Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Irvine, CA

Trauma-Informed. I specialize in treating adults with unresolved childhood traumas / C-PTSD. I deeply understand how early life experiences shape present-day struggles—I specialize in helping people heal from those roots, not just manage surface-level symptoms.

I am trained in powerful, evidence-based and experiential modalities like EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Not one-size-fits-all—I tailor treatment to each individual’s nervous system, attachment patterns, and inner world.

Most importantly, I show up as a therapist: I provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where clients can be fully seen, heard, and validated. I understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and I meet clients with compassion, patience, and respect for their pace.

I am committed to helping clients work through inner emotional conflicts so they can move toward a more stable, fulfilling, and connected life—not just symptom relief, but real, lasting transformation.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I've been working in mental health since I was in my twenties — over 20 years, most recently within LA County public service. I'm now building a private practice focused on adults who are actively choosing to be in therapy. I see clients via telehealth throughout California.

I believe therapy should feel like a collaboration, an honest, safe space where you don’t have to have everything figured out before you walk in the door. My goal is to help you find clarity, strength, and connection in the places that matter most: within yourself and in your relationships.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 27 years of experience in the field of mental health. I know that reaching out for support isn't always easy, and I don't take it for granted that you're here. I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely heard-not judged or rushed. I bring warmth and honesty into our work together and celebrate your progress with you along the way.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Hunter School of Social Work and have lived and practiced in California for over three decades. My professional background includes extensive work with older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I am known for my patient, compassionate, and attentive approach, and I strive to be fully engaged and present with every client I serve. My goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized support that helps clients feel understood and empowered in their therapeutic journey.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m Maria Zavala, a Bilingual/Bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are. I work with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, identity exploration, and emotional challenges, with a strong focus on culturally responsive care. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, grounded, and safe while we gently explore what’s been weighing on you and begin creating a path forward that feels authentic, steady, and truly yours.

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

I work with all ages and I'm trained in trauma based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I offer individual therapy using attachment based therapies, solution-focused brief therapy, and Gestalt self-compassion techniques. I'm not currently offering couples counseling except through private pay. I have worked with foster youth, caregivers, families, LGBTQ, and veterans. I have found my work to be professionally rewarding by assisting people in reaching their goals. I’m committed to meeting your needs and learning.

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

If you're looking for an empathic, reliable therapist, I strive to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore current stressors, past experiences, relationship dynamics, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. I believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and safe enough to be authentic.