Book 100+ of the best UnitedHealthcare/Optum therapists in California

Greetings! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and I have worked in a wide variety of settings including community mental health, school-based mental health, non-profit agencies, the corporate sector and private practice. I have over a decade of experience serving individuals, families, couples and children and spent my early career working exclusively with individuals who have experienced complex trauma. My approach is always client-centered and is informed by a variety of therapeutic modalities including narrative, experiential, emotionally focused and solution-focused therapies (just to name a few). I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, adjustment/life transitions and grief and loss.

I began my LMFT career with completing my master's at University of Phoenix in 2009 and completed my full licensure in 2018. I have 7 years of experience in addiction treatment through methadone care and have been working in the most current 6 years at a VA hospital assisting veterans and their families/couples creating heathier communication and making their lives better.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. I earned my Master's Degree in Psychology Counseling from Mt. ST. Mary's University in Los Angeles and have been practicing for 15 years. I facilitate insight into problematic issues in your life transition towards a life worth living. My approach is empathetic, compassionate, and direct. I help recognize unhealthy patterns of thoughts and behaviors.

I was born and raised in the greater Fresno and attended CSU-Fresno for my undergraduate work in Criminology and my Master’s in Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy. My clinical orientation is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), client-centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapeutic Modalities. I have extensive training and experience in working with people struggling with the criminal justice system (in and out of the legal system), post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression disorders, as well as with people seeking relief from addictive behaviors. I have worked for over 24 years in public service/various community mental health delivery systems. I thoroughly value meeting and forming therapeutic relationships with new patients and assisting the patient in discovering their ability to lead a life they want to live. I honor the time spent in session, as it is a time where hearts bare the pain, minds seek the “why?”, and bodies reflect the joy or sorrow of their memories.

Katerina Sorrell, MA, PPSC, LPCC, is a licensed psychotherapist and National Board Certified Counselor with over a decade of experience helping clients achieve healing, resilience, and personal growth. With a Master’s in Counseling from Chapman University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from CSULB, she offers a strong academic foundation paired with compassionate, culturally responsive care. Katerina is fluent in English and Spanish and provides services to children, adolescents, and adults, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Her work spans working with Orange County Department of Education and various school districts in Orange County, California, where she has served as a School Counselor and Mental Health Practitioner. She specializes in crisis intervention, early identification of students in need, and the development of supportive mental health strategies. Katerina also volunteered with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, demonstrating her deep commitment to mental health advocacy. In addition to her school-based work, Katerina provides individual therapy in private practice in Laguna Hills, California,, helping adults, military and youth clients manage challenges like anxiety, depression, family conflict, peer pressure, and trauma. Her unique background also includes career assessments, allowing her to support clients in discovering their strengths and life direction. Whether in schools, clinical settings, or the community, Katerina empowers her clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, connection, and hope.

I am a NY, and FLA. state licensed mental health counselor and CA state professional clinical counselor with a specialty in substance abuse disorders. I offer psychotherapy in a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals are free to express themselves. I utilize traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches to help people find relief from unresolved issues, traumas, depression and anxiety. I teach coping strategies to help alleviate stress, and the skills needed to maintain overall wellbeing in challenging times. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, EFT(tapping), and Somatic feedback.

Hi, I’m Mattie Chein, a licensed therapist who works with high-functioning adults battling internal struggles like depression, anxiety, and substance use. You might be doing all the “right” things, working hard, staying social, and showing up, but still feeling empty, anxious, or overwhelmed inside. I specialize in helping people who look fine on the outside but feel stuck, lost, or quietly falling apart. Our work isn’t just about what’s wrong — it’s about where we’re going. I help you move toward a life that actually feels like yours: grounded, alive, and connected.

I have worked in various environments, which have included community mental health and medical settings. Throughout my time as a clinician, I have provided services to individuals, couples and families. My cultural background as well as my personal experiences have given me an awareness and a sensitivity to the vast cultural and social identities that exist. I am committed to leading with warmth, empathy, and a fundamental curiosity that reserves assumptions.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree from California State University and I've been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I grew up in Italy and moved to the US 42 years ago. I work with adult men and women struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationships. I'm passionate about helping them live more fulfilling relationships and peaceful life.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD) in northern California. I received my doctorate degree from the University of Florida. I have 40+ years of experience as a therapist treating adults. I will only see patients in-person in my office. Phone calls and texting/emails are used for communication as necessary between visits. I initially address what prompted an individual to seek help at this particular time, ie why now? I help people clarify issues--concerns, thoughts, feelings, situations--and explore/develop effective coping strategies and behaviors.

