Therapists in California

I am a Certified Clinical Forensic Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I graduated with a Masters degree in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University. I have 5 years of working for Los Angeles County DMH where I provide many therapeutic skills and specialties to treat individuals. I currently have been approved by the National Association of Forensic Counselors as a Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor. I am passionate and dedicated in guiding individuals to reach their life goals and their best potential in life.

Hi there and great job on taking that first step in considering if therapy is right for you. I invite you to come with me on a journey of your own choosing where we will walk together in darkness to find the light you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s life’s little annoying stressors or more complex issues, as a trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand what this is like and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Whether you choose me or another therapist, make the choice to just give it a try. Sometimes all you need is another person to hold the light while you do the work you need to heal.

Hello, I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California, I live in the Palm Springs area of Southern Cal. My goal in life is to assist others with their mental health challenges and provide them with tools and education that will help them successfully manage these challenges. I look forward to seeing you in one of my sessions.

I am a compassionate and direct therapist who prioritizes building REAL CONNECTION. My approach is anti-diet and rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES) and LGBTQ+ affirmative care. I went through my own journey to heal my relationship with food and my body, and for the past 13 years, have centered my career around helping others do the same. I strive to offer therapy that is grounded in connection, knowledge, and authenticity in order to help my clients develop healthier relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. I passionately believe my clients CAN experience FREER and FULLER lives.

Welcome I am so glad you are here. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but you do not have to navigate this alone. Whether you are struggling to find balance amid overwhelming work stress, trying to improve communication in your relationships, or looking for practical ways to ease the heavy weight of anxiety and depression, I am here to help. Together, we will create a safe, supportive space to explore your goals, untangle complex emotions, and build the tools you need to reclaim your peace of mind and live a more fulfilling life.

Are you looking for a new direction or searching how to live your best life? Life is challenging however there are opportunities to gain new insights and learn new skills in order to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I enjoy incorporating active things into therapy, a sense of humor, and mindfulness. If you are trying to manage anxiety, depression, stress, work challenges, relationship problems, we will work together to find the solution that works best for you. Counseling offers a safe space to explore, learn new skills, and gain the ability to truly enjoy your life. I am available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in person, most other days are via telehealth.

I am a lantinx female Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who enjoys hearing others stories and helping people discover their strength and authentic selves. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. As a compassionate-client centered therapist, I provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we will work together to uncover your inner wisdom, build your unique strengths, and collaboratively navigate a path towards growth, healing and balance. My work is primarily working with people who have some level of neuro-diversity (ADHD, Anxiety, ASD) themselves or love and care for a person who is neurodivergent.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an integrative approach to my work. My specialties include: Life transitions, Coping skills, Codependency and Boundary setting, Navigating and mastery of interpersonal relationships, Work stress, Aging parents, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Anxiety, Grief, Stress management and Mindfulness. I have a collaborative client-centered approach, which is warm, safe, empathetic and non-judgmental. I help you discover your own insight, cultivate strengths and find meaning and purpose for a more balanced life.

I am supportive, understanding, validating, open-minded, flexible, non-judgemental, kind, empowering, compassionate, hopeful, encouraging, (sometimes) humorous, and LGBTQ+ affirming. I look to you as the expert of your situation and will collaborate with you in developing goals that work so that you can overcome roadblocks and achieve better mental health! I have a deep devotion to the field of mental health, and due to my own life-story decided to become a therapist at a very young age. I hope to be able to help you break-through any blockages and achieve your life's goals.

Hello, and welcome. I am Dr. Diari Banigo, Ph.D, LCSW, a Christian, doctoral‑trained clinician, and adjunct professor. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence‑informed therapy that honors the whole person. My approach emphasizes emotional resilience, meaningful connection, and healing from life’s stressors. I believe therapy is most effective as a collaborative process, and I encourage patients to actively engage in their care with me and with other providers who support their overall wellbeing. Important Notice: Dr. Banigo provides psychotherapeutic services. Requests for administrative documentation—such as disability certification, FMLA, or emotional support animal letters—will be referred to another mental health provider. This policy ensures that therapy sessions remain focused on clinical care and your healing process.

Are you looking for a relatable therapist that will meet you exactly where you're at? As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my passion is to go alongside of my client's walking through hard times with them. I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and find great satisfaction assisting others in their trauma journey. My focus is to help individuals heal from the inside out by helping them discover their inner strengths. I believe we are better together. I assist my clients by providing a neutral safe space, listening to their concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.

