Therapists in California

Hello, I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. Taking the first step toward therapy is courageous, and I’m here to support you through life’s challenges—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply need a safe space to talk. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and understood in a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment. Together, we’ll explore what works best for you—whether that means building coping skills, improving relationships, managing depression or anxiety, or navigating life transitions to find greater balance and fulfillment in your everyday life.

I am a seasoned and dedicated therapist, holding a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I am based in California. With 13 years of experience in this field, my practice is driven by a profound commitment to assisting individuals in their journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach centers around meeting my clients right where they are in their lives, offering them a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am deeply passionate about nurturing self-understanding, self-compassion, and self-love, guiding individuals to embrace these qualities as they navigate life's challenges. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of moving away from self-criticism and self-blame, recognizing these patterns as hindrances to personal well-being. Instead, I work collaboratively with my clients to foster self-acceptance and self-compassion, empowering them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help individuals discover their inner strengths, enhance their self-awareness, and develop the tools they need to lead more fulfilling and contented lives. It's a privilege and a passion of mine to assist others on their journey towards greater self-acceptance and emotional well-being.

My name is Jason Stewart, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with a genuine passion for helping others. With nine years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including couples, families, individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout my career, I have found that connecting with my clients on a deep and authentic level is at the core of effective therapy. I bring empathy, warmth, and curiosity into every session, creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with relationship issues, navigating complex family dynamics, facing personal obstacles, or seeking to understand and embrace your own identity, I am here to walk alongside you on your unique journey. In addition to my professional approach, I believe in the power of humor as a therapeutic tool. Laughter can bring lightness to difficult situations and foster resilience. By combining my years of experience, genuine empathy, warmth, curiosity, and a touch of humor, I strive to create a therapeutic experience that is both enriching and transformative. If you are seeking a therapist who values your unique experiences, understands the intricacies of diverse populations, and can provide a safe space for exploration and growth, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can embark on a path of healing and create a life filled with fulfillment and well-being.

My name is Carol Kosta. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I hold a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch Los Angeles and I am a certified EMDR practitioner. Over the last 20 years I have have worked as a therapist with diverse populations in private practice, community based programs and facilities that treat mental health, eating disorders and substance use disorders. I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients recover from trauma and other life distressing experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression and panic disorders. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Mindfulness, Art Therapy, Solution focused and other strength based approaches. Through the use of compassion, empathy and humor, I have helped clients gain insight, identify coping strategies, increase self esteem, use healthy communication, improve relationships and work through the stages of life. I understand that it takes strength and courage to participate in therapy and I make intentional efforts to support and understand clients by checking in with them and being open to feedback.

Hi, I’m Marvin West, a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist with training in Expressive Arts. I believe therapy is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and self-discovery. You are the expert of your own experience, and my role is to meet you where you are—through the highs and the lows—offering guidance and support along the way. Let’s take this journey together to create a brighter, healthier future for you.

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience with families in crisis, 9 years in a therapeutic experience and over 8 years as a LCSW. I have experience in helping clients with Stress, Anxiety, Parenting issues, Motivation, Self esteem, and Confidence. I also have experience working and coping with life changes and relationship issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. My treatment modalities include the following evidence based practices: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person/Client Centered Therapy and Crisis Intervention. In addition, I utilize a biblical approach to teach clients how to calm their inner storm. The first step into your healing journey starts with your decision to try something different. If the time for therapy is now, let’s dive into this new space together and create a difference in you!

Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step into your therapeutic journey! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and my Bachelor's degree from CSU Channel Islands. I have over 14 years of experience working with various populations and settings. I believe that everyone has experienced something that shapes who they are today, and I'm passionate about using my own experiences to support others in achieving their goals and finding resilience. Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, I'm here to provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings, overcome obstacles, and move forward with confidence.

Hello, thanks for visiting my page. I am Dr. Banigo, and I love to collaborate with patients and render needed assistance. I am a skilled clinician, and I provide clinical supervision to clinicians focused on sharpening their clinical skills. I am an adjunct professor. I encourage patients to actively participate in their care with me and other treatment providers such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and others. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc).

