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Therapy hours: By appointment Mon to Fri
Our Team
Clinical Team
Meet our team of California licensed marriage & family therapist and licensed clinical social workers.
Click on each licensed professional to learn more about their specialties and background.
Tina Avila, LMFT
Founder/Clinical Director
and a Licensed marriage and family therapist
Are you struggling with finding balance between work and life?
As a working professional, you may have everything you need, yet still feel empty and unfulfilled in life.
Do you often find yourself putting others' needs before your own, leaving you feeling drained and depleted?
If this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone.
I understand what it's like to feel this way, and I'm here to help you find solutions that will allow you to achieve a better work/life balance, integrate your needs and wants, and align with your core values and future goals.
As a solution-focused brief therapist, my focus is on increasing hope, positive outcomes, and desired change, while empowering my clients to be their best selves in spite of problems or issues they may face.
During our sessions, I won't give you advice or assign homework. Instead, I'll stand by you and use my role as a therapist to equip you with the skills, confidence, and strengths necessary to bring out the best version of yourself that's already within you.
Services: Adults and Couples
Specializations:
depression, work stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, professional issues, career change, entrepreneurs, family issues, perfectionism, self-improvement, and marriage issues.
Education
Bachelors in clinical psychology; California State University, Los Angeles.
Masters in clinical psychology MFT; Pepperdine University
Graduate certification in applied behavior analysis
License and Certification
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #51769
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Languages spoken:
Thai
Hobbies:
When I'm not working, I like to travel, spend time with my son and husband, go on hikes, hang out at the beach, and workout at the gym.
and a Licensed marriage and family therapist
Are you struggling with finding balance between work and life?
As a working professional, you may have everything you need, yet still feel empty and unfulfilled in life.
Do you often find yourself putting others' needs before your own, leaving you feeling drained and depleted?
If this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone.
I understand what it's like to feel this way, and I'm here to help you find solutions that will allow you to achieve a better work/life balance, integrate your needs and wants, and align with your core values and future goals.
As a solution-focused brief therapist, my focus is on increasing hope, positive outcomes, and desired change, while empowering my clients to be their best selves in spite of problems or issues they may face.
During our sessions, I won't give you advice or assign homework. Instead, I'll stand by you and use my role as a therapist to equip you with the skills, confidence, and strengths necessary to bring out the best version of yourself that's already within you.
Services: Adults and Couples
Specializations:
depression, work stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, professional issues, career change, entrepreneurs, family issues, perfectionism, self-improvement, and marriage issues.
Education
Bachelors in clinical psychology; California State University, Los Angeles.
Masters in clinical psychology MFT; Pepperdine University
Graduate certification in applied behavior analysis
License and Certification
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #51769
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Languages spoken:
Thai
Hobbies:
When I'm not working, I like to travel, spend time with my son and husband, go on hikes, hang out at the beach, and workout at the gym.
Briana Perez, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Welcome to the search of finding the best fit therapist for your goals! I understand this process can sometimes feel overwhelming, taking this next step will be very rewarding as you move into this next season of your life.
My name is Briana, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW.
Strength Based support, mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Life has it’s guarantees of hardships and my goal is to support you in your pursuit of joy and stability. As bumps arise, I believe our mindset impacts how we react.
My goal is to support you in finding joy in solutions, and to embrace confidence in your life, and decisions.
Solution Focused Therapy: Sometimes the hardest part of the next move is acting.
I specialize in helping you identifying the best next step and executing it whether it’s finding a new job, creating a healthier relationship, or learning how to manage those day to day stressors.
Creating a plan and having follow through are two of the biggest secrets to life satisfaction.
I am an advocate for mental health. I have specialized experience with military communities, and chronic illness. I work with clients who have depression/ anxiety (diagnosed and undiagnosed), have struggles with coping in times of hardship and big life transitions, boundary concerns (people pleasers, self betrayal with fear of saying no), self confidence struggles (low self worth, preoccupation with body-image), and people who chronically self sabotage their dreams and goals (often due to unresolved trauma).
Let’s talk, I know you are ready to start the work of reimagining your life, your relationships, and the pursuit of a kinder, less critical internal dialogue.
