Nicole "Nic" Love
MSW, LCSW 79459

My name is Nicole Love (call me Nic), and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My goal is to assist/help you work through past and present issues whether it is mental health issues, substance abuse, day to day stressors, etc. While we work together, I would like to help/assist you in building healthy coping skills to make these things more manageable in your everyday life. I believe that people do possess the knowledge to heal to problem solve and to heal themselves. Sometimes that knowledge can be buried deep inside an individual and sometimes people need help to bring that knowledge to the surface, acknowledge it and work it out. 

I approach each person individually because each person has specific/unique needs and preferences. The technique that I use the most is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This therapeutic paradigm aids in identifying unhealthy behavior patterns and thoughts that lead to unwanted behaviors and work towards changing those behavior patterns and thoughts leading to healthier behaviors and thought patterns. I also like to incorporate people’s hobbies, interests, etc. because I believe that these things can be useful as coping skills to help with various issues. I myself enjoy playing music (piano and drums), drawing/painting, playing video games and watching horror movies, among other things. 

After I graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with my Master’s degree in Social Work, I went into the field of Substance abuse with co-occurring disorders. Being in that field has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals who have experienced a wide range of issues. I have worked with adults living with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, serious medical conditions, and those with varying degrees of past and present trauma. In my practice, I believe that the client and I are in a working partnership to find ways that will best help them with whatever it is that they are going through. I look forward to working with you! 

Treatment approaches Modality 

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -Adults including young and older adults 
-Solution Focus -LGBT 
-Motivational Interviewing -Individual 
-Exposure Therapy -Ages 18 and up 
-Culturally Sensitive 

 

Specialties 
-Substance abuse/addiction 
-Depression 
-Anxiety 
-Bipolar Disorder 
-PTSD 
-Stress 
-Life Transitions 
-LGBT issues

 

 

 

Christopher McKeown
MA, LMFT 121348

I received my MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy from Antioch University Los Angeles, and received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with emphasis on Death and dying and LGBTQ+ inequalities. 

I work with children and adolescents struggling with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ identity, behavioral issues, and traumatic events/major medical diagnosis Cancer/HIV. I work with children and individuals in a relaxing personable manner providing a safe space to be heard and to learn more about oneself. I work from an affirmative lens to witness an individual’s past and current events, while educating with mindful coping strategies to help reach desired goals. 

I have years of experience as a therapist in an intensive FSP (Full-Service partnership) program that was in contract with LA County Department of Mental Health, working with children/teens/parents and adults that needed intensive mental health services provided in home and office settings. 

Specialties: 
Grief and loss 
LGBTQ+ 
Depression 
Anxiety 
Oppositional Defiant Behaviors 
Family Conflict 
Self Esteem 
HIV/AIDS 
Substance use issues 
Schizophrenia 
Autism 

Modalities: 
Individuals 
Children 5 years and up 
Adults 18-99 years

Treatment Approaches:  

Play Therapy  

Psychodynamic Therapy  

Narrative Therapy  

Person Centered  

Solution Focused  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy  

Family Systems

 

Hazel Cornejo
LMFT

Clinical Profile:

I work with individuals that have encountered life-altering experiences that present challenges with their daily routines, relationships, and lifestyles. I treat adolescents that struggle with peer pressure, academics, stability, building relationships, family dynamics, teen parenting, and life transitions.

I have experience working with adults that struggle with variety of life stressors including changes in family (role) dynamics, maternal (perinatal/postpartum), separations, loss, relationship issues, domestic violence, cultural role and expectations, and ending family cycles. In my work with treating individuals that have experienced some sort of trauma, whether it happened as a child, adolescent, or as an adult, I find that by reminding them of their strength and exploring how to regain a sense of control, it strengthens our therapeutic alliance and proceed with a healthy approach when working towards their personal goals.

I often use an integrative approach to build trust and provide a safe non-judgmental space that invites them to share their thoughts and feelings, as well as to feel heard, validated, and challenged (in a positive approach) to promote growth, healing, and resiliency. I utilize techniques/interventions from different modalities such as CBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, art and play, person- centered, strengths based/ solution focused.

Taking the initiative of seeking therapeutic services to navigate a presenting (or past) issue is a big step. I hope that by working together, we can explore what areas in your life need a bit more of attention, support, and motivation to help you develop and strengthen the type of life that you strive to achieve. I look forward to working with you!