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I have recently been certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 20 years of experience working with a very diverse range of folks (women, men, the LGBTQ community, those living with HIV,People of Color, those dealing with substance issues). I enjoy working with people who are seeking a caring, compassionate, understanding person who listens and offers a hand up while they battle back against depression and anxiety. I also enjoy supporting people who are struggling with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and employ a powerful tool (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy) that is clinically shown to greatly reduce OCD symptoms.

Deborah enjoys working together with her clients to form a strong therapeutic bond. She is motivated to help her clients live there best authentic lives. She has experience helping people develop strong coping skills to reduce, manage and or alleviate their anxiety, depression and work/relational stress. In her spare time Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and grandson, hiking, walking her dog, trying new recipes and planning for travel.

As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I have been working in the field for over 25 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy. I am here to empower both women and men who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have also incorporated the use of journaling, art, and sandtray therapy into my practice.

I have been a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001. In 2005, I was trained by Postpartum Support International (PSI), and have specialized in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders since that time. I served as PSI’s Orange County Coordinator, offering support and connecting women to community resources, from 2005-2017. In addition to my work in private practice, I taught LMFT students at the undergraduate and graduate level for 10 years, and became certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in 2015. In 2017 I helped develop Hoag Hospital’s Maternal Mental Health program, where I served as Lead Therapist. I was trained by the Beck Institute in 2018 in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders.

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.

Hello my name is Natasha Simon and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Are you a trauma survivor? Do you experience intense and uncontrollable emotions? Do you experience depression and anxiety? Do you struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues? If you are experiencing any of these issues, I am here for you. At this very moment you may feel helpless, but there is hope for you to overcome and move forward from the issues you may be experiencing. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and collaborative. I use principles of psychodynamic therapy, CBT and DBT and I adapt my treatments to best fit your needs. I believe strongly in the therapeutic relationship and I make sure to co-create a space where you can feel safe to be you and embark on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I meet you where you are at and welcome you without judgment. My purpose as your therapist is to be a resource and tool to assist you with becoming empowered to make positive changes and healthy choices in your life.

I offer support to survivors of traumatic experiences, individuals who have experienced a loss or separation from a loved one, as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety. Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truly agonizing. I have years of experience in the areas of medical social work, grief and loss, trauma, depression and anxiety. I am constantly amazed by the human spirit and believe firmly that everyone has an ability to heal. Allow me the privilege of being part of your journey.

I’m Dezetta Burnett, DSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in helping people manage and cope with anxiety. With over a decade of experience, I use evidence-based techniques and a compassionate, holistic approach to guide clients through life’s challenges. I offer tailored strategies that empower clients to build resilience, navigate transitions, and achieve personal growth. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or looking to enhance your personal well-being, I’m here to provide impactful, supportive care to help you find balance and confidence in your life.

Hello! I'm Anthony. Ever find that you're spending too much time in your head? Do you find that worrying is interfering or making it harder to manage all of life's stresses? Are you struggling to remain present in the here-and-now? I help individuals address their anxiety, depression, and stress that may be impacting their ability to keep up with life's responsibilities. Together, we'll explore all the qualities of what makes you, you. Utilizing, what we discover, as some sort of blueprint, to improve or expand upon. I have an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based techniques that best fit your needs. If you experience unplanned life events/changes, anxiety, depression, or stress disrupting your flow in life. Know that you're not alone and we'll take it on together. Be ready to learn, adapt, and grow your skills and resources to conquer all that life throws your way. Lastly, I want to thank you for seeking therapy to enhance your mental health well-being. It's a difficult decision to open yourself up and accept help. I look forward to meeting you!

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Case Manager with 25 years experience in medical social work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. When working with individuals, I try to create a safe, warm, and inviting space for you to understand yourself, gain new coping skills, and different perspectives. I use both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, Brief Solution Focused, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy to help you.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. With over 11 years of experience and a Master's degree from Antioch University, I provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their experiences, rebuild confidence, and rediscover their inner strength. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each client, helping them navigate challenges and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Hello! I'm Amber, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in the field of psychotherapy for 20 years and have the honor of working with many indivudals experiencing many different situations. My theories of choice are Psychodynamic and CBT, however, I use a whatever-it-takes approach with clients to help them think, feel and do their best. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse/misuse are the areas I have concentrated on for the past 10 years. My skills include empathy, compassion and I also find, a good dose of humor goes a long way toward healing. Together we will find a way to help that will work best for you.

