Therapists in California

Hello and welcome — I’m Dr. Parisa Waisi, a licensed psychologist dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. I offer therapy in both English and Farsi and specialize in working with adults, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in both science and compassion. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and have worked in diverse settings including community mental health, intensive outpatient care, and private coaching. Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm presence, deep listening, and ability to integrate mindfulness, somatic awareness, and evidence-based practices into our work. Whether you’re dealing with deep emotional pain or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re looking for a therapist who honors your full story and helps you create lasting change, I’d be honored to work with you.

Welcome, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist providing individual therapy to people seeking support. I have been working in mental health for over 25 years as a Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director with community non-profits serving underserved and Latino communities. Currently I am focusing on providing a safe space to those finding themselves dealing with anxiety, depression and/or trauma. You are not alone although we at times feel alone. We will utilize various evidence based models based on your needs. You will develop cognitive behavioral, relaxation, mindfulness and poly-vagal toning techniques to address your current life challenges. Looking forward to joining your healing Journey.

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

Hi there, I'm Elena! Hi! I'm here to help you have the life you want, as sometimes life becomes challenging, and adjusting to life changes isn't always easy. I am glad that you prioritize your needs by coming here for help. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I began therapy practice during my MA Program at JFKU in CA. For over 10 years, I've worked in various settings, including not-for-profit mental health agencies and private practice. I believe that treatment is a collaborative approach. I look forward to taking the journey of healing with you. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back.

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

Gustavo is a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing therapy for the past 5 years. Overall, he has 17 years of experience in the social work field. Gustavo has worked in child welfare, hospital social work, tele-health and is currently a school mental health provider. These experiences have given Gustavo the tools and skills to be the compassionate clinician that he is. His experiences have also provided him the ability to see life situations through difference lenses. Gustavo's ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment, empathy and hope to individuals who are going through life challenges. He strongly values the importance of empowering clients, acknowledging their strengths and providing hope. On a personal note, Gustavo has been married for 15 years and has 4 children. He enjoys reading mystery, faith based and fictional books.

My name is Farbod Khalafi. I am a second generation Persian-American. My own background continues to shape the way I approach this work. As the child of Persian immigrant parents raised in Orange County, California, I often felt caught between two cultures—never quite fitting into either. Therapy helped me better understand those experiences and how they impacted me. That personal insight continues to inform how I show up for my clients—with cultural humility, empathy, and curiosity.

I am someone who is deeply committed to guiding you on your journey toward developing essential therapeutic skills. My work focuses on fostering safe internal environments, cultivating self-compassion, nurturing caring relationships, and other crucial elements that support each individual's quest for an authentic self and full self-expression. I passionately believe in empowering you to harness your own intrinsic power, supporting you to become your own hero in your healing process.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and Arizona. After more than 30 years as an educator, minister, counselor, and consultant; I realized that the one thing I am most passionate about is working one-on-one with others – watching them discover clarity, restoration, hope, and passion. Psychotherapy is the single endeavor where I get to bring all that I am to all that I do.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and families through life’s challenges. I work with clients navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and complex family dynamics, always honoring their cultural background and personal story. Through a compassionate, client-centered approach, I help individuals build resilience, gain insight, and develop the tools they need to heal, grow, and lead more empowered lives.

Hello, my name is Veronica. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing compassionate support and professional guidance to individuals. With a strong commitment to mental health and well-being, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward positive change. As a licensed social worker, I am extensively trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Additionally, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients dealing with depression and anxiety, ensuring that my therapeutic interventions are both effective and adaptable to individual needs. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. My goal is to help clients navigate life's challenges, foster personal growth, and promote well-being through compassionate and ethical social work practice.

Hey there, I'm a Filipina-American Licensed Clinical Social Worker residing in Ventura County with experience working with young adults to seniors through County Level community health agencies and private practice. I have worked with young adults to seniors who have gone through significant life struggles or might have a curiosity toward their reactions and perspectives in life. I have worked with clients to alleviate symptoms of overwhelm, anxiety, depression, psychosis, sleep issues, and hopelessness. I believe that the power of therapy is found in being able to be seen and because of this, I strive to authentically listen to those I work with. While I acknowledge that evidence-based practices are important, I genuinely believe the root power of therapy is within the connection between therapist and client. My practice is driven by “meeting the client where they are at.” I received my Master of Social Work degree at California State University San Marcos, in which I was an clinical intern for an alternative middle/high school and an intensive outpatient program with Sharp Hospital. I earned my Bachelor of Social Welfare degree from University of California Berkeley. While at Berkeley, I had the privilege of interning for a grassroots agency that served persons experiencing homelessness in the Tenderloin.

