Book 100+ of the best therapists in California

Thank you for considering me as your therapist in your journey to improving your mental health!  Seeking treatment can be an extremely daunting task, especially within a culture where mental health may not be openly discussed.  This leaves individuals struggling alone with distressing mental health symptoms including anxiety, stress, fear, insecurities, isolation, depression, racing thoughts, poor self-image and many others.  With a lack of support or a safe environment to openly share these experiences, it can be extremely difficult and overwhelming to understand how to manage these symptoms in a healthy way.  This can lead to maladaptive coping skills including substance use, overworking, self-harm, suicidal ideations, hypersexuality, and other risky behaviors.  Even maladaptive coping skills are part of the brain's effort to protect us from the discomfort that comes with mental health symptoms. My goal is to assist empower clients to take control and manage these symptoms independently.  I assist clients with gaining insight about their difficulties and how they experience mental health symptoms in their lives.  I provide clients with psychoeducation to achieve this insight and then work toward developing concrete coping skills in an effort to manage the symptoms.  We will work together to identify short term and long term goals that the client hoping to achieve in therapy and I will ensure that we stay on track toward achieving those goals.  Through accomplishing these goals, clients are able to increase their emotional intelligence and resilience as they manage day to day stressors. I am structured in my approach and committed to seeing progress for my clients as they take on the challenge of self-improvement.  My clinical orientation is in trauma work.  I assist clients with understanding their trauma in their life and how it impacts them today.  I emphasize the unique cultural backgrounds of my clients and all the different traits of their identity to assist them with understanding themselves in a more complete way. In person services available for clients near Santa maria, Ca.  Telehealth services are available for clients throughout the state.  Feel free to reach out directly via phone call or text to discuss scheduling details or to ask any other relevant questions! (805)250-6802 I'd be happy to answer any questions!

Do you feel that you have been pulled in a thousand directions? Are you struggling with self-care, low self-esteem, negative thinking, your job, or your relationships? Is it hard for you to relax? I help clients manage anxiety, and depression and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify your work/life balance. We'll use a whole-self approach addressing the needs of your body and mind to achieve your therapeutic goals. I also use mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and Psychoanalytic therapy to help identify and build a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, being overwhelmed, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, acclimation, addiction, or recovery, I'm here to support you. Seeking therapy can be scary but it is the first step in helping your well-being. You deserve a space where you can grow, heal, and become more reflective. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with comparison and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the issues and habits that are holding you back. I want to help you improve the quality of your life and provide you with a support system. I look forward to working with you.

The world reflects our inner views, serving as a looking glass for what we hold within. While you may not always influence surrounding circumstances, expanding your inner reality can majorly impact how you relate to them. By taking charge of your beliefs and addressing their roots, you can improve your relationships, be more at ease with your circumstances, and become more empowered. Seeing people grow, expand, and deepen connections between them is inspiring.

My goal as your therapist is to help you create a meaningful and enjoyable life. Whether you come to treatment to manage a pre-existing condition/diagnosis, or are looking to improve the relationships in your life; I am happy to assist you until you get to where you would like to be. In today's society; stress, anxiety, and depression can often take over our health, wellbeing, and relationships leaving one with an unsatisfactory life. In treatment we can explore the obstacles that are causing you pain or are holding you back from your full potential, and work together towards creating happiness and contentment.

Let's talk. I too have had a therapist when life shows up. We all experience the human condition: depression, anxiety, isolation, unresolved grief and trauma, shame, people pleasing, toxic relationships and communication, anger, shame, low self-esteem, addiction, and compulsions. Do you listen to your inner critic’s lies too often? Are you a human in pain like I have been? Yes? Then you’ve found the right place. These topics and others are my specialty. I create a safe, fun, compassionate, private, and nonjudging space, using evidence-based approaches customized for each client; like Kim: "You’ve helped me see the world and myself so much better" "Thank you Clint! I have finally taken control of my emotions and like myself today" -Terry. I'm glad you've found the courage to ask for help. I teach clients to face the challenges that have plagued them for years. I'll share how to be more self-compassionate and change your core beliefs. Problems usually start with the relationship we have with ourselves; the core beliefs about ourselves, others, and our world can change. Let me show you how. "I really appreciate your help and feel so much better" -Ed. I help people overcome the issues listed above. Also, I help process the taboo: Alt Sex/Kink, suicidality, anger management, and the secrets you plan to die with. My clients constantly report that working together restores hope and that change is possible. Contact me to see how I can help you. "Now I have better ways of seeing and being in this world" Jay "Thank you for helping put our family back together" -Caroline.

