Therapists in California

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working with individuals, couples and families for twenty three years. I use interventions based on cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reach your goals and overcome patterns of behavior that are not working well for you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and strive to work with you to understand and move forward toward your goals.

I am a highly empathetic, positive individual that seeks to assist my clients in finding their worth, self love and myriad of abilities to thrive within life challenges. I enjoyed walking with my clients to find the best version of themselves and who they want to be. I meet my clients where they are and walk with them through awareness and healing process.

As your therapist, I strive to facilitate a connection with you built on trust, safety, and honesty. I utilize empathy and compassion to help my client reach their goals and support them. I have been a therapist for 5 years, working with people of all ages. I utilize all forms of therapy including individual and couples therapy to help you meet your needs as best as possible.

Hello! I am Jeff, a licensed therapist practicing in California and Washington. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships. As a certified ADHD therapist, we will work together in improving your focus, motivation, and time management. Moreover as an RLT trained therapist, I will provide support in resolving difficulties in relationships, emotional distress, and feelings of disconnect and isolation. I understand the importance of connecting with you. Your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are essential to the therapeutic process. I will help you identify and bring insight into core issues in your personal life and relationships. We will work together to discover your best self.

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.

Hello, my name is Nicole Hervey and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Northern California. I have been practicing the craft of therapy for the past 6 years serving a variety of people with different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences with moderate to severe mental health disorders in multiple community settings. I have experience working with children, adolescents, transitional-age youth, families, and adults. I have provided service to underserved populations with various life experiences, homelessness, substance use, and system involvement including criminal justice and child welfare. As a therapist it is my privilege to help support you in your journey and navigate this path together.

Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances. My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resilency.

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

My name is Kim. I have been an LMFT clinician for 20+ years, worked at non-profits (3 years, including facilitating court ordered domestic violence & anger management classes), county behavioral health (9 & 1/2 years), taught psychology at Heald College (1 & 1/2 years) and have been in private practice (10 + years). I am a father of 5 (40's to one still in high school), lost 2 of them to Cystic Fibrosis (my 2nd and 3rd children-ages 28 and 35 years), a professional musician, artist, photographer, gardener, woodworker, etc. Lots of hobbies. Married twice and the 2nd is still intact almost 3 decades later. I have a wide range of treatments I've trained in and used, seen folks from 3 years to folks in their 70's, every race and lots of cultures, straight/bi/gay/trans, all socioeconomic levels, individuals, couples, families, & groups, and have covered a wide range of diagnosis and treatments from mild to severe. Today I don't really do the little children anymore but I have done a lot of that work in the past. Now its early adolescents and up. Lots of parenting. I don't hide who I am and I am real. I am in the helping profession and I take that very seriously. I am human myself, have done therapy myself, and I believe in the process. If I can help you, I will do my best to accomplish doing that. If I can't, I will tell you that as well.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have been practicing for the past 15 years. I help children ages 0-18 and their families with their relationships, behaviors, and traumas. I also work with adults to support them with their traumas or challenges. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and have primarily worked with Latinos and other minorities. I also work with graduate interns who need supervision.

Brannon La Force, a Mobile, Alabama native, is a mental health professional with 35 years in the field. He holds licenses in Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Virginia, and Texas as professional counselor. He completed a BA in History from Asbury University, and a MS in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. He is a PhD doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology with Walden University. He is the Owner and Senior Clinician with Brannon La Force, LPC-S & Associates, PLLC and currently lives and works abroad as a digital nomad. Mr. La Force is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University where he teaches forensic psychology. In addition to owning a private practice, he has worked in community mental health, a forensic hospital, hospital emergency rooms, and inpatient psychiatric units. While the bulk of his work has been in the US, Mr. La Force has also written behavior plans for intellectually disadvantaged adults in Australia, treated genocide survivors in Rwanda, and supported sailors in the US Navy with their mental health needs on the island kingdom of Bahrain. His areas of expertise include trauma, relationships, and borderline personality disorder. He is an avid proponent of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and runs a DBT group. He also supervises associate counselors in Texas and Kansas and precepts psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide for their psychotherapy rotation. Mr. La Force has three adult children, two of which are also counselors. He is an avid Crimson Tide fan, loves seafood and provides support to Village Health Team in western Uganda.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I meet my clients where they are. I use a strength-based eclectic approach and am empathetic to my clients. I work with individual clients who are dealing with life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress etc. I use a nonjudgmental approach and work with clients to build rapport. I have over ten years of experience and I have worked with, teens, adults and the elderly, and neurodivergent clients. I provide support to my client in every step of their journey.

