Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

Hi! Im Mike Strauss and I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression and substance abuse. With my own background as an addict now with 17 years clean and sober, I organically found my purpose as a clinician. What initially started with drug and alcohol counseling immediately turned into something bigger, as I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Understanding that addiction is but a symptom of underlying fears and traumas resulting in mood disorders, I was able to REALLY look at myself as I encourage my clients to do during their journeys toward self-realization.

I have spent over 40 years teaching, training, and developing mental health programs for individuals from 4 to 84 find hope once again. I am a life-long learner and add at least one certificate a year to ensure clients are given multiple approaches to what they encounter. I am very honest and direct, but also understand the need for pause and reflection. You know the level of your pain and suffering. My job is to meet you where you are and lead you to the place you want to go.

If you keep circling the same patterns — in your relationships, your creative work, or the quiet anxiety underneath both — you already know that surface-level fixes haven't held. I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, creative blocks, grief, and that hard-to-name feeling of being stuck. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and after years working in the arts myself, I have a particular home with artists and creative professionals — people whose inner lives are their raw material.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in domestic violence, addiction, homelessness, severe mental illness, behavioral modification, individual and family therapy, relational conflicts, crisis intervention, advocacy, social policy, clinical supervision and program development.

I believe in the immense power of our thoughts and our incredible capacity as human beings to change them through awareness, intention and implementation. Together we will work to create the life you want to live despite the hardships you have overcame and any future struggles that may lay ahead.

I believe life’s hardships and tragedies have strength and the power to empower with self awareness and guidance through the pain.

I believe healing is not a destination but a journey—one that you don’t have to walk alone. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or old wounds that still feel present, I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed. You bring your lived experience; I bring compassion, perspective, and steady support.

My approach is collaborative, rooted in curiosity, emotional safety, and the belief that you already hold the wisdom needed to heal. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you build a deeper, more trusting relationship with yourself so you can show up more fully in your life. If you’re ready to start that journey, I’m here to walk with you.

I specialize in supporting adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, systemic stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. With 11 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve worked across diverse communities, including Black, Native American, Veteran, and criminal justice-involved populations. Clients often describe me as grounded, direct, and compassionate, and I bring deep respect for each person’s lived experience into the work we do together.

I am an LCSW who offers practical strengths-based therapy with CBT and DBT tools that actually fit your life. I am here to meet you where you are, build a genuine connection, and support growth that lasts.

Marche Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, accomplished behavioral health leader, and Founder of SOZO Child & Family Wellness. With more than ten years of direct clinical experience, Marche has dedicated her career to supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating complex behavioral health, emotional, and life challenges.

Marche’s professional mission is rooted in a simple belief: meaningful change occurs when people are given the right combination of support, practical tools, accountability, compassion, and hope. Whether leading behavioral health programs, developing clinicians and staff, or building innovative services through SOZO, she remains committed to helping individuals and families move beyond surviving toward healing, growth, and lasting transformation.

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.

I’m passionate about helping others recognize their strengths and step into their full potential. Whether through collaboration, mentorship, or encouragement, I aim to create spaces where people feel valued, capable, and inspired to act.

I have a passion for helping people navigate life's challenges. Seeking help can feel like a big step, but it is also a powerful one. I offer a collaborative and nonjudgemental space for discovering strengths and with helping you feel empowered.

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for greater meaning and direction. I work with adults who want to understand themselves more deeply and move toward a life that feels more purposeful and aligned. People often find their way to me while navigating anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, or deeper questions about identity and purpose.

As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I offer sessions in both English and Spanish, and I'm committed to creating a space where you feel genuinely respected, understood, and at home.