Therapists in California

I was born in the US, but I was raised in Mexico. I lived in Tijuana for 10 years when my parents decided to move us across the border to Chula Vista, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I experienced a duality of cultures. I was often judged for either being “not Mexican enough” OR “not American enough.” I also faced enormous pressure to be successful – to justify my parents’ having left their beloved country so my sibling and I could have a better life. This is one of many reasons I decided to follow this path: to help those who feel alone in their journey. That’s how I felt when acculturating to this country. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at San Diego State University (SDSU). I was going to go directly into the workforce and eventually go back for my master’s, but an awesome professor challenged me to apply right away so I wouldn’t lose momentum. So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California. It took some time and courage to finish all my licensing requirements, but it was worth it! I’ve been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 2019. I am certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California with over 12 years of clinical experience in both the mental health and addiction fields. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with issues and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, social obstacles, substance abuse, and family conflict. ​I earned my undergraduate degree from University of California San Diego where I majored in Music Humanities and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at University of Southern California and earned my master's degree in Social Work.

My name is Alfred Renard Carter and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My clinical experience and specializations are focused on Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management. I take a strength-based approach to empower you to overcome the psychological and emotional distress you're experiencing. I believe in allowing your (client) clinical needs to determine the theoretical approach and interventions most suitable for your treatment. While my education and professional experiences provide me the competence to provide effective treatment, I don't profess to be an expert on you. You're the expert on your life journey. My role as your therapist is to walk with you through your past as well as present challenges to alleviate the psychological symptoms and barriers preventing you from overcoming its impact on your well-being. I'm honored and privileged to walk with you on your journey.

I'm a queer, feminist therapist who creates a warm, affirming space for clients navigating body image concerns and eating disorders. My approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES) and LGBTQ+ affirming care, with a deep belief that therapy should feel both supportive and empowering. I’m here to help you not just get through the hard weeks, but to feel seen, heard, and equipped with tools to move through life with more ease. I know how vulnerable it can be to seek help—especially around food and body image—and I strive to offer a space where you can be your full self without judgment. In addition to talk therapy, I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps process and heal from trauma, distressing memories, and deeply rooted beliefs that may be holding you back.

You might be in a very dark sad and lonely place, or you may be feeling intense anxiety and sometimes even panic or perhaps you are dealing with a lot of pain and uncertainty due to illness or disability. Right now, you’re at the point of knowing that something has to change, you’re ready but you just don’t know how to do it on your own. You want to feel better. You just want to be yourself again, maybe a different or better version of yourself. As your therapist I can be a flashlight as you walk through this shadowy path that you find yourself on right now. Whether I use solution focused therapy, DBT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, trauma informed CBT, Emotionally Focused couples therapy or a mix, what matters most is the safe environment we will create so that you can share openly and allow yourself to be vulnerable with someone who will truly listen, support and empower you as you create the best version of yourself possible.

As a compassionate and affirming therapist, I strive to create a warm, accepting space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered in their unique identities. My practice is deeply rooted in trans-affirming and LGBT-inclusive care, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life are met with respect, validation, and understanding. Grounded in anti-oppressive principles and a strong commitment to social justice, I work collaboratively with clients to navigate life’s challenges while honoring their lived experiences. I believe that healing is not only personal but also deeply connected to the broader systems in which we live. My approach fosters self-compassion, resilience, and empowerment, helping clients cultivate meaningful change in both their inner worlds and their communities. Whether you are exploring your identity, seeking support for life’s transitions, or working through personal struggles, I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, authenticity, and unwavering support.

As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe , compassionate, and collaborative space for individuals navigating through anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and life transitions. My goal is to walk alongside clients as they move toward greater self-awareness, deeper connection, and a more authentic fulfilling life. I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with attachment-based, person centered, and compassion focused approaches. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, empowered, and supported as you grow.

Hello, I am a LCSW with 20 years of experience. I am compassionate and specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress and related life transitions. I have experience in helping my clients adjust to life's changes and assist my clients with better coping skills who feel overwhelmed by anxiety. I enjoy helping my clients see their strengths and weaknesses to help them lead a more productive and healthier lifestyle. I am empathic and am an active listener. I provide a safe environment for my clients. I believe every person has strengths and inner resources; I help my clients recognize those strengths to create a meaningful and lasting change in their life.

