Therapists in California

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're facing a specific issue or simply looking for support and growth, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. With over 13 years of clinical experience, I bring a deep well of knowledge and compassion to our work together. I specialize in supporting clients through communication challenges, conflict resolution, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I genuinely look forward to learning about your story. My diverse background working with individuals from many walks of life helps me build meaningful connections across cultures and experiences. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and goals.

Hi, I’m Cylest, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with children, teens, and adults who are facing anxiety, depression, and life stressors. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Together, we explore thoughts and emotions, develop practical coping skills, and create strategies for lasting change and personal growth, empowering you to feel more confident and balanced in everyday life.

My name is Lizzy and I am a clinical social worker based in San Diego but origially from the bay area. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults coping with anxiety, trauma, and gender dysphoria. I have worked in school, community based and hospital-based settings I am strength based, client centered and use a social justice framework. I am personable, down-to-earth, and love to incorporate music and art into therapy.

My role is to partner with you and provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and to help you develop strategies to effectively manage and cope with life’s challenges. Remember, this is your journey and you are in control. We will work together to set goals that are important to you. Think of me as the persons walking beside you pointing out things to look at a little closer. I’m here to support you every step of the way."

My name is Chase Christensen and I am a licensed therapist working in California. I have been working as a therapist for 17 years, serving all walks of life, every age, ethnic background and circumstance. I have worked in residential, seen clients in home, and outpatient services. I have served homeless and well off clients alike. Currently I am privileged enough to work in the school system seeing school aged clients for individual, group, and family therapies. I employ an eclectic style of therapy, leaning on interpersonal and DBT orientations. I consider it an honor to be a therapist.

I work from a trauma-informed, somatic, and mindfulness-based approach that honors the whole person. I guide with compassion, supporting you in cultivating confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of wellness. Healing is a collaborative process of self-discovery and internal alignment. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally affirming space where you can freely express yourself, fostering growth, empowerment, and lasting transformation. I value guiding with empathy and supporting individuals on their journey of self-discovery. My approach emphasizes practical solutions, healthy coping, and deep healing while drawing on evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with integrative and holistic methods tailored to each person’s needs.

Hi, I’m Steven, a therapist who works with children, teens, and adults. I help people who feel anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed find clarity and confidence. Whether you're navigating trauma, exploring who you are, or facing relationship challenges, I offer a warm and curious space to explore what’s beneath the surface—and move toward feeling more grounded, emotionally steady, and connected to your true self.

Sometimes, life can be a bit daunting. Between big life decisions, tragedies, and even days when nothing seems to go right, it's easy to get down, anxious, and feel overwhelmed. I work with adults and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, life's transitions, or need a space of their own to share openly free from bias or judgement. Life can be a struggle, why go at it alone? I can help you reach your goals and be a support along the way.

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

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a trauma therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through healing, growth, and self-discovery. I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, and the challenges of everyday life — whether you're facing a major transition, feeling overwhelmed by stress, or simply needing space to reconnect with yourself. Above all, I aim to provide a warm, open, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe enough to be fully yourself. I believe that therapy works best when you feel genuinely seen and supported. Through our work together, we will focus on building effective coping skills, deepening self-awareness, and developing the tools needed to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background spans a variety of care settings, and I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered therapy as you navigate life’s challenges. I take a flexible, holistic approach to therapy, drawing on different therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, self-awareness, and practical tools for coping. Above all, my work is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to your well-being. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, identify areas of growth, and work toward building a more fulfilling life.

Hi. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) in California. I received my Master’s of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2012. I am a passionate about helping individuals on their journey toward healing and growth. With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, including 10 years as a therapist, I provide personalized therapy services that are tailored to meet your unique needs.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, empathetic, and collaborative. My areas of focus are depression, anxiety, crisis management, living with chronic health conditions, grief, and helping clients develop and/or increase their resilience and ability to cope. My therapeutic approach is an eclectic approach that is tailored primarily using CBT, DBT, solution focused therapy, ERP, crisis intervention, and motivational interviewing. I believe that developing rapport and trust are keys to building an effective client-therapist partnership.

