Therapists in California

There is always room for growth no matter what age or where you are in life. It is my mission to help people in their personal growth and reach their full potential. I genuinely care for others and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. Life can get overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Through the Rogerian approach, I meet people where they’re at, being compassionate and warm, yet honest and straightforward. As a therapist I love utilizing a combination of therapeutic techniques from person-centered, CBT, TF-CBT, mindfulness, REBT, solution focused, psycho-dynamic, Gestalt and other modalities that have research proven results. Whatever you’re going through, I am here to support your journey. I am experienced and qualified to provide psychotherapy to individuals for issues varying from: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, low self-esteem, suicide ideation, to life stressors and more. You deserve to heal, grow, and live the life you want to live.

First, let’s take a moment to say “good for you” for making the choice to take your therapy journey. Therapy has many faces and is different for every person, so it’s important to figure out what therapy means for you. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with depression and anxiety, wanting to work through trauma, or dealing with life changes, know that this is your process. I am here to help support you as we venture out together during your unique journey. I am here to provide a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space filled with the supports and skills for coping so that you can accomplish your goals. I have worked with various cultures, age groups, and ethnicities across a variety of challenges, including: trauma, depression, anxiety, stage of life changes, identity, relationship issues, behavioral challenges, and more. I have gained certifications in TFCBT, MAP, and IPT evidenced-based practice models and have 10yrs of experience. I wholeheartedly believe that it is incredibly important to choose the therapist that fits best with you and hope we have the opportunity to connect to help you reach and attain what you envision for your journey.

I am a licensed therapist providing compassionate, collaborate results oriented therapy for clients seeking to change their lives for the better. I am devoted to acceptance and commitment therapy with the understanding that people have the capacity to grow and resolve. I believe that clients have the answers within themselves to remove barriers and challenges in their lives and it is a privilege to assist them in recognizing it and bringing it out.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.

Hello, my name is Pak. I am a licensed therapist providing services for individuals in California, Texas, and Nevada. If you're considering therapy, you're likely facing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your well-being and quality of life. It takes courage to acknowledge these struggles and seek help, and I want you to know that I understand how difficult this can be. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Healthy relationships will lead to emotional strength, which is ultimately my goal for all my clients.

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

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.

Hi, my name is James, and I have a passion for working with couples, adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges in their marriages, careers, retirement, or simply in “finding purpose.” My goal is to help you shape—or re-shape—your life in ways that raise the quality of your day-to-day experience. Since you are reading this, I want you to know that an effective therapist is not only defined by professional training, but also by life experiences, expertise, patience, compassion, and an open mind. Therapy is a partnership, and together we will work toward clear, realistic, and meaningful goals that give you direction and confidence. I believe that growth often begins with the willingness to take the first step, and one of my favorite sayings reflects that truth: “Whatever you believe that you can do; begin it!” – Goethe If you are ready to begin, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

I am a License marriage and family therapist I provides services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I have been helping individuals with anxiety, social difficulties, Anger management, Depression, trauma and grief. I have experience in facilitating violence prevention programs and anger management groups. I utilizes a variety of techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, DBT, Psychoeducation, Play Therapy, behavior modification, mindfulness and relaxation.

https://sherryyamlcsw.com Hi, I am a trauma consultant who graduated from the University of Southern California, with years of culturally diverse EMDR therapy experience since 2011. My expertise is to tailor research-supported EMDR therapy with highly successful expat, AAPI professionals (e.g. Journalists, Actors, Scientists, Corporate Leaders, Producers, First Responders) who experience a Medical Related Trauma, Fear of Flying, Stage Fright, Phobia, Unprocessed Grief, car accidents, wild fires, War Trauma or Cultural Issues. I received my trauma training at the National Center for PTSD and the EMDR Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program. In our society, we overlook the necessity of trauma work for our highly successful leaders. Many of my clients come to me are specifically looking for EMDR therapy to resolve barriers so they can be a better leader and find a better work-life balance. Others come to me for EMDR therapy after they tried talk therapy for years and didn’t see the progress they hope for.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

As a black female school-based therapist, my dream client is one who approaches therapy with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the process of self-discovery and growth. My dream client understands the importance of mental health and values the support that therapy can provide in navigating the challenges of adolescence. Ideally, my dream client is someone who is eager to explore their identity, including aspects of race, culture, and gender, in a safe and affirming space. They are open to discussing sensitive topics and are willing to challenge societal norms and expectations that may be impacting their well-being. My dream client is proactive in their approach to therapy, actively participating in sessions, completing assigned tasks or homework, and practicing coping skills outside of our sessions. They understand that therapy is a collaborative effort and are committed to working together to achieve their goals. Additionally, my dream client is respectful, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and support within the therapeutic environment. They are open to learning from different perspectives and are willing to engage in discussions around social justice, equity, and inclusion. Overall, my dream client is someone who is committed to their personal growth and development, embraces their uniqueness, and values the power of therapy in fostering resilience and well-being.