If you’re reading this, it means you exist. Based on your religion, culture, or general belief, you may have a meaning for existence. However, no matter your meaning, one thing is clear - existence can be very challenging for us. There are many ways to cope with the challenges of existing, resulting in different experiences. Therapy is just one way to manage the challenges. Therapy There are many ways to approach therapy. One way I like to approach it is to view an individual as a system. In therapy then, we check the system to see what’s working well, what’s neutral, and what’s not going well. In doing this, the goal is to get an individual to admit the reality of things, not what the individual wants or hopes but the present true reality. It's important to identify and understand the reality of an individual because often there are significant fears and or unstable belief in the individual’s ability to manage challenges and get desired results. Lack of control – one of the foundational fears for us is the lack of control we seem to have over ourselves and others. How does one cope with seemingly so little control - from how one comes into existence to how will my friend react if I said no. Whether you’re a veteran in going to therapy or trying it for the first time, we will work as a team to see if we can get you to be how you want to be given the infinite things that are not in your control.

I enjoy working with individuals, children and couples that are hoping to gain confidence in healthier communication skills. Getting to understand you and getting to know one another will help improve our relationships. This will help recognize where you are hoping to improve your qualities in daily functioning. Building an alliance with me can create a safe place to practice and process your thoughts and feelings. Being able to process your past experience will allow you to identify and process ongoing needs within your daily lifestyle. Therapeutic alliance helps individuals grow within and become aware of their own needs

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. During my undergraduate career at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland I studied Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. I then proceeded to earn a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy in Los Angeles, California from the University of Southern California. I have been providing therapy to children, teens, adults, families, and couples for over 10 years. I am passionate about helping the clients I work with to come into alignment with their truest wants, needs and desires. I strive to support my client's in developing a sense of clarity and direction over their life. My intention is to create a warm, safe, and comfortable space, where client's can feel heard and supported as we work together to navigate the various challenges at hand.

Hi there, I'm Rita. Are you feeling overwhelmed and not able to complete daily tasks? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? find any time for yourself? I am here to help you manage anxiety, depression, and challenges that have created a feeling of "no way out". Together, we can identify the obstacles and get back on track to begin feeling balanced again. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness, motivational interviewing, holistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to talk and express feelings and issues to help you heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!

Over human history, people have mostly lived in close-knit communities. This has eroded with the advances in transportation and technology. Most people have lost much of the social support our forebearers enjoyed. Mental Health Professionals have taken on this role in their respective communities and are an excellent resource for you to realize your strengths and improve your well-being. When your car breaks down you take it to a mechanic. When your tooth hurts you see a dentist. When your mental health can use a “tune-up,” see a Mental Health Professional!

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California and have been practicing since 2017. I believe our therapeutic journey is a path to be walked on with a healing partner. I work with organic and eclectic therapeutic methods specifically tailored to meet your goals. I consider it a privilege to be given entrance into the lives and hearts of my clients.

My aim is to foster a supportive and safe space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and challenges. My work will help you recognize the power within you & source( whatever you believe in is totally okay in my world, I respect all) and trusting that it all works out the way it should! I have also faced my own life challenges, moved across the country to my dream states and more, which I believe has taught me to have more compassion and an open mind. Hence, why I always state I am a human first. One of my biggest strengths that helps foster a safe space for my clients, is my unconditional acceptance & operating from an unapologetic authentic framework, whilst helping them get to the level they desire. * I do offer a scaling rate for fees, please reach out for more information on that*

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, Bachelors in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, co-dependency, school issues, trauma, among other issues, to help them discover how to become a better version of themselves.

Do you feel lost, hopeless, or stuck? Do you find yourself worried and self-conscious? Are you experiencing conflict with family members, co-workers, or other important relationships in your life? Are you a parent wanting extra support? You are not alone. My style is nurturing, kind, empathetic, and patient. I am here to establish a safe environment where you will be respected, heard, and validated. Therapy sessions are tailored to your individual needs. I meet clients where they are at and work at their pace to achieve hope, empowerment, and growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping teens and adults overcome struggles, achieve transformation, and live a meaningful life. I developed a passion early on for working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and supporting parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children. In addition, I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions and interpersonal relationships.