I’m Dr. S. Kyle Cardwell, a licensed mental health professional with over 16 years of experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, identity concerns, and life transitions. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents in both outpatient and residential settings, and I understand the unique emotional, relational, and developmental challenges they face. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve also served in executive leadership roles—including as CEO of a residential treatment center for youth—where I oversaw program development, staff training, and systems-level implementation of trauma-informed care. My approach to therapy is both compassionate and direct. I offer a safe space for patients to speak freely, but I also ask meaningful questions and challenge patterns that may be holding them back. I use a range of evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR, REBT, and psychodynamic principles, adapting treatment to meet the needs of each individual. For patients who wish, I can also integrate Christian faith into the process in a respectful and thoughtful way. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for change, I’m here to walk with you toward healing, clarity, and a more grounded life.

I’m a somatic psychotherapist with extensive experience in community mental health and creative expression. My work focuses on helping teens and adults heal from trauma and emotional disconnection by using body-centered and relational approaches. I guide clients in exploring the connection between their physical sensations and emotional experiences. My goal is to empower individuals to feel more grounded, clear, and authentically connected to themselves, fostering lasting healing and resilience.

Inner peace comes when we accept ourselves, live in the present, find hope for the future and consciously choose how we respond to the world around us. Let’s embark on this healing journey together because you are truly worth it! My theoretical framework is whole person focused (biological, psychological, social and spiritual), client centered, strength based and is collaborative/relational in nature. I have found that our laughter is healing, our tears are cleansing, and our human diversity is amazing. I look forward to working with you!

Hi and welcome! We all struggle with the human condition from time to time. As your therapist, I’m here to meet you with genuine connection - to truly see and hear you. It's only in a safe, supportive space that we can truly unpack the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that shape our lives - and create lasting, intentional change. I offer a unique blend of motivational coaching and in-depth therapy. Together, we’ll take a holistic look at your unique humanness - your strengths, struggles, values and patterns - while working toward practical, goal-oriented solutions that help you reduce emotional suffering and move forward in your life, relationships, and career.

I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.

I am a client-centered counselor focused on helping you reach your personal therapeutic goals during our time together. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help individuals become more self aware and work through challenges they struggle with independently. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques. These tools help many individuals understand what they want from therapy, and help us work together to get them where they want to be. We go at the pace that you are ready for and I will check in to ensure that you are feeling comfortable with the pace and progress all along this journey. You've taken a great step towards enhancing your emotional and mental health. I look forward to working on the next steps with you.

You deserve to feel well and live your most authentic life. I provide tools to help you embrace a deeper understanding of yourself, strengthen your coping mechanisms, improve your mood, and thrive with increased daily functioning, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-awareness, and authentic self-expression. When life feels overwhelming, our minds can convince us that we are alone in our daily challenges and during our most difficult times. We get used to handling it on our own. I believe there is a better way. Working with a psychotherapist who can deeply connect with where you are on your healing journey can be transformative. Transformation might look like addressing symptoms, resolving a problem, or seeking something more. By guiding you to deeper insights and clearer understandings, together, we are better able to confront the barriers that may be holding you back from the life you want to live.

Hello, my name is Jennifer. I am currently working with clients needing individual therapy. I have experience dealing with various issues. My past experience includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I focus on client centered goals to help you achieve what you are looking for. Together, we can work towards finding the best possible way for you to better your situation. Whether you're dealing with a specific problem or ongoing issues, I'm here to help. In focusing on what you want and need, this allows you to take control of your therapy and use this time to heal and grow. Deciding on therapy is a great step towards working towards your needs. Some of the modalities I have experience in are, but not limited to, psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy, trauma informed care, and providing psychoeducation. I look forward to meeting you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Arizona and Indiana. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary. I have had the opportunity to work in and gain knowledge from a diverse collection of settings that include elementary, middle and high school, hospital chaplaincy department, private practice and private agencies working with families in the child welfare system. Each of these settings has provided me with hands-on experience working with individuals and families in crisis, as well as those who are faced with navigating some of life’s challenges such as divorce, loss, and addiction. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I love a systems approach, understanding that we do not exist in a vacuum, but rather are part of larger systems. I take a non-judgmental, warm approach to therapy and I believe in tailoring my therapy towards my client's individual needs. Together we will establish goals and design a path towards a healthier way of being. I draw from a multitude of therapeutic techniques that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy. Clients who work with me have a desire to change. Whether facing everyday challenges that are holding them back from living a fulfilling life or struggling with family dynamics that have caused distress or trying to navigate through grief, my clients can learn to use their insight to find new ways of functioning that better serve what they want from this life. My clients can see a future for themselves that brings peace, happiness and healing. The first step towards seeking help is often the most difficult. I am excited that you are here and look forward to taking this journey alongside you.

