EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in California

I am a California Indigenous (Ohlone) and third generation Mexican- and Sicilian-American Psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, currently providing therapeutic services online. I specialize in supporting teens and adults that are struggling with issues of anxiety and depression, grief, low self-esteem, negative thinking, self criticism, difficulties with life transitions and postpartum and women's issues. I work with individuals who may be struggling with depression, anxiety or grief.

Hey you! I am Cierra and it would be my honor to collaborate with you on a journey that we all share called...LIFE. But before you do me the honor of working alongside you, let me introduce myself. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) located in sunny California. I earned my master's from Point Loma Nazarene University and have successfully navigated the mental health field for 5 years and counting. That may not seem like a seasoned professional to some, but prior to that I served in the Navy for 20 years and counting as well. With that I find that the population I serve best are youth, teens, and young adults that experience challenges such as anxiety, depression, stressors from relationships and intense emotions and everything else in between. Our time together will be spent curating authentic strategies that brings you to your highest potential.

If you feel stuck in a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, or pressure to hold everything together, you are not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by their own thoughts, and together, we work on creating a clearer path forward. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel truly seen and supported while also gaining the skills to create lasting change. Outside of the office, you can usually find me working on a home reno project or cooking up a new recipe. As an LMFT, I specialize in working with individuals to navigate anxiety, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is collaborative and open-minded. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help you identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns that keep you stuck, providing you with practical, evidence-based tools to feel more in control of your daily life.

Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.

Hi, I’m Steven. Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like life has become harder to manage? Maybe you’re struggling with relationships, work, stress, or finding the motivation and balance you once had. Perhaps you’ve been so focused on getting through each day that you haven’t had much time to be kind to yourself. I help individuals navigate difficult emotions, life transitions, and unexpected challenges by creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we will explore what may be holding you back, identify patterns that are no longer serving you, and build on the strengths you already have. Using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while tailoring our work to your unique needs, we will work together to develop practical tools for managing challenges and creating meaningful change. My goal is to help you reconnect with your confidence, resilience, and the healthier, more balanced version of yourself. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I would be honored to support you as you heal, grow, and move forward.

If you’re feeling anxious, down, stuck in old patterns, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts, you’re not alone—and things can get better. Therapy can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself again. I’m a California-based LCSW supporting teens and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, OCD, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, encouraging, and structured. We’ll identify what’s getting in the way, build a plan that fits you, and practice practical tools you can start using right away. We’ll also track your progress so you can see real momentum. You deserve support that feels steady, hopeful, and useful. When you’re ready, I’m here to help.

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, OCD, and healthcare worker stress/burnout. At this time, due to caseload, I am only accepting new patients who present with one of the aforementioned areas of concerns. I have extensive experience across many levels of care (from inpatient to residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings) so I’m comfortable supporting patients with different levels of severity and complexity. I’ve also spent years working in utilization management, which means I understand insurance systems well and can help you navigate them as part of treatment. I hold an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas State University and a B.S. in Economics & Management Science from MIT.

My approach is the culmination of over 20 years of personal experience, study and work in the fields of social worker and therapies . Deeply listening and living in life’s fullness has been my touchstone and a guiding light that continues to inform and teach me. I look forward to talking with you and learning more about how I can help.

Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.

My name is Patricia Pasillas (LCSW) and I'm a first generation Latina located here in the heart of Southern California. Throughout the last 17 years of my career as a licensed clinical social worker I've build a solid reputation for not only breaking down the barriers within society but it's my eagerness to help open the doors for others that truly separates me from others in this line of work.

Hi there! I have been practicing therapy for fourteen years and still find so much joy in learning each persons unique story. Just a little about me: I graduated from University of the Pacific in 2011 with my BA in Psychology and Cal State Northridge with my MS in Counseling in 2013. I saw my first client in 2012 and have worked in a variety of settings since then: on site elementary and middle schools, private practice, EAP, intensive outpatient programs, and residential treatment.

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, recovery from addictions, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with depression and men's issues, including helping men deal with life transitions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hello, I am licensed in California, Illinois, and Missouri. I have experience in helping teens, adults, couples, families, veterans, and military personnel with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of shame, blame, or judgment. You are encouraged to take the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, it takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Professional experience and additional areas of focus: Adoption and Foster Care, Cancer, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Men's Issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Young Adult Issues Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in Florida and California. I graduated from Pace University and have been practicing clinician for 25 years. I am a strengths-based clinician with extensive training and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy. The decision to seek therapy can be hard and intimidating. My goal is to provide a space for exploration, reflection and change.

Hi! and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed therapist committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience. My work integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate, client-centered approach. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, OCD, depression, life transitions, heal from trauma, and build stronger relationships—with others and with themselves. I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs and goals. At the core of my practice is the belief that lasting change comes from both insight and action.