I'm a bilingual (English / Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California. I obtained my Masters degree from the University of Southern California in 2014 and my license in 2017. I have experience working in outpatient contract community clinics, crisis stabilization programs, and psychiatric hospitals. In 2022, I transitioned to working with only adult clients. I hope to provide a safe space for all my clients to process, heal, gain insight and awareness of limiting beliefs, and develop healthy coping skills to manage any challenges they are facing.

Psychotherapy can help you overcome many personal challenges, if you're willing to be honest and have an idea of how you'd like your life to be different. I've been a therapist for many years, working with diverse persons in New York and California. I use a variety of modalities including classic insight-oriented therapy, supportive therapy, CBT techniques, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I also work with couples and families.

Welcome, I'm Shirell Bunch-Lipscomb, a mother of 4 and a grandmother to 3 children. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is committed to helping individuals and families overcome various challenges and heal from trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. My mission is to help you build stronger, more connected relationships while fostering emotional growth and resilience. My passion is also working with the youth populations and help guide them to become stronger individuals.

My name is Monica Smith, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, providing telehealth services to adults statewide. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to name a few. I help clients build awareness, develop coping skills, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both California and Nevada as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. For over a decade I have specialized in working with individuals who are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction and the criminal justice/re-entry populations, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma and occupational/ social stressors. I am a lifelong learner and always challenge myself to stay on top of the new information being researched in the mental health and substance use disorder fields.

Do you have an an issue or concern that you're currently going through and want to be able to feel heard and understood? As a licensed Clinical Social Worker I can provide a safe and welcoming place where you can feel open to share those concerns or worries. Together we can work toward creating more balance in your life. I use a collaborative style to build on your strengths and resources and use them as the foundation of the helping process. I have 21 years experience working with children, families, and individuals as a social worker, eight of them as a licensed clinician! Prior to training as a therapist I worked as and advocate for children, youth and families in various community based non-profits. The peace I felt in helping lift burdens for individuals and families was the energetic drive that led me to the path of clinical social work! I consider it a privilege to be invited and entrusted with the task of walking alongside you during a challenging moment in your life. Seeing you grow and succeed is one of the greatest reward I could ask for!

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in California. I received my Masters from DePaul University and have been practicing for 7 years. As a devoted Christian, wife and mother of four, my passion is helping others work through their issues, overcome obstacles and become the best version of themselves. My services focus on developing skills that help peel through and examine the complex layers that compose our daily lives in order to fully understand ourselves and the others around us. Treatment is a collaborative approach and I am dedicated to the process.

Life can be difficult and, at times, feel overwhelming. When navigating depression, anxiety, or trauma, our perspective can become blurred, making it hard to see a way forward. During these moments, having someone who is nonjudgmental and understanding can make a meaningful difference. I believe we are all capable of growth and everyone deserves a life filled with hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It will be a privilege to walk with you through this journey of examining your inner self, breaking generational trauma, overcoming anxiety/depression, and improving your relationships. Please note, I currently only see individuals no couples or families.

I am a licensed MFT with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Frustrated? Having difficulty sleeping? Feeling overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 24 years of experience, I can help you understand the causes of such problems and set you on a path of healing. There are many sources of stress that can affect the brain and immune system and impair your capacity to cope. In my work with individuals and groups, I work with you to achieve overall well-being of mind, body and spirit. My approach is client-centered and rooted in mindfulness. I work with you to find what might be blocking your full potential to navigate life, such as negative memories, traumas, life issues, stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, addiction and so on.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I offer clients over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I specialize in providing a holistic environment that is collaborative, client-centered, and strength-based for clients. Whether you are seeking tools to help you face current challenges or looking to improve your mental health, I am here to support you.

As a therapist specializing in serving individuals of color, I place great emphasis on promoting self-care and wellness among my clients. My goal is to assist my clients in navigating the intersectionality of their identities while prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I provide a supportive environment for clients to explore their unique experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal pressures. My approach includes empowering clients to create personalized self-care routines, coping strategies, and resilience-building techniques that are tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, I provide various resources and methods to assist clients in cultivating self-awareness, establishing boundaries, coping with pressure, and fostering a sense of equilibrium and contentment in their lives.