I'm Essy, a licensed therapist and coach who works best with folks who feel like outsiders in a world built for sameness. I support neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ adults navigating identity, trauma, burnout, and the pressure to mask or overperform. With equal parts warmth and real talk, I help clients make sense of their story, rewrite the rules they’ve been handed, and build a life that actually fits.

My name is Wendy Bertram and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW) based out of Arizona with a Masters in Social Work from ASU. Currently I'm licensed in both Arizona and Iowa, providing both in-person and teleheatlh services. I use a client centered approach and multiple therapy models, depending on your needs. I am here to partner with you to work through the issues causing disruptions in your life and to help you meet your goals. Everyone’s experience is unique, and the therapeutic experience should reflect this. My expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, stress and worry, caregiver stress, and those struggling with the impacts of medical diagnoses. By employing a client-centered approach, I work to foster a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I employ evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, and coping skills for positive change.

Good day! My name is Daniel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience serving multiple populations including clients struggling through financial hardship, life changes, relationship issues, emotional/ physical abuse/trauma, diagnosis of a serious mental illness in the family, and depression/ anxiety. I graduated from the University of Texas A&M - Commerce and am currently licensed in California, Kentucky, and Texas. I believe the bravest and most fulfilling way to grow is to "do the work" and I look forward to assisting clients in that journey in every way that I can.

Hi, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I am also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) to work with people living in California. I have been practicing for 25 years. I help adults struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, substance use, sexual abuse, low self-worth and many other issues. I work with individuals and couples to help them improve their lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers individuals, adults, geriatric populations in a general private practice setting in Texas & California. My practice offers a place where you can feel heard in a supportive, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment. I focus on adult care including women’s issues, career/educational issues, interpersonal communication, self-esteem, anger management, stress management, relationship issues, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. I like to do therapy in an “eclectic” manner, drawing on cognitive-behavioral, narrative, spirituality, solution-focused, and others.

With more than 25 years experience in helping adults improve their relationships and manage interpersonal stressors, my clinical strengths include treating mood disorders, and addressing self-injurious and self-sabotaging behaviors. I provide a therapeutic space to enhance your motivation and to get “unstuck”. I offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to process your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and help you explore alternative actions you can take in response to the stressors you are facing. Restoring clients to a state of physical, mental and emotional health is the most rewarding aspect of my practice and I rely heavily on the latest advances in behavioral science to ensure my clients continue to receive the best therapeutic services available. Visit my website at www.valued-directions.com to find out more about my approach to therapy

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located just outside of Portland, Oregon. I am licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 18 years and work full time as a manager in a large healthcare organization. I love being able to work with people to identify their goals and strategies to meet those goals, then support them along their journey. Please note: I do not specialize in couples' counseling. I work with individuals, and if appropriate and discussed thoroughly ahead of time, we may invite a significant other into a session as part of the work on your individual goals. If you are looking for therapy for you and your partner together, I highly recommend finding a provider who has training and experience to work with couples to get the most out of your therapy experience.

Hello, I am an Asian-American female, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and Nevada with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families providing mental health services in a community-based setting, intensive mental health setting, and private practice setting. I am here to provide support for whatever your needs may be and overcome any challenges in your life. I am licensed in California and Nevada. Website: www.healingheartsmentalhealth.com Instagram: Ilovetherapy661

My name is Tomekia Edwards. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Texas and California) with over 14 years of experience. I've worked in inpatient behavioral health, mobile psychiatric assessment, and HIV case management capacities. I've also worked with service members and their families around issues related to military life. Typical concerns I address through counseling include anxiety, depression, work/school stressors, and relationship stressors. I provide services based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused approaches with years of experience working with adults, children, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Are you struggling with anxiety, overanalyzing all the things & feeling over-stimulated all the time? Hey friend, I'm so glad you're here. My name is Devoney. I specialize in supporting 20 & 30-something women with learning to manage their anxiety, create healthy daily mental wellness habits & feel more confident. Whether your hopes are to feel less overwhelmed, feel more confident in your skin, or stop people pleasing, I'd love to support you. My approach is very warm, positive & focused on taking practical, small steps one day at a time to help you create your healthiest, best life!