Modality:

  • Children (5+)
  • Adolescents
  • Individual 
  • Group
  • Family

Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Mindfulness
  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Person Centered
  • Integrative Therapy 
  • Solution-Focused/Strengths Based approach
  • Maternal MH 
  • EMDR
  • Trauma Informed/Culturally Sensitive

Specializations:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma Related Disorders
  • Oppositional Defiant Behaviors 
  • Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence
  • Relationship Issues
  • Family Conflict
  • Teen Parenting
  • Life Transitions
  • Parenting Issues
  • Personal Growth 
  • Self-Esteem
  • Foster Youth

Paradise Saghafi

Paradise is an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for fostering positive change and promoting mental wellness. They believe in the power of empathy, understanding, and the therapeutic relationship in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their unique journeys.

As a proud LGBTQ+ ally and a therapist with a multicultural background, they strive to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all their clients. Paradise brings a feminist lens to therapy, acknowledging the impact of gender, power imbalances, and social justice issues on mental health.

Dr. Estrella Ramirez-Robles
LMFT

Clinical Profile:

Hello, my name is Estrella Ramirez-Robles. I was born in Los Angeles, CA to Mexican parents who migrated to the US for the pursuit of the “American Dream”. Growing up in a low-income community, with a mother who was ill, and a community filled with gang violence, there was always that wish of having someone to make things better, someone to simply understand me. Realizing that this was not something that was going to happen to me, I decided to be that person for others. I attended Mount St. Mary’s University and obtained my BA in psychology and began my work in the field of mental health. Seeing the need for more Latino and Spanish-speaking therapists, I decided to pursue my master’s in clinical psychology to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. In 2012, I graduated with my master’s from Mount St. Mary’s University and have been practicing therapy since. Throughout my professional journey, I have worked with children, teens, and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, self-identity struggles, topics within the LGBTQI+ community, and who are overcoming any levels of trauma experienced in the past. Seeing the need for representation of Latino therapists and Latino professionals in low-income communities, I pursued a career in teaching in higher education, and in 2016, I was allowed to teach at Mount St. Mary’s University. Currently, I work at a non-profit full-time for a program called Intensive Field Clinical Capable Services (IFCCS), I continue being a professor at Mount St. Mary’s University, teaching both in the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs, and I recently graduated with my doctorate in educational leadership and management from Alliant International University. Ultimately, I want to pursue teaching in higher education while maintaining my practice and continuing to support communities in need and those that hit close to home. I am the type of therapist who will be compassionate, understanding, empathetic and have an unconditional positive view of my client, but I will also be honest with you about what you are going through and the things that need to be changed. I will do the work with you, not for you, and I will do my best to ensure that your experience with therapy is one of emotional and mental growth. Throughout my professional journey, I have worked with children, teens, and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, identity struggles and who are overcoming any levels of trauma experienced in the past. My current focus has been working with young adults (those transitioning to adulthood) as well as middle to older aged adults, learning how to deal with or manage the difficulties experienced throughout life. No matter your race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational background, or SES, my goal is to help everyone feel welcomed and safe. When communicating with clients, I try to do so openly and honestly. With my years in the field, I have worked with an array of clients with various backgrounds and stories that, whatever is shared with me, does not come as a surprise. I want to promote an environment of safety in sharing whatever it is you want to share, however it is you want to share it. I want to assure you that I will listen and hear what clients have to say, however, I will also help and teach clients to listen and hear not only others but themselves as well.

Modality:

  • Individuals 
  • Couples

Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Existential
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person Centered
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma-Focused

Specializations:

  • Anger management
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict 
  • Gender Identity
  • Grief
  • Infidelity
  • Job Stress
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Life Coaching
  • Life Transitions
  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal
  • Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem 
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Sports Performance
  • Stress
  • Transgender Issues
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Weight Loss
  • Women’s Issues

Star Pena

My name is Star Peña, ACSW 109761. Through my life journey, I have earned a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, a double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and an Associate of Arts with a focus on Child Development from Los Angeles Harbor Community College.

From a young age, I was interested in finding ways to help and support others. During my teen years, I began volunteering with a nonprofit in my community, which continues to date. I was drawn towards working in environments that promoted connection, growth, and support such as, afterschool programs, tutoring, career services counselor, and an administrator in a behavioral health clinic. In that role, I was able to connect individuals to mental health services and resources; it inspired me to continue my education and become a therapist.

As a therapist, I value a client centered approach and meeting people where they are. This approach allows me to provide services in my clients’ preference, including in-person, telehealth, and phone appointments. I pride myself in being able to connect and work with diverse and vast populations, including youth, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors. I work with individuals, couples, and families that have or experience a variety of conditions and challenges which include ADHD, anger, anxiety, autism, behavioral challenges, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, chronic medical conditions/illnesses, depression, eating disorders, grief/loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, relational challenges, and schizophrenia.

Understanding individuals are unique, I work collaboratively with clients to identify therapeutic goals and effective evidence-based practices, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, motivational interviewing, and/or solution focused/problem-solving treatment, to provide the most optimal result for clients to heal and reach graduation.

