Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Encinitas, CA

My name is Kristine Cotangco and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have my Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Social Work. I specialized in military and veteran's mental health in addition to children, youth and families during my graduate studies. I have worked in a wide variety of settings including elementary schools, family law, dependency, foster care, and private practice. I specialize in trauma including childhood, divorce, and family issues.

I have been a Marriage and Family Therapist for 20 years. I am trained and experienced in several modalities including EMDR, mindfulness, Family Systems, Imago, the principles of Interpersonal Neurobiology and early attachment. It has been a profound privilege being on this journey with others. Participating in a process where others dive deep into their vulnerable truth, has given my life great meaning. I've been called to provide a space for others to be seen, heard, and known in the midst of their feelings of shame, guilt, fear, inadequacy, unworthiness, and vulnerability and through their experience of being more truly known be reminded of their profound value and worthiness

I have worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults as they work through life's challenges. I am client-centered with a trauma-informed lens, often leaving clients feeling heard, validated, and empowered to continue reaching their goals.

As someone who has worked as a clinician embedded in a law enforcement agency, I am acutely aware of the realities of first responders and the impact the work can have on the individual and their relationships.

I am a therapist serving children, families and adults navigating anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship issues and life adjustments. Sometimes you need a little help navigating life stressors, obstacles or discovering healthy forms of coping skills. I received my Bachelors at San Francisco State University in Psychology and completed my Masters at California State University East Bay in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage Family Therapy.