Hello! I'm Kimberly, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 30 years of experience. I’m passionate about supporting women as they navigate life’s many challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a big transition or simply wanting to create meaningful change, I’m here to help guide you. I work with women of all ages—from 25 to 75—and am dedicated to helping you find clarity and strength through whatever you're facing.

Hi, my name is Desirae Giraldes and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in a variety of communities and settings throughout my career including schools, medical placements, adult protective services, conservators office, and crisis residential. My focus throughout my career has been working in the area of Mental Health. In 2020 I focused on private practice therapy and found that this area of work is where I belong. I love working with others one on one in a supportive and compassionate setting. I have worked with clients who come looking for support with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and codependency.

As a first-generation Latina and the first in my family to graduate from college and earn a professional degree, I understand what it means to overcome barriers, feel pressure to succeed, and navigate two different worlds. I’m a relatable, down-to-earth, driven therapist who brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to our work together. My passion lies in supporting young women—especially college students and first-generation individuals—who are facing transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Whether you're adjusting to life on campus, feeling overwhelmed by expectations, or struggling to find your place, I offer a space where you can feel seen, understood, and supported.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside children, teens, young adults, and adults as they navigate life’s many challenges. I use an eclectic approach, which simply means I pull from different types of therapy models depending on what fits each person best. No two people are the same, so together we’ll find tools and approaches that work for your life and goals. Sometimes that looks like building new coping skills, sometimes it’s unpacking trauma, and sometimes it’s just having a space where you can fully be yourself. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood. Together, we can explore patterns, uncover strengths, and build strategies for lasting change. I believe therapy is not just about addressing struggles, it’s about cultivating growth, resilience, and self-discovery. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be honored to walk with you on your journey.

My career as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and university professor served me well in my current practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Doctorate in Education/Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a university professor, I became the Multiple Subject Program Director, Graduate Reading Director, and Supervisor of Student Teachers with both national and international publications.

No matter what is going on within you or around you, there is always hope. You do not have to face life alone. Life brings us challenges that can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, and grief. Together we can create an individualized plan to help you create the life that you desire. As a warm and caring therapist, it would be my honor to be a part of your healing process. Through our work together, I am committed to helping you recognize your strengths and innate resiliency that would allow you to thrive at home, work, and in relationships.

Mr. Daniel Hernandez, LCSW-S has experienced enormous success helping his clients in his 36-year career in the human services field... 27 as a clinician. He has seen tens of thousands of clients in practice. He is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), which allows him to discuss the impact of dietary routines as it relates to one's mental health. He also has extensive experience as a Clinical Trauma & Anxiety Professional. Mr. Hernandez specializes in inspiring empowerment within people who have difficulties with trauma, grief & loss, and emotional burnout to move forward with the rest of their lives. He also specializes in helping people to develop anger management mastery skills. Mr. Hernandez often uses a mental-spiritual empowerment approach to help his clients develop the necessary skill of inner healing. Mr. Hernandez is a licensed clinical social worker-supervisor in Texas and has an LCSW in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and is authorized to conduct teletherapy in Florida. Mr. Hernandez completed his professional training as a master social worker from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1998 and his bachelor’s was earned from St. Mary’s University in social studies in 1988, both schools are located in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Hernandez has been married 30 years and has two adult children. He loves traveling for the enjoyment of nature and culture with his family and friends. He also loves spending time with people he meets and learns from everybody.

Hello, my name is Elliot Jones and I'm committed to helping others relieve distress and achieve their goals. My approach to therapy is collaborating with you to understand your values, goals, experiences, strengths and expectations for therapy. My intention for every session is to create a place of acceptance, compassion and safety that allows for exploration, connection and healing. It will not always be possible but as a rule it is the hope that a person leaves the session feeling better then when they arrived. As a trauma informed therapist compassion, empathy and acceptance will be at the core of treatment. I use action based interventions to sustain and achieve positive changes throughout the week. My overall goal as a therapist is for the client to be ending treatment with a clear direction of where they are headed in life that is rooted in their values and strengths as well as a strong sense of self and acceptance.

