Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lake Forest, CA covered by Aetna

I did my training with adoptees, foster care, and attachment trauma. I specialize in trauma and how early childhood trauma continues to effect us into adulthood. Since becoming a therapist, I have continued my training with trauma and have extensive experience with positive parenting, managing work/life balance, managing life's challenging transitions, managing trauma reminders, and anxiety.

Reaching out for support is a brave first step, and you don’t have to navigate things alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. As a current school-based mental health clinician, I have experience working with elementary through college-age youth across a variety of emotional, behavioral, academic, and life challenges. My primary focus is supporting adolescents as they navigate emotions, relationships, school stress, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I believe every person’s story matters, and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and work toward growth, healing, and meaningful change.

I've built my career working in adult medicine, with a deep focus on addiction and medication assisted treatment. Anxiety and depression are areas where I find this work especially rewarding. Regardless of what brings you here, I come to every session with genuine curiosity and a commitment to building real rapport. I see clients virtually, and I keep afternoon and evening hours on weekdays so scheduling can work around your life. Strong patient retention has always been a hallmark of how I practice, and I look forward to building that same kind of relationship with you.

Hi! I’m a Mexican-American LCSW who believes that therapy is something everyone can benefit from at some point because life happens! In my practice, I help children and teens navigate peer conflict, grief, anxiety, and depression, while also supporting adults and parents through stressful life transitions. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable space where you feel truly heard and understood. I am honored to be a safe, trusted person for my clients, and I would be happy to be that supportive guide for you on your journey.

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.

Vanessa Diaz is a board-certified, licensed provider who offers expert mental health care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, stressful life events, and many more conditions. Her goal is to help her clients live their best lives using modern, evidence-based solutions.

Hello, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2008, with experience working with diverse populations ranging from children to older adults. I provide a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel supported and understood. I especially enjoy helping individuals navigate life transitions such as starting college, graduating, changing jobs, adjusting to civilian life after the military, or entering retirement. My areas of focus include women’s issues, anxiety, depression, and building self-acceptance. I look forward to supporting you as you move toward growth and balance in your life.

Hello, I’m Sylvia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist. I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, relationship challenges, major life transitions, and questions about identity and self-esteem. Many are capable and high-functioning on the outside, but privately exhausted, stuck in patterns they can’t seem to change, or sensing something is off even when life looks “fine” on paper.

I earned my degree from the University of Chicago and have been in practice for over six years. My work is informed by both clinical training and lived experience, and I help clients make sense of the patterns keeping them stuck, so meaningful change becomes possible.

Hi, I'm Cassidy, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that healing starts with a warm, genuine connection. If you’ve been struggling with the weight of depression or anxiety, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and understanding. I love combining the 'science' of therapy with human connection, making sure you feel seen and supported while we break down the big stressors into more manageable pieces.

Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 9 years of experience in mental health care as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. I graduated with honors and am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan. My clinical experience includes working with patients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and severe mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I received my Doctorate Degree from Alliant International University in Fresno. I was born in Southern California and raised in the Bay Area. I have been practicing for 10 years and I enjoy empowering adults in their journey of overcoming their mental health challenges. I motivate clients for change and promote their personal growth.