Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Sherman Oaks, CA

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I aim to create a supportive and engaging space where you feel safe to be emotionally open, while also bringing a sense of ease.

At the core of my style is curiosity. I’m drawn to the “why” - why we feel, think, and respond to life the way we do. I take a holistic and at times existential approach, exploring not just immediate challenges, but the deeper patterns, life transitions, and questions of meaning that shape your experience.

I draw from a wide range of personal and professional experiences, including working directly with and overseeing a large and diverse group of clients. This allows me to adapt different techniques and perspectives to support growth, insight, and lasting change. Throughout the process, I remain thoughtful, engaged, and focused on what will be most helpful for you.

I’m Dr. Mariam Esfahani, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in couples therapy, guiding partners toward healthier communication, connection, and conflict resolution.

I believe that healing begins with a genuine connection. As a therapist, I'm committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. I have experience working in mental health settings, academia, faith-based ministries, and non-profit organizations, all interwoven with a break for 15+ years of full time parenting. My experience includes working with anxiety, life transitions, cancer, ADHD, and issues related to the BIPOC community.

I attended Michigan State University for undergraduate studies before earning my Bachelor of Science degree from KMC International Center, Manipal University. I obtained an MD from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. Following medical school, I completed a residency in Psychiatry at Detroit Wayne County Authority Health, where my training focused on serving medically underserved communities. During residency, I also earned a certificate in Population Health and Health Equity from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I served as chief resident in my third year of training. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals optimize their overall mental health. I have a BA in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton, a MS in counseling from Cal State Los Angeles and have been practicing for nearly a decade. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth.

I enjoy working with adults from diverse backgrounds who seek to improve the quality of their lives. Is there a place you find yourself stuck? Do you have some insight into what may be happening, but want to seek professional support to grow and thrive? Whether you are familiar with counseling or not, each person's therapeutic journey is unique. Some people come with a specific goal in mind and others prefer a longer supportive therapy, traversing the many layers and aspects of their life.

I am a psychologist who works well with adults facing life transitions such as parenting, changes in relationships, career shifts, crises of faith, or loss of a loved one. My doctoral research on self-sabotaging dynamics has informed my clinical approach to addressing patterns of "stuckness."