I am a seasoned and dedicated therapist, holding a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a PhD, with a specialization in trauma and PTSD. With 27 years of experience in the mental health field, my practice is driven by a profound commitment to assisting individuals on their journey toward self-discovery and personal growth.My therapeutic approach centers around meeting clients where they are in their lives, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore 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 obstacles to personal well-being. Instead, I work collaboratively with 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 is both a privilege and a passion to assist others on their journey toward greater self-acceptance and emotional well-being. I also speak farsi

Hello everyone. I would first like to say that I am pleased to have the opportunity of being your counselor/therapist. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington with certification specializing in Women's Mental Health (WMHS-C). I know finding a therapist in todays society can be difficult but you've made it this far, and so it's a pleasure to meet you!

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.

Benzion is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their mental health journey. He holds a Master of Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2007. Benzion believes in a holistic approach to care, building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each client to foster hope and lasting change. "I am humbled by the courage and vulnerability my clients display every day. I am honored by the privilege of being with you in your most intimate places to develop trust and build hope for the future. Thank you for considering the journey of building a better future with me."

Congratulations on taking the first step in your journey of healing and self-discovery. I have experience working with adults from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. I work collaboratively with clients to address problems such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety/worry, struggles in interpersonal relationships, LGBTQ+ -related issues and challenges navigating life transitions. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, which allows me to draw on multiple theories and interventions such as process-oriented therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology to individualize treatment for the clients I serve.

I am a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience in the field. I have worked with many populations from forensic to children but my passion lies with helping women. I have special training in women’s mental health throughout the lifespan and seek to be able to help people overcome the unique challenges their life throws at them. I work from an ACT and strength based approach helping to use what we have to get over barriers while integrating information about what is going on in your whole body in creating our goals. I can help you learn to live you best life even when your body fails you!

I’m a therapist who brings warmth, humor, and compassion into the therapy room. I love working with clients spanning from those struggling with coping with the problems of the world, seeking to heal from childhood wounds, and LGBTQ+ clients/ I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as your full self. My approach is strength-based, collaborative, and supportive, helping you tap into your resilience while also finding new tools for growth.

I am a licensed MFT clinician in California with 6 years of eclectic psychotherapy work experience. I thrive on collaborating/working with clients to help them process and manage stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, a distorted sense of self, trauma from individual/familial abuse as well as the systemic factors therein, schizophrenia spectrum challenges/symptoms, and personality disorders (e.g., antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while maintaining strong/healthy boundaries. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs as we work through what you desire to focus on. I have worked with a variety of clients in different mental health organizations and schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. I am comfortable and have experience working with trauma-related stress disorders, major depression, personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality), isolation/loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders/symptoms. I treat both adults and older teens (18 and over) through individual psychotherapy. I believe in treating everyone with emotional sensitivity while maintaining strong clinical/ethical boundaries. However, gentle confrontations may be needed as a way to bring awareness to certain aspects of the work, though I am mostly collaborative in working with my client's areas of concern, which they want to focus on during sessions. I ask (Socratic) questions based on therapeutic timing and will provide evidence-based psychoeducation when needed, always moving the session with clinical intuition as the process unfolds.

I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the San Diego area at the age of three. I am fortunate to be fully fluent in English and Spanish. Living in a bicultural home and in a very multicultural environment, I have been privileged to be part of the border culture, a subculture in itself. My own personal and professional experiences have allowed me the opportunity to understand the importance of cultural, socio-economic, gender, and racial-related issues. I can empathize, if not relate to them all. My hope and commitment to my clients, are to guide them through their journey towards self-awareness and wellbeing. My goal is to provide them with the necessary tools (I think therapy is a safe place where the clients build their toolbox) to help them manage current and future life challenges. I would be honored to participate in your journey of self-awareness, well-being, and overall emotional health.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but I strive to make the process easier by creating a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with six years of experience, I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next steps, I offer a practical, down-to-earth approach that meets you where you are.My clients appreciate that I'm genuine, nonjudgmental, and easy to talk to. Therapy with me is a collaboration—I’m here to help you process emotions, untangle patterns, and build strategies that make sense for your life. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and we’ll work together to create a plan that aligns with your needs and goals. I also understand the complexities of identity, relationships, and navigating life’s pressures, especially for young to middle aged adults who are juggling careers, personal growth, and interpersonal dynamics. If you’re feeling unseen, unheard, or just need space to sort things out, you don’t have to do it alone.

