Family therapy and counseling in Laguna Niguel, CA

I have a strong track record of working with parents, building relationships and connecting with youth who are reluctant or nervous about therapy. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Education and Childhood Development. I've worked as a therapist in Jr. High and High School settings and currently work in private clinic to heal family relationships. I give you the tools to be kinder to yourself and step back into your life refreshed and empowered.

Deep listening is a gift that empowers individuals to reflect and change

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

My passion lies in working with clients who need assistance with personal empowerment and identity development. My goal is to instill hope by identifying areas of strength, resilience, and capacity for positive change. Effective therapy takes effort and commitment from both the therapist and the client.

I have been described as a “down to earth” and “real” therapist. I like to believe these are accurate descriptors. I bring a plethora of experience to my therapy room; however, I recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the client being the expert on their life. I provide a safe environment which allows my clients to be transparent without judgment. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and it is definitely a risk. We need to remember there is no growth without risk!

Marquetta McCleod is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience serving children, families, and individuals through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Her professional journey spans more than 15 years in social services, including extensive work with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both emergency response and ongoing support. She has also provided guidance to diverse populations through county health and social service programs, including CalWORKs recipients, families experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.

Licensed since 2019, Marquetta brings a compassionate and practical approach to therapy, leadership, and community outreach. As the Founder and Executive Director of MNM Project HOPE, a nonprofit she has successfully led for the past four years, she has built a haven of healing that offers low-to-no-cost mental health services, outreach, and training for emerging clinicians.

Grounded in her values of spirituality, leadership, and reliability, Marquetta is dedicated to empowering underserved communities and nurturing the next generation of culturally competent therapists. Her vision is to make holistic, heart-centered care accessible to all, while inspiring hope, growth, and lasting change in every life she touches.

You've done meaningful therapeutic work and you're ready to go deeper. You're successful in the external markers of your life, but you know there's more—greater depth, connection, and purpose waiting for you. You've addressed foundational trauma, and now you want to explore subtler patterns: how you hold back in intimacy, the meanings you're searching for, the fuller expression of yourself you sense is possible. You may be curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy as a tool for profound insight. You're not dealing with crisis, but are looking for a guide who can support you in moving from survival to fully living in your wholeness.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD and 34 years of experience, offering telehealth therapy to clients in California. I'm most in my element with people who are learning their needs, what's getting in their way and feel ready to meet their challenges. My clients come from all walks of life. I help those who are too hard on themselves to become their own best friend.