Specializations:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/loss
College stress
Work stress
Parenting issues
Relationship issues
Education
Bachelors in psychology from California State University Channel Islands
Masters in Social Work, California State University, Northridge
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #102030
Hobbies
In my free time you can find me surfing in the early morning hours, spending time with my animals, reading a good book, or on an adventure to find the next best cup of iced coffee.
Welcome to the search of finding the best fit therapist for your goals! I understand this process can sometimes feel overwhelming, taking this next step will be very rewarding as you move into this next season of your life.
My name is Briana, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW.
Strength Based support, mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Life has it’s guarantees of hardships and my goal is to support you in your pursuit of joy and stability. As bumps arise, I believe our mindset impacts how we react.
My goal is to support you in finding joy in solutions, and to embrace confidence in your life, and decisions.
Solution Focused Therapy: Sometimes the hardest part of the next move is acting.
I specialize in helping you identifying the best next step and executing it whether it’s finding a new job, creating a healthier relationship, or learning how to manage those day to day stressors.
Creating a plan and having follow through are two of the biggest secrets to life satisfaction.
I am an advocate for mental health. I have specialized experience with military communities, and chronic illness. I work with clients who have depression/ anxiety (diagnosed and undiagnosed), have struggles with coping in times of hardship and big life transitions, boundary concerns (people pleasers, self betrayal with fear of saying no), self confidence struggles (low self worth, preoccupation with body-image), and people who chronically self sabotage their dreams and goals (often due to unresolved trauma).
Let’s talk, I know you are ready to start the work of reimagining your life, your relationships, and the pursuit of a kinder, less critical internal dialogue.
Specializations:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/loss
College stress
Work stress
Parenting issues
Relationship issues
Education
Bachelors in psychology from California State University Channel Islands
Masters in Social Work, California State University, Northridge
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #102030
Hobbies
In my free time you can find me surfing in the early morning hours, spending time with my animals, reading a good book, or on an adventure to find the next best cup of iced coffee.
Brianna Vittitow, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients by building a strong therapeutic relationship using empathy, compassion, and personal and professional knowledge.
My experience is in treating children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges with anger, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and more.
My approach is person-centered and strengths based, as well as utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals.
Specialty: Anger, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship issues, and Stress management.
Education
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology, California State University - East Bay
Master’s of Arts - Counseling with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, Saint Mary’s College of California
Licenses
Licensed marriage and family therapist #125617
Insurance
Kaiser, Optum, United Healthcare
Hobbies
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog Gus, camping, swimming, and exploring new places.
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients by building a strong therapeutic relationship using empathy, compassion, and personal and professional knowledge.
My experience is in treating children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges with anger, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and more.
My approach is person-centered and strengths based, as well as utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals.
Specialty: Anger, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship issues, and Stress management.
Education
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology, California State University - East Bay
Master’s of Arts - Counseling with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, Saint Mary’s College of California
Licenses
Licensed marriage and family therapist #125617
Insurance
Kaiser, Optum, United Healthcare
Hobbies
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog Gus, camping, swimming, and exploring new places.
Jamie Diamond, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
In my ten years of licensed practice, I’ve worked with adolescents, adults and families.
I’ve focused on lessening anxiety, depression, grief, loss, family difficulties, and the effects of trauma, or a recent crisis. As a trained and non-judgmental therapist, you will find me warm, compassionate and perceptive.
However, you feel, it’s okay to feel that way. That we connect may be as important as what we connect about. I believe that for people to make meaningful progress, it’s best to explore issues and solutions together and to arrive at treatment plans, goals and strategies that fit and move at your pace.
Some of the evidence-based practices I use include solution–focused brief therapy (a goal directed approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems) CBT (changing the way you think to change the way you feel), and motivational interviewing (exploring a person’s mixed feelings about changing a self-defeating behavior).
I know how hard it can be to confide in someone and share how you’re feeling. It would be an honor to work with you.
Education
Bachelors and Masters in English, New York University
Masters in Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California State University, Long Beach
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 86900
Hobbies
During my free time, I like to roller blade and walk my dog.
In my ten years of licensed practice, I’ve worked with adolescents, adults and families.
