Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Laguna Beach, CA

I am a board-certified nurse practitioner with many years of experience in healthcare, including primary care, psychiatric mental health, leadership, and wellness-based practice. My background has allowed me to work with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and medical concerns, and I understand how closely mental health and physical health are connected.

Hello!

My name is Aldemar. I have 30 years of experience in the field of mental health, in various capacities. I have a degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University and a Master's degree from Sacramento State University. I specialize in trauma work, Anxiety, Couples therapy, and substance use issues.

I am glad you are here. I commend you for having taken the difficult step to ask for support! I do know that it can feel overwhelming to start therapy, yet here you are; congratulations!

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over nine years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges and difficult issues. Therapy can feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. I am here to support and guide you through a process that can be rewarding and beneficial towards growth, healing, and developing a deeper understanding of yourself.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely heard, and that is something I take seriously. My professional experience working in healthcare, addiction, and homelessness has deepened my understanding of the complex social, cultural and systemic factors that impact mental health and well-being. I am an advocate for human rights and stand with those who have faced oppression, discrimination, and social injustice in a world that works against you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Over the past 15 years, I have worked with a wide range of clients and have developed a practice treating substance use disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and executive functioning challenges. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and incorporate evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs.

Before becoming a therapist, I earned a Juris Doctor and an MBA, experiences that give me a unique perspective on the complex personal, professional, and life challenges many clients face. Whether you are struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck, my goal is to provide practical tools, compassionate support, and a collaborative environment where meaningful change can occur.

I have been in recovery for over three decades. From that, I began a journey of providing support and listening to others. I engaged with a variety of populations, focusing on adolescents in crisis, seniors finding purpose in life, and in general, learning compassion about our human condition.

I create the tone and environment needed for that session.

I have an easy open communication style, creating rapport and safety. I can be direct when needing support through challenging issues. And I am embracing when needed. My focus is on your session.

I work with a variety of clients, from teens to seniors. I can address problem-solving and creating tools to manage mood. Process issues in life, and also address finding purpose in the stage of development.

I grew up in Southern California, with my undergraduate degree from Cal State Fullerton and my Master's in Social Work from University of Southern California.

I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach, practicing under the direct supervision of Dr. Thomas Lucking. I earned my B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and my M.A. in Holistic Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, where I also completed an Academic Certificate in Trauma Studies. Before becoming a therapist, I served in the United States Coast Guard, where I worked in law enforcement and search and rescue — that experience shaped my commitment to service, and as a veteran myself, I'm passionate about continuing to serve those who've served. I have a special interest in working with people who carry diagnoses of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and those on the Autism spectrum — in this area I work under Dr. Lucking's direct supervision, since he's a published author, speaker, and expert in autism and neurodiversity. I also have a special interest in working with neurodiverse couples, particularly supporting neurotypical partners dealing with Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Syndrome, using Dr. Lucking's "Island of Shared Meaning" model to help bridge the gap these relationships often struggle with.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health. I provide care in both English and Spanish. I enjoy helping people better understand their mental health and find treatment that works for them.