Hi there! My name is Chelsea and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. In the past, I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients of all ages and backgrounds. I believe my communication style is calm and gentle, while still being direct. I do my best to provide a nonjudgmental space wherein the clients I work with can feel comfortable sharing their concerns. I will also challenge clients when appropriate, to allow them to develop insight into ways they can change their thoughts or behaviors in a way that would be helpful for them. My goal is to empower clients to reach their goals, so they can learn tools and techniques to help them better build upon their strengths and manage mental health symptoms. Eventually, my hope is for all of my clients to feel they are in a place where they can manage symptoms and life stressors on their own, through utilizing the skills they've learned throughout therapy. But until that time, I aim to help my clients learn how to change maladaptive patterns of behavior, and learn ways of helping their selves manage the challenges they are facing.

Hello and welcome! My name is Letitia Obot, and I am a licensed clinical therapist. Life can be challenging, overwhelming and sometimes we need support navigating through the ups and downs, the changes happening in our lives and help to face the unknown. Reaching out for help is not always easy, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge and honor your courage to reach out for help. As a therapist, my focus is working together to facilitate healing and meet your individual therapeutic needs and goals. I am experienced in utilizing different treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness base approach to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviors, develop practical strategies, and learn new skills/techniques to overcome challenges.

I am a California native who recently re-located to Dallas, Texas. I am a first generation Salvadoreña. I am extremely proud of my indigenous ancestry and of my culture. I aim to empower anyone who can relate or identify. I obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. (Fight on!) I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over ten years, and specialize in working with BIPOC (Black,Indigenous, People of Color) I aim to create spaces inclusive of all cultures, races, genders, ages, and sexual orientations. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and am also trained to provide EMDR. I am especially interested in bringing awareness on how we are able to "retrain the brain" and ultimately add more peace and joy into our lives.

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I grew up in the Central Valley area of California. I enjoy helping others find their strengths. I found my passion for social work while volunteering at the Poverello House. I enjoyed giving back to my community. I am client centered/client focused. I have a holistic approach to therapy utilizing Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing skills.

Are you looking for someone you can trust? Do persistent fear, self-doubt, or emotional ups and downs keep you from living your full potential? You may feel stuck, frustrated, or disconnected from the life you want—struggling not only with your own emotions but also while working through relationships with partners, friends, or family. I understand—I’ve been there, and it doesn’t feel good.

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! My name is Monica. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) offering culturally-sensitive and modern therapeutic care. As a bilingual, Hispanic therapist, I am pleased to welcome you in both English and Spanish (¡Bienvenidos!). Do you find yourself navigating the burdens of stress and overwhelm? Are you struggling to effectively manage daily stressors, or experiencing the persistent weight of anxiety, overthinking, and anxious thought patterns? I specialize in helping adults develop robust coping strategies and effectively manage the anxiety triggered by modern life. I understand that the emotional toll of day-to-day challenges can feel immense, but I believe that with the appropriate tools and support, managing these emotions becomes achievable. I am dedicated to cultivating a safe, therapeutic, and relaxed environment where you can explore your inner world comfortably. Recognizing that each client presents with unique struggles, difficulties, and therapeutic goals, I utilize an integrative, client-centered approach to ensure your care is both tailored and personalized to your specific needs. My commitment is to guide, support, and empower you throughout your journey. I meet you with an understanding of your current emotional state, employing a non-directive style that encourages self-discovery and allows you to find your own authentic path forward.

I am a LCSW who has ten years of diverse social work experience. I graduated from California State University Sacramento with my Master's of Social Work. I genuinely enjoy getting to know new individuals to learn of their strengths and life challenges so that I can support them in improving their overall well-being. I particularly enjoy promoting the mental health of adults who are adjusting to life transitions, experiencing anxiety symptoms, coping with depression, and/or managing loss. I work collaboratively with clients by processing their experiences and by increasing coping strategies that makes life's challenges more manageable.