I’m Maria Arellano, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I’m bilingual in English/Spanish. I have 10 years of experience helping individuals and families improve their mental health and well-being by developing coping skills to overcome life challenges. I have experience assisting adult individuals presenting issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, anger management, PTSD, and stress due to life transitions. In collaboration with clients, I assist them in setting measurable and achievable goals according to each client’s needs and presenting problem as well as identifying the steps to accomplish the desired outcomes.

Hola, and welcome! As a therapist, I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults navigating stress, anxiety, and depression—especially during times of change that may feel beyond their control. I strive to help them build practical coping skills that foster resilience, strengthen self-understanding, and cultivate a sense of hope. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how I can support you.

Hello ~ My name is Georgia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work. My life experience, education and extensive professional training has brought me on a wonderful journey of helping others. I focus on creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared in a nonjudgemental space. As a therapist, it's an honor and privilege to be part of the lives of my clients and the ability to walk along with them in their most vulnerable times.

I am a seasoned therapist with over 16 years of experience, dedicated to providing support and guidance to adults facing various challenges. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you're struggling with career stress, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, relationships, depression, or navigating life transitions, I am here to help you explore, heal, and grow towards a happier and more fulfilling life.

Congratulations on taking steps to better yourself. My name is Vincent, and I'm a licensed therapist based in California with over 20 years of experience. If you are ready for positive change, then let’s begin the journey. I've helped everyone from high school teens to older adults overcome life challenges and gain a better understanding of their situation. I bring a wealth of experience and I'm here to support you.

I have specialized interest and experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma and I meet you wherever you are on your journey. I offer my presence, empathy, authenticity and facilitate work in a way that helps you look at aspects you maybe unaware of that are needed, aspects that no longer serve and offer tools to start to move forward on your journey with renewed hope and understanding. I choose from different therapeutic modalities and am very interactive in my sessions, helping you to connect the dots to the stuck parts of yourself so you can start to experience growth in a way that is meaningful to you.

Deanna Jefferson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing therapeutic services for several years. She specializes in helping clients address life transitions, relationship issues, and parenting difficulties. She believes that clients are the true experts on their stories and have many strengths needed to address their current life situations.

Hi! I am Anne Gimbel, licensed marriage and family therapist, and I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or need for healing. My goal with individuals, couples, or families is to explore and identify the thoughts that have a direct impact on your emotions and behaviors. Whether dealing with life-cycle issues, trauma, abuse, grief, recovery, or other changes that are occurring, I am active in the process to help you overcome these challenges. We will build a life you deserve by learning better communication and setting boundaries for your future.

I truly believe each individual is the expert on their own life and trust that through treatment, they will learn more about themselves and gain confidence as they contribute in their healing process. My vision for therapy is to aid each client in gaining awareness about who they are and how they came to be with an empathic and client centered approach.

Hello, I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California, I live in the Palm Springs area of Southern Cal. My goal in life is to assist others with their mental health challenges and provide them with tools and education that will help them successfully manage these challenges. I look forward to seeing you in one of my sessions.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the State of California. I have been a practicing social worker for 25 years. I primarily work with individuals in their mid-life years, particularly those experiencing major life transitions. I have special training in working with couples navigating new parenthood. I support new mothers navigating postpartum depression, baby blues as well as the Perinatal mood season. I support clients working toward decreasing the external stressors in their lives.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), based in California. I received my MSSA in "Mental Health" from the Case Western Reserve University, and I have been practicing for the last ten years+. I help clients who are struggling with stress, anxiety and/or depression, heal and become the best versions of themselves. I also have extensive experience in working with adults who are survivors of domestic violence (DV), intimate partner violence (IPT), and those who are suffering from symptoms of PTSD. I also enjoy working with families who may be experiencing triangulation and communication difficulties. My preferred clinical approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation embedded in DBT, Narrative Therapy, and psycho-dynamic therapy. Finally, I view my clients from a holistic perspective so that I can understand what barriers may be restricting you from experiencing true happiness in life.