When booking a session with me you can expect to be greeted with openness and comfortability. I am a very personable person and aim to ease you into our therapy journey. I provide a safe, relaxing environment where you will feel comfortable uncovering the issues you are experiencing. My approach is calming and kind, and because of my personality I focus on positive outcomes. I believe you have the capability to relearn negative thinking and behaviors that have contributed to life's struggles. My experience covers adults and adolescents in areas of trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, grief/loss, educational and career planning, infertility, adoption, life transitions, and suicidal ideation/attempted recovery. I know therapy can be scary and intimidating, however with me you will feel like I really do care and understand what you are trying to say. My goal is that you leave my office feeling positive and empowered to take the next step in your healing journey.

I’m a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through a holistic, trauma-informed approach to healing. I specialize in helping clients explore their emotions, navigate challenging life transitions, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. By integrating a mix of mind-body techniques, attachment-based therapy, and culturally sensitive care, I help clients create lasting change and develop the tools they need to live more fulfilling, balanced lives.

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.

Hello, my name is Paola Leon and I am a Bilingual Marriage Family Therapist. I am a Latina, first generation female who specializes in Children, teens and young adults up to 25 yrs old. I have extensive knowledge and training in working with neurodivergent populations specifically children, teens, and young adults. I am an advocate of the LGBTQIA+, and LatinX community. I utilize evidence based modalities in treatments such as CBT, ACT, Play therapy and EMDR. My commitment to my clients is to offer a safe and nonjudgmental place in where any and all feelings are allowed.

Hello/Hola, I am/soy Candy! It takes courage to address your emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. One of the hardest challenges in life is to discover a new path when you're feeling stuck. You have just taken the hardest step by seeking support from an experienced licensed mental health professional. If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions or have experienced a traumatic event, I want you to know that you're not alone. I use tele-therapy to offer a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings and underlying issues that may be contributing to your well-being. Se necesita de mucha valentía para lidiar con tu bienestar emocional, espiritual y mental. Uno de los desafíos más difíciles de la vida es descubrir un nuevo camino cuando nos sentimos estancados. Tu acabas de dar el paso más difícil al buscar el apoyo de una profesional de salud mental con experiencia. Si estás lidiando con ansiedad, depresión, estrés, transiciones de vida o has pasado por un evento traumático, quiero que sepas que no estás solo(a/x/e). Yo utilizo la terapia para ofrecer un espacio seguro y sin prejuicios donde podemos explorar tus pensamientos, sentimientos y problemas subyacentes que pueden estar influenciando tu bienestar.

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

As mentioned before, I was a CPS Social Worker before I was a therapist. Both of my degrees are in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon. I am very responsive, and your story matters to me. I have been practicing for 6 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

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

For those who struggle with decision-regret and anxiety around making the perfect choice, picking a therapist is three steps into the therapy already - if you're here reading this and that's you, I commend you as your therapy has already begun. Anxious and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, "imposter syndrome", endless struggles to be perfect, only to be met with guilt and regret; all uncomfortable things that we humans try to avoid and control, yet all of that avoiding and controlling just doesn't seem to do any good. You're here to learn better ways to manage these experiences, and that's where I can help. I leverage 14 years of clinical experience as an adjunct professor in clinical social work and as a therapist in the public and private sectors in Canada, the US and Australia to assist my clients. I am a well traveled surfer, climber, author, entrepenuer, and musician and I enjoy spending time in my backyard that is the central coast of California, exploring all that it has to offer.