Cindy Maldonado
ACSW

Clinical Profile:

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, I enjoy working with children, adolescents, transitional age youth, adults, and older adults struggling with life stressors, life transitions, traumas, relationship challenges or other needs. My approach to treatment is using a collaborative style that helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and practical strategies. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, build resilience, and work towards meaningful change. My specialty is supporting individuals and families experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, changes, family conflict, and parenting issues. I provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed psychotherapy using a variety of modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re seeking support during a difficult time or pursuing personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Modality:

  • Adults
  • Older Adults
  • Transitional Age Youth
  • Adolescents
  • Children (including 0-5 population)
  • Children and Parents 
  • Individuals – Family

Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Play Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Strength-Based
  • Culturally Sensitive

Specializations:

  • Life Transitions
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger Management 
  • Family Conflict
  • Parenting Issues
  • School Issues
  • Trauma
  • Personal Growth
  • Self-Esteem
  • Relationship Issues
  • Prenatal
  • Postpartum
  • Maternal Mental Health

Cecilia "Cecy" Lara
ACSW

Clinical Profile:

Hello, I am Cecilia Lara, also referred to as Cecy, a registered associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW125798). I earned my master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota and obtained my bachelor’s in sociology in Northern California at Cal State East Bay. I am passionate about creating safe therapeutic relationships and breaking cycles while providing healing and growth throughout the journey. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, so my approach is tailored to unique needs and goals. I ensure that clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I understand that healing is not a linear process, and taking the initial step requires effort and commitment, but you’re here, ready to begin that process, and I can help you navigate life’s adversities. I specialize in treating children, teens, and adults struggling with depression, grief and loss, behavioral issues, and traumatic life events. When working with individuals, I utilize active listening and explore strategies that allow me to view their experiences through their lenses. In my work, treating adolescents, meeting them where they are, and creating a trusting, nonjudgmental space are central to working with teens while fostering resiliency, growth, and improved functioning. I also treat adults in individual psychotherapy struggling with a variety of life stressors and difficulties. I identify current behaviors and patterns contributing to distress while exploring how past experiences create significant influences. Utilizing practical treatment approaches, I strive to provide clients with the tools that life requires to manage the ebbs and flows of life.

Modality:

  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Individual

Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + TF CBT
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Strengths Based Therapy
  • Person Centered Therapy
  • Solution focused Therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Psychoeducation

Specializations:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Immigration issues
  • Cultural issues
  • Life transitions
  • Intergenerational Trauma
  • Relationship/Attachment issues LGBTQIA +
  • Community Oppositional
  • Defiant Behaviors
  • Personal Growth
  • Self-Esteem
  • Body Image
  • Grief/loss

Jasmine Duncan

My name is Jasmine Duncan and I am a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #120202. I received my Masters in Social Work from Walden University, and my Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from California State University of Los Angeles. I have experience working in both the mental health and behavioral health field specializing with children and adolescents. Of my experience working in the Special Education, Non-Profit, and Residential Outpatient settings, I strive to create a nonjudgmental, safe, authentic, and restorative environment for my clients. By navigating the mental health challenges and finding resilience through the healing process, I believe that you are the expert when it comes to your lived experiences. I recognize that every individual is unique and important where there is no one size fits all approach to healing. My goal focus lies in fostering mental well being and equipping individuals with valuable coping skills and emphasizing healing as a transformative and empowering journey. With vulnerability being the core of emotions and feelings, you have the power to change your life, one step at a time.

 

 

  • Children ages 5-12 
  • Adolescents 13-17 
  • Individuals 18+ 
  • Couples
  • Family 
  • Groups

 

CBT, Trauma Informed, Client Centered, Culturally Sensitive Approach, Play/Art Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Grief/Bereavement

 

anxiety, depression, survivors of trauma, child-parent psychotherapy, art therapy,

Arlene Linares

Arlene Linares, MA, AMFT147130. I provide therapy for children and adolescents facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, academic issues, self-esteem, stress, and behavioral issues. In my work with children and adolescents, I aim to immerse myself in their reality and comprehend their lived realities from their viewpoint. In my sessions, I utilize play therapy as a means for children to communicate and work through their challenges using play as their expressive tools. I also focus on collateral with caregivers to enhance parental insight into the client’s progress and promote emotional development and growth. I do check-ins with caregivers as well. When working with adolescents, I build rapport and a trusting therapeutic relationship where there is an environment they will feel safe and not judged. I aim to support children and adolescents who feel paralyzed by fear from their past experiences or current struggles. My goal is to create a safe space where they can open up without fear of judgment. I’ve learned how important it is to offer unwavering support and reassurance. It’s okay to take your time sharing your story as long as you feel comfortable and trust that I’m here to help in any way I can. Together, we can navigate through the challenges and find the support needed to move forward from the darkness.
  • – Children (including 3-7 population) – Adolescents – Families
 
