Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Riverside, CA covered by Cigna

People come to therapy for different reasons. Sometimes something clearly isn't working. Other times, life may look okay on the surface, but you feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure about what you want next. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and major life changes, as well as those wanting to better understand themselves and the patterns that keep showing up in their lives.

My approach is warm, grounded, and curious. I’m interested in understanding what’s happening beneath the surface, including your thoughts and emotions, the patterns you've developed over time, and how your experiences show up in your body. Therapy can be a place to make sense of those experiences while finding ways to move forward that feel meaningful and true to you.

As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I offer therapy in both English and Spanish. I strive to create a space where you can speak openly, feel understood, and explore your experiences in the context of your relationships, culture, identity, and the life you’ve lived.

Hello, I am excited to meet you and start the wild adventure that therapy can be. I have experience working with people of many ages from shy teenagers, to spicy adults in their 70s. I have worked with individuals, as well as couples and families. The majority of my experience was learned at a trauma recovery center. I gained skills for addressing PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, as well as exploring concepts of self, identifying other forms of trauma such as religious trauma, shame, and recognizing ways for experiencing empowerment. As a bi-sexual therapist who has lived overseas, was raised in a conservative religious house hold, I believe that I have a unique way of sitting with people in the complexities of cultural differences, trauma, faith, spirituality and sexuality.

I bring over 11 years of behavioral health leadership experience, including senior clinical executive roles overseeing adolescent and family treatment programs, alongside my work as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. I’m dually licensed in California and North Carolina, a BBS-Approved Clinical Supervisor, and an adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where I help train the next generation of clinicians.

My clinical approach is grounded in Family Consciousness, a framework I developed through my doctoral research to help individuals and families deepen closeness, heal relational wounds, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and identity. I work with individuals and families navigating life transitions, relationship strain, identity development, and the search for greater self-understanding and connection.

I believe therapy works best as a collaborative, honest, and deeply human process. Whether you’re working through a specific challenge or simply want to feel more like yourself again, I’m here to walk alongside you with clinical expertise and genuine care.

I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel human—not rushed or impersonal.

I provide a non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel understood. My approach integrates thoughtful medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate, always tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnosis can be an important part of understanding your experience, but it’s only one piece of the picture. I look at your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the life experiences that shape what you’re going through.

I offer collaborative, grounded care to help you move toward a more balanced, integrative, and holistic sense of well-being.

I received a Masters from Sofia University and additional certifications in Psychedelic Integration, Somatic Therapy, and as a yoga teacher.

Historically, I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, group homes, and correctional settings.

I have experience working with clients of different ages, identities, races, and diagnosis.

Current focus is on adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and existential concerns.

I have been a therapist for 52 years. Due to a long history with many types of people in many settings, I am able to work with a wide array of people. I am well known for my capacity to listen, my warmth, and my ability to connect. Gentle humor is an important part of my work and personality.

I create a warm environment to work collaboratively on achieving your objectives. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. I specialize in relationships, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, couples work, creativity, career enhancement among other goals. I have an eclectic treatment modality including psychodynamic, self-psychology, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapy and NLP.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!