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

"As someone who has experienced trauma and loss over the span of my life, I have an innate ability to connect with my clients and understand how painful these events can be. I offer a safe and supportive space to help you make important and meaningful changes."

I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience in the mental health field. In my practice, I integrate professional expertise and lived experience to build authentic connections with clients. I take a client-centered and strength-based approach, creating individualized treatment plans that are practical and effective. I provide structured interventions, clear explanations of psychological concepts, and coping strategies such as reframing negative thoughts. My goal is always to empower clients with tools they can use immediately and independently.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Massachusetts, where I gained a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. My training allows me to draw from therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to provide effective, compassionate care.

Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, but I want clients to feel reassured that they will never face their journey alone. It takes tremendous courage to reach out, and I honor that trust by offering a safe, supportive space where clients are seen, heard, and understood. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside each client as they work toward healing.

"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!

"As a Latino male born in a different country, I believe I understand that people are very unique and from a variety of backgrounds 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 adolescents and adults. He has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. 

Fernando completed his PhD 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 individual as unique and hopes to provide the necessary 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. 

"As a seasoned mental health professional with many years of direct client care experience, I can effectively engage with adults, couples, and families to address, navigate, and find solutions to coping with life stressors."

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 42 years of experience in clinical practice. I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families to help them navigate emotional and relational challenges. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences, gaining insight, and developing new coping strategies. My goal is to help each client strengthen self-awareness, achieve balance, and foster emotional well-being.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. My therapeutic approach is solution-focused and grounded in family systems theory. I integrate empathy, education, and constructive feedback to help clients identify areas for growth, improve communication, and manage mental health challenges effectively.

Finding the right therapist is a personal and meaningful process. Taking the step to seek support reflects courage, self-awareness, and a desire for growth. I encourage you to reach out and begin your journey toward healing and emotional balance. Together, we can build a trusting partnership that supports your goals and well-being.

"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.

"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.