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Grief counselors and therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

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Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Mission Viejo, CA

Navigating grief after losing a loved one takes time and support. Headway connects Mission Viejo residents with 5,786 licensed therapists trained in grief counseling, bereavement support, and evidence-based approaches like Complicated Grief Treatment to help you process loss and find meaning. Sessions are available virtually or in-person with flexible scheduling.

Dr. Lisa Billings

Dr. Lisa Billings

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 1 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


I work with adolescents and adults and offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I help individuals identify their goals and make the changes necessary to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I am directive, and I provide a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment to explore the issues and life-events with which you may be struggling.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Steven Aird

Steven Aird

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • Lake Forest, CA


“I focus on establishing a safe, collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, creating the framework for the work we will do together.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tanya Belloso

Tanya Belloso

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.2 mi away • Aliso Viejo, CA


“I use a client-centered, eclectic approach, which means that I adapt the treatment plan and techniques utilized to individually fit each client or couple.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shirin Aliverdi

Shirin Aliverdi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“I am trauma focused therapist who love to help clients get unstuck from past traumas and self doubts.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gretchen Shibl

Gretchen Shibl

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 1 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“I strive to create a collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where every person is treated with respect, kindness, and understanding.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Michalina Zell

Michalina Zell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.3 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“I am a warm and encouraging "person-centered" therapist and believe that a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and positive regard is essential to our work together.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marcela Castellanos

Marcela Castellanos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • Lake Forest, CA


“I have helped guide adults, and adolescents from various cultural backgrounds, who struggle with various challenges in life, such as disturbances from childhood, trauma, anxiety, and depression.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.9 mi away • Laguna Niguel, CA


I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Stacey Berardino

Dr. Stacey Berardino

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 4.1 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“My assessment and therapeutic style is relaxed, comfortable, cognitive-behavioral, and problem-solving focused in nature.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Ravina Wadhwani

Ravina Wadhwani

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.3 mi away • Aliso Viejo, CA


“I help clients heal from anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am passionate about processing trauma and empowering you to see change in your life outside of sessions.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marissa Melhuse

Marissa Melhuse

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.6 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, offering practical tools, fresh perspectives, and compassionate support to help ease the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chrissy Wilson

Chrissy Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.7 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


Many of the struggles that bring us to therapy—anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, self-doubt, or feeling stuck—have deeper roots than we realize. Sometimes these patterns develop through painful experiences, major life transitions, or family systems that taught us to prioritize others, question ourselves, or adapt in ways that no longer serve us. Therapy offers the opportunity to understand these patterns and create lasting change.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the spouse of a retired Army Veteran, I've spent much of my adult life living in different parts of the country and world, continually building community and connection wherever life led. Those experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, belonging, and the many ways people adapt through change, loss, and transition. I bring that perspective into my work, creating a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where individuals, couples, and families feel genuinely seen and understood.

Together, we'll work to understand the deeper patterns shaping your life, strengthen your relationships, and help you move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of living.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristina Smith

Kristina Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.7 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


Hello! I'm Kris and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and the founder of Village Wellness Center, a thriving group psychotherapy practice based in San Juan Capistrano. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, and I specialize in maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the unique needs of women and mothers.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University and returned to school 15 years later to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

The beginning of my career in mental health started in residential care helping at-risk youth, and over the course of 20 years, my work and experience evolved into leading and developing clinical programs for outpatient and court-mandated facilities while also building my specialty in perinatal mood disorders and maternal mental health in my private practice. Additionally over the past two decades, I was raising my family and actively contributing to the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness and thriving families. This became the catalyst to opening Village Wellness Center, where the ability to serve entire families and promote holistic mental wellness with a team of therapists can be achieved.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Melody Bacon

Dr. Melody Bacon

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 6.8 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal, as I tell my clients, is to help them fill their relationship skills toolbox so that they can utilize different approaches, not to change the other person, but to grow and change themselves so their lives work better for them!”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Krysta Boyle

Krysta Boyle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.2 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to be themselves.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Catherine Lee

Catherine Lee

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.9 mi away • Irvine, CA


“At the heart of my work is a profound belief in the resilience of the human spirit — and if you are reading this, it is evidence that you are still fighting.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jan Covyeau

Jan Covyeau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.9 mi away • Irvine, CA


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping you better understand yourself and your relationships.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mahsan Behnoud

Mahsan Behnoud

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7 mi away • Irvine, CA


“Together we can identify mental/emotional blocks, reprocess past disturbing memories, and develop mental agility to experience the life you deserve to flourish in.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ilana Sashi Wasserman

Ilana Sashi Wasserman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.5 mi away • Aliso Viejo, CA


“Ilana has three decades of experience working with people with catastrophic, chronic illness and loss, trauma, depression/anxiety as well as ADD/Autism.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Liu

Richard Liu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 6.8 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I am deeply committed to offering care that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and extensive knowledge of mental health.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Laura Cabanillas

Laura Cabanillas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Clemente, CA


I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Yemmy Taylor

Dr. Yemmy Taylor

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Hannah Williams

Hannah Williams

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Irvine, CA


Welcome! Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent many years in the law and advocacy field. My previous training and experience helps me relate well with many different backgrounds with a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse issues and concerns encountered by others. I love working with adults of all ages and couples in their journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, greater connection and fulfillment.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamisyn Atlas