I am a compassionate and client-centered therapist dedicated to supporting teens, young adults, adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in helping individuals struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, and relationship dynamics, providing a safe and supportive space for growth. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, attachment-based therapy, and trauma-informed care, I guide clients in building resilience, improving communication, and gaining confidence in themselves. My goal is to empower clients with the tools they need to create meaningful change and lead more fulfilling lives.

If you are feeling stressed, self-critical, down or worried, I would like to help you feel more confident, calm, present, and steady in your life. My approach to counseling is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore and overcome obstacles in order to grow, heal and become the best version of yourself. With patience and understanding, I’ll assist you in uncovering new strengths, perspectives and solutions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and together we will set meaningful goals based on what you want to change or improve about yourself, your life, or your relationships. Reaching out for help shows courage. As your therapist, I will work with you to develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and help you learn strategies and skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

Providing psychotherapeutic services to those seeking emotional sustenance and healthy psychological support during these very stressful times. I have been working in this field for approximately 20 years now. My experience is with all school grade levels, as well as adults from all walks of life. I find that the ideal patient is open-minded (willing to look at things from different perspectives), consistent (with attendance/self-care/psychoeducation), and humble to learn. My patients have described me as kind, trustworthy, accepting, an excellent mentor, dependable, and down-to-earth. Short-term and long-term assistance provided for: Adults (18+) Individual Therapy Anxiety Depression Coping Skills ADHD Asperger’s Syndrome Autism Spectrum Disorder Codependency Developmental Disorders Intellectual Disability Life Transitions Peer Relationships Self-Esteem Spirituality Stress Women’s Issues Mood Disorders Thinking Disorders Trauma Certified

Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Bay Area-based, queer identifying, bicultural, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been practicing as a therapist for about 8 years across various settings. I am passionate about helping folks thrive as their authentic self and create meaning that aligns with their personal values. I love to read, spend time with my fur babies, and experience the thrill of adventure through new foods and travel. Looking for a therapist can feel intimidating, especially wondering if the therapist would be the right fit for you. My role is to honor that vulnerability by creating a safe, collaborative space where you are met with respect and understanding.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been carrying anxiety, trauma, or stress on your own for a long time. You may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, unsure how to move forward, or simply exhausted from trying to hold everything together. You don’t have to navigate this alone. I work with adults and teens who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care. Together, we’ll explore what’s been shaping your thoughts, emotions, and reactions, while building practical tools to help you feel more regulated, confident, and empowered in daily life.

I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Hello I am Gregory, Have you found yourself struggling with your day to day and personal relationships. I believe in empowering clients to take control of their life. In the therapeutic relationship I believe my job is to give you the skills to get where you would like to go. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 7 years experience. My specialties are in anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. Seeking therapy can feel daunting. I am here to help and will always allow you to drive your treatment. everyone has the ability to grow. during our sessions together I will provide you with a safe space nonjudgmental place to hone your coping skills to tackle life's challenges.

I’m a mental health provider who believes healing happens when we feel seen, supported, and connected to our own inner wisdom. My work blends evidence‑based approaches with a gentle, holistic lens, helping you better understand your patterns, reconnect with your body, and build a life that feels steadier and more aligned. I show up with warmth, clarity, and respect for your lived experience, and I’m committed to creating a space where you can move at your own pace and feel supported in meaningful, sustainable change.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of California and Arizona. I received my masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing therapy in California for about 13 years in various settings. I recently obtained my license to work with clients residing in Arizona. I have experience working in a healthcare setting, school campuses, domestic violence shelters, and with substance abuse.