Hi, I'm Emily! Oof-Change is hard and I am so glad you're here! When there is too much pain in life, we can feel overwhelmed, powerless, or stuck. Using evidence-based practices, I will work with you to build tools, examine your patterns and obstacles, and empower your strengths and inner wisdom so you can emerge with a greater sense of meaning and the ability to move in a new direction. I work collaboratively with my clients and describe my style as warm, thoughtful, creative, transparent, and empowering. I meet each person where they're at and respect the resistance that often accompanies change. Together we'll figure out what hasn't worked and why and try new ways of creating the life you want. While I tailor the work towards each individual, I enjoy introducing creative interventions beyond typical "talk therapy" including writing, art, role play, bibliotherapy, and apps.

I utilize a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for well-balanced emotional/mental health. I believe a person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that everyone needs a slightly different approach to accomplish these goals, so I adjust in technique for each specific challenge. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life. “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

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.

Hi! My name is Araceli and I graduated with my masters in counseling 17 yrs ago. I have worked in all type of settings from hospice, suicide prevention, trauma, etc. My passion has always been working with individuals who are struggling to find themselves after the loss of a loved one (this might even include a pet). I am bilingual; I speak fluent in English and Spanish, and being able to work with the Spanish speaking community would be a pleasure.

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Texas, California and Florida. I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. My baccalaureate studies included Human Development and Christian Ministry. I am an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force. I specialize in counseling adolescents and adults with mood disorders, anxiety, depression and traumatic experiences.

I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated.

In my role as a mindfulness-based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to delve into their inner workings with a sense of compassion and empathy. I emphasize the importance of being fully present in the current moment and embracing a mindset of acceptance without criticism in my therapeutic approach. Furthermore, I prioritize guiding clients toward cultivating a deep sense of self-compassion and understanding, recognizing these as fundamental elements for personal advancement and emotional reconciliation. By integrating mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, I actively assist clients in developing an enhanced self-awareness and fostering a compassionate outlook on their experiences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome challenges related to trauma, family dynamics, cultural barriers, depression, anxiety, and anger. My passion lies in empowering clients to reach their goals through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. In my private practice, I offer evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapies via tele-mental health technologies such as Video On Demand (VOD) and Zoom. This allows clients to express themselves in an objective and non-judgmental environment as they embark on their journey to healing. My real-world approach ensures that clients receive practical and effective support.

I have worked in the mental health field for 20 years helping people to discover the best and highest expression of themselves once they are free from destructive hurts, habits and hang-ups. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's in Social Work, Masters in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Theology. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and Drug/Alcohol Counselor.

I believe in honoring each individual as the expert of their own life, meeting them without judgment or preconceptions. Counseling, for me, is not about labeling problems but about discovering solutions and effective coping strategies. I work with individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, who are facing a wide range of challenges, with a particular passion for geriatric mental health. Embarking on therapy is a courageous and potentially life-changing decision, and I am dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. I am deeply committed to helping others realize their full potential. My areas of expertise include providing support for grief, depression, life stressors, divorce, blended families, and individuals and families involved with state agencies.

Greetings! As a licensed professional counselor certified by the state of Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, and California, I provide individuals with fresh insights and strengths so they can integrate skills learned in therapy into their lives. I treat a wide range of mental health issues including mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties & stress related to life transitions. I work collaboratively with people who struggle to manage depressive thoughts or are caught in a cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

My goal is to work collaboratively with clients and individualize treatment, to reduce negative symptoms and increase positive emotional well-being and life functioning. Utilizing evidence-based practices, I will work with you to help you learn to manage difficult emotions and develop tools that work for you. I have experience working with diverse populations, including children and families, adolescents, court-ordered services for victims of domestic abuse as well as perpetrators, and people experiencing difficult life transitions such as divorce or death. In the public high school setting as a trama and crisis Therapist, I focused on helping students experiencing suicidal ideation, eating disorders, self-harm, domestic violence, sexual assault, peer conflict, school and academic difficulties, and family conflict. In the community mental health setting, I focused on victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, and children in foster care due to court orders, I have been trained in Complex Trauma, received specialized training from Cornell in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, DBT, and received my Grief Recovery Specialist certification through The Grief Recovery Method Institute. Issues I have worked with range from religious and/or spiritual trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, self-esteem, life transitions, suicidal ideation, family conflict, and even self-harm. I thrive in helping others learn to cope with the issues which cause them distress, anxiety, and stress. I take great pride in seeing clients achieve goals they previously thought were out of reach, and would be honored to help you as well. I can not imagine anything more rewarding than making such a positive impact through the work that I get to do. Please note that my listed availability is set, and I don't have any other availability. If you require a different time than what my availability lists, I would recommend searching for a Therapist that can meet your availability.

