Therapists in California

Welcome to my practice! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with more than 20 years of experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, anger issues, and self-harm behaviors. I want to get to know you and what might be happening with you that you are seeking counseling for. Most people come to therapy when they are in some type of distress. Sometimes this is conscious and sometimes not. If you are feeling powerless or distressed for some reason or grieving a loss in life, I would like to see how we can work in therapy. The way we work will depend on the issues you bring to therapy. I have experience with different approaches to therapy including but not limited to HUMANISTIC THERAPY (includes the importance of personal responsibility, and a positive, non-judgmental approach), STRUCTURAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (includes the importance of family structure and healthy boundaries), GOTTMAN (includes helping couples communicate better, resolve conflicts constructively, and create a shared sense of meaning), CBT (generally includes a short-term approach that helps you identify and change negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior to improve your mood and overall well-being). All the above types of counseling styles point towards change or growth. Many times, there is a creative element to counseling and many times the counseling can give you more of a sense of purpose for yourself in life. Please see my calendar with Grow to sign up for an appointment today.

I am a straight-forward but empathic therapist, who also appreciates the same from her clients. I also believe in the social work mission of starting where the client is, so sessions are based upon that analogy. I have experience in many areas, including hospital, foster care, group homes, forensics, Veterans, home health, etc. I received my Masters oof Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve Univerity, and my Doctorate of Psychology from California Southern University.

Hi there, I'm Gut (Goot)! Thanks for looking at my profile, "the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step". I am a Veteran looking to assist others with their own "1000" mile journey. My approach I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals on their perspective journeys. I utilize Solution Focused Brief Therapy primarily with couples. My focus I have found that my style and approach work well with individuals who prefer a straightforward, assertive approach. My communication style is assertive, direct, with a curious undertone to solicit perspective. My journey in mental healthcare I wanted to assist with preventing Veteran suicides. My goals for you My goal is not that of a pastor; I do not want you to keep coming back, but to take what we have learned and continue the journey.

I’m Kourtney Carter, PhD, LCSW, CCS, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working with individuals and couples facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and ADHD. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, enhance emotional regulation, and live in alignment with their core values. Together, we work collaboratively toward meaningful and lasting change that supports your overall well-being and personal growth.

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

As a **licensed marriage and family therapist** with 15 years of experience, I've had the opportunity to work with diverse clients, from individuals as young as three to adults of all ages, as well as couples and families. I began my career in substance abuse counseling and DUI classes. Over the years, I’ve specialized in **talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy**, with a focus on helping clients resolve **unresolved trauma**. I'm also trained in **Parent-Child Interaction Therapy** and can provide these services via telehealth. Most recently, I spent six years as the **Behavioral Health Program Director** for a foster agency in California. This role was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to work with children in foster care, their biological and foster parents, and adoptive families. Although I loved my work as a director, I truly missed the hands-on experience of working directly with individuals and families in a therapeutic setting, which is why I am back in private practice.

I’m Ryan McNeel—therapist, Air Force veteran, and someone who’s lived through the chaos I now help others walk through. With over 20 years as a trauma medic and 6 years as a therapist, I bring grounded, no-nonsense care to people who’ve spent too long being the strong one. I’m here to help you heal, move forward, and reclaim your momentum—with zero fluff and full presence. I’ve worked in war zones, ICUs, and now therapy rooms—helping clients break out of emotional paralysis and take meaningful steps toward change. My approach blends trauma-informed care, EMDR, group work, and forward-motion therapy to meet you where you are. I believe healing doesn’t have to mean sitting still—it can mean moving, expressing, rebuilding, and reconnecting with a version of you that feels alive again.

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals as they heal from trauma, deepen self-understanding, and reconnect with their inner resilience. I believe healing happens in a space that feels safe, curious, and collaborative. You may be feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed—carrying pain from past experiences that still echo in your present. Often, we don’t even realize how much our family of origin, early attachment patterns, or subtle relational wounds (like feeling invisible, verbally criticized, or emotionally neglected) shape how we relate to ourselves and others today. These so-called “little t” traumas—such as a lack of belonging or chronic invalidation—can be just as harmful as more visible “big T” traumas. Whatever the source of pain, my role is to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been hidden, hurt, or exiled—and to gently guide you toward wholeness and relief.

Hello! I'm Melissa. I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work. Been doing it 20 years. Whatever you are going through, I can assure you, I've worked with someone who's dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction, worked in 5 in-patient drug & alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career (mostly w/men). I have years of professional experience working with an array of issues and populations. I enjoy working with individuals and families. I have several years experience working w/teens, including those who grew up in the system, been abused, at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is reported as: I'm "easy to talk to," "friendly," "down to earth." I've been told I'm helpful & a "good listener;" that's important to me. I'm mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I'm non-judgmental. I believe no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you're coming from and help anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we're on the same page, and smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That's my aspiration, to help, get to know you. Please understand this is not just a job for me. I'm genuinely here for you! Thanks for taking the time to read this & learn more about me as a professional.

My name is Brooke Mullineaux and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work alongside adults who are seeking to live a healthier, more productive, and well-balanced life. Whether you find yourself struggling with life transitions, experiencing a personal or familial medical crisis, working as a healthcare provider in the medical field, or navigating the challenges of grief, therapy can be that safe place in a world of uncertainty. I believe choosing to partake in therapy can be one of the most cathartic ways to help build a life of connectedness and gratitude.

I was a CPS Social Worker before I was a therapist. Both of my degrees are in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon. I am very responsive, and your story matters to me. I have been practicing for 7 years. I assist clients ages 12 and older who are struggling with their mental health.

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 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, complemented by my background as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. My clinical training includes a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, which informs my understanding of how diverse life experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and interactions with their environments. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with cultural humility and a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and systemic influences. In my practice, I utilize a person-centered, solution-focused approach that prioritizes client autonomy and self-determination. I collaborate closely with clients to identify their unique challenges and barriers, empowering them to develop realistic and meaningful short-term and long-term goals. Together, we explore and optimize the therapeutic tools that clients have already been using, while considering the introduction of additional strategies when appropriate. My goal is to support clients in creating actionable plans that align with their values and aspirations, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in both their present lives and future endeavors.