Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Redondo Beach, 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.

One of my joys in life is making a positive difference in my client's lives. Maybe you’ve tried everything; talking to friends/family, reading self-help books, ignoring the problem hoping it will go away, or just accepting how things are and yet you are feeling unhappy and stuck. I believe there is hope for you, a life filled with love, fulfillment and fun. I've had a variety of life experiences (good, not so good) that's given me wisdom and insights about people/life. I work with couples, women/men issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I'll travel with you on your journey of healing/growth with understanding and compassion.

I’m a clinical psychologist (doctor) in Ventura county, California, with over 25 years of experience and a practice designed to feel calm, human, and welcoming. Many of the patients I work with come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, depressed, or stuck. They may be navigating trauma, grief, relationship pain, major life transitions, or the quiet weight of having tried to manage too much for too long. My work is for people who are ready for something deeper than just getting through the day. My approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human, focused on real life, not just symptoms.

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.

What we see as flaws often echo patterns rooted in early experiences that shaped our connections with ourselves and others. Trauma, unknowingly, informs these unconscious ways of being that once helped us navigate emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

With 4+ years of experience treating eating disorders, trauma, and navigating life transitions across outpatient, intensive day programs (IOP/PHP), and residential settings, I bring a trauma-informed approach to help unravel these patterns.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my masters from CSU Northridge. I have worked with kids, teens, and adults, and have been trained in Somatic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other modalities. I have a bachelor's in nutrition and see health and wellbeing through a holistic lens.

Aloha nui loa, and welcome to new possibilities, as you step through the threshold of conscious self-care. Congratulation on taking that first step in reaching out for help. Let's start that process together by creating a treatment plan that will address your needs.

(Hablo Español) I'm a warm, welcoming person who enjoys making others feel comfortable and heard. I approach conversations with an open mind, staying nonjudgmental and genuinely curious about different perspectives. I value kindness, honesty, and creating a space where people can be themselves. Whether we're solving a problem or just chatting, I aim to keep things approachable, positive, and easy to understand.

Respect, understanding, and compassion are balanced with training and experience that will facilitate the most healing process from start to finish. We all face challenges, and have unexpected life events that have the capacity to set us back. However, 25 years of experience working with children and adolescents, couples in crisis, men, and those with addictions has prepared me to be uniquely qualified to help you on a new journey..

I am a PMHNP, dedicated to working collaboratively with all clients with medication or therapy to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Education

• Norwich University, Post Grad PMHNP, Graduated 2024
• Chamberlain University, MSN-FNP, Graduated 2019
• Western Governors University, BSN Graduated 2014
• San Jacinto College RN, Grad 2009
• University of Texas, Information Systems, Graduated 2001

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders (DID)
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Medication Management
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Self-Harming
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Substance Use
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma and PTSD

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Compassion Focused
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused
• Integrative
• Intervention
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered
• Positive Psychology
• Strength-Based
• Trauma Focused

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who helps people heal from the inside out.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that healing happens when we feel seen, safe, and accepted exactly as we are. My style is warm, real, and collaborative. I meet you where you are, and we go from there.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care to individuals across California. With a background in both nursing and psychiatry, I specialize in diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more.