Hi there. My name is Jacquelyn Najera and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I obtained my Masters from Portland State University in Oregon and have been practicing in Los Angeles, CA for the past four years. I believe in the boundless potential of each and every human being and I feel truly honored to support folks on their journey to healing and fulfillment.

Hello my name is Leah Dean, LMFT. I have been in the field of helping people for over 24 years, and I absolutely love what I do. The work I do with clients enrich their personal, and relational growth, as well as enhance their emotional over all well being. Our Culture is one that constantly changes as one move's through the all so important stages of our lives, from creation to death. Psychotherapy can provide the ceremonial time and space for honoring one's timely movement through important life passages related to change. I am here to help you with your personal struggles, losses, life changes, and challenges, and to increase Joy in your everyday life.

I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with my doctorate in couple and marital therapy. My approach to therapy focuses on healing, connection, and emotional insight to allow individuals, kids, teenagers, and families to reach their goals and improve their lives. I work together with my clients to tailor treatment so that whatever may be affecting them and can be worked through in a safe, comfortable space. Besides being a therapist, I am an adjunct professor and I teach psychology master's students, and I also volunteer with my local library and local animal rescues whenever I can.

Hi! I'm a LCSW practicing in the state of CA. I'm passionate about helping you find your voice, peace and to make sense of all the chaos around you. I received my B.A. from UCLA in 2008 and MSW from USC in 2013 and have been primarily supporting youth and adults from all backgrounds of life since. I would describe my therapeutic style as active, engaged, empathetic and direct. I truly believe in getting to know you and your story without any biases, I will work alongside you as an agent of positive change and will support your journey in gaining the confidence needed to improve yourself and your situation

You don’t have to struggle alone! I look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with you in your journey in discovering how to make positive changes, decrease negative behaviors and thoughts, and help improve your mood and engagement with life! In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we have created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives. If that sounds like you, you are stuck. We can feel lost and alone when we are unable to move forward, whether in work or a personal relationship. Therapy can help you break free of that and thrive. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on teens, adults, and couples. I have worked with clients on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and family reunification. I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I also minored in sociology.

Hello there! I'm an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) residing in sunny California. My educational journey led me to earn my MSW from California State University, Northridge, and I've dedicated the past ten years to the field of mental health. My passion lies in assisting young adults grappling with career stress and burnout to unlock their full potential and thrive in their endeavors.

Hello and welcome! My name is JC and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Ph.D. candidate specializing in Medical Family Therapy at Northcentral University. I obtained my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Orange County. I operate from a combination of a Patient-Centered approach to therapy wherein I meet my patients where they are at while implementing a Biopsychosocial approach which allows me to comprehensively examine the interplay of biological, psychological, and social elements to understand health, illness, and the delivery of healthcare for my patients and their presenting concerns.

Hi! I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and received my Ph.D. from Walden University in 2021. I specialize in helping children and adolescents with a variety of mental health conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress, and anger.

Dear Prospective Client, My name is Lina Rappoport, LMFT. I have been licensed since 2013. Originally from Ukraine I came to the US more than 20 years ago. I love to work with pre-teens, teens, their parents, and adults. I love meeting people from all around the world and I connect well with different cultures and ages. In me you will find compassionate, caring, and respectful individual. I will take time to listen and together we will create a plan of action to help you feel better. We all need support these days, so don't hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to meet you. Take care.

I am so glad that you are considering starting therapy! As you browse around to see who you think will be a good fit, thoroughly read through the profiles and do not be afraid to ask questions. The most important thing about the Therapeutic relationship is that you feel comfortable and heard. I'd like to share a little about myself...... I hope I can be the right therapist for you. I absolutely love working with people. I have over 5 years of experience working with children ages 3 and up. In my 6 years of practice I have provided services to children, adolescents and their families. My focuses include: depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life adjustments, communication, parenting, social skills, coping skills and advocating for children with special needs. I also have over 3 years of working in correctional facilities with juveniles and adults. I work within a person centered approach, meaning that the focus will be centered on you and your therapy goals. I utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills and interventions to help decrease problems symptoms and behaviors. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

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

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.

