Find a therapist in Upland, CA — covered by insurance

If you are navigating the quiet weight of relationship wounds, identity

questions, or emotional patterns that have followed you for years without

fully understanding why, I specialize in exactly this kind of work. I am a

Latina therapist who provides services in Spanish and English, bringing a

culturally affirming lens to every session. I practice in Santa Clarita with

specialized tools including Brainspotting and IFS for deeper healing.

I believe deeply in the power of connection, healing, and human resilience. I’ve spent over 20 years walking alongside children, adults, and families through some of life’s hardest seasons.

What motivates me the most in this work is how meaningful change and healing can occur when a person feels truly seen, supported, and valued. I’ve witnessed incredible strength in the face of hardship. I’m continually inspired by the courage it takes to show up and do the work. It’s sacred work, and I’m grateful every day to be doing it.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, ADHD, depression, or the weight of past trauma? I work with adults who want to feel more grounded, understood, and confident in navigating their lives. Together, we can make space for what you’ve been carrying, better understand what may be holding you back, and reconnect with your strengths. I offer a warm, affirming, and collaborative space where your story matters and change can happen at a pace that feels right for you.

Reaching out for support is a brave first step, and you don’t have to navigate things alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. As a current school-based mental health clinician, I have experience working with elementary through college-age youth across a variety of emotional, behavioral, academic, and life challenges. My primary focus is supporting adolescents as they navigate emotions, relationships, school stress, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I believe every person’s story matters, and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and work toward growth, healing, and meaningful change.

Seeking support is a brave and meaningful step, and I want to honor the courage it takes to be here. Grounded in trauma-informed care and the healing power of connection, I walk alongside clients with warmth and curiosity as they rediscover safety, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by both personal and professional experiences that deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the importance of meaningful support. I’ve worked with diverse populations in various settings where my focus was on supporting healing through a trauma-informed lens. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work degree from Baylor University, where I completed the clinical track and earned a certificate in trauma-informed care.

I provide therapy for adults, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, mood disorders, and complex relationship dynamics. In addition to individual work, I support parents and co-parents in strengthening communication and collaboration to promote healthier family systems.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale. I strive to create an environment that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment; a place where you feel truly seen and emotionally safe. My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just help you understand why you feel the way you do; I help you build real tools to navigate it.

I earned my degree from Cal State Fullerton and have extensive experience working in addiction treatment, eating disorder recovery, and women’s issues. Supporting women is especially meaningful to me. I am deeply passionate about helping women navigate challenges related to self-worth, body image, relationships, boundaries, life transitions, and identity. I understand how trauma, societal expectations, and relational dynamics can shape how women see themselves, and I approach this work with both compassion and clarity.

Together, we focus on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills in ways that feel realistic and sustainable. I blend insight-oriented exploration with concrete strategies, because meaningful change happens when insight meets action. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, feel more confident managing your emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.

I'm John, a licensed psychologist practicing in Utah and California. I started out in information technology because I loved computers and making sense of data, but over time I found I enjoyed working with people more than working with machines, so I went back to school and earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD). Since then I have worked in counseling centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools, and I have really enjoyed applying the science of psychology to help people understand themselves and navigate the challenges of everyday life. I see teens, young adults, adults, and older adults for concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, relationships, men's mental health, and questions of religion and spirituality.