Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in California

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong background in emergency nursing, military service, and mental health care. My clinical experience has shaped the way I practice: calm under pressure, direct when needed, and deeply committed to helping people feel steady again. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, life stress, burnout, mood concerns, sleep issues, and medication management needs. Before becoming a psychiatric provider, I served in the U.S. Navy. I later worked as an emergency department nurse, where I learned the importance of listening well, acting decisively, and treating the whole person, and not just a diagnosis. My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in real life. I help patients understand their symptoms, explore treatment options, and build a plan that supports both stability and long-term growth.

I am an LGBTQ 2nd-gen Asian American male therapist providing individual virtual therapy specializing in LGBTQ+ teens and young adults with depression in CA. I also work with parents seeking coaching and BPD.

Hi, I’m Afshin (pronounced of-sheen), a queer therapist dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space where you can show up exactly as you are. I work with teens, young adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and neurodivergent clients who may be navigating anxiety, burnout, identity exploration, self-doubt, or the challenges of living in a world that often expects them to fit into narrow boxes. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and deeply human-centered. Drawing from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic theory, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I help clients better understand themselves, challenge limiting stories, build practical coping skills, and create lives that feel more authentic and sustainable. Whether we're processing difficult emotions, exploring identity, or celebrating small victories, our work together is grounded in curiosity, acceptance, and meaningful growth.

A dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner known for providing compassionate and patient-centered mental health care. I specialize in helping individuals manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and other behavioral health challenges through evidence-based treatment and supportive care. Experienced in psychiatric and mental health practice and I am recognized for professionalism, empathy, and commitment to improving patients’ emotional well-being. My approach focuses on listening carefully to patients, developing individualized treatment plans, and creating a safe and supportive environment for recovery and growth. Colleagues and peers in the mental health field have also acknowledged my dedication to quality psychiatric care and commitment to supporting patients with respect and compassion.

I approach therapy with curiosity, warmth, and cultural humility, knowing that every person carries wisdom about their own life. I believe healing happens when we allow vulnerability to meet understanding, and when your story is held with care and respect.

No one knows how much you struggle inside. Despite appearing to lead a very successful life, you face a lot of stress, anxiety, and sadness that your friends, family and work colleagues would be surprised to learn. You sense that a painful experience from the past is impacting your present, but don't know how. Since you’re the type of person who can typically find yourself out of anything, it's surprising and frustrating that you haven't found a way out yet. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right psychotherapist. I work with high achievers who struggle with perfectionism, stress, anxiety and depression. I help my clients develop a healthy inner voice, learn their boundaries, and achieve a balance between helping others and themselves. I am extensively trained and have treated a myriad of clients who have faced stress, anxiety, treatment-resistant depression and trauma. As a former corporate marketing and business development executive, I understand both the internal and external pressures placed on you to succeed. Like you, I worked in demanding, high-performance environments across investment banking, digital marketing, and technology. I hold business degrees from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School. My empathic approach marries a traditional in-depth psychological approach with modern neuroscience and evidence-based research, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and hold a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Therapy for queer, trans, gender-expansive, disabled, neurodivergent, grieving, and caregiving folks and their loved ones.

My absolute favorite population to work with is youth, as they align with my personal value of primary prevention. By tackling issues early on, individuals can reduce their suffering over the rest of their lifespan. I tend to challenge my clients to look inward and recognize their roles in issues while promoting compassion within themselves. My overall approach is built upon collaboration, challenges, therapeutic exercises, and self-discovery. I work with children, teens, couples, and families to help them navigate their struggles and facilitate healing through the encouragement of embracing individuals' most authentic selves. I consider each individual within the context of their cultural and societal upbringing, as they influence the individual's unique identities. In my practice, you are the expert of your experiences, and I am here to serve as a confidant, teacher, friend, and more to join you on your journey to healing.

Christina Wade is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, burnout, people-pleasing, perfectionism, life transitions, and recovery. Her therapy style is collaborative, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and evidence-based–supporting individuals in reconnecting with their authentic selves.