Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Clarita, CA covered by Cigna

Hi, I’m Amaris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing happens best in a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged.

I work with children, teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional overwhelm, grief, and major life transitions. Whether your child is having big feelings they don’t know how to manage, you’re feeling stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, or your family is walking through the heartbreak of dementia or loss, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My style is supportive, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you understand yourself, build practical tools, and feel more confident handling life’s challenges. I blend evidence-based approaches with compassion, creativity, and sometimes even humor, because growth doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.

Parents appreciate that I help kids build emotional regulation skills in ways that make sense to them, and I make sure caregivers feel supported too. Adults often come to me when anxiety, emotional ups and downs, or grief feel overwhelming. I also have a special place in my heart for working with older adults and families facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, and end-of-life changes.

At the core of my work is this belief:

You are not broken, you’re human, and you’re capable of growth.

If you’re ready for a space where you can show up exactly as you are, we’ll work at your pace, together.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and understanding. I partner with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My work is informed by trauma-informed care and a holistic perspective that honors each client’s lived experience. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their values.

Makenna Briceno is a dedicated therapist committed to supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges. She provides compassionate and evidence-based care to adolescents and adults, helping them build resilience and develop the tools needed to improve their well-being.

My journey into therapy began with a deep curiosity about human resilience and the desire to help others find strength through life’s hardest challenges. During my graduate training, I had the opportunity to work with survivors of trauma. This experience showed me the powerful role therapy can play in recovery and solidified my commitment to supporting others through their healing journeys. I’m continually driven by the fundamental belief that everyone has the potential for positive growth and change. Seeing my clients gain confidence or find peace makes my work incredibly rewarding.

I work with adults who are managing anxiety, life transitions, and those seeking support for self-esteem issues. Whether you’re working through trauma, building coping skills, or exploring your personal goals, I’ll work with you to create a plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable. I best serve those who are ready to unearth the uncomfortable. Those who have felt stuck and just need the tools and a safe space to connect back to themselves. Those who have a desire to intentionally sit with the things that are sticky, so that it can stop ruling their life and they can take the reins. Is this you? This work is hard. If you’re ready to face it in a safe way, I’m the person for you.

Taking the first step toward therapy is an act of courage and self-growth. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, healing from life’s challenges, or navigating complex relationships, I offer a supportive and collaborative space to help you move toward greater balance and well-being. I recognize that today’s world presents unique stressors—financial pressures, rapid social changes, and the emotional weight of current events can all impact mental health. Therapy can be a grounding space to process these experiences and rediscover a sense of hope, purpose, and empowerment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over a decade and have spent the past eight years providing therapy to adolescents and adults. My work focuses on supporting clients through challenges related to self‐esteem, anxiety, family and peer relationships, body image, depression, academic and work stress, grief and loss, and anger management.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals untangle the weight of trauma, stress, and life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re feeling on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to finally exhale.

I'm have practiced Marriage and Family Therapy for 18 years. My approach to therapy is adapted to the individual and their life experience when they enter therapy. Generally speaking, I take a person-centered approach to therapy while drawing upon a range of techniques and theories. I have assisted people with mood disorders and various diagnosis, helped individuals and couples create more fulfilling relationships, and facilitated individuals in finding solutions to their problems.

I typically work with individuals and couples, but have also worked with families, adolescents, and children. I have worked with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD & OCD. I also have extensive experience working with couples and individuals with relationship issues.

I specialize in helping people at all stages of life. I have extensive experience working with clients on their relationships. I have additional clinical training in substance abuse, disordered eating, perinatal mood disorders and parenting issues.