Come just as you are. Reaching out during a difficult time takes real courage. If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship struggles, trauma, shame, addiction, grief, or anger, you are not alone. I am here to walk alongside you to help with bearing the weight, finding relief, beginning the healing process, and moving toward growth. I am a therapist, husband, and father. I approach the growth process with empathy, nonjudgmental curiosity, and strengths-based focus. I work with an attachment-based and trauma-informed lens through the clinical models of Bowen Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).

I'm a clinical therapist with six years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and children, who've faced challenging situations, such as domestic violence or family separation. My focus is on creating a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their strengths, heal, and grow. I use a humanistic approach, meaning I’m here to support you without judgment, helping you connect with your own goals and resilience as we work together toward positive change.

I am a Christian Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist. Like many folks who get into the mental health field, I had certain mental health challenges. My family of origin was burdened with addiction and mental health. I currently have 40 years of sobriety and am intimately familiar with 12 Step, Christ-centered and Mindfulness aspects of recovery. I specialize in the treatment of Trauma and Addiction with family systems and attachment orientation. As a trained child psychologist I also place particular emphasis on developmental aspects of trauma. As a former Navy psychologist with many years working with veterans and first responders, I am very familiar with those cultures. I played college soccer, run 20 marathons, taught scuba as well as being an award winning underwater photographer and competed at the CrossFit World Games for 3 years. I am married, have a son (retired Navy) and a daughter in heaven.

Each of us has our own story and sometimes our experiences leaves us feeling confused, frightened, sad, and often tremendously isolated. I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you. My approach to therapy always starts with listening to my client's needs. My methods evolve through constant customization and mutual collaboration. Therapy with me will include exploring aspects of life that are not working well and constructing solutions.

Hello! I am Dr. Efrain Zepeda. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker. In the past 23 years of working as a mental health professional, one important lesson I have learned is that the most powerful therapeutic intervention is found in the interpersonal experience that occurs in the client-therapist relationship. Together we can analyze the past to co-create a new meaning to achieve healing. I strongly believe that therapy is not about labeling or judging, but rather about personal discovery.

Hi, I’m Loc. If life feels heavy right now—stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship strain, or burnout—you don’t have to sort through it alone. I help clients manage anxiety and depression, prevent burnout, and create practical changes that bring them back to balance. Together we’ll identify what’s not working, understand the patterns keeping you stuck, and build tools you can use in real life—not just in session. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s a meaningful step. You deserve a supportive, judgment-free space to breathe, heal, and grow. If you’re ready, I’d be happy to work with you.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. University of California, Berkeley (UCB) for the AB in English and University of San Francisco (USF) in Counseling. Because of my personal experiences with having seizures when I was younger, I now concentrate on addressing the emotions and hopes and dreams of people who are dealing with the multiple, and often times consuming, issues of having a seizure disorder as well as any combination of realities and histories that equal the seizure experience. Please let me know if I can bring a more balanced picture to your life and those who you value and love in your life as well.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is licensed in California and Arizona; I have been working with clients since 2006. I enjoying working with all sorts of populations including people struggling with anxiety, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), men's issues and eating disorders. I believe we all have the capacity to change and grow, and we each have times in our life where we need a little bit of extra help. I hope to help you to reconnect with yourself and with others in your life.

Hi there, I'm Amanda. Are life struggles getting you down? Do you worry so much that you can't relax? Do you overthink so much that you miss what is going on in front of you? Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or difficult life transitions, I can help you find more positivity and peace, as we work together to accomplish your goals. Seeking therapy can feel scary, but I am here to help! You deserve a safe space to learn, grow, and heal. In our sessions together, I will meet you with evidence-based techniques and compassion so that you can overcome the hurdles that are holding you back from being your best self. Let's work together!

My name is Silvia Ascencio, and I am a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) therapist with ten years of experience in the mental health field. I am licensed in both California and New Mexico. My areas of specialization include helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I utilize a client-centered and collaborative approach in my practice. This means that each session is designed to meet your specific needs and goals. I believe in working closely with you to determine the most effective strategies for your unique circumstances. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

Welcome to my counseling practice, where we will work together in a solution-focused approach to help you with whatever life-changing events, decisions or issues you have facing you in your life. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, and a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator. It is my honor to assist you in your journey to a better life.

