Therapists in California

Dr. Charness is a former assistant district attorney specializing in prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault, and rape cases. Additionally, she has her PsyD in clinical psychology specializing in trauma, attachment theory, and affect regulation. She has worked extensively with patients suffering from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse trauma. Further, Dr. Charness has a wealth of experience with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and self-harm. She incorporates many modalities in her sessions, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work. She effectively supports clients working through past trauma and finding resolve and peace within themselves, which is crucial to individual mental health and functionality. Inclusivity and remaining culturally sensitive to patients are of utmost importance to her. Dr. Charness has also contributed to several books, including Voices of Pain, Voices of Hope, Students Speak About Racism, and Learning Through Discussion. Her most recent passion is her blog on Psychology Today (under law and crime) regarding the intersection of law and mental health. She focuses primarily on how legal rulings can impact our mental health, motive, trauma-informed interrogation, and investigation, particularly in domestic violence and sexual assault cases, and the failings of both the legal and mental health systems. Teaching about the realities of what life looks like inside the courtroom for a victim of domestic violence or rape, whether it be to a classroom of students or an audience of readers, is incredibly important to her.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations in different community settings. I have adapted different approaches in my clinical work to fit with the populations that I serve. As a therapist, I work to help make clients feel grounded and supported in our session appointments. I strive for authenticity when working with others. I try to help clients value honesty within themselves and in others. I hope to be able to facilitate growth and change in our time together.

Hi! I am an LMFT based in California, more specifically the Bay Area. I am a father of two beautiful girls (#girldad), an avid golfer, and blackbelt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. I have been working in mental health and performance coaching for over 10 years. My passion is to help athletes and their parents find strategies to balance the demands of their sport and other areas of their life that they may be struggling with. I especially love working with fathers trying to engage their fatherhood in new ways.

I specialize in helping you improve your sense of self by uncovering and understanding the subconscious influences that shape your emotions and actions. This increased awareness is the first step. Then, through intentional action, we'll build and solidify new habits and healthy self-talk that support your personal transformation. Practice is key: I will guide you to integrate these proven steps into your routine until they become second nature, ensuring your change is sustainable.

Hello and welcome! I am a doctor of Psychology, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional clinical counselor. I am located in California and have 14 years of experience in helping individuals navigate their emotional challenges through various evidence-based treatment methods. My goal is to empower you to understand yourself better, heal from past traumas, and improve your relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I have worked inpatient and outpatient mental health. I am Rogerian trained, which means i have awareness of my boundaries and the clts boundaries. I am clt centered, being aware of my transference in the therapy relationship; often using the transference for clt growth. I am humanistic, which means any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. As a clt centered therapist my role is to hold a mirror up as to allow the clt to witness their experience and offer reccomendations for tx plan. Also, empowering the clt to connect and use their strengths; support, spirituality or agnostic beliefs. I have used various modality interventions including meditation, visualization, and exposure acclimation. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. My experience is broad, from post partum to end of life issues and many life stages in between. Whether its anxiety or depression. From bipolar to ocd or schizophrenia; i work at creating a safe environment where boundaries are clear and the clt feels free to discuss their issues in safety and privacy.

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I would describe my own as warm, caring, non-judgmental, compassionate, sensitive, respectful, knowledgeable, experienced and committed. I’ve been using CBT in my practice. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life

I have been in the field for twenty five years and have learned to adjust to what the client is presenting in the session to achieve a sense of safety. I work with what the client is presenting and focus on how to guide the client to work through their presenting problem. I have had a history of working with a variety of clients and cultures. I started working in a therapeutic community with at risk adolescents. I later worked with court referred gang members. From there I worked with the homeless and the LGBTQ Community on addictions. I opened a private practice in a more suburban environment.

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.

