Out-of-Pocket Therapists in California

I specialize in working with couples who are committed to their partners, but due to high levels of conflict and patterns of distress, are having difficulty feeling close and connected. I also specialize in working with individuals who keep feeling baffled that they continue to feel insecure, anxious, depressed, or unhappy despite their logical understanding that they are OK. I use two primary models that are proven to be effective for trauma and distress: EFT and TIST. They are both experiential, integrative, and rooted in attachment theory. I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and find it to be highly effective in helping people make sense of their negative patterns, share more connectively and vulnerably, and find new positive patterns together. I am also certified as a level 3 TIST practitioner, which is a model that helps people with past traumatic experiences work gently with themselves in safe, gradual, and stabilizing ways.

Dear future clients, I'm a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to Neurodivergent individuals (both Autism and ADHD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I create a warm and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their mental health journey. I also offer neurodivergent assessments and group counseling. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, LPCC- S 11336, at Freestyle Supervision and EMDR Group LLC. My approach is rooted in empathy and openness, tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I'm committed to helping individuals uncover their inner strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. If you're struggling with managing Autism or ADHD symptoms, anxiety and depression, or navigating significant life changes, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a brighter tomorrow, where you feel empowered to overcome obstacles and live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take a step towards positive change.

Life feels like shit. You wake up each morning feeling stuck and unsure. There is no clear path to feeling better. Past experiences keep showing up when you least expect them, and your emotions get the better of you. It's lonely dealing with these feelings on your own, but you don't know where to turn. Hiding behind your mask is no longer possible. You've thought about asking for help but keep putting it off. Asking for help is on your mind and you are ready to take those first steps. The thought of confronting your past is scary, but you know that these old patterns are no longer serving you, and it's time for a change.

I help reactive, anxious, and chronically overwhelmed people learn how to go deep into the roots of these unhelpful patterns so they can discover a new way to show up in their life and relationships.

I’m Megan — I work with women and mothers who are juggling a million things, feeling stuck, or just trying to survive life’s transitions — from reproductive and perinatal challenges to the reckoning of midlife. I blend EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, attachment-based therapy, and somatic techniques to help you untangle old patterns, calm your nervous system, and feel stronger.

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.

I am Dr. Meghan Hammel, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD) dedicated to supporting women through life’s most pivotal transitions. With over 14 years of professional experience—including my tenure at the UC San Diego Health System—I specialize in providing high-quality, evidence-based therapy for clients in Arizona, California, and across more than 40 PSYPACT-participating states. My Specialized Approach to Therapy My clinical practice is centered on helping highly empathic young professionals and mothers navigate the pressures of modern life. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindful Self-Compassion to help you move from a state of constant reaction to one of intentional response. Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health: I offer expert support for women navigating pregnancy, postpartum depression, and the complex "fourth trimester" transition. Anxiety & Burnout: I help clients manage the cycle of worry and rumination, particularly those in high-stress medical and professional fields. Parenting & Attachment: As a provider experienced in the Circle of Security® Parenting™ program, I help parents build stronger emotional connections and manage the stress of early parenthood. Life Transitions: Whether you are dealing with career changes, relocation, or relationship shifts, I provide a structured, validating space to process these changes and align your actions with your core values. A Supportive Partnership I believe that therapy should be an interactive and collaborative journey. My goal is to create a non-judgmental environment where we can explore your emotions and identify actionable strategies to improve your daily life. By focusing on self-compassion and mindfulness, we work together to "fill your emotional cup" so you can live a life that feels authentic and balanced. Are you ready to share the additional resources or specific details you have so I can better tailor my responses to our conversation?

Hi my name is Nekea (nuh-key-yah). As a woman of color, I understand how the different parts of “who we are”, our experiences, identities, and relationships, shape the way we see and move through the world. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real, where you can show up fully without judgment.

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 Shala, a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner supporting adolescents, teens, and adults in overcoming anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I use psychotherapy, medication management, and LENS Neurofeedback in my practice. I am also a member of the Benzodiazepine Information and Coalition (BIC). For those who need to taper off meds, I use a holistic method which includes psychotherapy, nutrition, and sleep hygiene in addition to gentle tapering from Benzos and other psychotropics based on well-known methods like the Ashton Manual and Maudsley's deprescribing guidelines. I believe in a holistic approach, prioritizing medical ketosis, fasting, and considering medication if needed, always with your informed consent. Our sessions will uncover the root causes of your struggles so we can tailor effective solutions together. You'll find in me an empathetic listener, a knowledgeable guide, and a constant advocate for your healing. I understand the complexities of anxiety and depression. As your mental health guide, I am here to listen, support, and empower you. We'll uncover the hidden causes and build your inner strength, one step at a time. You're not alone in this, and together, we'll rediscover the healing power within you. Contact me today and find the support you deserve!