– Play Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Person-centered Therapy

Specialties: 

  • – Child and Adolescent Therapy – Family Therapy – Mindfulness – Anxiety – Depression – Academic Issues – Self-esteem – Stress

Amanda Sanchez

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally competent mental health care that supports each client’s unique journey. I understand that cultural, social, and individual backgrounds deeply influence a person’s mental health, so I tailor treatment to meet each client’s needs, ensuring they feel understood and respected. With experience in various therapeutic settings, I believe that addressing mental health is essential for enhancing overall quality of life. I help clients navigate challenges such as stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression while fostering emotional resilience. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space, which I believe is key to reducing the risk of severe outcomes like self-harm or suicide and empowering clients to lead more productive, fulfilling lives. In addition to individual growth, I am passionate about supporting healthy relationships and addressing the social and economic burdens that often accompany untreated mental health issues. Therapy, to me, is a collaborative process where we work together to explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and foster personal growth. As an advocate for breaking the stigma around mental illness, I incorporate cultural competence into every session, empowering clients from all backgrounds to seek the care they deserve, and contributing to a more inclusive and supportive community.

Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, Adults, Individuals, Groups
 
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Humanistic Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy

ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophernia

Daphne Allison
AMFT

Clinical Profile:

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 159659), trained at Seattle Pacific University, and I work with children, adolescents, families, and individuals. I understand how overwhelming different seasons of life can feel, and I’m honored to walk alongside others as they find their way through challenges, transitions, and uncertainty. My goal is to offer a space where clients can explore how they understand themselves and their experiences in the context of their lives. In our work together, we will use treatment approaches as flexible tools in a collaborative process. I am mindful of creating a space that feels safe and respectful for young people, while also supporting caregivers in understanding and responding to their child’s needs. I bring warmth, authenticity, and curiosity to each session, and I attend to the emotional, physical, relational, and generational influences that shape our sense of self and others. I aim to work in ways that feel both grounding and alive, supporting clients in building resilience, fostering hope, and discovering new possibilities.

Modality:

  • Children (Individual and Dyadic with caregivers)
  • Adolescents
  • Individual
  • Adults
  • Group
  • Family

Treatment Approaches:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Culturally Attuned Therapy
  • Play Therapy Art Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Specializations:

  • Anxiety, worry, and stress
  • Low mood and depression
  • Navigating the impact of domestic or relational violence
  • Grief, loss, and life transitions
  • Personal growth and self-exploration
  • Relationship challenges and communication
  • Trauma and stress-related experiences, including childhood and adult trauma, with attention to understanding and integrating their impact on self and relationships

Emma McCullough

Hello! My name is Emma McCullough and I am a registered associate marriage and family therapist. A little bit about myself; I graduated with a Masters in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Global in June of 2023. In my practicum, I gained experience working with children and adolescents with academic difficulties, behavioral and emotional issues, and grief. Specifically, I use play therapy, behavior management techniques, emotional regulation strategies, age-appropriate psychoeducation, and encourage caregiver collaboration. Further, I have had the privilege of working with adults navigating relational and emotional challenges. Together, we will work to identify individual needs, your strengths, and develop positive coping skills. We may also explore and address past issues that create barriers in how you see your present self. I believe the therapeutic relationship is sacred and a strong connection between client and therapist is paramount to success. Therefore, I strive to create an accepting, warm, and culturally sensitive environment where all of you is welcome. Whatever has brought you here, you are more than enough and I look forward to meeting with you!
  • Modality: Children (3+) Adolescents (12+) Dyadic (Parent-Child) Individuals Couples Families
 
Treatment Approaches Play Therapy Narrative Therapy Narrative Exposure Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Emotion-Focused Couple’s Therapy Structural Family Therapy

Specialties: 

  • Specialties Academic difficulties Depression Anxiety Bereavement Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Life Transitions Relational Issues Self-Esteem

Alexis Viciedo
APCC

Clinical Profile:

I work with adolescents, teens, and adults navigating a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported in exploring their experiences and building new skills. In therapy, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and culturally sensitive approaches. I believe that tailoring treatment to each client’s unique strengths, values, and background is essential for growth and healing. As a first-generation American myself, I am especially passionate about supporting clients navigating identity, cultural, and family dynamics. Whether you’re working through stress, building self-esteem, or seeking personal growth, I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

Modality:

  • Adolescents
  • Teens
  • Individuals
  • Adults

Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution-focused therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Culturally Sensitive 

Specializations:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
  • First-Generation Experiences
  • Life Transitions
  • Personal Growth
  • Self-Esteem
  • Relationship Issues