Welcome! I'm Hector Madril, LMFT, Are you feeling worried all the time? Feeling down or depressed? Dealing with negative thinking that wont go away? Are you struggling to maintain a balance between responsibilities and everyday challenges? Let me help you! I will guide you to effectively manage anxiety, depression or elevated stress that may arise when dealing with past or present relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, separation, parenting difficulties, trauma, illness, loss, transitions or other life stressors. We will work with a humanistic approach, integrating evidence-based and mindfulness techniques that will bring a healthy balance and restore wholeness. I'm here for you! You don't need to tackle this alone. Let me assist you to bring about the changes and harmony you desire. I'll treat you with empathy and compassion while sharing the knowledge, skills, and strategies to help you conquer the obstacles on your life journey. Let's team up and work together!

Hello! My name is Jacqueline and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I currently live in Tennessee, but do most of my work via telehealth with California residents (where I use to live!). I have been in this field for over 13 years. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, empathetic, and goal-focused with touches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused.

Hi, I’m Brian Mitchell. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but more importantly, I’m a dedicated partner in your healing. I specialize in helping people navigate trauma and PTSD through a lens of safety and genuine support. Whether we use EMDR, CBT, Somatic, or mindfulness, my approach is never "one size fits all"—it’s tailored entirely to your unique story. I entered this field to help marginalized voices find their strength and advocacy. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, empowered, and equipped with the tools to build a better path forward.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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 am certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 25 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 use 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.

Couples: I am TAKING Couples again. However only on Cash Pay basis. This is how it will work: You can schedule with me an hour consultation, you don't both have to be present, for this Consultation. From there we will meet 5 to 6 times for 1.5 hour sessions. It is very difficult to have Couples sessions within 60 min. The Cash pay is $250.00 for the 1.5 hour sessions. I understand the cost can be a deterrent in seeking help, however if you are both committed to doing the work 5 to 6 sessions should be productive and enough to see changes. Individuals: Of course I am still taking individuals that are or are not in a relationship and need help. 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 with coping strategies for anxiety and depression symptoms or learning how to communicate more effectively with others.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 40 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship challenges. I have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence, as well as individuals navigating complex life patterns shaped by past experiences. I specialize in working with adults, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and provide a supportive, affirming space where clients can show up as they are. I also work with couples on occasion. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I bring both professional and lived understanding to this work. My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. I believe therapy should be both supportive and effective—while you will always be heard and understood, I also actively engage in sessions to help you move forward. I won’t let you stay stuck. Together, we’ll break challenges down into manageable steps, build practical tools, and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. I often incorporate structured exercises and between-session practices to help you apply what we discuss in real life, while remaining flexible and responsive to your individual needs. Clients often appreciate that I am clear, consistent, and gently persistent—I will meet you where you are, while continuing to support and encourage your growth, even when things feel difficult or overwhelming. My goal is to help you build insight, resilience, and confidence so you can create a more stable, fulfilling, and peaceful life. I am committed to practicing with empathy, respect, and without judgment, honoring each person’s dignity and lived experience. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Option to insert (after paragraph 2):

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and for over 25 years I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people on their healing journeys. My work has included supporting adults, children ages 3–18, transitional age youth, families, and young people facing behavioral health challenges. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post‑traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and personality disorders. What I love most about this work is helping people discover their own capacity to heal and grow. I draw from approaches like CBT, DBT, supportive therapy, trauma‑informed care, and strength‑based therapy. At the same time, I believe therapy is never one‑size‑fits‑all. Each person is unique, and together we’ll find the approach that feels right for you. Above all, I believe you are the expert of your own life. My role is to provide a safe, affirming space and a supportive relationship where you can explore, grow, and move toward the life you want

I have extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, applied behavioral analysis, neuropsychology, and psychoanalysis. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from one or a combination of these methodologies based on what will be most beneficial for each individual. Additionally, humanistic and Adlerian psychology have significantly influenced my perspective, shaping my practice into an eclectic framework. I believe that there is no single ‘best’ therapeutic approach—only what is best suited for the individual seeking support. My diverse training allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique and specific needs of each client, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience.

