Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Laguna Beach, CA

I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University with Specialisation in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Bachelors in Psychology, Honours Bachelors Degree in Education (post grad) in School Guidance and counseling, Mediator and Divorce Mediator Certificate,SAT Teacher Certification and EMDR Certificate (Emdria)

I am Amaka Iheaka, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 8 years of inpatient mental health experience. My path in mental health began as a mental health worker and progressed through nursing and leadership roles, including charge nurse and house supervisor. That's given me broad experience with a wide range of mental health needs. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and veterans from diverse backgrounds and provide comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. My treatment areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, stress, and relationship and family concerns, with an interest in women's mental health. I'm passionate about helping people understand their mental health and feel empowered to take an active role in their care.

I am a dedicated mental health professional who supports children and adults through life’s challenges. I currently provide individual therapy only and do not offer couples counseling. My background in behavioral health and social services, along with hands-on community experience, has shaped my practical, compassionate, and solution-focused approach.

I have worked with individuals involved in the justice system, people living with serious mental illness, children in foster care, and families navigating behavioral or developmental concerns. My experience includes case management, crisis support, employment readiness, behavioral coaching, and coordinating care with medical providers, mental health facilities, and community programs to ensure consistent, long-term support.

I help clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, behavioral challenges in children and teens, parenting and co-parenting concerns, and reintegration after legal involvement. My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I believe everyone has resilience and the ability to grow with the right support.

My style is warm, honest, and structured. I value accountability while always leading with empathy and respect. I focus on building coping skills, improving communication, setting clear goals, and developing practical strategies that support emotional balance and independence.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals untangle the weight of trauma, stress, and life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re feeling on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to finally exhale.

Hello, I'm Dr. Lori! Thank you for trusting in me to join in on your journey. It takes courage to start the process of therapy, and you are already taking the first step. I look forward to being your ally and to offer a warm and safe place free of judgement.

I work with adults, children, teens, couples, and families. I have 15 years experience. I have a BA in Psychology from UCLA, a MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and a Psy.D in Marriage & Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

I look forward to meeting you!

I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.

I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where you can be yourself. People often describe me as easy to talk to, and I believe that compassion—and even a little humor when appropriate—can make the healing process feel more comfortable. We'll work together to build on your strengths and help you create meaningful, lasting change.