Hello...I'm Tina! I help you holistically and sustainably manage and recover from anxiety, depression, burnout, and narcissistic abuse. When you work with me, I will help you understand your nervous system better, so you can learn how to self-regulate and take care of it better. A bit about me - I have a background as an artist, health coach, and yoga instructor. I love to travel, read, write, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, do yoga, and I'm a big self-care nerd. I work well with other creatives. Looking forward to meeting you!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and for over 25 years I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people on their healing journeys. My work has included supporting adults, children ages 3–18, transitional age youth, families, and young people facing behavioral health challenges. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post‑traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and personality disorders. What I love most about this work is helping people discover their own capacity to heal and grow. I draw from approaches like CBT, DBT, supportive therapy, trauma‑informed care, and strength‑based therapy. At the same time, I believe therapy is never one‑size‑fits‑all. Each person is unique, and together we’ll find the approach that feels right for you. Above all, I believe you are the expert of your own life. My role is to provide a safe, affirming space and a supportive relationship where you can explore, grow, and move toward the life you want

I’m a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience in community mental health settings. As a therapist and behavioral health practitioner, I have worked with complex trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance use. I have a masters degree in clinical psychology from the University of Amsterdam and lived in the Netherlands for six years. There, I also began building my family, and that international foundation shaped both how I think and how I work. I work with adults navigating a wide range of life challenges — from anxiety, depression, and relationship patterns to identity, major transitions, and the quieter but persistent sense that something just isn’t working. This includes people working through faith transitions or untangling the psychological weight of a strict or high-control religious upbringing — something I understand not just clinically, but personally. Whether you’re in crisis or simply ready to understand yourself better, I meet people where they are.

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!

Hello, I am a therapist who focuses on improving the lives of his clients. I will help empower them to enrich their lives. Together we can explore methods on helping the individual deal with everyday life stressors and also past trauma. I am someone who wants to see their clients excel and be able to manage life's difficulties. Hoping to help my clients see positive results in therapy.

Hello, I am Dion Smotherman. Are you discovering that your plans for making tomorrow better seem to fade shortly after your day get going? Maybe you feel your creativity and enthusiasm have taken a vacation. Have you noticed your relationships are becoming harder to maintain and you long for the return of your creative self. I enjoy working with families, couples, young adults and adolescents. I specialize in working with you through marital conflict, grief, loss. anxiety, depression and trauma. There are a few art materials you will need to purchase. I will provide a list. A beginning investment of $50 of supplies should work fine. Let’s creatively work together towards making positive changes using Art Therapy and CBT.

Marriage & Family Therapist | Couples Counseling | Postpartum & First-Time Parent Support The transition into parenthood can place unexpected strain on even strong relationships. Many couples experience increased conflict, emotional distance, or difficulty communicating after the birth of a child. First-time parents may also struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, and symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety that feel isolating or hard to name. I specialize in working with couples and first-time parents navigating relationship stress and postpartum mental health challenges. I support clients through this transition by helping them strengthen communication, rebuild emotional safety, and develop practical tools that support both individual well-being and long-term relationship health. Clients often come to therapy feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward together. In our work, we slow things down, identify unhelpful patterns, and build skills for emotional regulation, clearer communication, and deeper connection — both individually and as a couple.

Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.

Jungian therapy will look at the relationship of your “self” to your experiences and look at problems as a symptom of something deeper. ​ Whether it be a thought or perception, dream, belief, value or current relationship that brings you to therapy, we'll look for what messages are coming to you from within. Tapping into your own creativity, we can use myth and metaphor, poetry, dreams, literature and art to explore your relationship to the problem.

Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California for 20 years and I hold a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Counseling. I am in my second marriage for 30 years now, after my 24-year first marriage failed. We have seven children between the two of us, 31 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. I have had good success counseling couples who have given up on their relationship, especially those who have experienced infidelity. I don't counsel children until they are 18. I enjoy helping people understand how they became the way they are and therefore find ways to leave dysfunction behind.

My name is Susan Madson, I am a LCSW. I specialize in depression, anxiety, anger issues, identifying coping skills, build relationship skills, identify client strengths, increase self care tools, build self esteem, teach meditations skills, grounding, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. I help to reduce trauma symptoms by helping clients to learn self regulation skills. I encourage client to participate in homework assignments to build skills to stabilize a clients emotional and behavioral functioning. Further, specialties include addiction issues, grief work and couples therapy. My most common therapy techniques that I use first is client centered therapy approach. I start where the client is most comfortable and work on building a safe environment for the client. My first goal is to build a therapeutic relationship with my client. Then my goal is to work with strength based, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, solutions focused, interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness therapy techniques. I use an eclectic approach as each client is different and has different needs. My goal is to help the client's to identify the fact that sometimes therapy is identifying the small steps that client is making towards their treatment goals.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My passion for counseling started in 6th grade where I was nominated to be a peer counselor and I saw the power of how communication, active reflective listening and conflict resolution could shift relationships. I grew up in a chaotic household and studying psychology helped me to develop compassion, empathy and understanding where there was profound pain. My own experience with trauma, depression and anxiety helps me to understand clients from a lived perspective.