I can help every individual, couple, and family in diverse cultural backgrounds by supporting them to get a better understanding of their life, relationships and expectations in order to develop self-awareness, self confidence and creating a balance between mind, body and spirit. I work with individuals who are often facing a variety of mental health concerns including , domestic violence , relationship problems, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma.

Hello, I'm Evelyn, an LCSW working with GROW, exclusively with online clients. If you are experiencing sadness, anxiety or frustration with your relationships, it's time to get the support you need. If you are seeking a therapist who creates a safe and supportive space for change, I think we might work well together. My background encompasses not only experience in clinical social work but also in the fields of nursing and music. I enjoy being inclusive and open in both my personal and professional life. I look forward to learning about you and working collaboratively to effect positive change in your life.

Hello, I am a compassionate therapist who helps clients manage anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and the challenges of life transitions with greater confidence and balance. I use a supportive approach and create a safe, collaborative space where clients can build effective coping skills, improve focus, and navigate change with resilience. Whether working through the stress of daily life, adjusting to new roles, or learning coping strategies, I empower my clients to find clarity, strengthen their inner resources, and move forward with purpose.

Hi There! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with seven years of experience supporting individuals navigate life’s challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy and compassion, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel genuinely seen and heard. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and that each person is the expert of their own life. Together, we'll build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward lasting change.

As a clinician, I am dedicated to achieving results for my clients. I believe my clients can find their best solutions, and my job is to help them navigate towards these goals. I take a collaborative approach, working together with my clients to explore and distinguish difficult emotions and their underlying story. Once my client has a good understanding of where they’ve been and where they are, we can work together to plot a course towards where they want to me.

Hi, I'm Ana, a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's transitions, heal from trauma, and build emotional resilience. I work with young adults who are seeking understanding, clarity, and meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen their sense of self, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic.

I provide online individual therapy to adolescents and adults throughout California. I have experience assessing and treating a variety of Mental Health symptoms and disorders in both English and Spanish. I have more of a collaborative approach, in the sense that I enjoy being able to work together to achieve your goals. I also view the client as the expert of their own lives while being there to offer support and a different perspective when needed. I hope that our alliance will empower you to navigate present and future life challenges. I enjoy being able to empower my clients to work towards long lasting positive changes. My clinical approach consists of Cognitive-Behavioral interventions, mindfulness & solution-focused strategies to reduce symptoms and alleviate stress while transitioning along life’s journey.

Hello! My name is Sarah, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist based in San Diego, California. I specialize in working with immigrants and children of immigrants to empower them to overcome the unique challenges of balancing East/West cultural norms. You're the expert of your life, I am here to empower you and offer different perspectives. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and my Masters of Arts degree in Marital and Family therapy. My clinical background includes working with people in outpatient settings and higher levels of care, supporting people in creating a life worth living.

Hello and Welcome! Hola y Bienvenido! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). In life, many of us experience a series of events either positive or negative. Such events impact us the way we respond to life circumstances, the way we view ourselves, and the world around us. I want to help you overcome the trauma and help you regain back your strength and power. Through our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to heal from your past and/or current stressors that are affecting you. We will work towards identifying triggers, self-insight work, self-awareness, acquiring healthy coping skills, and decreasing symptoms. I specialized in working with tweens/adolescents, adults, and older adults from all different backgrounds, many of whom have experienced various traumas in their lives. Whatever your needs may be or reasons for seeking therapy, I am here for you.

Hello, my name is Megan. I appreciate you taking the leap to want to do something different in your life. I know how hard talking about some of these big life issues can be like the death of our person, living through the struggle of infertility and acknowledging the weight of our anxiety is too much. Sometimes, we are stuck in our loop and yet, we do not have the perspective how to shift the big feelings to make you start to feel better. In the beginning of working together, I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story. Everyone arrives wanting a witness to their grieving at different stages of their process. Your relationship is to different each person had a different relationship to their person. I believe the importance of listening to what is said in the room or what is not said. Many times we are not able to verbalize our pain of trying to live without our person. I think a very necessary part to our healing is to be witnessed by another. My goal is to always create safety in the room. I am a fairly transparent therapist sharing sometimes my personal journey to connect and help clients realize they are not alone in their pain. I look forward to joining you in your healing journey.