Hi, I'm Casandra, and I'm glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a master's degree from the University of Southern California. I decided to become a therapist because I love being able to help others. One of my favorite things is getting to know others and helping them to discover (or re-discover) who they are. Getting to help others realize their potential and overall improve their mental and emotional well-being is something I enjoy doing and consider it such a privilege.

Welcome! My name is Tamer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked for nearly 10 years in different capacities such as refugee resettlement, disability rights, substance use recovery, community health, and LGBTQIA+ centered care. I am most excited about creative self-expression, and I believe in person-centered approaches to understand the powerful role that stories play in shaping our everyday lives. I also find tremendous value in working together to deconstruct how these stories show up in the context of anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. Seeking therapy is one of the most courageous steps you can take for yourself. Whether you want to heal past wounds, resolve conflict in your relationships, or better manage the stressors of life, therapy is the space where your goals and values are prioritized. It is where you can feel safe to be vulnerable and open. Because there is no singular way to engage in treatment, therapy does not conform to strict constructs, norms, or stereotypes. Rather, therapy is meant to reflect your authentic self and promote the innate power you hold. The right therapist should honor the nuances of your life’s journey, while also helping explore the path forward that you want to lead. In the words of Brené Brown, “Story stewardship means honoring the sacred nature of story–the ones we share and the ones we hear–and knowing that we’ve been entrusted with something valuable or that we have something that we should treat with respect and care." I look forward to honoring your journey here, and your journey forward. Thank you so much!

If you’re a client who works with me, you can trust that you have a therapist with the highest level of education and training (B.A from Princeton; Ph.D. from UCLA), extensive experience working with individuals and couples, and a record of professional accomplishment (University Professor, Director of a Graduate Program in Counseling, author of multiple books and articles in the areas of Clinical Psychology and Human Development.) In addition to my work in psychology, I have a background in the creative arts as a Grammy award-winning songwriter and a published novelist. Because of this added dimension, some of my clients have welcomed suggestions for excellent stories, novels, movies, or television shows that depict characters who face similar challenges to their own and our discussions of these works and characters have provided these clients with another valuable source of understanding and growth. On a personal note, I grew up on the East Coast before relocating to California and I’m the father of two daughters.

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!

A warm welcome to you! I've been a therapist for many years, have a master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, and draw upon a depth of life and work experience in our work together. You are the expert in you and I am your ally and resource. We team up and collaborate in meeting your goals and freeing you up to be the best version of yourself. Whether your goal is to figure out your career path, get your mood on an even-keel, tame your inner critic, or to move through your grief, I'm here for you.

Hello, my name is Kim. I have over 8 years experience working with adult individuals in community care, mental health and medical settings. I use a collaborative, person-centered, solutions-focused approach. I love working with clients who may consider themselves non traditional, who are looking for creative tools to navigate the inevitable chaos of life and land on a path that is authentic to self.

Hello! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long-time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions daily. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health. What attracted me to wanting to become a therapist was my true and honest desire to help others. Seeing how clients benefit from therapy, seeing how clients can truly overcome their mental illness, and seeing how clients can return to normal and healthy day-to-day living is what drives me to continue to do the work that I do. Today I invite you, to allow yourself to start your journey to a better tomorrow; I am inviting you to take a chance. Sadly we can't change what happened yesterday, nor do we know what will happen tomorrow, but we can hope for a better tomorrow by making positive decisions today.

Mike Valenzuela, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is dedicated to helping adults overcome anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and depression. I employ evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, to provide effective support tailored to your needs. My collaborative and empowering approach ensures that you not only heal but also acquire practical skills that promote lasting well-being and resilience. Together, we can unlock your potential for a more fulfilling life.