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

Welcome! I'm LaToya Sykes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Northern California. You've made it to the first step of self-improvement! I understand how this process can be overwhelming and empowering, all at the same time. There may be some doubt in this process, but I want to let you know that you are not alone and I am here to support you every step of the way. I follow the client-centered approach in our sessions, therefore, you will be the leader of your treatment goals. I will empower and guide you throughout this journey. I will provide a safe environment so you can explore life challenges, concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, racial issues, and relationship stressors, plus more. I will guide you to identify triggers, understand your symptoms and how to regain control of your life. We will work together to create healthy coping strategies and ways to build healthy relationships in all aspects of life. We will create a plan to navigate life and the challenges that come along with it. The choice is yours to decide what the overall treatment plan will be and I will support you with the customization. You are the leader in your treatment. Schedule your initial session and lets get started today with making a difference in your life and creating a healthy environment for you to thrive. Hope to see you soon.

Dr. Mario Rocha is a psychotherapist, CEO of a non-profit organization, author, speaker, and father. He has spent over 10 years in the mental health field. He obtained a doctorate of psychology in marital family therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He specializes in working with trauma, complex PTSD, family trauma, and couples therapy. He also works with anxiety, depression, and other mental health-related issues. He has done extensive research on sex trafficking victims and complex trauma. He has a passion for the arts, underserved communities, and program development.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and California, and I show up in therapy as a real person first. I know how important it is to have a space where you can be seen and understood without judgment. My style is warm, honest, and down-to-earth. I don’t use labels to define you. I listen, reflect, and walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or shame, I help you untangle what feels heavy so you can move toward healing and peace.

Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. I have my doctorate in Counseling and Education and I've been in practice for about 20 years. I work mostly with adults with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss and trauma, as well as life transitions and relationship issues.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in the area of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Trauma. I have provided services to military, law enforcement and crime victims as well as those who have less violent experiences that cause problems with their family members and spouses. I feel that it is essential for people to have a safe, respectful and healthy relationship with their loved ones in order to fully appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I have years of experience working with teens and older, with a primary focus on working with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida who works with young adults navigating their transitions into adulthood, adults struggling to balance her work and family life, and older adults helping them find meaning in their lives. I think therapy works best when it feels like you're talking to someone who's on your team—someone who gets where you're coming from, isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, and helps you figure out what actually works for you in real life. My approach is personalized- I meet you where you are and tailor our work to support your unique goals. For young adults, we work on finding ways to manage stress and work on improving relationships. In working with adults, treatment can be focused on managing anxiety, navigating difficult transitions in life, and improving relationships. For elderly adults, we can focus on finding meaning in life, working through family issues, and building a stronger support network. My goal is to create a strong foundation for our work together and help you feel comfortable and ready to begin your journey toward greater well-being.

Hello, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 14 years of experience helping adults navigate life’s challenges. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and am currently licensed to practice in Florida, Maine, Virginia, Arizona, and Colorado. While I reside in Florida, I work with clients across these states through telehealth. My approach is compassionate and collaborative—I believe in helping clients recognize their own strengths and inner resilience to create meaningful change. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or relationship challenges, I'm here to support you in finding balance, clarity, and healing.

www.king-counseling.com Does this feel familiiar? You feel anxious whenever there's conflict and overanalyze it over and over in your head, stressing yourself out and ending with no solution. You keep getting frustrated every time you think about it and wonder how other people seem to let things go. You're used to pushing things down and ignoring issues that bother you but now, your body is taking a toll. You feel tightness in your chest and your voice clams up whenever you try to bring things up. You can't help but to feel insecure, stuck, and frustrated. You wonder if this is normal and think "Is this ever going to change?" You're so ready- You're done feeling stuck. You're ready to grow at work, in relationships, and even in your friendships. I provide a space to empower you with confidence, patience, presence, and inner calm. I guide you with compassion, teach you the skills, and support you with the tools that allow you to live life as your best self. This is a good fit if you are curious, eager to learn, and willing to unpack "this mess " thats holding you back. You're ready to do the work now in order to grow, support, and empower your future self. You can't drag this on any further, not for another year, not for another relationship where you feel small, not for another season. Don't let this go on any further. Your one, wild and precious life is ready for a change and you've known this for a while. Your needs and happiness matter. It's time to finally put this in the past. Schedule a first consult now if this resonates. Let's do some good work together.