Thank you for stopping by! A little about myself. I am a mother to three adult children, a Nana to 5 and dog mom to 2 Jack Russel's. I grew up in foster care and was adopted in my teens. That path led me through my own therapeutic journey as I struggled with depression and anxiety. As I found wellness, I launched into social work professionally to support youth and families, and eventually here, as a licensed therapist. I have been working with Individuals and families in various therapeutic settings for over 25 years. Please note that the open times on my schedule are those that are available weekly.

HI, I am Pat Moriarty. I have been in practice from many years and enjoy helping clients grow and make the changes in their lives they desire. I have extensive experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, grief, and health care issues, as well as life transitions. I help people understand what and why they are experiencing certain feelings and help alleviate discomfort.

My name is Lauren Alonzo, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from California Lutheran University in 2018 and have seven years of experience helping clients identify the barriers that are preventing them from living life as their true, authentic self. I aim to normalize mental health struggles and remove the stigma that so often prevents individuals from seeking help.

Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming? Life transitions, relationship struggles, anxiety, grief, identity questions, and existential pain can leave us feeling overwhelmed or lost. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself in a deeper way. I help individuals of all ages better understand the unconscious patterns that shape their emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Together, we explore what may be keeping you stuck, uncover deeper meaning in your experiences, and create space for healing, growth, and lasting change. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Depth Psychology and Integrative Healing Practices, I offer a holistic approach that honors the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I believe each person carries an innate capacity for healing, and therapy can help bring that inner wisdom forward. My role is to support you with compassion and insight as you move toward greater clarity, authenticity, and wholeness.

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.

Hello I am a dedicated therapist who graduated from Antioch University in 2012 . I have worked at Las Encinas Hospital for 11 years before working for online platforms. I am committed to providing therapy to motivated individuals and couples. I provide a safe space for clients to share with me and we work together to achieve therapeutic goals. I enjoy helping clients discover coping skills which will make their life easier and more enjoyable. I enjoy working with anxiety, OCD, depression ,trauma, and substance abuse.

Hello I'm Gina, I have been living and working in Palm Springs California for the past 9 years. I have truly found a home here with rich diversity, living among people who have lived and worked throughout the United States. I have enjoyed working with people local to the Coachella Valley, including first generation Americans, as well as long term HIV survivors, other members of the LGBT+ community, and the local Jewish community. I have been a therapist for more than 19 years, living and practicing in many areas of the state.

I offer support-based services utilizing both faith-based and secular perspectives to help guide clients to determine their best short and long-term personalized goals and objectives. We will create a client plan to help you achieve your personal goals and objectives in the most advantageous time frame possible. I am non-judgmental and try to meet my clients where they are in their life journey and transition to desired future outcomes and refinements. I work with mild, moderate and severe mental health clients who may be in a current crisis with their marriage, stage of life issues, or self-improvement. I work with adults of all ages, gender and sexual orientations. I have experience in counseling in faith-based, as well as secular perspectives and believe that each person has gifts and passions to offer to themselves, their families and their communities. We often need empathy, support and feedback to fulfill our expectations and goals in life.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. I work with youth, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and life transitions. My approach to therapy is direct, compassionate, and individualized. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be holding you back, build insight, and develop practical coping strategies. I’m especially passionate about helping clients strengthen relationships, improve communication, and navigate change with confidence and clarity. I take a holistic approach to mental health, addressing the connection between mind and body. Using evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based therapy, I help clients understand and change unhelpful patterns. Together, we build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and support lasting, meaningful change. I provide clients with practical tools for growth while offering education on emotional regulation and long-term healing. I’m committed to challenging mental health stigma and creating a safe, welcoming space for all. I also offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to ensure we’re a good fit.

Hello! I’m a Multi-Ethnic Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Biblio/Poetry Therapist, Holistic Wellness Life Coach and Small Business Coach based in California. I received my Masters from Chapman University and have been practicing for more than 15 years. I help BIPOC (Black, Indigenous. People of Color) women experiencing unique complexities from prolonged stressors that impact their mental, emotional and physical health. This could mean feeling overwhelmed by chronic stress or emotional challenges that impact your personal and professional life. We will work together to restore wellbeing through mindful awareness, health advocacy and liberation-oriented practices.

