Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Mission Viejo, CA

I have always had a deeply empathetic nature, a curious spirit, and a lifelong desire to help others. I began my journey by earning a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Philip’s Graduate University. I completed my training in a variety of settings, including a community counseling center; a substance abuse treatment facility, treating a dual-diagnosis, forensic population; and a foster care placement facility.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dually licensed in California and Florida. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from George Mason University in 2018 and have worked in the mental health field since 2016.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities across a variety of settings, including outpatient, school-based, intensive in-home, community-based, therapeutic day treatment, and residential programs.

I believe that everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to heal and grow. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, build healthy coping skills, navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, and break patterns that no longer serve them. Whether you're facing anxiety, past trauma, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition, I'm here to help you move toward meaningful, lasting change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) which is a credentialed mental health professional that works with individuals, couples - both married and unmarried, families of all configurations, children and adolescents, and groups to facilitate healing or relief of mental, emotional, and relational concerns.

• Outstanding Patient Reviews - Google reviews (Access Psych Meds)
• Experienced Mental Health Provider (13 years) assisting clients with ADHD (adult) Anxiety Depression Chronic Pain Chronic Sleep problems Mood disorder PTSD: Military combat, childhood & sexual trauma Alcohol Use Disorder
• Dual Master’s Prepared
• ANCC Dual Board Certified - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Veteran 22 yrs retired US Navy Commander/O-5
• Licensed in 5 States - AZ, CA, OR, MD, WA

I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what's holding you back, and build the tools to create lasting change.

We all have moments in our lives when we may feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or simply in need of extra support in reaching a balanced life. I am here to work with you on overcoming some of life’s biggest challenges. My experience has been with a focus on improving your overall quality of life. Collaboratively, I work with my clients to help them heal from the effects of trauma, work through grief and loss, life transitions, depression, anxiety, parenting struggles or relationship issues. I also have experience in helping parents and children who are managing early childhood development or ADHD concerns.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have offices in Santa Monica, Malibu, Ojai, & Ventura. I practice traditional talk therapy as well as Attachment Focused EMDR both in person and remotely. I also practice Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. My practice focuses on trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, addiction & recovery, and relationships. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. I am certified in Psychedelic Therapy by Fluence.