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Therapy

Talk therapy (psychotherapy) for adults, couples and families. In person at our six California offices, or by video from anywhere in the state.

Request an appointmentCall 949.743.1457
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Is this for you?

Armchair by a curtained window
  • You feel anxious, low or stuck, and it is not passing.
  • Something big happened: a loss, a breakup, a diagnosis, a move.
  • You and your partner or family keep having the same fight.
  • You have been carrying stress or trauma on your own.
  • You cannot name what is wrong. You just know something is.

What happens

  1. Call or request an appointment

    Tell our front office what is going on. They check your insurance and match you with a therapist, at one of our offices or by video.

  2. Your first session

    The first visit is mostly about getting to know you: what brings you in, a bit of your history, and what you would like to be different. You set the pace.

  3. A plan you agree on

    You and your therapist set goals together and decide how often to meet. You check in on progress as you go.

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Ways to do therapy

For adultsOne on one therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress and the hard parts of life.
For couples and familiesTherapy together, to talk more honestly, fight less and understand each other again.
In a groupOnline groups for grief and for adults with an autism diagnosis.See the groups

Who you will see

A few of the clinicians who do this work. Our front office matches you with a clinician who fits, who may be someone not shown here.

Dr. Athena Jones, PhDTherapy for adults dealing with depression, anxiety and trauma.Read bio
Dr. Stephanie Van Stralen, PsyDWorks with teens, adults and couples.Read bio
Angela Alvarado, LMFTWorks with teens, young adults, individuals, couples and families.Read bio
Meet the whole team

Questions

What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is talk therapy. You meet with a trained clinician to work through what is weighing on you and to build better ways to cope. You and your therapist decide the goals together.
Who would benefit from psychotherapy?
Anyone who is struggling and wants help. People come for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship problems, stress, big life changes, or because they want to understand themselves better. You do not need a diagnosis to start.
What types of therapy do you use?
It depends on you and your therapist. Our clinicians use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy and solution focused therapy. Your therapist will explain what they suggest and why.
How long is a person typically in therapy?
It varies. Some people come for a few weeks or months to work on one thing. Others stay longer. You and your therapist decide together and revisit it as you go.
Is therapy over telehealth as effective as in person?
For many common concerns, video therapy can help as much as meeting in person. What matters most is the relationship with your therapist and the work you do together. See Telehealth.
Does therapy really work?
Decades of research show therapy helps many people with anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship problems. The fit between you and your therapist matters.
Who provides therapy at Brain Wellness Institute?
Licensed clinical psychologists and marriage and family therapists, along with fellows and doctoral trainees who work under the supervision of licensed psychologists. Read about each one on Our clinicians.
Do you see children and teens?

Related reading

From our Learn libraryWhat to Expect at Your First Therapy SessionFrom our Learn libraryOnline Therapy in California: How Virtual Sessions WorkFrom our Learn libraryThe Difference Between a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Neuropsychologist
See everything in Learn

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You don't need to have it figured out. A few questions, at your pace, then a person from our front office calls you. Rather talk now? Call 949.743.1457.

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We only ask what the front office needs to get you scheduled.

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