--- I have experience working with community based mental health agencies, managed care, and private practice. My passion is working with children and families. I believe that the family is an important institution to society, that needs to be preserved. I am sensitive to the clients perspective and I never prescribe or make recommendations that are in direct violation of the client culture, values or beliefs. My specialty areas include: trauma, child abuse, parenting issues , family therapy, coping with loss, play therapy, stress management and life transitions. I approach therapy from a client centered approach, focusing on validating the clients feelings displaying empathy, with a strong emphasis on the client being the expert.

Therapy is a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood enough to explore difficult experiences, and supported enough to create meaningful change. My name is Arakel Aristakessian, MS, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC, a licensed therapist with experience in community mental health, higher education counseling, and rehabilitation settings. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Social Welfare and Spanish Language & Literature from UC Berkeley and my Master of Science in Counseling, with emphases in College Counseling/Student Services and Clinical Counseling, from California State University, Northridge. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, family conflict, and major life transitions. As a first-generation American of Armenian immigrants, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. I provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and strive to offer care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique experiences. My communication style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My role isn't to judge your past or tell you who you should become, but to help you better understand yourself with curiosity and compassion so that shame loses its power and lasting growth becomes possible.

My name is Isai (E-sai-EE), and I’m a Therapist based out of Southern California. I have experience working with all ages and backgrounds. My training as a social worker focuses on individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. My professional interests and specialities include working with teens, young adults, older adults, family therapy, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relationship issues, men’s issues, autism, anger management, and those with difficulty understanding/controlling big emotions. As a male therapist, I try to make my sessions feel like a conversation with a friend and offer a calm space to talk about difficult issues, a new perspective to help better understand situations, and can help you identify and understand how you might be feeling.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over three decades of experience in mental health and clinical experience. I draw from 63 years of my own life experience as a gay man, educational (MSW from the University of Connecticut) and practical knowledge. Thus I understand what it’s like to be marginalized, and feel different like you don’t belong. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit. I can help one understand who they are? where they've been? and how they can move forward in their life.

Hi, I'm Akilah Peters, Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW), based in California and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety , stress and trauma using person centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy that fosters healing and showing up as your authentic self. I consider myself a holistic therapist with practicing key elements of myself as a clinician to best support each client that works with me.

Hello! I'm Karen Weaver. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have been practicing for over 15 years. Life can be challenging at times and we can all benefit from some support. I listen non-judgmentally and provide unbiased feedback to help you determine what needs to change. My focus in working together is to assist you in becoming your best self. That could be anything from managing anxiety and stress better, to overcoming past challenges or getting along better with family or friends. Life can be challenging but we also can find joy and growth in the tough times.

Teisha, the heart and soul behind Mental Wellness with Teisha, a mental health practice in California. Teisha is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of a Black, female-owned business, she is dedicated to offering mental health services that reflect her deep commitment to education, advocacy, and community support. Our practice is built on compassion, integrity, and collaboration. These core values guide us in providing the highest quality of care and ensure a respectful and empowering experience for all our clients.

Hello, I'm Cameron and many of my clients are adults and couples who present as successful on the outside but internally struggle with burnout, anxiety, self-doubt, trauma, and/or feeling disconnected in their relationships. They find themselves stuck in cycles of overthinking, people-pleasing, or unhealthy communication patterns that leave them feeling insecure or emotionally distant. I help individuals and couples heal and move forward and learn skills to feel more confident, connected, and emotionally secure.

I’m a mental health provider who believes healing happens when we feel seen, supported, and connected to our own inner wisdom. My work blends evidence‑based approaches with a gentle, holistic lens, helping you better understand your patterns, reconnect with your body, and build a life that feels steadier and more aligned. I show up with warmth, clarity, and respect for your lived experience, and I’m committed to creating a space where you can move at your own pace and feel supported in meaningful, sustainable change.