Hello! My name is Theresa Wallace and I have my License in Clinical Social Work. I specialize in treating trauma and have been trained in EMDR since 2020. I am currently taking on clients who are seeking EMDR therapy to treat trauma, phobias, and generalized anxiety. In my practice with clients I most commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) , and Motivational Interviewing. I received my Bachelors in Social Work from Franciscan University in Ohio in 2014, and shortly after completed my Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Integrated Health from Cal State Long Beach in 2016. With my social work background, my clinical lens comes through a systems/person-in-environment perspective, which means our problems are not solely our own in that they are influenced by our environmental systems including work, school, culture, family, local/national/international policy and legislation, social media and healthcare.

Are you searching for meaning or clarity in your life? Feeling stuck in a transition, questioning your identity, or moving through an existential crisis? You’re not alone—and healing begins with awareness. I help people of all ages reconnect with their authentic selves by exploring the unconscious patterns that shape our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Together, we uncover what no longer serves you and create space for new growth and purpose. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Doctoral Candidate at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I specialize in Depth Psychology and Integrative Healing Practices. My holistic approach honors the connection between mind, body, and spirit, and I believe every person already holds the wisdom needed for healing. My role is to walk beside you as a compassionate guide, helping you integrate insight into everyday life.

I help people overcome issues that might prevent them from leading healthy, fulfilled lives. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused, and Client Focused therapy as well. It takes courage to start therapy, but I have seen those who do and apply themselves, come out with a greater understanding of self, and many times with new tools to help them relate better with others in their lives. I look forward to helping you on your “Therapy Journey.”

Welcome to therapy, I'm Rachel. If you or your loved one are experiencing emotional distress due to family, work, relationships or the unknown then I am here to help. It takes courage to seek out a Therapist and I am glad you are ready to get started. I empower high-functioning individuals to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, nervousness, worry, sadness and other symptoms that are disrupting life. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and I have provided mental health counseling for individuals in small rural clinics, larger city clinics, and as a provider for short-term counseling grant programs. I offer flexible appointments, evenings and weekends. I understand how difficult the work/school week can be and want to increase your opportunities for accessing uniquely tailored mental health treatment. *Currently not accepting couples*

Marjorie is a Spanish language Bilingual Psychotherapist from South America and has been practicing in the USA since 2008 as a MSW provider and since 2012 as a LCSW therapist. Marjorie graduated with both a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in clinical social work from California State University Los Angeles. Marjorie works both in her own private practice -focusing on women’s issues and minority populations - and as a Psychiatric Social Worker for a large managed health care organization, helping clients with diverse psychosocial stressors or chronic mood disorders. Marjorie has extensive experience in social work, advocacy, case management and mental health services for over 18 years. Marjorie has provided psychotherapy services for adults and children from various cultural backgrounds, she’s sensitive to the linguistic needs of the clients served (Spanish/English). Areas of focus: Assessment and diagnosis formulation, treatment planning, counseling (short term specific or situational issues), psychotherapy (long term broader range for mental illness) and crisis intervention.

Hi, I’m Kassidy! I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. I aim to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as you explore the patterns and experiences that shape your life. My approach is structured, practical, and tailored to help you reduce symptoms, understand patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change. I provide trauma-informed therapy, including EMDR, attachment-based work, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, to help you process past or current experiences and move forward with confidence. Drawing from my own therapy journey and my experience as a former D1 soccer player, I bring curiosity, compassion, and a focus on growth to our work together.

Having difficulty managing life stressors such as work, relationships, self-esteem, or just life in general? It would be more shocking if we were handling all the stressors and triggers of our current world without the need for the support of others. I find it a privilege to work with adolescents and adults during times in everyone's lives in we need a little more care and compassion. My approach to therapy is primarily humanistic, incorporating attachment theory, narrative therapy, solution-focused and family systems work in working through issues that ultimately lead will us toward growth and healthy transitions. I come from a person-centered approach, in which we collaborate to find the style and framework that feels most aligned to your goals and needs. I work to guide clients in understanding and validating their lived experiences, safely and without victimization. Through personalized insight and psychoeducation, we work together to develop tools focused on self-regulation, expressing feelings in healthy, nonjudgemental ways, and creating a feeling of security and trust in both your mind and body.

