Family therapy and counseling in Chula Vista, CA

Hello! My name is Mercedes, I am a first-generation Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Hablo Ingles y Español.

I have worked with children for over 15 years and in the mental health field for the past 5 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and foster youth through a variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Throughout my career, I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health settings, which has provided me the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I currently work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

Becoming a mother changes everything — your body, your identity, your relationships, your sense of self. But even before motherhood, life has a way of piling on. Maybe you’re a college student juggling everything at once, a working woman with too many open tabs and not enough hours, or a mom running on empty wondering when it became this hard. Whether you’re navigating postpartum anxiety, pregnancy loss, burnout, life transitions, or just that feeling that you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way — you deserve more than just getting through the day. This space is for you!

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who helps people heal from the inside out.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that healing happens when we feel seen, safe, and accepted exactly as we are. My style is warm, real, and collaborative. I meet you where you are, and we go from there.

Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Do you wish it would all just stop and go away? Is your child acting out and you don't know why or what to do? If you have had any of these thoughts, then you're in the right place! My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. I am here to support & guide you in processing thoughts and feelings, reflect on experiences, learn new coping skills, and figure out next steps. I will listen, teach, brainstorm, guide and help you build tools to meet your goals.