Welcome to my professional profile. My name is Paul Quezada, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. Thank you for taking the time to consider me as a potential ally on your journey towards improved mental health and overall well-being. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge your courage in seeking help. Your mental health is paramount, and I commend you for prioritizing it. I am here to offer my support and guidance as you navigate life's obstacles and challenges. My role is to provide you with the necessary tools and support to manage the various struggles impacting your mental health. Whether you are grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating significant life transitions, I am here to accompany you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your therapeutic journey. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you in achieving your goals.

Hello, my name is Sang Wu and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Alliant International University and have been practicing for nine years. I work with adults who feel stuck in their current lives, and individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I assist in helping them navigate crucial moments, difficult forks in the road of life, uncertain futures, and help them live their best lives.

I believe that everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life’s challenges and create positive change in their lives. As a licensed LMFT therapist, I support clients towards their self-discovery process through the transformative power of psychotherapy to create meaningful changes in life, empower unique gifts and purpose, and enhance mental and emotional well-being. I believe that each of us possesses an internal source of insight and wisdom that can be cultivated through therapy. My approach is warm, relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed. I work from a place of compassion, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Whether you are looking for guidance, improved relationships, insight, or to develop healthy coping strategies, you can make meaningful changes in your life one step at a time. So I encourage you to take time for yourself to nurture your mental and emotional well-being, activating your innate ability to cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.

I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate (PsyD) from Pepperdine University and over 11 years of experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression trauma, life transitions, and identity/spiritual development. I've worked in a range of settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, and residential treatment programs, and have supervised teams of therapists in high-acuity environments. I specialize in supporting teens, young adults, and professionals who are seeking deeper self-understanding, improved emotional regulation, and greater clarity in their lives. My style is warm, direct, and grounded, and I aim to create a space where you feel both supported and empowered.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist whose passion is for helping clients overcome feelings of anxiety and depression through understanding the root of these emotions and working through their trauma, big or small. As a therapist with an additional background as a certified personal trainer, I work with clients who are open and interested in understanding the importance of mind and body health and are motivated for change.

Hi there, my name is Shirley Summers. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience, my approach to therapy is multilayered. Individuals who seek treatment often have lost a sense of hope, and my goal is to reestablish that hope. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Therefore, I utilize various approaches: ACT, CBT, distress tolerance skills, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and trauma-informed care with a strengths-based slant. We will work on how to break through emotional challenges, achieve goals, and enjoy life. I am experienced in working with adults who experience anxiety, depression, relational conflicts, difficult life transitions, and addiction.

Hi, I’m Annika Jackson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in trauma-informed care. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported as you learn to better understand yourself, heal from the past, and move toward the life you want.

Life is really complex and challenging so I’m glad you’re checking in to find ways to support a fulfilled, happy and thriving YOU. Whether you are here to process trauma, sort out your future plans or relationships, learn new coping to manage stress, or some other area of your experience that is having an impact on you, I’m honored that you’ve considered how I can support you. In a process you are empowered to design, we will create a space where you can grow, heal and feel better using a variety of evidence-based techniques, a safe virtual environment and our therapeutic relationship!

Do you feel like you have more to give the world? Are you having trouble at school or at work? Self esteem and confidence lagging? Anxiety and worry keeping you from fulfilling your potential? I help adolescents and young adults lean into their true selves to identify their strengths and combat their concerns. Whether you are dealing with school-age issues, anxiety and worry, or relationship struggles your needs will always be at the center of our sessions. We will use a brief solution-focused approach and draw upon evidence-based counseling techniques to identify and work toward your goals. I love getting to know YOU and what makes YOU unique, then using your strengths, knowledge, and experiences to help you get the most out of life. In our sessions I work to make you feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your ability to achieve what you want. Let’s work together as you take the next steps in your journey!