Hello, I am Luis Martinez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been serving my community helping families and individuals for over 8 years. Whether it's helping people with simple day to day stressors or deeper rooted concerns, there's an approach and solution to the problem. Together we can focus on building strengths and help facilitate positive change to help empower you moving forward in your life.

I maintained a private practice in Ventura, CA for about 35 years as a marriage and family therapist and i worked with children, teenagers, adults and couples. About 8 years ago my wife and i moved to Oakland, Ca to be closer to our adult children and our two granddaughters. For the past five years i have volunteered at City Team, Oakland which is a residential placement for men with anger and addiction problems, I wrote the book that i am using to teach the men at City Team and i have self published six other books on parenting, marriage and personal issues; a couple of titles are "Dragon Slaying for Parents (and Couples)" , "The Lost Aspect of Love (sympathy)", "Winning at a Losing Game" and "The First Pictorial Self-Help Book for Men Who Do Not Read". I have conducted hundreds of seminars on parenting, marriage and personal issues. I obtained a masters degree in Petroleum Engineering at UC Berkeley, and worked for Shell Company for five years; not wanting my epitaph to read that i made 10 billion dollars for an oil company and returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Counseling. I was a School Psychologist for a school district for five years then opened up my private practice. This experience has proven to be very valuable in counseling with adults,

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California (LCSW 113586). I earned my Master of Social Work degree in 2019 from California State University, San Bernardino. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, transitional-age youth, adults, and older adults. My professional experience spans a variety of settings, such as schools, nonprofit community-based programs, county mental health programs, and secured facilities, allowing me to develop a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals face at different stages of life. I have provided both therapeutic services and case management support to individuals experiencing a wide spectrum of mental health needs.

Life is filled with change, moments of growth, loss, and transformation that shape who we are. Sometimes, these transitions can feel overwhelming or uncertain, and it takes courage to reach out for support. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults, I am honored to walk alongside individuals as they navigate these seasons of life and rediscover their strength, clarity, and resilience. I approach therapy with compassion, curiosity, and genuine care. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are, a place where you can explore your story without judgment. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, one that empowers you to understand yourself more deeply, heal from past experiences, and move toward the life you want to create. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, parenting stress, and life transitions. What unites my work across all of these experiences is a belief in the incredible capacity of human beings to adapt, grow, and thrive, even in the face of pain. My therapeutic style is warm, relational, and strengths-based. I focus on helping clients uncover the inner resources and resilience they already possess, while offering tools and insights to support meaningful change. I tailor each session to your unique needs and goals, drawing from evidence-based approaches that promote both healing and lasting growth. I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, strengthen your coping strategies, and create positive shifts, both within yourself and in your relationships. Therapy is an opportunity for self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. My hope is that, through our work together, you’ll find greater balance, renewed purpose, and a deeper sense of peace in your life.

Welcome—I'm glad you're here. Life can feel overwhelming when you're carrying the weight of trauma, postpartum challenges, anxiety, or depression. I work with adults who are seeking relief, connection, and healing. They're ready to feel grounded, reclaim their sense of self, and be supported as they navigate life changes and move forward with resilience. I help adults navigate trauma, postpartum challenges, anxiety, depression, and the effects of domestic violence. Using a warm, client-centered approach, I offer both short-term and long-term therapy, drawing from CBT, TF-CBT, mindfulness, and more to help clients build resilience and reconnect with themselves. I know how hard it can be to take the first step. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. You deserve a space where you feel safe, supported, and heard. If you're ready to explore what healing could look like, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

My name is Jacob Garel, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a unique background in the military as a Pararescueman. With 20 years of experience serving and saving lives, I bring a deep understanding of crisis situations and a passion for helping individuals and families in need. Specializing in psychodynamic, Rogerian, and existential approaches. Whether it's grief work, PTSD therapy, or accompanying you on your mental health journey, I am dedicated to walking beside you every step of the way.