Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA

There are things you have learned to work around instead of talk about, and after a while that starts to feel normal. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across California, and often with whole families who are trying to get through something together. A lot of my work is with people carrying trauma they have never fully unpacked, parents navigating the emotional weight of pregnancy and new parenthood, and people trying to change a pattern of substance use that has already cost them more than they meant to lose. My goal is to meet you where you are, not where a treatment plan says you should be.

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.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe space where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or a significant life transition? Perhaps you’re noticing recurring patterns in your relationships, struggling with self-criticism, or feeling disconnected from yourself despite your efforts to move forward. Genuine connection, recognition, and attunement are central to my approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change develops through a collaborative relationship in which you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected.

I’m Erica, a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), bringing over 20 years of experience in mental health treatment and wellness, including extensive clinical work in inpatient psychiatric care, intensive outpatient treatment, and psychotherapy. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, ADHD, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. As a former athlete, I also work with athletes facing performance anxiety, perfectionism, and identity concerns. I welcome individuals seeking practical strategies for managing symptoms, as well as those interested in developing a deeper understanding of their emotional experiences, relationships, and sense of self. I provide online psychotherapy throughout California, including Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego. My work integrates evidence-based treatment, relational attunement, and a whole-person perspective, with care tailored to your individual needs, circumstances, and goals.

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.

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!

Whether you are struggling with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, building intimacy in relationships, responding to emotions, or the stress of being human, it is key to know that you are not alone. I offer a safe and comfortable space to explore these struggles.