About US...ADMIN TEAM
MARISSA GARCÍA SORIA,MSW,LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER CALIFORNIA LCSW #74256
AUTHOR OF: PARENTING TEEN BOYS
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
- EMDR CERTIFIED
- CERTIFIED GRIEF INFORMED
I am an LCSW with 20+ years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults and Spanish speaking clients. I am EMDR certified and facilitate healing work for clients who are navigating through many types of trauma.
I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Master's in Social Work. My clinical work includes working with children and families with the LA County Department of Mental Health and a number of community agencies. I provided therapy in both individual and family settings working on issues including: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, loss/grief, life transitions and relationship problems.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and transitional age youth. My goal is to provide a safe space in which they are able to express their feelings and thoughts in order to overcome barriers that are impacting them negatively in home, school or work settings.
As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, caring, and thoughtful space to be able to talk about, process, and challenge life's struggles, whatever they are. While providing support, empathy, and resources, I work with each individual to promote change and a better quality of life. During our work together we will address generational, cultural and childhood cycles that have created an impact on daily living
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- TRAUMA
- TEENS (14+)
- ADHD
- WOMEN'S ISSUES
- FIRST RESPONDERS
(including therapists, military, LEO's & medical providers) - TERMINAL ILLNESS
- GENERATIONAL/ LATINX CULTURAL/ FAMILIAL CYCLES
- COUPLES AND MEDIATION
- FAMILY THERAPY
- GRIEF & LOSS
CHRISTINE B. JUAREZ, MA,LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
CALIFORNIA LMFT #135538
- ONLINE ONLY
- EMDR TRAINED
- GOTTMAN LEVEL 2 TRAINED
I am passionate about providing a safe environment for my clients. I believe that every individual who comes to see me should have the opportunity to tell their story, feel heard and be given a supportive space to do the hard internal work. I understand that diving into old or new hurts can be challenging, but I want to help you find healing and begin your journey to a life that you desire. I enjoy working with adolescents (15+), adults, college students, couples, and families. I work with individuals who are battling with depression, anxiety, relational conflict, self-esteem issues, trauma, identity formation, and spiritual formation.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- TRAUMA
- DEPRESSION
- ANXIETY
- COUPLES
- MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS & STUDENTS
- SPIRITUAL/ RELIGIOUS TRAUMA
JULYSSA GUEVARA, MSW, LCSW, LISW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
..CALIFORNIA LCSW #100634
..IOWA LISW #117772
..WASHINGTON LICSW #61453751
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
- THERAPEUTIC ARTS
I am a bilingual LCSW who has experience working with children, teenagers and adults. I have worked in schools, shelters, foster care homes, juvenile justice facilities, and community clinics with folks experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. These experiences have afforded me with the opportunity to work with the Latinx and Black/African American community who have been impacted by abuse, immigration, racial profiling, incarceration, family separation, and low socio-economic backgrounds. I have provided individual and group therapy using different art therapy techniques.
The healing journey is unique and personal, and I am so privileged to hear your story! Your voice and story matters. My goal is to provide you with safe space to foster healing and resiliency through the use of talk therapy, creative expression, and/or spirituality.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- TRANSITIONAL AGE YOUTH (AGES 16-24)
- COLLEGE STUDENTS
- GROUP THERAPY
- ANXIETY
- DEPRESSION
MEDICATION SUPPORT
MIGUEL ORTEGA, BFA, MSN PMHNP-BC
Miguel is our Bilingual Medication Support provider.
He is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides psychiatric evaluations in order to determine medication support needs.
Hello, I’m Miguel, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I see individuals that are 16 years of age and older, who wish to improve their mental health. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
I was born in Los Angeles and raised in a mixed-generational Mexican-American home. I am fluent in Spanish, enjoy creative problem-solving, and love to see (and make) art because it allows people to express themselves through different mediums to say what cannot always be said. For the better part of my mental health career, I have worked with adolescents and adults who have difficulties with their mental health, both chronic and situationally. Seeing and experiencing how the mental health system can treat a person as “just another patient” inspired me to be more than just a person who prescribes medication to treat symptoms. So, if you are looking for someone who actively listens, engages in meaningful dialogue, and can also potentially prescribe medication to help you on your journey of healing and improving your quality of life
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Disorders
- Trauma
- PTSD
- Sleep Disorders/ Insomnia
ABOUT US...CLINICAL STAFF
LISA SERRANO, MA.Ed, LPCC
LISA SERRANO, MA.Ed, LPCC
LISA SERRANO, MA.Ed, LPCC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
CLINICAL COUNSELOR
CALIFORNIA LPCC #12679
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
Hi ! My name is Lisa, an LPCC with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, young adults, adults and Spanish speaking clients. I am trained in MAP, Seeking Safety and Grief Counseling. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Master’s in Educational and Clinical Counseling. My clinical experience includes working with children and families in both school settings and community agencies.