Hello there! My name is Ella Maffei and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been practicing for approximately five years. I have worked with a wide range of clients, from young adult struggling with self-image/anxiety/adjustment to older adults struggling with life transitions/aging/depression. I have also conducted couple's counseling and love to see clients grow and strengthen their couple bond and individual selves. I strive to assist clients in improving the overall quality of their life.

Im a kind and caring person fundamentally. I studied social work, which feels like a natural extension of who I am, at Barry University. I have served a variety of populations since my MSW in my roles as an inpatient/ER case manager in acute care and psychiatric hospitals. I am clinically licensed and work independently serving clients through Telehealth. My goal is to provide my clients support and guidance and provide a safe space for them to express themselves. I enjoy treating each client individually and collaborating with them to address their concerns and implement changes to improve their quality of life.

I want to work with you if you are between the ages of 25 and 55 and struggle with anxious attachment, people pleasing, setting boundaries, feeling triggered, anger, anxiety, depression, co-dependence, parenting issues, and ADD/ ADHD. These symptoms and attachment style are often related to each other and often related to similar childhood experiences of inconstant or abusive/neglectful caregivers. (ADD and ADHD is not cause by caregivers, however, when it goes undiagnosed in children, there is s strong correlation to symptoms described above)

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor enjoying what I do. I have been helping people improve their lives for over seven years. I help couples and individuals to navigate different challenges involving romantic, familial and other interpersonal relationship dynamics. I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past five years. It’s helped so many of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other that keep you in unhealthy cycles.

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.

Hello! I am a bilingual ( Spanish +English) and bicultural ,CA based and - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 18+ years of experience working in community behavior mental health. I hold a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and a Master degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach in providing therapy is person- centered with a supportive stance, while addressing: interpersonal relationships, school, work/career and overall mental health issues that has gotten in the way of reaching a desire full potential.

 Love and work are essential to a meaningful life. Relationships with others define experience and work gives a sense of purpose. Disturbance in these affect well being and contribute to an overwhelmed response leading to collapse. As trauma is relational so is recovery and healing. Having the right therapeutic alliance is a key element and requires, attunement and constistency.  James has over 17 years of clinical experience treating diverse individuals in a variety of settings. As a Mind-Body-Awareness trained therapist, he works with adults having problems with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. In addition to having a graduate degree in Social Work from San Jose State University; he also attended years of practicum training from the following: Certification in Somatic Experiencing from SE Trauma Institute; Sierra Institute for Contemporary Gestalt Training; Professional Training in Hakomi Mindfulness-Based Experiential Psychotherapy Santa Cruz; iRest Integrative Restoration, an evidence informed meditation practice for trauma; Certification in Satyananda Yoga Nidra; and Completion of 500 hours of Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training. 

Thank you for considering me as your therapist in your journey to improving your mental health!  Seeking treatment can be an extremely daunting task, especially within a culture where mental health may not be openly discussed.  This leaves individuals struggling alone with distressing mental health symptoms including anxiety, stress, fear, insecurities, isolation, depression, racing thoughts, poor self-image and many others.  With a lack of support or a safe environment to openly share these experiences, it can be extremely difficult and overwhelming to understand how to manage these symptoms in a healthy way.  This can lead to maladaptive coping skills including substance use, overworking, self-harm, suicidal ideations, hypersexuality, and other risky behaviors.  Even maladaptive coping skills are part of the brain's effort to protect us from the discomfort that comes with mental health symptoms. My goal is to assist empower clients to take control and manage these symptoms independently.  I assist clients with gaining insight about their difficulties and how they experience mental health symptoms in their lives.  I provide clients with psychoeducation to achieve this insight and then work toward developing concrete coping skills in an effort to manage the symptoms.  We will work together to identify short term and long term goals that the client hoping to achieve in therapy and I will ensure that we stay on track toward achieving those goals.  Through accomplishing these goals, clients are able to increase their emotional intelligence and resilience as they manage day to day stressors. I am structured in my approach and committed to seeing progress for my clients as they take on the challenge of self-improvement.  My clinical orientation is in trauma work.  I assist clients with understanding their trauma in their life and how it impacts them today.  I emphasize the unique cultural backgrounds of my clients and all the different traits of their identity to assist them with understanding themselves in a more complete way. In person services available for clients near Santa maria, Ca.  Telehealth services are available for clients throughout the state.  Feel free to reach out directly via phone call or text to discuss scheduling details or to ask any other relevant questions! (805)250-6802 I'd be happy to answer any questions!

My name is Janine Porter Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based on the Central Coast and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I earned my BA in Communication Studies from Cal Poly and my MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychotherapy from Pacifica Graduate Institute. I work with individual adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, transitions, women’s issues, and trauma.