Hello, I am Kathleen. Do you feel overwhelmed, burnt out or pulled in a million different directions? Are you struggling with your relationships, work or health? Is it difficult for you to find time for yourself, let alone, be kind to yourself? Do you feel "stuck" and unable to move forward? Many of us are experiencing loneliness, depression, anxiety and social isolation, so it is important to make caring for yourself a priority. Therapy can help you feel more connected, balanced and peaceful. Together, we can help identify what is not working and regain a sense of balance. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your body, mind and spirit. We will develop a "toolbox" of coping skills and create new insights and awarenesses to help you become a happier and healthier version of yourself. Seeking therapy can feel threatening but it's one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and by doing so also give to others. In our sessions, I will meet you with kindness, compassion, humor and evidence-based modalities, so you can overcome obstacles and habits that may be holding you back. My goal as your therapist is to provide a safe, supportive and empathic environment in which to work through current issues, conflicting relationships and/or past pain. I look forward to meeting you and working together.

I am a cultivator and conduit for change. Change is not always an easy process, but most individuals seek therapy because they want something to change in their current life. I don't believe in disorders, I believe that there are behaviors that may not be allowing you to fully experience your life that need to be positioned correctly for you to move forward. I am just the guide to help you along your journey of change. It is hard work, but in the end, it will be worth your time and effort. I am skilled in trauma recovery and I can assist you with working through the most difficult situations and circumstances in your life.

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.

Hello, my name is Salomon Garcia, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in southern California. I have been practicing for over 6 years. I have worked with a broad range of individuals ranging from teen to older adults. I have helped clients struggling with anxiety, depression, work-stress, low self-esteem and life transitions. My aim is to provide a relaxing and safe space to help people to be the best version of themselves.

Dr. Sterling focuses on specifically "women issues," grief, life transitions, cultural issues, anxiety, depressed moods, and will support other various challenges. Dr. Sterling practices a humanistic and person-centered approach when providing counseling and life coaching support. She is very compassionate while helping people with overcoming adversities and reaching their resilience. Also, she is genuine, real, and present during each conversation. Dr. Sterling displays a real authentic persona that is comfortable, relaxed, and filled with good energy! The objective she focuses on is to bring ease into a persons life no matter the situation or where they come from! Dr. Sterling will uplift your spirits and is someone to look forward to speaking with! "I have a PhD. in Philosophy/Advanced Human Studies. I have over 17 years of experience educating higher learners & helping others through various lived experiences. I take nothing for granted, all I have is a blessing including working with people from this perspective within my life!" Dr. Sterling has accomplished a lot, but she is truly genuine and humble. She will not only build you up, she will lift you up, and teach you how to get up no matter how many times you fall down! "I'm here, lets talk!" ~Dr. Sterling

Hi, I’m Lainie Popp. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in EMDR, parts work, and mindfulness-based approaches. I help adults who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism learn how to feel more calm, present, and less overwhelmed in their daily lives. My style is warm, collaborative, and supportive, focused on helping you understand yourself with compassion and feel more comfortable in your own mind and body.

My name is Jay and I have been a therapist for approx. 8 years. I specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma. I have years working with diverse populations and understanding that first we are human and everything else follows after. I have been in the field of social work for over 15 years. I am a strong believer in helping you understand your deeper self to work through everyday and subconscious problems, thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Once you understand yourself you are on the path to working on healing and pushing forward for your future.

Hi there, I'm Kash! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this bio. I want to first congratulate in you on taking a step of putting yourself first. Taking that first step could have many mixed feelings of excitement, fear and uncertainty. I am here to be a support system for your self growth and development. Many things in life can occur which can hinder our growth. Such events can be disheartening (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one, stress in school or work, etc.) or even events that are normally viewed as positive (e.g. recently getting married, moving in together, getting a new job or promotion, children, etc). Events of any sort creates change which many individuals, couples and families experience differently. My role in these changes is to be a safe place to openly discuss these events and changes and to provide the support essential for growth. The approach I use for treatment with patients are integrative. You and I will develop an effective approach together to determine what would work best based on my clinical judgement and you knowing yourself.

