geometry-shapes iconGrief, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition, Sleep / Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD
Online in California
6 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Heidi accepts 29 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Blue Shield of California | BCBS
Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Health Net | Commercial
JP Farley Corporation
Magellan
Medica
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Poppins Health
Quest Behavioral Health
SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California
Sharp Health Plan
Sutter Senior Care
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
Ventura County Health Care Plan
Western Health Advantage
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Heidi

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My background includes providing support in outpatient settings and community-based programs, where I have guided clients through struggles with relationships, life transitions, and emotional well-being. I take a collaborative, compassionate approach, working alongside clients to help them feel empowered and supported in their journey toward healing.


I earned my Master’s in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I integrate family systems and client-centered approaches to create a safe, balanced space for healing. My goal is to support clients in strengthening relationships, improving communication, and building resilience.


Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I welcome you to reach out. Together, we can work toward the growth and balance you’re looking for.

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Heidi  Mendez's profile image

"I have successfully worked with individuals and groups by drawing on my bilingual and bicultural background."

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Get to know Heidi

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I’ve always been drawn to helping others and creating safe spaces for people to explore their feelings. Becoming a counselor felt like a natural way to combine that passion with practical skills to support mental health and resilience

What types of clients do you work with best?


While I have experience working with a range of clients, I particularly connect with those who value a reflective, patient approach. I’m open to working with diverse backgrounds and always tailor my approach to each person’s unique needs.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I’m most excited to work with clients who are open to giving themselves a chance to learn, listen, and really work through their mental health journey. It’s really rewarding to support people who want to explore their experiences and grow.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

I wish clients knew that asking for help is one of the bravest things they can do. It’s a strong first step toward healing and growth.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?


Thriveworks stood out to me because of its dedication to ongoing professional development and collaborative environment. I wanted to be part of a team that values both client care and clinician growth.


What inspires you?

I’m inspired by people’s ability to grow through pain. Watching clients find strength in the middle of difficulty reminds me how resilient we are as humans, and it motivates me to keep showing up with compassion and hope.

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

In our first session, my goal is to help you feel safe and supported. We’ll spend time getting to know each other, talking about what brought you in, and exploring what you’d like to get out of therapy. There’s no pressure to share everything right away — we’ll go at whatever pace feels comfortable for you.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

What I really want to do in the first session is help the person feel at ease. I know it can be hard to open up to someone new, so I focus on building trust and just getting to know them. There's no pressure to figure everything out in one session — we go at whatever pace feels right.

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?

I bring empathy, presence, and a sense of calm into my sessions. I understand that reaching out can be hard, so I prioritize building a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. The first session is mostly about understanding what you’re looking for and how I can best support you.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

For fun, I enjoy spending time with animals, going for walks, and reading fiction.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?


I’ve always been deeply empathetic, often feeling the weight of others’ emotions. Over time, I’ve come to really value solitude and have learned to find a sense of calm and clarity in stillness.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition, Sleep / Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Infidelity, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem
ApproachesSomatic, Psychoanalytic, Structural Family Therapy (SFT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Education and training

Years in practice
6 years
Graduating institute
University of Phoenix
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
SpanishEnglish
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NPI number1407380561
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State of practiceCA
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Heidi is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Heidi Mendez's profile image

Heidi Mendez

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)she/her