Welcome! I am glad that you are here taking a step towards change. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than twenty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Southern California. I have worked in a wide range of areas supporting POC and the queer community. I have helped clients manage and cope with challenging emotional issues, life transitions, and relationship problems. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Brannon La Force, a Mobile, Alabama native, is a mental health professional with 35 years in the field. He holds licenses in Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Virginia, and Texas as professional counselor. He completed a BA in History from Asbury University, and a MS in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. He is a PhD doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology with Walden University. He is the Owner and Senior Clinician with Brannon La Force, LPC-S & Associates, PLLC and currently lives and works abroad as a digital nomad. Mr. La Force is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University where he teaches forensic psychology. In addition to owning a private practice, he has worked in community mental health, a forensic hospital, hospital emergency rooms, and inpatient psychiatric units. While the bulk of his work has been in the US, Mr. La Force has also written behavior plans for intellectually disadvantaged adults in Australia, treated genocide survivors in Rwanda, and supported sailors in the US Navy with their mental health needs on the island kingdom of Bahrain. His areas of expertise include trauma, relationships, and borderline personality disorder. He is an avid proponent of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and runs a DBT group. He also supervises associate counselors in Texas and Kansas and precepts psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide for their psychotherapy rotation. Mr. La Force has three adult children, two of which are also counselors. He is an avid Crimson Tide fan, loves seafood and provides support to Village Health Team in western Uganda.

Hello, I’m Ritika Kaur, a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License #101199). In my psychotherapy practice, I provide a compassionate, client-centered environment where healing can begin. My path into the mental health field began with a simple goal to help people navigate hard times and find fulfillment. After earning my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2011, I spent several years working in community mental health. This role gave me valuable experience in providing evidence-based care to a wide range of individuals. I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2017, and I remain dedicated to helping my clients build resilience and well-being. I support clients facing mild to moderate mental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, relationship issues, grief, family and parenting stress, and major life transitions. During our initial meeting, we will discuss your specific needs. If I determine that your situation requires support outside my area of expertise, I will provide you with referrals and recommendations to ensure you receive the care you need. While I am happy to support you in other ways, I do not provide disability documentation, medical leave paperwork, or ESA letters. If you require these specific forms or legal documentation, I recommend consulting with a provider who specializes in those assessments. For new clients: Please ensure all intake documents are completed prior to our session. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth start to our work together.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping anyone willing to make the necessary changes to live a fulfilled life. I will walk that extra mile side by side with you on the journey to reach healing, maintaining a balanced life, health, and peace of mind. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals and feel empowered to take the lead on their desired outcomes from treatment. I’m passionate about creating resources for clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, life transition, military stress, relationship issues, and gender identity. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request. I am fluent in Portuguese, and Spanish.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I consider myself to be a focused, inspired, compassionate, curious, solution-oriented, somatic, holistic, client-centered therapist. Providing the kind of support, understanding, and insights that give my clients the hope, motivation, and aha moments to elevate their self experience and personal healing to the next level. My intention is to provide the best and most consistent service to each person I have the privilege to meet.

Hi, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been practicing since 2006 and have experience in both intense community mental health and private practice. I help individuals who experience issues with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-worth. I use evidence-based practices, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, then tailor these approaches to suit your unique needs to help you face the future with new coping strategies and with a stronger sense of self.

Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances. My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resilency.

My name is Feji, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, mood disorders, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach integrates Psychodynamic Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and trauma informed modalities. My goal is to help clients uncover the root of their internal conflicts. I also guide clients in developing a deeper awareness of how trauma could manifest in their bodies. I often say that our bodies are wise, they consistently signal when unresolved emotions and inner conflicts are left unaddressed. Just as we tend to our physical health, it’s vital that we nurture our internal world with the same care and intention.

Hi, my name is Idania Arellano, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received a master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2019. I have worked in human services for since 2010 in various capacities including drug and alcohol and case management in group homes. I enjoy working as a therapist and feel privileged to help others work on themselves.

My approach is a therapist who works collaboratively with clients to create a space that feels safe, respectful and grounded in authenticity. It is important that my clients feel emotionally safe, seen and empowered. I intend to create an environment where they can feel comfortable to navigate the challenging and difficult experiences they have endured throughout their life. My focus is on supporting clients as they learn to understand and manage their emotions, express their thoughts and feelings effectively, and explore how childhood experiences shape who we are today.

Hello! My name is Dr. David Hobby and I'm a board-certified Marriage and Family Therapist. I attended CIIS and graduated from Sierra University with an emphasis on bodily-oriented psychotherapy. . I specialize in trauma, relationship issues, emotional processing and emotional regulation. I'm happy to help you today with any of your healthcare concerns. I am currently not taking new couples clients but will work with a partner individually.

I am a dedicated psychotherapist committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, improve emotional well-being, and foster personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, or life transitions, I integrate evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights to create lasting change and live a more fulfilling life.