I’m Dr. Gabe Veas, a psychotherapist who helps high-achieving adults, couples, and creatives move past shame, fear, and pressure to keep it all together. Many appear successful on paper yet feel disconnected, anxious, or unfulfilled inside. Our work focuses on rebuilding intimacy, confidence, and freedom that lasts. My learning didn’t end with degrees; it continues through mentorship, embodiment, and years of helping people reclaim the parts of themselves that feel hidden or shut down. I founded Palm Springs Psychotherapy to offer a private, deeply personalized space for clients who want more than symptom relief. My approach blends cognitive, relational, and somatic methods to help you reconnect with what feels real and alive, both in your mind and in your body. f you’re ready to feel more connected and fully alive, let’s begin with a private consultation. This work is for people who are ready for real change, deeper relationships, sexual confidence, and a clearer sense of self.

My name is Sheilly Arora, and I am a practicing psychologist for almost 20 years. I love what I do and find it a privilege to be of help to others. I am fluent in several Evidence Based treatments including and not limited to treatments for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and PTSD. While originally from the East coast, I did both my internship and post-doctoral training in California. I have been here ever since and feel lucky to be able to call California my home.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." — Arthur Ashe Hello there! I am first a mom, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, and a neighbor and friend. In my life, I have naturally been inclined to help others. Realizing this, I decided to embark on a journey to become a professional helper of other humans, to help improve their life and feel better about their choices. Along this journey, I have become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I obtained my MA from Pacific Oaks College in 2013 and my Psy. D. Marital and Family Therapy from The Chicago School in 2021. I then started working in counseling and after completing my continued education for counseling studies with an emphasis on alcohol/drugs abuse studies at UCLA in 2020. I support and promote clients to explore their potential and utilize strengths to manage challenges in life. As your therapist, I strive to be authentic and nurturing and come from this understanding, as my true self, and as a South-American therapist. My years of experience and navigating through life while learning the art of therapy and counseling helped me to develop a strong patient-centered approach to join patients where they are at. Feedback I have heard from clients is that my experience working with different cultural backgrounds helps clients feel safe and they report that I have a more inclusive therapeutic relationship with them than other therapists.

Great to meet you! I believe the key to living a happy life, is learning how to speak your truth with grace & live a courageous life of authenticity. This requires checking in with yourself, often, exploring old patterns that aren’t serving you, tapping into grit & resiliency, and having a growth-oriented mindset. I'm an avid adventurer, having traveled to 25+ countries. I'm a licensed tailwheel (multiengine & seaplane) pilot who loves radial engines and vintage aircraft. In my spare time, you’ll find me flying, gardening & reading and chasing a house full of boys.

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.

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!

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.

My name is Ana Del Rosario Murray. I am a Latina Indigenous woman, mother, and wife proudly rooted in the vibrant SF Bay Area. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco and have spent the past seven years working throughout San Francisco in service of community wellness. With a deep passion for community-based work, I bring an intimate understanding of the complexities faced by diverse populations. Growing up in the tightly knit community of South San Francisco, I witnessed firsthand the socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic challenges that shape people’s lives. This lived experience fuels my unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact and uplifting those around me. I believe deeply in the power of collective action and healing. By embracing my cultural heritage and drawing from personal and professional experience, I strive to foster authentic connections, empower individuals and families, and promote social justice within the communities I serve.

Maria Mendez Perez is a bilingual first-generation Latina therapist who is passionate about helping adults who are experiencing overwhelming emotions due to unresolved trauma. The majority of her practice focuses on managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and learning skills to improve emotion regulation. In my free time I love spending time with my family. When I need some alone time I spend time with our dog, read a book, or listen to a podcast, probably something on mental health.

Hi! I’m Felicia Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I am grateful you’re here to see me. I am a highly compassionate, empathic social work professional dedicated to exceptional mental health services including effective treatment to diverse population including children, youth, and families struggling with persistent mental illness. I enjoy working with individuals who are also or was a part of the foster care system, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and trauma.

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.