I’m a laid-back, client-centered therapist who believes therapy should feel like a safe, relaxed, and nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self and explore what’s on your mind. My approach is collaborative and grounded in meeting you where you are. Together, we’ll work toward a path forward that feels meaningful and aligned with your unique needs and goals. I’m here to listen, offer support and perspective, and help you recognize and build on the strengths you already have. I believe meaningful change happens at your own pace, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

PLEASE NOTE: I specialize in Gerontology. I believe in empowering older adults by fostering independence, resilience and sense of identity. Aging is a journey that should be met with dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth. By actively listening, providing tailored support, and encouraging self-determination, I can help older adults maintain their autonomy and confidence. Resilience is nurtured through meaningful connections, purposeful activities, and a focus on strengths rather than limitations. I am committed to honoring an individual's experiences, celebrating their uniqueness, and creating environments where people feel valued and capable. I challenge stereotypes about aging and promote a vision of later life filled with possibility and fulfillment.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge and have been practicing for 12 years. I am a diplomate of The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As a licensed therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am committed to helping clients identify and transform negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional difficulties. Through CBT, therapy focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives. My goal as a therapist is to support you in understanding and overcoming the challenges you face, while equipping you with the tools and strategies needed for long-term success. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach, we will work together to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.

Welcome! Dr. Kristi Hottenstein offers a personalized, holistic approach to therapy and coaching. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hottenstein has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through life's challenges and transitions. As the practitioner and owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients, drawing on her extensive education and certifications. Dr. Hottenstein is a National Board Certified Counselor, licensed in Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, and Texas. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a master's in counseling from the University of La Verne, and a bachelor's in sociology from Alma College. In addition to her counseling credentials, she is certified in negotiation and mediation and holds a supervisory certification, enabling her to provide supervision to Limited License Professional Counselors. At Compass Counseling & Coaching, Dr. Hottenstein is committed to helping her clients navigate both difficult times and new adventures. "I chose the name Compass Counseling & Coaching for my practice because, at times, everyone needs a compass to help guide them," she explains. "I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach." Dr. Hottenstein uses a variety of counseling techniques to encourage self-awareness and the acceptance of personal responsibility. Her belief is that the more we understand ourselves, the better equipped we are to respond to life's challenges. Whether you are seeking support in personal growth, relationship issues, or coping skills, Dr. Hottenstein is here to provide the guidance and support you need on your journey.

Do you feel unseen or unheard? Do you struggle with feeling like you don’t quite belong—or maybe feel disconnected from yourself entirely? Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, juggling societal pressures and cultural and familial expectations. Others carry the weight of childhood or intergenerational trauma. Some struggle with imposter syndrome in their workplaces or post-grad programs, while others long for healthier, more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and those around them. As a professional therapist, I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, humor, and empathy. I aim to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. If you value honest, direct feedback and compassionate encouragement, I am ready to help you navigate life’s challenges confidently and clearly. Are you ready to embrace self-acceptance? To unlock your full potential? To experience more profound healing and fulfillment? I’m ready when you are. Together, we will identify your stressors, develop practical coping skills, and build the resilience to move forward with strength and purpose. I offer therapy in English and Spanish. Let’s connect! Schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation or book your first session today to begin your healing journey. I offer a sliding scale for therapy sessions. Contact me to check eligibility. For Kaiser members, Complete a mental health intake with Kaiser and request an external referral to Grow Therapy. Once approved, call Grow Therapy and provide my name. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

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

I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters. I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working—and at this point, that’s pretty clear. My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it. Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes—sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Hello! I am a License Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master of Social Work from California State University Long Beach. I received my BA in Psychology degree from California Stated University Fullerton. I have been practicing mental health counseling for 17 years. I help adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with careers, stress and burnout, traumatic life events, experiencing depression and anxiety to be able to function as normal as they can be.