I’ve focused on lessening anxiety, depression, grief, loss, family difficulties, and the effects of trauma, or a recent crisis. As a trained and non-judgmental therapist, you will find me warm, compassionate and perceptive.
However, you feel, it’s okay to feel that way. That we connect may be as important as what we connect about. I believe that for people to make meaningful progress, it’s best to explore issues and solutions together and to arrive at treatment plans, goals and strategies that fit and move at your pace.
Some of the evidence-based practices I use include solution–focused brief therapy (a goal directed approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems) CBT (changing the way you think to change the way you feel), and motivational interviewing (exploring a person’s mixed feelings about changing a self-defeating behavior).
I know how hard it can be to confide in someone and share how you’re feeling. It would be an honor to work with you.
Education
Bachelors and Masters in English, New York University
Masters in Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California State University, Long Beach
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 86900
Hobbies
During my free time, I like to roller blade and walk my dog.
Catrina Flores, LCSW
I have more than 15 years in the health and human services field. I received my masters degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in Collaborative Health and Humans Services from CSU Monterey Bay. While at CSUMB, I graduated and received 2 of the 5 graduating senior awards.
I also received the Social Justice Award and Alumni Vision Award for her work in Women's Services, Substance Use, Mental Health and HIV/AIDS field.
Specializations:
Stress
Anxiety
LGBTQ+
Trauma and abuse
Grief and loss
Depression
Trauma
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
I also received the Social Justice Award and Alumni Vision Award for her work in Women's Services, Substance Use, Mental Health and HIV/AIDS field.
Specializations:
Stress
Anxiety
LGBTQ+
Trauma and abuse
Grief and loss
Depression
Trauma
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Antonia Allison, LMFT
I specialize in working with people who experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trouble with sleeping, ADD/ADHD, post partum, past trauma, and Perinatal mood disorders.
Together, we will increase your life energy and knowledge of how to identify feelings as feedback but not fact.
Why did you became a therapist?
I became a therapist because it’s exciting to know I can assist with challenges that sidetrack clients. You can be back on the road of life soon.
How does your client describe you?
They can tell I don’t judge their missteps. I tell them healing cannot happen in a judgmental environment. Therapy is a healing tool.
Together, we will increase your life energy and knowledge of how to identify feelings as feedback but not fact.
Why did you became a therapist?
I became a therapist because it’s exciting to know I can assist with challenges that sidetrack clients. You can be back on the road of life soon.
How does your client describe you?
They can tell I don’t judge their missteps. I tell them healing cannot happen in a judgmental environment. Therapy is a healing tool.
Jessica Ochoa, ACSW
* Accepting new clients
My name is Jessica Ochoa, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles in a low income community.
I am African American and Mexican American and earned my B.A. of Psychology at California State University Northridge and my Masters of Social Work at University of Southern California.
My passion grew for therapy as I began to notice and understand the dynamics of my culture and how children are taught to be seen and not heard.
As a young adult I started to understand how childhood trauma could lead to a life full of pain and confusion.
My ultimate goal would be to assist you in exploring and processing childhood trauma and developing effective and healthy coping skills in a space where you feel safe to speak your truth.
Specializations:
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Trauma and PTSD
* College stress
* Work stress
* Relationship issues
* Family Therapy
Treatment Approach:
Psychotherapy, Dialectical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hobbies:
Spending time with my family, Hiking, Exploring different restaurants, Music Festivals
Associate clinical social worker supervised by Antonia Allison, LMFT
My name is Jessica Ochoa, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles in a low income community.
I am African American and Mexican American and earned my B.A. of Psychology at California State University Northridge and my Masters of Social Work at University of Southern California.
My passion grew for therapy as I began to notice and understand the dynamics of my culture and how children are taught to be seen and not heard.
As a young adult I started to understand how childhood trauma could lead to a life full of pain and confusion.
My ultimate goal would be to assist you in exploring and processing childhood trauma and developing effective and healthy coping skills in a space where you feel safe to speak your truth.