My approach centers on deep listening, empathy, and honoring each client’s lived experience. I intentionally consider cultural, environmental, and systemic influences, ensuring therapy is respectful, collaborative, and client-led. I believe in creating a comfortable space that supports growth while affirming each person’s identity and self-determination. I am especially enthusiastic about returning to a practice setting focused on working with adults, where I can support clients in exploring identity, healing, and growth.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. Prior to becoming licensed in 2017, I worked with children and youth in public and private schools as a Behavior Interventionist for over a decade. I also worked in a mental health non-profit providing counseling and other social services to culturally, spiritually, and linguistically diverse populations. My expertise includes working with victims of crimes and domestic violence, immigrants and refugees, and individuals from the South West Asian North African (SWANA) region.

Hi i am Aimee a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in the San Diego area. I enjoy working with 16 and up and specialize in LGBTQ+, prenatal and postpartum, women’s issues and grief issues. I like to help see pregnant and new mom’s achieving the most out this time and find ways to feel less anxiety and depressed and more fulfilled. For people in the LGBTQ+ community i have specialized in gender health issues since 2014 and have always been an ally. During Covid I decided to increase my skill and knowledge with assisting people moving through grief and took a few seminars focusing on grief work with David Kessler.

I'm a psychoanalyst, not a generalist talk therapist. That distinction matters, especially because "psychoanalysis" gets used loosely to describe all kinds of depth-oriented work — Jungian, relational, psychodynamic — and these approaches, while related, aren't the same as what I do. I work specifically within a Lacanian framework. Where Jungian analysis tends to orient around archetypes and the collective unconscious, and relational/psychodynamic approaches often emphasize the therapeutic relationship itself as the primary vehicle of change, Lacanian work stays close to language: what you actually say, how you say it, where you stumble, repeat, or contradict yourself. The unconscious, in this view, isn't a symbolic underworld to be mapped; it's structured like a language, and it shows up in the gaps, slips, and inconsistencies of your own speech. My job isn't to interpret you from the outside or to be a warm, steady presence that helps you feel supported (though I'm very present and attentive to what you say). It's by listening very closely to what you say — and how you say it — that patterns you can't currently see start to become audible to you. This also means the frame looks different than typical talk therapy. Sessions can be variable in length rather than a fixed 45 to 60 minutes, because meaningful moments don't always arrive on a schedule. Over time, and only when it makes sense, we may move toward more frequent sessions and away from face-to-face format, using the couch — not as a gimmick, but because many people find they speak more freely without the pull to read my reactions. This work is slower and less directive than most therapy people have tried. It's not for everyone, and it's not designed as such. It's for people who've done other kinds and want to go further.

Hi! My name is Ana Maria. I received my master's degree in social work from California State University of Long Beach. I have been practicing social work for the last 17 years. I have worked with adults going through depression and anxiety by providing support and discussing coping skills that can help them improve their mood, relationships and quality of life. I also collaborate with clients helping them to identify clients' strengths and resources to solve their problems. Please note that I am currently not able to complete any letters, reports or forms including but not limited to leave of absence and FMLA.

Hi! My name is Crystal Villanueva and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have 14 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, and children experiencing the challenges of anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship challenges, and intimate partner violence. My approach to therapy is grounded in the spirit of Humanistic therapy. Humanistic Therapy is based on the core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. In therapy, this belief leads me to focus on each individual’s unique point of view and how this view can impact their choices. It further emphasizes the importance of being our authentic selves to live the most fulfilling life. I strive to create a safe environment to help clients feel comfortable to express their thoughts/emotions. I am genuine, friendly, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and interactive. I believe I am easy to talk to as I am casual in my style, but direct and focused when it comes to our work together. My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own therapy that I received as a youth and young adult; it was life-changing. I worked with a therapist that was completely accepting and non-judgmental of my faults/shortcomings and helped me work past and accept them. Because of this experience, I wanted to give back and provide the same nonjudgment safe space, and acceptance to others.

I am Brandy Stewart, a licensed clinical social worker in California with 19 years of clinical experience serving children, adolescents, transition age youth, adults and families. I help individuals who struggle with managing relationship issues resolve interpersonal conflicts to promote healthy overall functioning. I also help people manage emotional distress and conflict, as they heal from the past, in order to achieve a greater wellbeing.