Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Whittier, CA covered by Aetna

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a unique background in the military as a Pararescueman. With 20 years of experience serving and saving lives, I bring a deep understanding of crisis situations and a passion for helping individuals and families in need. Specializing in psychodynamic, Rogerian, and existential approaches, I provide compassionate support to anyone who has a need. Once you start your journey, I am dedicated to walking beside you every step of the way.

I am Maryana Helu, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, licensed since 2016, with a Master's in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University.

My work centers on adults whose childhood experiences resurface as they go through the journey of parenting. What shows up as depression, anxiety, or stress in your day-to-day life as a parent often has roots that go back further than parenting itself. Adverse childhood experiences have a way of becoming present again when you are raising children of your own, and that is something most people do not expect. Mindfulness is a consistent thread through how I approach this work.

My goal is to help you process what is coming up at the source, not just manage the symptoms. My practice is telehealth-based and serves clients throughout California.

I look forward to seeing if we are a good fit.

While depression & anxiety may be reasonable responses to your life experiences and the state of the world, that doesn't mean you have to suffer alone. You deserve support. I strive to create an environment where you can safely lean into difficult feelings and process your past and present without shame or judgment. We will work collaboratively to unpack the impact of systems, relationships, & intersectional identities (i.e. women of color, immigrant background, cultural stress) on your well-being. Together, we’ll explore healing as an act of empowerment & transformation.

I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

I offer a therapeutic approach that is collaborative, warm, and practical. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to explore your experiences and move toward meaningful change.