Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Encino, CA covered by Aetna

Life can be especially difficult for people today. It is my goal to assist all my clients starting at age 3 years, through adults to learn how to make healthy and positive decisions in their lives and to empower them to have a good, healthy self image and to successfully move into their future.

I work primarily with children, adolescents, and families to promote growth and change. With over 25 years of experience in youth mental health and 11 years as a licensed psychologist, I support clients dealing with issues at home and school settings, disturbances in mood such as anxiety, depression, or anger, attention problems, behavior/conduct problems, family conflict, and autism.

I’m a clinical psychologist (doctor) in Ventura county, California, with over 25 years of experience and a practice designed to feel calm, human, and welcoming. Many of the patients I work with come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, depressed, or stuck. They may be navigating trauma, grief, relationship pain, major life transitions, or the quiet weight of having tried to manage too much for too long. My work is for people who are ready for something deeper than just getting through the day. My approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human, focused on real life, not just symptoms.

I help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.

With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.

Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Aloha nui loa, and welcome to new possibilities, as you step through the threshold of conscious self-care. Congratulation on taking that first step in reaching out for help. Let's start that process together by creating a treatment plan that will address your needs.

Hi, I'm Ellen, a psychotherapist who treats adults and adolescents 19 and up. I combine psychodynamic techniques with spirituality to create a session that offers both common sense and compassion, and also some creative and fun interventions! I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationships, and more. My approach is individualized to respect you and what you need or hope for in therapy. I am a marriage and family therapist with experience in school, clinic, and private practice.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.