Grief counselors and therapists in La Mesa, CA

I’m an LCSW. I really enjoy getting to know my clients and building a strong therapeutic relationship with them. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, sense of self, and also high achievers. Many things can stir up emotions, past experiences and trauma. My goal is to help you understand and work through those experiences and feelings. I'll help you reconnect with your inner strength and resilience, moving past the painful experiences that may be holding you back. I can support you in letting go of negative self-views, reducing your levels of distress, and building a renewed sense of confidence, worth, and peace. This process is about helping you both heal and rediscover the core strengths and values that make you, you.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

Hi! I'm Saby Kirpal, a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner committed to comprehensive, compassionate mental health care across the lifespan. I earned my Master's degrees from Walden University and Chamberlain University, graduating with Presidential Honors from both programs, reflecting my dedication to clinical excellence and lifelong learning. My professional journey spans diverse healthcare settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities, and community health centers, providing a well-rounded, real-world perspective on mental health treatment and recovery.

I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and complex psychiatric conditions. I have extensive experience working with children as young as eight, adolescents, and adults across levels of care—from acute crisis stabilization to long-term outpatient medication management. My background includes serving as Associate Director of Nursing at Sierra Health and Wellness, providing clinical leadership across five facilities, and working with institutions such as UCSF Health and Stanford Health Care.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach, combining a strong nursing foundation with advanced psychiatric training. I recognize that mental health is deeply connected to physical health, family dynamics, culture, and life circumstances. I'm trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with working knowledge of Spanish, allowing me to serve diverse communities. I believe in meeting individuals where they are and building a genuine therapeutic partnership where you feel heard, respected, and empowered on your path to wellness and recovery with personalized, evidence-based strategies, continuous guidance, and compassionate care that supports your wellbeing.

I provide empathic, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. My goal is to offer therapy you can trust—an environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals while receiving understanding and supportive guidance.

I'm Saby Kirpal, a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia/psychosis, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management. As Associate Director of Nursing, I've provided clinical oversight across multiple facilities while maintaining patient care, keeping me grounded in real-world challenges.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

For the past year, I've worked with adults facing serious mental health challenges at one of Los Angeles's largest public health systems, and what I've learned is that lasting change comes from relationships built on trust. Now I'm bringing that experience into private practice, where I can focus on what matters most: your individual progress. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and I offer flexible evening and weekend availability via telehealth throughout California. As a PMHNP, I'm here to support your whole mental health journey.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve taken the step to begin therapy, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey toward healing and growth. My name is Sam and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of issues, including relational difficulties, mental health challenges, eating disorders, trauma, and more.

Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.