Grief counselors and therapists in Alhambra, CA

Some of what you are carrying has never fit neatly into words. I'm Richard, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and a working artist with a master's degree in fine art. Over twenty years in mental health, across inpatient units, day programs, and skilled nursing, I have sat with teens, adults, and seniors through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, family conflict, stress, and the weight of chronic illness. I am patient, open-minded, and inclusive, and when talking stalls I bring in expressive art. You do not need to be an artist for that to help. Come as you are.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working in community mental health, co-occurring substance use treatment, and residential care settings. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use challenges, mood disorders, relationship stress, and major life transitions.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected and supported without judgement. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches to help clients build insight, emotional stability, and healthier coping strategies.

Feeling truly heard can change everything. After twelve years of working with individuals, couples, and families, including first responders. I have seen how much shifts when a person finally feels understood, and when the people around them start to understand what they are carrying. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I work with adults, teens, couples, and families moving through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance use, and the relationship strain that tends to grow around all of it. You do not have to figure it out alone.

You set the direction. Early on we notice the patterns that keep showing up, then look closely at the thoughts that arrive dressed as facts. We start from what you want to change, not what anyone else wants for you. I point out the strength you have stopped counting, and when something hard has just happened, I can offer structured support right away.

I grew up in a small town in Hawaii, then came to Southern California and began studying psychology in 2001. I completed my master’s degree at Fuller School of Psychology in 2010 and served children and families at a community mental health agency for 10 years, also starting a private practice in 2015. While I loved island life, I’ve put down roots here through friendships, involvement in my community, and my love of LA’s cultural diversity.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering to individuals of all ages. I have 8 years of experience in the field in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating through depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I am passionate about supporting individuals through my multi-modal therapeutic approach which integrates CBT and solution-focused, reality-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I work primarily with young adults who are feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck — especially when it comes to anxiety and relationship challenges. Many of my clients are used to holding it all together on the outside, but internally feel lost or unsure of how to move forward.

I bring a calm, grounded presence to the work, even in high-stress situations. Much of my background is in working with clients in crisis, which allows me to help you navigate difficult emotions without things feeling out of control. At the same time, I’m warm, relatable, and honest — I’ll meet you where you are, while also gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck when or if needed.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I've been working in mental health since I was in my twenties — over 20 years, most recently within LA County public service. I'm now building a private practice focused on adults who are actively choosing to be in therapy. I see clients via telehealth throughout California.