I am a Licensed therapist and provide online therapy in States California and Georgia. I graduated from UNC-Pembroke in 2013. I have over 7 years in clinical practice working with teens and adults. Also, I have worked with veterans and foster care youth. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing approaches when working with my clients.

Hello! I am an experienced and compassionate therapist dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges and find their path to emotional well-being. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth and healing. **Please note I currently have no availability for evening appointments.

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.

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

I’ve studied and practiced many methods. I like to be eclectic and work with you with what’s needed to get you back on track and feeling your best. I was a teacher for many years, then went for my masters in social work. Life has many twists and turns. Sometimes we can feel off balance or are suffering from depression or anxiety. We’ve all had our ups and downs and getting back on track and feeling our best is a goal I enjoy helping people achieve the life they want.

Iam a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children, youth and adults for the past eight years. My background is special needs case management and parenting as a school social worker. My "why" when I think about my work is this: listening to clients stories' and sitting with them in their path to building resiliency. I believe the client knows themselves and their strengths, I sit by and guide them to build insight about how they want to make changes for personal growth. I champion my clients as they build their capacity for vulnerability to develop their authentic selves. I consider it a huge privilege to do this very important work.

Tonya Meeks, LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Specialties: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety, Bullying, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Trauma, IVF/Fertility Support Hi, I’m Tonya—a therapist, writer, and performer with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. My approach is deeply informed by my background in writing and performance, blending creativity and empathy to foster healing. As a parent of a neurodivergent son, I understand the unique needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). My personal experience allows me to connect with families in profound ways and offer insights grounded in real-world experience. I also offer compassionate support for individuals navigating fertility struggles, having personally undergone IVF as a single mother by choice. In addition to traditional therapy, I integrate creative expression into my work. Through storytelling and performance, I help clients explore their narratives, reframe challenges, and unlock new pathways to self-discovery. This holistic, individualized approach allows me to support clients in ways that resonate with them personally. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults, offering tailored treatment plans for emotional regulation, social skills, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and addiction. My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed, helping clients gain insight and build resilience at their own pace. Beyond therapy, I created and perform in Flying Standby, a one-woman show that explores themes of vulnerability and personal transformation. I believe in the power of creative expression as a tool for healing and personal growth. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, or neurodiversity, I am here to guide you on your journey of healing and self-discovery.

Hi! Welcome to Grow! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & hold a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. My academic curriculum specialized in: family systems, biopsychosocial thought, psychodynamic approaches, and person centered interventions. Therapeutically, I specialize in substance abuse counseling/addiction, as I am also certified as a substance use counselor and have worked in substance abuse treatment as a residential treatment technician before becoming a therapist. Further, I specialize in working with kids & adolescents who struggle with emotional defiance/conduct disorders & developmental disabilities. Further, I have experience in dual diagnosis treatment and exploring grief/loss issues. My style to therapy comes from a Rogerian, CBT, and Humanistic approach and embracing the “entire self”. My passion in being a therapist is to see and embrace progress, meeting people where they are at, being present during “aha” moments, and serve altruistically. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy participating in ministry work, being active in recreational sports, volunteering as a crisis counselor & hospice volunteer. Some of my past work experience has included: working in special education as a substitute teacher, in the public-school sector as a tutor/instructional assistant, and as an in-home behavior interventionist working with kids who have developmental disabilities.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a decade of experience specializing in treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I work with dual-diagnosis clients, where I provide therapy to clients facing complex challenges, including addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing, helping clients uncover the underlying emotional and relational patterns that contribute to their struggles.

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Virginia. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hi, possible client! You may be going through a stressful moment in your life. You may have had some complex trauma occur in your past. Or you may have a teen who is experiencing some mental health difficulties. Maybe you're looking for someone who may have more in common with you to help you through your challenges. Whether you are looking for a space to feel supported and discuss your trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship, life goals, or to simply feel seen, I may be the therapist for you.