Hi there. I'm Steve. I specialize in relationships of all kinds, especially romantic/intimate/sexual and including ethical nonmonogamy (ENM). I believe living in the world today means the demands for your attention are often relentless, sometimes making you overwhelmed, stuck, or feeling like you've lost touch. Think of therapy as a place where you and I show up for YOU—for that very blessed being you get to be, this whole life. In turn, this helps all your relationships thrive, which again, helps you thrive too! We all have a natural drive to adapt, learn, and grow, and we do so in relationships—with ourselves, with others, with ideas and values, and with the world. You and I will listen closely—from where you are right now—to help reconnect you to your innate tendency to grow and change in desired ways. This may very well mean tolerating more friction and tension at first. It’s alright. You will get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Over time, knowing how you feel, think, and act—right here and now—will help you make better choices, recharge your sense of well-being, and enliven your relationships.

Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I have been serving the community for 28 years working with individuals, children, couples, and families. It gives me great joy to work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I also find it meaningful to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, as I have a multi-ethic back ground, and am multilingual in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. My specialties include: anxiety, trauma, depression, self esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamics, multi-generational issues, adjustment to life situations, stress management, grief, anger management, etc. I value the client-therapist relationship. It is an honor I am being invited and included in this part of your journey! I regard the client-therapist relationship as a partnership. As a therapist, my goal is to empower you in overcoming barriers in order for you to pursue the life you deserve. It will require a commitment from both of us to participate and engage in our clinical alliance. It gives me a deep sense of gratification to work with clients who are motivated to move forward. I look forward to our meeting!

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing as a clinician for over 18 years. My emphasis is on Anxiety, Depression and Perinatal Mental Health. My goal is to educate and create a greater sense of understanding about the purpose of our emotions with a support to clients to identify the cause of stressors, behavioral changes and dysfunctional thinking patterns.

Are you struggling with your work-life balance, family unit, parent-child relationship, or other relationships? Are these conflicts bringing you overwhelming emotions and distress? Are you in need of more healthy coping skills? As a professional therapist (LMFT) of over 14 years, I strive to empower client success while being a guiding presence in a supportive and safe space. By managing anxiety and dealing with burnout in the workplace, at home, and in relationships you can involve yourself in ideas and activities that bring you to the present and guide you toward your desired future. I am currently working with individual clients 18 and over only, and not accepting couples.

Reaching out for help can be a very vulnerable experience, but also a great attribute of strength and resilience. I work with individuals who have experienced trauma in their life. Whether it's from childhood neglect, sexual assault, natural disaster, sudden death or other life circumstances. Trauma often creates patterns and loops that extend into many areas of a person's life, and can be challenging and painful to navigate. Sometimes the way people survive their trauma brings them more pain, adds to the chaos, and reinforces negative beliefs that perpetuate the cycle. I work to empower clients to understand and alter unhealthy cycles to strengthen and better their lives. I am fluent in ASL American Sign Language and have worked with Deaf clients leaving domestic violence in both a shelter and outpatient therapy services. I have spent 2 years in correctional settings working with severely mentally ill patients and supporting their family members navigating having children with mental illness. I have also spent 2 years working with foster youth and foster parents in providing support to their placements, promoting healing and preserving relationships. Note that online scheduling is limited. Broader scheduling options will be available to regularly scheduling clients. Please also note that I do not provide opinions about disability or fitness to return to work or other activities for clients who are not well-established at the time that the request for such opinion is made.

Welcome. First, I would like to recognize your strength and courage to seek out mental health support. Life can be challenging to manage. And oftentimes, the toughest part is deciding to reach out for support. I believe the most important aspect of treatment is that clients feel heard, treated with respect, and actively involved in the healing process. Everyone has their own journey. Whether it’s an acute or chronic mental health concern, I use a person-centered approach to empower clients to regain power and stability in their lives. If you need a safe space to unpack how stress impacts your mental health, together we can work on improving interpersonal skills, reducing symptoms, and developing coping skills to deal with life's 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’ve been licensed since March 2019, however I’ve been working in this field since 2013 (starting out in various schools: elementary, middle and high schools). I work with kids, teens, adults, couples and families. I enjoy helping people with symptoms of anxiety, depression and who are going through a life transition. I try to teach tools and empower clients to make the changes they need in their lives to have a quality and meaningful relationship with themselves and others. Therapy is a process and a journey and committing to this is the biggest and most rewarding step any human can take. I will be there to support the client through the stages of change (the ups and downs) and witness their transformation. Thank you for trusting me to be part of this process.