Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Westlake Village, CA covered by Cigna

You know those moments of feeling truly authentic with another person, when you are real, not hiding, and seen with eyes of love and non judgement? It can be a rare moment. As a therapist what I love most is the authentic and honest connection with my clients. I have loved connecting with others since childhood. This led me on a path of becoming a high school teacher, a social worker, to opening my own therapy private practice.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Brown University. Since 2008, I’ve maintained a private therapy practice in Los Angeles, working with adults, teens, and parents, and facilitating support groups for families and youth, and leading educational workshops for parents.

My professional training includes certification as an Insight Mindfulness Teacher, completion of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and specialized programs in family and adolescent psychology through organizations such as Spirit Rock, The Gottman Institute, and the Maple Counseling Center. I have also worked as a Special Education teacher in LAUSD.

I continue to learn and evolve through my wonderful clients and the myriad of life experiences they bring into the room.

What we see as flaws often echo patterns rooted in early experiences that shaped our connections with ourselves and others. Trauma, unknowingly, informs these unconscious ways of being that once helped us navigate emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

With 4+ years of experience treating eating disorders, trauma, and navigating life transitions across outpatient, intensive day programs (IOP/PHP), and residential settings, I bring a trauma-informed approach to help unravel these patterns.

Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, and I have experience working in community mental health, school settings and private practice. I am especially passionate about supporting women as they navigate personal, relational, and cultural challenges. My goal is to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.

When I was a kid, I often got in trouble for being too loud with asking questions and calling adults out on things that didn’t seem fair to me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an advocate of some kind. A career in social work, then, made total sense to me when I discovered the field as an undergraduate at San Jose State.

Two more degrees and a license later, I still carry the spirit of that little girl, fighting for the underserved. I have a long history of diagnosing and treating adults with severe and chronic mental illness. I take my work very seriously and it’s important to me to help my clients heal, grow, and thrive.

My clients seek my services as a way to recuperate from lifetimes of overworking themselves into worthiness. I guide them toward unlearning the things that taught them they weren’t enough. I give them the tools they need to create wellness and wholeness in a way that’s unique to who they are.

Through my private practice and my brand, Therapy is a Lifestyle, I want to help you see yourself in new ways - without the lens of your trauma. I specialize in anxiety disorders, EMDR, and other trauma-informed approaches to help you do that.

Let’s take the journey toward your recovery, together. Being here is your first step!

I enjoy doing this work and I hope my clients will also. I believe it makes life more interesting and rewarding.

Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.

Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.

My work centers queer and transgender preteens, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with current or past foster care involvement. My clients may be feeling overwhelmed, questioning their identity, or don't know where to start with therapy. I can support you by helping you notice patterns and build trust in your own process.