Specializations:
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Trauma and PTSD
* College stress
* Work stress
* Relationship issues
* Family Therapy
Treatment Approach:
Psychotherapy, Dialectical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hobbies:
Spending time with my family, Hiking, Exploring different restaurants, Music Festivals
Associate clinical social worker supervised by Antonia Allison, LMFT
Stephanie Chmelik, LCSW
*Accepting New Clients
Hi, my name is Stephanie. I have 12 years of experience and I’ve worked with people from all walks of life.
My aim is to be by your side and support you in navigating all of life’s challenges.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a negative place that’s not serving you, I’d love to talk with you about how we could work together to help you not just feel better but live better.
I specialize in supporting people to decrease and better manage anxiety, reduce depression, find a better work-life balance, and improve self-esteem.
I know not everyone may identify with these specific challenges but my experience allows me to work with a wide variety of unique needs.
I’m trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and believe in a compassionate, non-judgmental yet direct approach.
Education:
B.A. in Social Work, St. Cloud State University, MN
Masters of Social Work, University of Minnesota, MN
Specialties:
*Depression
*Anxiety
*Self-Esteem
*Adjustment issues
*Work / School Stress
*Stress management
License:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #61759
Insurance accepted:
Aetna
Optum
United Healthcare
Oxford
Cigna
Oscar Health
Hi, my name is Stephanie. I have 12 years of experience and I’ve worked with people from all walks of life.
My aim is to be by your side and support you in navigating all of life’s challenges.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a negative place that’s not serving you, I’d love to talk with you about how we could work together to help you not just feel better but live better.
I specialize in supporting people to decrease and better manage anxiety, reduce depression, find a better work-life balance, and improve self-esteem.
I know not everyone may identify with these specific challenges but my experience allows me to work with a wide variety of unique needs.
I’m trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and believe in a compassionate, non-judgmental yet direct approach.
Education:
B.A. in Social Work, St. Cloud State University, MN
Masters of Social Work, University of Minnesota, MN
Specialties:
*Depression
*Anxiety
*Self-Esteem
*Adjustment issues
*Work / School Stress
*Stress management
License:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #61759
Insurance accepted:
Aetna
Optum
United Healthcare
Oxford
Cigna
Oscar Health
Myrna Aguilar-Flores, LMFT
*Accepting New Clients
I believe that it is important that clients are able to choose a therapist whom they feel comfortable and can trust.
A trusting relationship between the therapist and client is vital in order for the client to feel safe and secure to share their story.
It is my belief that a therapist must provide a nurturing environment where hope for a better future is instilled and clients feel they have been listened to and understood in order for the therapeutic relationship to work.
For over 10 plus years as a clinician, I have learned the importance of collaborating with each client over their goals for therapy.
The steps, methods, and treatment for achieving those goals needs to be understood by the client and needs to be relevant, and agreed to by each client, instead of imposing a general approach to all clients because each client is unique.
I have trainings and education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Narrative therapy.
I am presently interested and I am pursuing studying neuropsychology because it explains the “why” positive thinking works.
Additionally, I have experience in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Social Anxiety, ADHD, Major Life Transitions, such as entering college for the first time, Grief and loss, Parent/ Adult child relationship problems, Career/work interaction issues, PTSD, Low self-esteem, Couples therapy, and parenting issues. I also provide Faith based counseling to those that adhere to spirituality practices.
I count it a privilege if with my training and education, I can help someone reach their goals and also gain insight and resilience to whatever challenge they encounter.
Specializations:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/loss
Trauma
Mood disorders
Stress
Social anxiety
Education:
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Bethany University
Bachelor of Art in Political Science from Sonoma State University
Licenses:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 92101
I believe that it is important that clients are able to choose a therapist whom they feel comfortable and can trust.
A trusting relationship between the therapist and client is vital in order for the client to feel safe and secure to share their story.
It is my belief that a therapist must provide a nurturing environment where hope for a better future is instilled and clients feel they have been listened to and understood in order for the therapeutic relationship to work.
For over 10 plus years as a clinician, I have learned the importance of collaborating with each client over their goals for therapy.
The steps, methods, and treatment for achieving those goals needs to be understood by the client and needs to be relevant, and agreed to by each client, instead of imposing a general approach to all clients because each client is unique.
I have trainings and education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Narrative therapy.
