geometry-shapes iconAnxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma / PTSD, Addiction, Sexual Abuse
In Person & Online in Huntington Beach, CA
25 years in practice
Ages served: 14-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Terence accepts 19 insurers
Anthem
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Alignment Health Plan
Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial
Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Multi Plan PHCS
Quest Behavioral Health
SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California
Sutter Senior Care
Tricare West
UMR
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 Terence

I am a therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, and co-occurring mental health concerns. I work with adolescents and adults, and my experience spans private practice, addiction treatment, community mental health, and homeless services. I hold a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and am EMDR trained.

My approach is eclectic, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs. Drawing from EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, I help clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, process difficult experiences, and move toward lasting healing and growth.

Healing happens in a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. Whether you're facing a current challenge or carrying the weight of past experiences, you don't have to navigate it alone. When you're ready, I welcome the opportunity to support your journey.


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"As a therapist with lived experience, I bring an eclectic, trauma-informed, and compassionate-centered approach that honors each person's unique story, creating a supportive space for healing, growth, and exploration of identity in all of its forms. "

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Get to know Terence

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

I became a therapist because I have always been drawn to helping others navigate life's challenges and discover their own resilience. Through both my professional and personal understanding of adversity. I have seen the transformative impact the compassionate support and meaningful connection can have on healing and growth. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

What types of clients do you work best with? 

I work best with adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use and recovery, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, and identity exploration. I enjoy supporting individuals who are seeking greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, and I strive to create an inclusive, affirming space where clients feel safe being their authentic selves.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Healing is not a linear process, and meaningful change often happens through small, consistent steps rather than dramatic breakthroughs. Therapy is not about being "fixed" it's about developing a greater selfunderstanding, building resilience, and learning new ways to navigate life's challenges with compassion for yourself along the way.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In our first session, clients can expect a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where we begin to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, relevant history, and what you hope to gain from the process. In the early stages of therapy, we'll work together to identify goals, build trust, and develop a personalized approach that supports your unique needs, strengths, and path toward healing.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider? 

My practice is grounded in the values of compassion, authenticity, inclusivity, and respect for each person's unique lived experience. Having navigated my own life challenges, I understand the importance of feeling seen, supported, and understood. These experiences have strengthened my belief in resilience of the human spirit and inform my commitment to creating a safe, trauma-informed space where clients of all identities can explore, heal, and grown.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailer therapy by meeting each client where they are and collaborating on goals that reflect their unique needs, strengths, and lived experiences. I draw from an eclectic range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, and adjust our work based on what feels most helpful and effective for you. Therapy is flexible and individualized, with the focus always on what supports your healing, growth, and overall well-being.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma / PTSD, Addiction, Sexual Abuse, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Alcohol Use, Agoraphobia, Coping Skills, Codependency, Chronic Illness/Pain, Caregivers, Career Counseling, Family Conflict, Dual Diagnosis, Divorce, Internet Addiction, Infidelity, Impulse Control Disorders, Gender Identity / Transgender, Gambling, Men’s Issues, LGBTQIA+, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Mood Disorders, Substance Use, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Spirituality, Social Anxiety, Sleep / Insomnia, Sexual Addiction, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, School Issues, Relationships, Weight Loss, Video Game Addiction, Teen Violence, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesBehavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Discernment Counseling, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Culturally Sensitive, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Coaching, Family Systems, Family / Marital, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Humanistic / Rogerian, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative, Trauma-Focused, Structural Family Therapy (SFT), Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Sandplay, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Education and training

Years in practice
25 years
Graduating institute
University of the West
Graduating degree
Master of Arts in Psychology Marriage and Family Counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1336476050
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State of practiceCA
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License number163148
Practice location

Practice information

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Terence Lau

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)he/him