Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Van Nuys, CA

Hi, I'm Ellen, a psychotherapist who treats adults and adolescents 19 and up. I combine psychodynamic techniques with spirituality to create a session that offers both common sense and compassion, and also some creative and fun interventions! I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationships, and more. My approach is individualized to respect you and what you need or hope for in therapy. I am a marriage and family therapist with experience in school, clinic, and private practice.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where I walk alongside you rather than ahead of you. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, substance use, chronic pain, and life transitions. My background in clinical psychology, along with board certification in biofeedback and neurofeedback, allows me to integrate both psychological and physiological approaches to healing. Most importantly, I deeply respect the uniqueness of your lived experience and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, attachment wounds, grief, anxiety and relationship concerns. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, and military-connected clients. My path into psychotherapy began through fine art, consciousness studies and contemplative practice, which continue to shape my appreciation for creativity, meaning, and the complexity of each person’s experience. I earned my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted therapies at CIIS, and am pursuing a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

I’m Dr. Cathy Evangelatos, a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. I’m glad you’re here and I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth. You have the option to choose a secular or faith-integrated approach for therapy.

Education:

· I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. I also hold a master’s degree in Theology and offer optional Christian-integrated therapy for clients who wish to explore the intersection of mental health and their spiritual identity.

· With more than a decade of experience (pre and post doctoral), I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through life’s most difficult and meaningful challenges.

Specialized Training-Integrative Faith-Based Approach

With a master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and specialized training in the integration of Christian faith and psychology including my clinical research project on integrating theology and psychology into a faith -based practice. This training equips me to offer thoughtful, well-informed support for clients who wish to explore the intersection of mental health and their faith. This is only provided at your request, and only when it aligns with what you are seeking.

Welcome! Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent many years in the law and advocacy field. My previous training and experience helps me relate well with many different backgrounds with a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse issues and concerns encountered by others. I love working with adults of all ages and couples in their journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, greater connection and fulfillment.

I specialize in EMDR therapy for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety related to chronic stress and difficult life experiences. I work with adults seeking lasting relief from trauma symptoms, including first responders and individuals recovering from overwhelming or life-changing events.

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..

Hi, I’m Abdel! With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. As a bilingual speaker in English and Arabic, I specialize in creating an inclusive environment where patients from all backgrounds feel truly heard and respected. My goal is to empower you through open communication and evidence-based treatment to help you achieve lasting wellness.

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.