Hi! I am Esther Castillo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I take pleasure in working with individuals (s) who are seeking to overcome significant obstacles to obtain contentment. My emphasis has been working with individuals and their families to overcome trauma, addiction, and mental health stigma so they can reach their full potential. I am fluent in Spanish!

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.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if you’re not totally sure what to say or where to begin. My job is to make that part easier. I’m a licensed therapist who works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, burnout, low motivation, and feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Some clients come in with something specific going on, while others just know something feels off and want to figure it out. Both are completely welcome here. In our work together, we focus on what’s actually happening in your day-to-day life and how to create real, noticeable changes—not just talk in circles. I aim to keep sessions practical, collaborative, and grounded so you leave with clarity and a better sense of direction. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a space where they can be honest without feeling judged or analyzed. You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear plan before starting—we’ll figure that out together. If you’re looking for therapy that feels straightforward, supportive, and focused on helping you move forward, I’d be glad to work with you.

My name is Jacqueline Aguilar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California with over 10 years of experience in both mental health and healthcare settings. As a therapist, I am especially passionate about helping individuals overcome their fear of travel—whether that involves flying, visiting a new country, or taking a first cruise. In addition to this focus, I support clients in managing anxiety disorders, depression, and OCD. I have found it deeply rewarding to help individuals build self-esteem, navigate life transitions such as divorce or breakups, and process grief related to the loss of a loved one or cherished pet. Ultimately, my goal is to support each person in reaching meaningful, lasting change. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and have received training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) from the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. I also draw from other approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, and remain committed to ongoing learning and growth in my practice. My approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and genuine support. Together, we can work toward creating the version of yourself you aspire to be. I look forward to meeting you.

I take a strength based approach to therapy, focusing on the strengths, values, and resilience you already have rather than only on problems. Together, we build on what is working to help you navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change. This approach supports growth that feels both practical and personally aligned with who you are and your goals.

Hello, I’m Nizhu—a licensed therapist with over 9 years of clinical experience, specializing in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, and motivational interventions. My approach is grounded in strength-based and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST), where I’m honored to rank in the top 1% of therapists globally. I work with individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, often supporting clients in breaking generational patterns, rebuilding confidence, and developing healthier coping strategies. My style is warm, collaborative, and direct—because healing doesn’t have to be stiff, and growth rarely happens in silence. Expect real conversations, grounded techniques, and the occasional well-timed joke (because, yes, therapy can be both effective and human). Outside the therapy room, I’m a committed gym enthusiast, fueled by black coffee and protein-packed meals. Tattooed and purpose-driven, I believe in showing up authentically—for my clients and myself. Whether you’re here to build resilience, process trauma, or just get unstuck, I’m here to help—one honest conversation at a time.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of California and Arizona. I received my masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing therapy in California for about 13 years in various settings. I recently obtained my license to work with clients residing in Arizona. I have experience working in a healthcare setting, school campuses, domestic violence shelters, and with substance abuse.

One of my biggest passions is helping others overcome problems and giving back in a way I was helped. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in ISTDP, helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by quickly identifying and resolving the emotional patterns that drive symptoms. I offer compassionate, focused sessions that help you access core feelings, reduce distress, and build more effective ways of coping and relating.

Greetings! My name is Carrie McElwee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in California. I believe in meeting the client where they are and creating a safe space for each client to feel empowered as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. My mission is to promote mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I have in my professional career integrated humor, compassion, empathy, and realness. I am trained in using various evidence-based practices.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, providing various services to adults and families. My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and insight-oriented with a holistic focus on the mind-body continuum. My style, while rooted in empathy, is also very direct. I will act as your mirror in order to help you see yourself more clearly. I also utilize positive psychology and strength-based approaches to help clients identify ways to increase their quality of life. Clients often walk away from therapy feeling heard, hopeful, and willing to attempt homework to improve their lives.

Vulnerability is the foundation of human interactions and relationships. Let me help you become comfortable with your vulnerabilities in a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Finding a sense of love and belonging can help us build relationships when we dare to be imperfect. My ideal client is one who is motivated, open, and willing to commit to the therapeutic process to gain personal insight and reduce current symptoms that are negatively impacting their functioning. Allow me to partner with you and help you understand that you are worthy of connection, love, and belonging.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor dedicated to promoting healing and growth through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach. Understanding that each individual is unique, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the specific needs of my clients, recognizing that what works for one may not apply to all. I place a strong emphasis on building a trusting rapport and establishing a collaborative therapeutic alliance, where we work together to create lasting change. I firmly believe that every person has the potential to shape and develop the life they envision, and my role is to guide and support them in this process.

