Grief counselors and therapists in Escondido, CA

I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

Two decades of clinical excellence.

Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.

Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.

I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 14 years of experience working in clinical practice. I am born and raised in San Francisco's Mission District. I am Salvarodan and Nicaraguan; and a native Spanish speaker. I have served clients experiencing multiple occurring conditions requiring some form of crisis stabilization service or intervention. I have counseled individuals and families dealing with an array of issues such as immigration/deportation, domestic and community violence, teen pregnancy, work – readiness, homelessness, substance abuse, and more. I use a client-centered and strengths-based approach when I work with clients. I believe that it is critical to collaborate with cleints in identifying and attaining what they are seeking. I believe that clients are experts in their lives and I am an expert my field.

I am a mental health clinician who takes a solution‐focused and empowering approach to therapy. I believe healing happens at your pace, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood as we work together to explore challenges, build on your strengths, and move toward meaningful change.

LCSW and AASECT sex therapist dedicate to helping individuals, couples and families build deeper connection, authenticity, and healing in their relationships.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel accepted, understood, and empowered. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself while also feeling challenged to grow. I meet clients where they are, recognizing that everyone comes to therapy with unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, PTSD, and other life stressors. With experience in psychiatric crisis care and community outreach, I believe healing starts with feeling safe enough to show up. My goal is to offer real, judgment-free support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward lasting growth.

Great to meet you!

As a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and overall well-being. Seeking help can be very difficult, so congratuations on taking that first step! I've been working to help teenagers and young adults over the past 15 years and look forward to supporting you in this journey!

I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel human—not rushed or impersonal.

I provide a non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel understood. My approach integrates thoughtful medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate, always tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnosis can be an important part of understanding your experience, but it’s only one piece of the picture. I look at your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the life experiences that shape what you’re going through.

I offer collaborative, grounded care to help you move toward a more balanced, integrative, and holistic sense of well-being.

Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

As a veteran, therapist, and human being I resonate deeply with the archetype of the “wounded healer". I understand trauma and the seriousness of life's challenges not just clinically, but personally. I am assured in my professional capacity that I can provide you with the high level of care and support that you deserve.