Jamisyn Atlas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Irvine, CA


“Living in conflict with ourselves can create deep emotional pain, making it crucial that we treat ourselves with loving kindness instead of criticism or blame.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a depth-oriented form of therapy... Together, we explore the connections between your past and present — including processing past trauma and recurring relationship patterns.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tongqing Zhu

Tongqing Zhu

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I focus on healing the family as a whole, not just the individual with compassion and attachment-based methods...”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Clara D'Agostino

Clara D'Agostino

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specialized in mental health and women's issues. I use Expressive Arts and EMDR strategies to address trauma and anxiety. I am directive and supportive.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lori Vasquez

Lori Vasquez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is affirming, solution-oriented, and empowering—I meet clients where they are, listen without judgment, and tailor care to their unique needs.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ning Cornwell

Ning Cornwell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


Hi, my name is Ning! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past seven years, I have worked with children, teens, adults, and older adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, complex mental health conditions. My clinical work focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, and I combine cognitive and somatic techniques with talk therapy to address root causes and foster lasting personal growth.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristin Blaney

Kristin Blaney

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Clemente, CA


“I am a certified EMDR therapist with special emphasis placed on childhood traumas (complex PTSD), first responders and military families.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Celia Fierro

Celia Fierro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, attachment wounds, grief, anxiety and relationship concerns. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, and military-connected clients. My path into psychotherapy began through fine art, consciousness studies and contemplative practice, which continue to shape my appreciation for creativity, meaning, and the complexity of each person’s experience. I earned my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted therapies at CIIS, and am pursuing a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues, Identity issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Cutler

Maria Cutler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Tustin, CA


I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a space where you can explore what’s happening with honesty and compassion.

I draw from evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic insights, while always tailoring my approach to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll work to uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical strategies that help you move toward clarity and meaningful change.

Clients often describe me as calm, supportive, and direct in a kind way. I value humor when it’s helpful, and I work to foster a relationship where you feel safe enough to be real—even when it’s hard.

Reaching out takes courage, and finding the right fit is key. If you're looking for someone who will listen deeply, challenge gently, and walk alongside you at your pace, I’d be honored to work with you.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Maternal mental health
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Van Nguyen

Van Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have helped my clients resolve attachment issues by guiding them towards understanding the importance of secure attachment when it comes to mental health and well-being.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Huntington Beach, CA


“My approach is attachment-focused and trauma-informed, drawing on EMDR, somatic therapy to help clients not just talk about their struggles, but truly feel different in their relationships and daily lives.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Eima Mesgarha

Dr. Eima Mesgarha

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Irvine, CA


Hi & Welcome. We all face challenges at times throughout our lives. We may need support finding self-awareness and compassion which I believe is the key in the healing process. I enjoy acting as an empowering guide along your journey. I believe in our innate capacity to change and create a meaningful and UPLIFTING life. My goal for you is to foster a safe, accepting and also challenging space that encourages personal growth and empowers you to make positive changes that support your values.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Amber Allen

Amber Allen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


Hi there, my name is Amber Allen, and I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). It's an honor to have you read my profile, and take the courageous step towards healing. I've been in practice since 2008, and have had the pleasure in specializing in Eating Disorders, Body Image Issues, and disordered eating patterns for over a decade. I have served as a Primary Therapist, Program Director, and Clinical Director in various Eating Disorder IOP/PHP/Residential facilities throughout Southern and Northern CA. Eating Disorders are not a one size fits all, and it is my mission to also support BIPOC communities that may feel unseen in terms of disordered eating/eating disorder support. In addition to eating disorders, I clinically treat: Adults 18-65+ Mood Disorders, Trauma/Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Women's Health (Perinatal, Post-Partum, Perimenopause/Menopause), Professional Athletes, Professional Arts Community, Life-Transitions, Relationship Issues, Pre-Marital Therapy, Spirituality/Faith Based Support, Couple's Issues, Family Therapy, etc.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Arlen Grajeda

Arlen Grajeda

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Tustin, CA


WE ALL HAVE A STORY...

A story of where we come from, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we hope to go. My goal is to help you find the words for your struggles, gain clarity from your experiences, and create space for your learning, growth and healing—so you can move closer to the life you envision. Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, relationship stress, or a major life change, and looking for support that honors your story and background? I support individuals, age 18+, including people navigating life transitions, trauma, grief, cultural expectations, self-esteem, and work or school stress. My primary focus is helping you feel heard while finding greater wholeness and connection.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Eve Lievonen

Eve Lievonen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.8 mi away • Laguna Niguel, CA


“With over 30 years of experience, I have learned that real change happens when people feel understood, not judged.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maura Lynch-Loftus

Maura Lynch-Loftus

Therapist

In-person • 14 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have psychotherapy expertise in working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Mission Viejo, CA who help people navigate grief and loss

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Mission Viejo, CA
There are over 70 therapists in Mission Viejo, CA accepting new patients.
70+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Grief or loss
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 93%Depression
  • 86%Relationship issues
  • 84%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 67%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 66%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 54%Cigna
  • 49%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 96%English
  • 17%Spanish
  • 4%Farsi
  • 3%Arabic
  • 3%Hindi
How they see their clients
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  • 97%In-person or online
  • 3%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 89%Woman
  • 11%Man
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 24%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 11%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 10%Clinical Psychologist
  • 9%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 30%Couples therapy
  • 11%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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