Hi, I am a licensed marriage and therapist with 25 years of clinical background. I am passionate about helping people and empowering them to live fully and authentically. I help my clients identify and overcome the barriers in their personal lives and relationships in order to find happiness. I provide safety, hope, understanding, and a way forward when dealing with clients' challenges and relationships. I advocate a philosophy of acceptance, compassion, empathy, and a respectful non-judgmental style with all my clients.

I’m Herschel O’Brien, a clinical counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed, client-centered care. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, narrative therapy, and systems thinking. Whether you're facing trauma, mood instability, or life transitions, I offer a safe space where healing is possible and meaningful growth can take root. I believe in empowering clients to become the authors of their own lives, with clarity, confidence, and emotional insight.

Hi! My name is Bhavan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I specialize in trauma-informed care, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, along with a variety of other issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique experiences. My work also encompasses cultural identity by focusing on you as an individual and supporting you explore how your cultural lens shapes your understanding of trauma and resilience. My aim is to support you along your healing journey towards well-being, by helping you reclaim your sense of self, safety, balance, and personal strength.

We were never taught how to be in a relationship of any kind. Yes there are tons of books of how to, however to put them to practical use can be very difficult. This can also relate to a relationship with a family member, friends or co-workers. Sometimes our own mental health can influence all of our relationships, and you may need coping techniques for anxiety and or depression type symptoms. I will work with you individually to help you gain insight to your own behavior that may be influencing your relationship. I am here to help beit coping strategies for anxiety and depression symptoms or learning how to communicate more effectively with others.

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.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) who's been practicing for the past 7 years. I primarily work with adults who may be struggling with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, work stress/career transitions, ADHD/ADD, anger management, and eating disorders. I have a passion for working with adults dealing with issues related to their relationship with food and/or body image concerns - finding myself serving as a co-chair of the Male Eating Disorder Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Academy for Eating Disorders.

I was born in the US, but I was raised in Mexico. I lived in Tijuana for 10 years when my parents decided to move us across the border to Chula Vista, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I experienced a duality of cultures. I was often judged for either being “not Mexican enough” OR “not American enough.” I also faced enormous pressure to be successful – to justify my parents’ having left their beloved country so my sibling and I could have a better life. This is one of many reasons I decided to follow this path: to help those who feel alone in their journey. That’s how I felt when acculturating to this country. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at San Diego State University (SDSU). I was going to go directly into the workforce and eventually go back for my master’s, but an awesome professor challenged me to apply right away so I wouldn’t lose momentum. So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California. It took some time and courage to finish all my licensing requirements, but it was worth it! I’ve been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 2019. I am certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, proudly based in Oakland, California. I have supported folks over the last decade and was called to social work while employed at an art studio for adults with various health needs. In 2017, I received my Master's in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I have been practicing as a social worker for 9 years. I support folks 18+ in navigating trauma and self worth. As a Lebanese-American therapist, I aim to work with folks who are seeking the opportunity to re-examine their cultural storyline and get creative in unpacking their identity. Together, let’s challenge societal expectations and strive to center your authentic self. A little about me, personally: I identify as an artist and child of the earth, as diaspora has scattered my ancestors across the Arab world, Africa, Europe, and North America. I am fascinated by intersectionality and the powerful ways that resilience shapes our multi-hyphenate individuality. It is important that I take care of myself so that I can be a pillar of support to my clients. The way that I release painful feelings is by channeling them into creative projects. I also work hard to stay connected to my body and my surroundings. Whether it’s through writing, building clay sculptures, beading, or making collages, self-expression is a healing practice. I encourage everyone to play a little bit!

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.

Welcome to your first step at receiving the care you need. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master of Science degree from California State University, Los Angeles. I have experience helping clients with a wide range of challenges, and I believe you have the strength within you to overcome what you're facing. I was drawn to the field of mental healthcare through my own personal experiences and a deep desire to help others. Pursuing my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University, Los Angeles, provided me with the knowledge and skills to support individuals in their healing journeys. My goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or personal growth, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will work to identify and overcome obstacles, build resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.