Therapists in California

Starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even intimidating—and it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the courage it takes to take this first step toward caring for your mental health. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where you can explore challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-care, and more. My goal is to help you strengthen communication and boundaries with yourself and others so that you can improve your quality of life and move toward the future you envision. Therapy is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about personal growth. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and identify strategies to help you move toward them, whether that means change over the next month, six months, or a year. You’ll leave our sessions with practical insights and “next steps” you can put into action right away. I believe life’s purpose isn’t simply to be happy, but to find meaning—and within that meaning, joy emerges. While the journey isn’t always easy, it can be transformative. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Drug Counselor, and Behavior Analyst. I take a strength-based approach, helping you use your unique abilities to address challenges. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to empower you in creating lasting change. Most importantly, I bring a relaxed, compassionate, and trustworthy presence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and supported.

I am a bilingual (English/Farsi) and multicultural Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have over 10 years of training, and experience in my field. I received her BA from California State University of San Marcos and earned my Master's and Doctorate degree in clinical psychology from APA accredited Alliant International University. '¨ I have experience providing bilingual services to teens, adults, older adults, Family, and a couples in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient, and college counseling settings. I began my clinical work at South Bay Guidance Center and Sharp Mesa Vista's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intensive Outpatient Program. I completed an APA-approved Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship at Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services.'¨'¨I provide Individual, couples, and family therapy for teens, adults and older adults, and specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, identity conflict, trauma, anger management, emotion dysregulation, perfectionism, substance use and difficult life transitions. I help clients find their inner resiliency by using integrated approach which includes evidenced-based therapy centered on the following frameworks: psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindful Self-Compassion therapy. Everyone has the capacity for true positive change. I value the complexity of people's unique diverse backgrounds and life values/goals, and use these to guide treatment to help clients reach their potential. My goal is to help you understand your past and develop new ways of dealing with life challenges to create a healthier present. I believe that the best therapy is done when the client and therapist have a strong working relationship. Developing a safe, trusting relationship and working collaboratively creates an environment in which this change can happen more quickly and effectively. I view myself as a caring change agent ready to facilitate the process in a beneficial and meaningful way.

Hello! My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him) and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from San Jose State University and my PhD from Alliant International University. I primarily support the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly children and adolescents. Although I do work with clients from various backgrounds and identities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

Hi I’m a licensed professional counselor licensed in many states. I have been in the counseling field helping children and adults for more than 20 years. I help adults of all ages struggling with everyday stressors, my goal is to help you figure out and work through challenges to live life on your terms and create a healthy balance. ****Please note if you are currently or recently feeling suicidal, you will be referred to an in office provider, psychiatrist and/ likely a higher level of care, as I would only treat in severe depression and suicidality in office.******Please call 988 which is the free 24 hour crisis line, if you feel like you want to harm yourself or are feeling very overwhelmed.

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, wildfires, 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.

Meet Tara Zandi, LICSW – a compassionate and highly skilled therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults, children, and families. Tara holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, blending deep academic knowledge with practical expertise. She’s trained in a powerful range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, PCIT, EMDR, and even yoga for children—offering a holistic and personalized approach to healing. Whether working through depression, anxiety, or behavioral health challenges, Tara meets her clients with empathy, insight, and culturally sensitive care. Fluent in English and Farsi, Tara creates a welcoming space for diverse communities to feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wellness.

As a highly experienced licensed therapist in California, I enjoy working with adults and couples who are dealing with emotional pain, mild depression, and anxiety ( no suicidal ideation ), trauma recovery, family relationships, eating disorders and life transitions (marriage, birth of child, divorce, motherhood, etc). I love providing EMDR for clients who may benefit from it, and I have been influenced by my own experiences in therapy and family, which help me to be a better therapist. My work is rooted in a deep respect for each person’s lived experience, and I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward meaningful change and happiness. Let's Talk!

I am a Christian-informed therapist licensed in multiple States. With a background in clinical social work and a desire to see the building up of the body of Christ, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging my brothers and sisters as they seek to navigate the difficulties of life and develop resilience that can lead to personal healing and spiritual growth. My areas of expertise include managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, faith formation, identity and purpose, peer relationships, transitional challenges, conflict resolution, forgiveness, etc.

Hi, I'm Audrey! I’m a therapist dedicated to helping individuals break free from cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, and past trauma so they can reconnect with their authentic selves. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore challenges at your own pace and develop the tools to create a more fulfilling life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based techniques to help you heal and grow.

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!

Hello there, I’m Lus. Do you miss feeling like yourself? Does it feel like you are going around in circles with the same problems yet can’t seem to find a permanent solution? I guide adults from a person-centered approach to find solutions to their problems when experiencing difficulty managing emotions such as those that come with depression and anxiety. I can help you work through major life transitions (newly married, becoming a parent, empty nester, starting school, grief, becoming ill, divorce, etc.) getting to the root of the problem and developing cognitive behavioral techniques that will get you back to stability. Obtaining therapy services can be intimidating but I can guarantee you that you are making the right decision. I possess bilingual abilities (Spanish), if it's your preference. You deserve your own space to heal and evolve. During our sessions, you will have a safe space where I will meet you with empathy and evidence-based practice. Let me help you.

You don’t have to struggle alone! I believe therapy should feel like a safe, supportive place to slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you are carrying. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), I help clients gently explore the parts of themselves that may feel overwhelmed, stuck, protective, or hurt. My hope is that through our work together, clients feel less alone, more self-compassionate, and more able to move through life with greater clarity and ease. 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.

With 15 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, I specialize in helping create lasting, positive change through integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored to each client's unique needs. My work with clients emphasizes building emotional resilience, improving communication, and fostering deep connections. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and develop the tools they need for meaningful, fulfilling lives.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who supports adults and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and my Bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University, San Bernardino, which together shaped my strong foundation in both clinical practice and understanding the broader social factors that impact mental health. I offer a warm, collaborative space where you feel truly heard, supported, and empowered to be yourself. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), grief-informed care, and a strengths-based approach, I help you better understand your thoughts, build practical coping tools, and create a meaningful change. Together, we will work toward helping you feel more grounded, confident, and connected so you can move through life with greater clarity, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose