master of Public Health degree in 2025. With an acquired passion for serving and inspiring people from all walks of life, I assist with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma. I also serve the perinatal population, addressing perinatal mental health diagnoses, such as postpartum depression. Utilizing trust and rapport as the foundation of our therapeutic alliance, my approach to therapy comes with an eclectic style based on meeting the unique needs of who it is that I serve. I have 14 years of experience as a mental health professional in residential therapeutic treatment facilities, behavioral health outpatient clinic, as well as in psychiatric inpatient hospital setting, where trauma-informed care and advocacy is utilized to exemplify my passionate commitment to serving disadvantaged youth, adults, and elderly, including other vulnerable and at-risk populations such as dual-diagnoses.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 8 years experience working in the mental health field providing individual and group therapy. My specialty is in working with self-esteem issues, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and spiritual crisis (spiritual awakening, shadow work, “dark night of the soul”). I operate from a humanistic theoretical framework; which just means, that I focus on the Individual as a whole and focus on existing positive strengths and behaviors.