Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Monrovia, CA

I'm a therapist offering in-person sessions in the Thousand Oaks area of Southern California, and telehealth to folks throughout California. I decided to become a therapist after many years of working in corporate America, and I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and LMFT license.

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process your experiences. We’ll dig deep and get “real.” My approach is collaborative and depth-oriented – I don’t just sit back and nod and smile. I’ll go deep with you and empower you to create healthy boundaries in relationships that will ultimately increase your confidence and allow you to live the life you want to live, free of people-pleasing.

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.

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, grief, depression, or experiences from the past that continue to affect your present. Perhaps you find yourself reacting in ways that don't make sense, feeling disconnected from others, or carrying burdens that have followed you for years.

I believe that symptoms often make sense when we understand the story behind them.

For nearly 20 years, I have worked as a psychotherapist helping children, adolescents, adults, and families heal, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. My experience includes working in private practice, schools, pediatric healthcare settings, and community mental health programs. I also taught graduate students in counseling and family therapy programs, helping train the next generation of therapists.

Hi, I'm glad you're here. Starting or coming back to therapy can feel like the right step and still feel difficult. Life is full of both/ands: "I am struggling and I will be okay," "I have a great job and I'm still feeling depressed." I am here to support you through the dualities of life and help you carry and navigate both. My approach is warm, friendly, gentle, and at times directive. I won't ever tell you what decision to make, but I will support you in figuring out what makes sense for you.

Life can be challenging, and in those moments we may lose touch with our true selves. Reaching out for support takes courage and is an important first step. With over 18 years of experience, my approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I work primarily with adults using an integrative approach that includes Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in creative and caregiving fields, helping them reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and find balance. I also work with adult children of caregivers who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues such as Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Hello, I am glad you are here. My goal is to offer a safe welcoming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with kindness, respect, and compassion. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you as we work toward the life you want to create.