Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Thousand Oaks, CA

"As a Latino male born in a different country, I believe i understand that people are very unique and from a variety of background and I have an open and honest approach with others."

Fernando Avila is a Licensed Psychologist (PhD) who specializes in treating a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and stress in preteens, adolescents, and adults. He has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. 

Fernando completed his Ph.D at the University of Denver. As a Latino male born in a different country, he personally understands that people are very unique and from a variety of backgrounds. He has an open and honest approach with others. 

Fernando is a supportive and collaborative therapist who seeks to help those in need. He sees each case as unique and hopes to provide coping skills that will help you thrive and meet your goals. Fernando will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing a variety of tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a strength-based approach. 

"My professional experience has allowed me to understand and assist clients as they traverse negative and positive changes in their therapeutic journey."

Sara Lewis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that has over 11 years of experience. She specializes in treating children, teens, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Sara is passionate about assisting others in obtaining optimal mental health while managing challenges of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, career and professional issues, and social concerns.

Sara completed her Master's degree in Social Work at California State University-San Bernardino, with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families. She is a divorced mother and grandmother that has intimately experienced the joys and stressors that accompany a life of varied and diverse emotions. Sara's professional expertise enables her to provide support and a collaborative experience to clients seeking help. Sara's interventions/modalities are eclectic and include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and much more.

Sara will provide empathy and understanding to support you on your therapeutic journey while helping you obtain symptom reduction and better functioning in your daily life. Start your new path—schedule an appointment today.

"I understand the unique challenges that come with being a Latina woman."

Marcela Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the medical and mental health fields. She's passionate about helping individuals find their true, wonderful selves and live more fulfilling lives. She has helped individuals decrease their depression and anxiety symptoms by helping them become more self-aware, allowing them to identify their feelings and emotions. Marcela provides a safe space for her clients to discuss their traumas, grief, relationship issues, and important life transitions. Marcela completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Cal State Long Beach.

Marcela is compassionate, empathetic, and understanding, and she challenges her clients in a loving way to help them gain better control of their emotions. Marcela utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy

All of us experience life in different ways, and at times we feel as though we're facing challenges alone. Marcela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

"During challenging times, you may not feel like yourself. It demonstrates strength and courage to take the first step and reach out for help. I look forward to being able to support you as you navigate this time in your life."

Melissa Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 24 years of experience supporting individuals and their families during challenging times, which often includes dealing with difficult life transitions, work or personal stressors, undeveloped coping skills, new or chronic medical conditions, grief, loss, compassion fatigue, anxiety, newly diagnosed adults with ADHD, and depression.

She believes the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor to be the most valuable component of counseling. Melissa embraces a person-centered, holistic approach to therapy, which includes incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices.

Melissa believes it is a privilege to be able to assist you during this time in your life and to be part of this journey. Reach out to her to start working toward your personal goals, as you team up to address the obstacles standing in your path.

"As a single parent and mother of many, I understand how stressful life can be and have a unique approach to exploring issues."

Kathy Potts is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years in the field of counseling. Kathy has a strong background in working with adolescents who have criminal behavior and with their families for the purpose of reunification. She also has experience working with grief and loss with all ages. Kathy specializes in trauma work, relationship issues, family counseling, grief and loss, and major life transitions. She feels strongly about helping others move forward through life's challenges with hope.

Kathy completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Loma Linda University. Kathy’s personal experience as a wife and mother of six has allowed her a diverse outlook on overcoming stress and family balance. As a widow, she has a unique perspective on the journey of grief and loss and offers support to those on this path. Kathy utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution focused, and a strength-based approach to counseling. 

We all go through challenges in life. Kathy is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever challenges you may be experiencing. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

Elizabeth Payne is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who provides therapy in the state of California. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board for Certified Counselors. She has over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are coping with a range of challenges, including anxiety, life transitions, depression, substance abuse, and trauma. 

Elizabeth earned her Master's degree from New York University in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. She's worked in a variety of mental health settings, including clinics, school settings, and has experience providing individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and facilitating group therapy. 

Elizabeth views every client as a unique individual with unique needs. She meets clients “where they are” and develops a treatment plan tailored to meet their individual goals. She utilizes concepts and techniques from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. Elizabeth works with clients to help them find clarity, develop self-acceptance and inner strength, as they learn healthy coping skills to persevere and live their best life. Whether you are experiencing a specific issue, seeking personal growth, or simply need additional support, you can confide in her.