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

Do you wonder if your life could feel better than it currently does? I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, including postpartum anxiety and depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and other life challenges. In this therapeutic process, we work together to help bring you closer to what truly matters to you and help create change and healing in your life. I use evidence-based techniques, which includes EMDR along with a variety of other treatment modalities. I am EMDR Trained and currently working toward EMDR certification as well. Therapy can help you create a sense of safety and nurturing within, whether you’ve lost that feeling along the way or never had it to begin with. I strongly believe in the brain’s tendency towards resilience and its innate ability to heal itself with support. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, open-minded, and respectful environment, and I believe that a collaborative relationship is critical to therapeutic success. Let’s work together to help you find the healing you are needing. Here is my website if you want to read more about what I offer: www.SamanthaStermonTherapy.com

¡Hola! I’m Blanca Mendoza, LMFT a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families heal from the weight of inter-generational trauma and life’s many challenges. I work with adolescents, first-generation students, and adults navigating identity, life transitions, relationships, and cultural expectations. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally grounded, integrating mindfulness and practical tools to support healing, growth, and self-compassion.

Hello there, my name is Jackie. I’d like to start by saying it brings me great joy that you are here making time for yourself! Allow me to ask, what brought you here today? Is it fears…traumas… distractions… hardships…loss… endless worries… striving for something meaningful? If you’re finding it hard to answer, “where do I go from here?,” then arriving at this thought is exactly where you need to be to make the decision to create your own path . As you reach this crossroads I offer you tools to support you in bringing to light the barriers that prevent you from uncovering your full potential. I invite you to show up for yourself as you journey through the mountains and valley’s that are the wonders of your life.

Hello and welcome to the journey of becoming an even more incredible version of yourself! I'm Sarah, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am so looking forward to meeting with you. I am a strengths-based, client centered, and solutions focused therapist. Together we will work to develop skills based on your strengths to help you thrive in your life. Our time together will be a collaboration between us to make sure that you are working on the areas that you feel will most benefit you and even those that you may not consider needing change.

Throughout my many years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been committed to providing the highest level of professional and compassionate care when serving individuals during their most difficult life challenges. I tailor my approach to therapy based on the unique needs of each person I get the privilege to help. My mission is to help you gain healthy balance so you may enjoy positive relationships, fulfill your life’s purpose and achieve your highest potential. I work with clients from a strength based focus while providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow. It takes courage to seek help and to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take the first steps toward change, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

I imagine you found yourself here because there is something in your life that is not working for you, creating distress, inner conflict, or bringing you pain. OR maybe you are desiring inner change, to evolve and grow as a human, parent, partner, or spiritually. Maybe you want to dive into exploring who you are at your core, what you are capable of, or what truly makes you happy. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist having worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have worked in a variety of psychology settings, including working with incarcerated populations; at-risk populations, and severe mental illness, as well as teaching at the graduate level. These different areas provided me with various skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I offer individual therapy to support and treat relational issues, anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, and life transitions. I take a collaborative approach with the intention to identify blocks and negative patterns and then release and clear them, while recognizing and building upon strengths, resources, and coping skills. I believe that therapy is an art as each client is unique. Together, we will develop the best therapeutic process for you. I will utilize the most credible interventions to support meaningful change.

Hello! I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, practicing in CA. I have been in practice since 2011 and have treated a wide range of clients from various cultural backgrounds. Issues that have been presented in my practice are anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, life transitions, parenting, perinatal and postpartum issues and more. I work to create a safe space to allow clients find and strive on their positive and creative energy, discover and develop their goals, empower in their strengths, as well as collaborate on the skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from JFK University. I have 15 years of experience helping individuals cope with the challenges they face in their lives. I have a specialty in treating individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use. I also have been trained in Brainspotting techniques that reduce the effect traumas and other upsetting life events have on a person's ability to find the happiness they want from life.

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.

We are more than conquerors! You already have the capability to make changes that help accomplish your goals, experience healing, and combat the most difficult symptoms. However, we were never meant to go it alone. The therapeutic relationship is a partnership—it is teamwork. It is joining forces with one another. One of the greatest attributes I can offer in this alliance is empathy. Non-judgmental exploration will afford the understanding necessary to determine what is hindering satisfaction. I am Kimberly Jones: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10 years of experience in offering psychotherapy to all ages. My expertise is couple’s therapy encompassing marriage and relationships. You will be provided a safe space to bring your most complex matters as I am confident in supporting honest dialogue. In addition, mediation during difficult discussions and understanding the anatomy of an affair's impact on both partners can also be provided. I would assist in managing the threat of divorce, post-separation, and co-parenting. In the healing pursuit, individuals will experience neutrality, intimacy repair, trust building, improved communication, and conflict resolution. These are all skills necessary to strengthen the relationship and introduce a new way of seeing life together.

