Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

Welcome—glad you made it here!

I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in crisis mental health and private practice. I help adults and adolescents work through anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship challenges. I understand the impact of high-stress roles where you’re expected to stay in control, even when things build up over time. My style is direct, grounded, and focused on what actually works in real life. I provide a space where you can be honest, feel understood, and be challenged in a way that leads to real change.

You don't have to arrive here put together. Whatever you're carrying right now belongs in this space: anxiety, grief, relationship stress, a shifting sense of who you are, or something you haven't quite found words for yet. I work with adults and older adults navigating the full range of what life brings, with a particular passion for supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities and people who are questioning or deconstructing their faith. My work spans trauma, identity, women's issues, OCD, depression, and the anger or sadness that accumulates when you've been holding too much for too long.

I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have completed training in EMDR, Brainspotting, DBT, trauma‐informed care, and play‐based interventions.

I have spent over 13 years in clinical practice at the locale, federal and community level. In this time I have developed an expertise in trauma treatment working directly with veterans, first responders and trauma survivors.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the Coachella valley. Going into private practice was not an impulsive decision. It is something I have thought about carefully, and I am committed to making it work well for the people I work with. My background includes clinical work with adults and families

across a range of settings from psychiatric hospitals, to non profits and private practice. I am based in Palm Desert for in person sessions and serve clients throughout

California via telehealth.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, women navigating Postpartum and those facing life transitions. I also work with people dealing with chronic stress, relationship challenges, and the kind of emotional weight that builds up when life keeps asking more of you than you feel you have to give. I have a

particular connection to working with Latino and bicultural clients, single parents, and people who are navigating coparenting and the identity shifts that come with it. I also provide Immigration mental health evaluations for those seeking cancellation of removal, hardship waivers, U-Visas or VAWA evaluations to support their immigration case.

Carl Hess is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist offering in-person sessions in the city of Ventura. Carl works with individuals, families, and couples, helping to improve relationships and to discover the path to more rich and meaningful lives. Carl employs knowledge of a wide range of treatment modalities to create individualized treatment plans with practical solutions for life's challenges.

Life and relationships can be complicated. Sometimes you need a space that is just for you—to talk, process, reflect, and figure out what comes next.

I’m a licensed therapist in California with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, communication struggles, and major life transitions.

Therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of what you’re experiencing—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, discouraged, or simply unsure of what comes next. Sometimes you need a place outside your usual circle of friends and family where you can be completely honest, talk things through, and gain a fresh perspective without judgment.

Together, we can explore relationships, boundaries, communication, emotions, life experiences, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and feel more confident moving forward.

I also work with couples who want to improve communication, strengthen their connection, work through recurring disagreements, or navigate different parenting styles. The goal isn’t about deciding who is right or wrong—it’s about learning to listen, understand each other, and work together more effectively.

My approach is warm, compassionate, practical, and down-to-earth. I’ll meet you where you are and work alongside you as you navigate whatever life is bringing your way.

Sometimes you just need a place to talk. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective. Sometimes you’re ready for a change.

Whatever brings you through the door, we can start there!

Please note: My practice is not able to provide services for individuals with current or past self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.