I am presently interested and I am pursuing studying neuropsychology because it explains the “why” positive thinking works.
Additionally, I have experience in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Social Anxiety, ADHD, Major Life Transitions, such as entering college for the first time, Grief and loss, Parent/ Adult child relationship problems, Career/work interaction issues, PTSD, Low self-esteem, Couples therapy, and parenting issues. I also provide Faith based counseling to those that adhere to spirituality practices.
I count it a privilege if with my training and education, I can help someone reach their goals and also gain insight and resilience to whatever challenge they encounter.
Specializations:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/loss
Trauma
Mood disorders
Stress
Social anxiety
Education:
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Bethany University
Bachelor of Art in Political Science from Sonoma State University
Licenses:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 92101
Shellie Tapia, LMFT
*Accepting New Clients
Hi my name is Shellie and I have 10 year’s experience in the field of mental health, working with various ages from young children, adolescents, adults and couples.
I have a passion for helping others recognize patterns of behavior that work for them or that have failed them.
I want to help clients take a deeper look inside themselves, recognize their strengths, learn new coping skills, and improve their relationships and as well as how they feel about themselves.
I specialize in parenting, perinatal therapy, new parents, couples therapy, anxiety and depression.
I utilize a person-centered approach and a variety of therapeutic styles depending on what would best support the client. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy with clients.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide a safe space for clients to come and work on the issues they are dealing with and to promote growth in their lives.
Therapy Approaches:
Person-centered approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solutions Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Specialization:
Parenting
Perinatal therapy
Couples therapy
Anxiety
Depression
Life adjustment
Education:
M.S. Marriage Family Therapy, University of LaVerne
M.A. Applied Women’s Studies, Claremont Graduate University
B.A. Social Science, University of LaVerne
Hobbies:
Spending time with the family, traveling, cooking, reading, dancing, watching sports
Hi my name is Shellie and I have 10 year’s experience in the field of mental health, working with various ages from young children, adolescents, adults and couples.
I have a passion for helping others recognize patterns of behavior that work for them or that have failed them.
I want to help clients take a deeper look inside themselves, recognize their strengths, learn new coping skills, and improve their relationships and as well as how they feel about themselves.
I specialize in parenting, perinatal therapy, new parents, couples therapy, anxiety and depression.
I utilize a person-centered approach and a variety of therapeutic styles depending on what would best support the client. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy with clients.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide a safe space for clients to come and work on the issues they are dealing with and to promote growth in their lives.
Therapy Approaches:
Person-centered approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solutions Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Specialization:
Parenting
Perinatal therapy
Couples therapy
Anxiety
Depression
Life adjustment
Education:
M.S. Marriage Family Therapy, University of LaVerne
M.A. Applied Women’s Studies, Claremont Graduate University
B.A. Social Science, University of LaVerne
Hobbies:
Spending time with the family, traveling, cooking, reading, dancing, watching sports
Stephanie Castillo, LMFT
Hi, I'm Stephanie Castillo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Psychology from California State, Los Angeles. After completing my undergraduate studies, I specialized in substance use addiction and worked as a counselor in a rehabilitation center.
Eventually, I pursued my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach.
My experience includes working with clients of various ages, including children, young adults, adults, families, and couples.
My clients have come to me with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, financial stress, grief, and relational issues.
I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is crucial, and I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment during our sessions.
My goal is to ensure that my clients have a positive therapeutic experience, and I avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I tailor our sessions to your unique needs and utilize various interventions that best suit you.
Some of the theoretical approaches I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered.
Aside from my passion for therapy, I am an avid TV show watcher, runner, and food enthusiast. I love listening to music and attending concerts with my family.
Eventually, I pursued my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach.
My experience includes working with clients of various ages, including children, young adults, adults, families, and couples.
My clients have come to me with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, financial stress, grief, and relational issues.
I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is crucial, and I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment during our sessions.
My goal is to ensure that my clients have a positive therapeutic experience, and I avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I tailor our sessions to your unique needs and utilize various interventions that best suit you.
Some of the theoretical approaches I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered.
Aside from my passion for therapy, I am an avid TV show watcher, runner, and food enthusiast. I love listening to music and attending concerts with my family.