Jamula Taylor, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Boundaries Coach with 5 years of experience helping adults break unhealthy patterns, strengthen boundaries, and build emotional resilience. She has worked with diverse populations, including individuals navigating homelessness, incarceration, and major life stressors. Jamula specializes in helping adults navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, relationship patterns, and personal growth through a compassionate and solution-focused approach. She focuses on helping clients develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen self-awareness, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives. Areas of specialty include: **Boundaries & People-Pleasing Patterns** Supporting clients who struggle with overgiving, difficulty saying no, guilt, resentment, or prioritizing others’ needs over their own. Helping clients develop healthy boundaries and more balanced relationships. **Relationship Challenges & Communication** Supporting clients in understanding relationship patterns, improving communication, increasing emotional awareness, and creating healthier connections. **Trauma-Informed Healing & Generational Patterns** Providing trauma-informed support for clients who want to explore how past experiences impact current thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships while focusing on empowerment and resilience. **Women’s Issues & Empowerment** Supporting women navigating identity, confidence, motherhood, self-prioritization, and personal transformation. **Therapeutic Approach:** My approach integrates evidence-based therapy, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, solution-focused interventions, and strengths-based techniques to help clients gain insight, build skills, and create sustainable change. **Ideal Clients:** Adults seeking support with personal growth, emotional wellness, boundaries, relationships, confidence, stress management, and life transitions.

I am the kind of clinician who will utilize real-life references and examples of how the interventions work, I am transparent, and nonjudgmental and will share with you the exact intent of my interventions. I have been working with children, adults couples and families throughout my career, I've been practicing for 26 years. I tailor my interventions to clients' expressed needs and goals collaboratively as I believe the client is the expert of their own lives, and my job is to help reframe and redirect self-awareness to ones existing strengths and to build upon them.

Hi, I’m Vanda Kim, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. My experience includes working in medical, school, and private practice settings, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through many of life’s challenges. I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds and deeply value the unique stories and perspectives each person brings to therapy.

Hi! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based In California. I received my Masters from University of Phoenix and have been practicing for the past 13 years. I help young adults struggling with career stress, family stress, low self esteem, depression and anxiety. My goal is to help individuals to become the best version of themselves in order to live a meaningful life.

Hi, I’m Maureshia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I work with young professionals and diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating anxiety, depression, career transitions, work-life balance, and identity exploration. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, focused on creating a safe space where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

Hello, I’m Dr. Cleveland, and I bring over 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I received my master's degree in clinical psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and my doctorate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology. Throughout my career, I have served many roles, including Clinical Director and Primary Therapist at various mental health and substance treatment centers. I have been deeply involved in developing and growing treatment programs that are effective and compassionate. I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, including those who are court-mandated, and I am well-versed in addressing the unique challenges they face. In addition to my clinical practice, I have worked as a professor, where I stay at the forefront of research and innovative practices in mental health treatment. My approach is grounded in evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you are dealing with specific challenges or seeking personal growth and balance, I am here to support you on your journey."

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides counseling to adults and couples using a trauma-informed approach. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and I help clients process and heal from complex life experiences. I bring a unique depth of experience to my work, having served 25 years as a police officer and over 13 years supporting first responders through peer support programs. I am also a certified domestic violence counselor with experience working with both adults and children impacted by trauma, and a U.S. Army veteran with four years of active-duty service.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I received my Masters from Azusa University and have been practicing for 7 years. I help young adults experiencing emotional distress, burnouts, and life stage challenges overcome their difficulties and reach their goals. Additionally, I enjoy working with individuals facing cultural issues within their family of origin and with partner.

I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us, sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies, to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.

I started my journey into psychotherapy back in 2005. Over the years, I have learned a great deal regarding how much our lives are impacted by how we see the world, and what we focus on. I have learned that focusing on the present moment, and enjoying each moment for what it offers can be priceless. I have learned, and now teach others how to live mindfully, not in the past or the future, but in the present moment, as when we leave the present moment is when our suffering begins. I have extensive experience in trauma, and overcoming traumas, as well as approaching the world from a cultural perspective. Based on experience, I have seen that we see the world through the sense of our cultural forefathers, and therefore, sometimes we need to adjust our interpretation of what we see and experience. I have been amazed at the tenacity and strength of the human spirit, and I cannot disregard the presence of an all knowing, encompassing presence of a higher being in our lives. It is for this reason that I encourage patients to look at the world from multiple points of view. Sometimes changing the lens with which we look at the world, can make all the difference in what we see and feel.