Hello and welcome. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your courage to take the first step in selecting a therapist. The thought of sharing intimate thoughts, struggles and personal experiences can be overwhelming and frightening. I hope to assist you in feeling confident that you have come to the right place to express your needs and work on feeling better. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have over 12 years experience in providing services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, and other challenges. I have had the pleasure of working in various settings. For almost seven years, I worked at a community mental health agency treating children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of needs especially those who have experienced trauma. I have found that each individual comes with their unique story and background. My first experience using telehealth was during the pandemic. I discovered the importance of being able to provide services through the telehealth platform during that time especially with the increase of mental health needs. This inspired me to continue to reach those clients who desire telehealth for various reasons. Life can be busy with schedules and finding time for therapy is not always easy. Telehealth can make therapy a little easier.

"Life is a journey, travel it well." I believe we're all on our own individual journeys of life that sometimes put us in valleys and sometimes on top of hills. When it comes to the valleys, sometimes it's alright to reach out to someone for a little guidance and help. Hi, my name is Ryan and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. One of my favorite parts of my own journey has been navigating the complexities of young adult life stages from college, to work, romance and beyond. But whether or not it's life transitions or just a need for someone to journey along side you during a difficult time, I am here to help.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I provide compassionate, expert care for individuals, couples, and families navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. My practice encompasses all core mental health issues, with specialized expertise in supporting the military population, addressing addiction, healing with domestic violence, and working with survivors of child abuse. With a deep commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment, I tailor evidenced-based approaches to meet your unique needs, helping you build stronger relationships and a healthier future.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My therapeutic practice is rooted in acknowledging your multicultural experiences and understanding how these dynamics influence your personal goals and interpersonal relationships. Coming from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective, I’ll work with you as you navigate gender, social, or cultural concerns, especially those that may differ from your family’s expectations. Together, we explore these complex layers to foster personal growth, healthy relationships, and help you live by your core values.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work full time with veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I see clients in the evenings or weekends. I enjoy helping clients to navigate life changes, process feelings, and learn healthy coping strategies. Sessions with me will be comfortable, relaxed and productive. I see California clients only. I look forward to working with you!

As a board-certified psychotherapist, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of remarkable clients. My professional journey encompasses assisting parents in the reunification process with their children, guiding young adolescents through the complexities of emerging emotions, and supporting older adults as they navigate the challenges of lifelong illnesses. My education is a bachelor's degree in child and Adolescent Development and a master's degree in social work.

Congratulations on taking the first step in finding support - it's not easy to ask for help! My name is Bryssa (Bree-sa) and I am here for you. I aim to provide all of my clients with empathy, care and authentic support for what they are experiencing. I want to help my clients set boundaries, learn to identify and communicate their emotions, find their power and develop their sense of self worth. I have my Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) as well as my Masters in Social Work (MSW), though I joke that I was born a social worker. I hold an LCSW license (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #118448) and am committed to the values of social work in everything that I do: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

Clarissa Laughlin, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho and California who specializes in helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related challenges. She integrates evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, CPT, and solution-focused therapy to help clients identify their needs, strengthen resilience, and foster meaningful personal growth. Before becoming a therapist, Clarissa trained and showed American Quarter Horses—a background that developed her discipline, intuition, and coaching skills. This unique experience enhances her clinical work, allowing her to combine empathy, structure, and a goal-oriented approach to guide clients toward lasting emotional and behavioral change.

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

Hello! My name is Elysa Thangchaipinyokul and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I attended the University of Southern California and graduated with my Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree. I've worked in mental health for over 14 years in both outpatient and inpatient environments providing psychotherapy primarily to adults and older adults. My primary therapuetic approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Profile: Hi there and welcome! My name is Michelle, and I'm glad you found your way here. Life has a way of introducing anxiety, stress, trauma, and grief when we least expect it. I'm here to support you in returning to a place where you feel safe, self-aware, and empowered. I believe we all have the capacity to be self-healers. I've worked in several realms of healing and medicine for more than 12 years, and I approach my therapeutic connections with warmth and curiosity. I lovingly encourage you to come as you are. My goal is to know you, not change you, and support whichever problems you feel ready to address with transparency and authenticity. I have experience working with adults, teens, groups, couples, families, first responders and military, in managing struggles that come with depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, addiction, self-acceptance and identity-questioning, grief, life adjustments, and women's, LGBTQIA+, or BIPOC issues. We will work toward your goals using mindfulness , trauma-informed CBT, DBT, and gestalt therapy with plenty of education along the way. I believe regular feedback is imperative in creating the awareness needed to shift subconscious patterns to conscious choices. Everyone deserves the chance to live their lives in their truest form, with care, respect, and self-confidence. *Currently only accepting referrals for individual therapy (18+)*

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted from trying to keep it all together? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m Matthew C. Volzer, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health and 12 years helping individuals, couples, and families create lasting change through evidence-based therapy. I specialize in working with people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship challenges, or the emotional weight of past trauma. My approach is practical, compassionate, and results-oriented. Drawing from CBT, trauma-focused therapy, and family systems work, I’ll help you understand the patterns that keep you stuck and give you tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re looking to quiet your inner critic, build stronger relationships, or simply feel more like yourself again—I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start feeling better and make meaningful changes in your life, I’d be honored to work with you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a commitment to helping clients navigate their healing journeys and hold certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC). My additional certifications—including Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD), a provider Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), Certified Mood Disorder Professional (CMDP), and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)—enable me to assist individuals to feel empowered with a better understanding of their challenges and build resilience. I grew up in an environment with people who never discussed mental health; this sparked an early interest in the unspoken challenges I observed. As a dual major in psychology and sociology, my coursework was impactful, and the lessons continued in graduate school, internships, specialized trauma-informed care courses, and other research areas within the field. I remain deeply passionate about assisting clients in their healing from mental injuries and mental challenges; providing support in this area has proven to be crucial, as it can affect every facet of human existence.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I congratulate you on starting your journey, and I’m here to make sure that it is meaningful to you. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with self-esteem. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have been practicing since 2011. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I have been trained in a range of research-based practices including Managing and Adaptive Practice, Depression Treatment Quality Improvement, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Military Focus. My passion is working alongside my clients to provide support and help bring healing in their lives. I take a client-centered approach, utilizing strength-based, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients improve their overall quality of life.

As a culturally competent therapist, I provide inclusive, affirming care for California residents seeking support in navigating life’s challenges. My approach is integrative and person-centered, blending evidence-based and experiential methods to honor each client’s unique story. I offer virtual sessions in English and Spanish, making therapy accessible and comfortable for clients from diverse backgrounds. PLEASE NOTE: I am not currently taking on couples at this time.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My practice supports individuals navigating life transitions, engaging in self-exploration, or managing the everyday challenges that come with balancing responsibilities and relationships. I have extensive experience helping clients work through anxiety, depression, eating disorders, postpartum concerns, family stress, and relational difficulties. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to create a personalized, goal-oriented path toward healing. At the core of my philosophy is the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity to create meaningful change. My role is to guide and support you in that process, helping you move toward greater balance, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling life.

Change is stressful and adolescence is a period of enormous change - especially so since the pandemic, social media, gender politics, and looming concerns about the future. Many, many teens today feel overwhelmed by pressure. Struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, relationship problems, drugs, alcohol and academic problems is common. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that by 2021 49.5% of adolescents in the U.S. had a mental disorder, with females, LGBTQIA, and multiracial individuals at the highest risk. If you are a teen or the parent of a teen in pain and looking for a way forward, I can help. I began work as a counseling psychotherapist in 1994. Since then I've helped many adolescents, adults, couples, and parents ease their suffering and overcome problems such as these. My effectiveness as a helper comes from 1) listening carefully to understand your concerns and experience 2) non-judgementally accepting you as you are 3) knowing that you are the expert on you and planning treatment collaboratively with you to achieve your goals. 4) Providing the tools of skills training and coaching to empower you to heal and thrive For me, it's all about knowing that my clients don't need to be fixed. They need to be understood, accepted, provided with effective tools for solving their problems and trusted to overcome their difficulties in a way that works for them so they can feel better, function better and begin living life as they choose to. My approach is straightforward and built on compassion and evidence-based techniques.

We are living in difficult times. You can't seem to get over the anxiety or depression about your everyday life. What's worse, your partner or family member seems to not care at times, making things even harder for you. I understand. Better is possible, and I'm here to help. I have a passion for helping individuals in personal growth. I have been working with adults on relationship issues, anxiety, and depression for over ten years. My specialty is personal empowerment work, as I strongly believe that solid relationships are formed from solid individuals. Currently, I only take new clients for individual counseling.