I have extensive experience working with children, teens, adults and families experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, grief, trauma, anger management, behavioral issues, life transitions and crisis intervention. My experiences have also allowed me the opportunity to work with a diverse population, including those with low socio-economic backgrounds, foster children, foster parents, and Latino cultures. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, confiding and serene environment using a collaborative approach that will assist you in re-discovering your strengths, which in turn will allow for healing and growth.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- CHILDREN (5-11)
- HSP- HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE
- WOMEN'S ISSUES
- CAREGIVER ROLES/BURNOUT
- CHRONIC ILLNESS
- COUPLES
GISELL GOMEZ, MSW, LCSW
LISA SERRANO, MA.Ed, LPCC
LISA SERRANO, MA.Ed, LPCC
LICENSED CLINICAL
SOCIAL WORKER
CALIFORNIA LCSW#119056
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
As a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants accessing therapy was not always the easiest nor was it considered the norm. Therapy can sometimes be a difficult and scary process for individuals. As a Latina professional bridging the gap between mental health and communities of color as well as making mental health accessible for those seeking therapeutic supports is a mission I continue striving towards as a therapist.
I believe that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and I strive to tailor a therapeutic approach to each individual’s needs in treatment. Therapy is not a sprint, but an ongoing process where the individual works to learn the necessary coping mechanisms to help them manage the the everyday stressors of life more effectively.
I strive to implement a therapeutic approach where I foster a safe space for those in need of mental health support and focus on a strength-based approach. I have experience working with high acuity needs, domestic violence, family instability, complex trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues, and working through relationship dynamics. Let’s connect to discuss how we can work on helping you connect and process your mind, body and spirit.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- COLLEGE STUDENTS
- WOMEN'S ISSUES
- CULTURAL FAMILIAL CYCLES
- TRAUMA
- SELF-ESTEEM, PEOPLE PLEASING
JENNIFER RAMIREz, MA, AMFT
AKETZALLI MORALEZ MSW, ACSW
AKETZALLI MORALEZ MSW, ACSW
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE
& FAMILY THERAPIST
CALIFORNIA AMFT #131968
(Supervised by
Marissa García Soria,LCSW)
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
- EMDR TRAINED
Hello and welcome! I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with various populations, including survivors of intimate partner violence, adolescents, and women. I hope to create a safe space for you and for you to feel seen and heard. I am committed to helping women and teens learn how to feel empowered and vulnerable all at the same time.
My work focuses on targeting ineffective thoughts and behaviors, and rewriting the story. I believe you are the expert in your own narrative, and working collaboratively, we can help you reach your goals. I am passionate about helping you work through barriers/intergenerational obstacles/communication issues and developing a healthy mindset. I hope to work with you soon!
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- TEENS (12+)
- WOMEN'S ISSUES
- FAMILY THERAPY
- COUPLES
AKETZALLI MORALEZ MSW, ACSW
AKETZALLI MORALEZ MSW, ACSW
AKETZALLI MORALEZ MSW, ACSW
ASSOCIATE CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
CALIFORNIA ASW#109978
(supervised by Julyssa Guevara,LCSW)
- IN PERSON & ONLINE SESSIONS
Hola! I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work specializing in children, youth, and families. My clinical experience includes providing individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders and self-harming behaviors. I have led group sessions on various topics including: anger management, CBT and DBT skills, relapse prevention, self-esteem and communication. I have experience working with adolescents in short term residential therapeutic programs, juvenile justice settings and mental health outpatient treatment centers.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
- TEENS (12+)
- YOUNG ADULTS (16-25)
- COLLEGE STUDENTS
- GENERATIONAL TRAUMA
- TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA
our interns....
Francisco Martinez MSW Intern
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
Hola mi gente!
I am a bilingual MSW intern in my second year of the Master of Social Work program at California State University of Long Beach. My diverse experience includes working with
children, transitional age youth, adults, and families across various programs focused on substance use, mental health, homelessness, foster care, and re-
Hola mi gente!
I am a bilingual MSW intern in my second year of the Master of Social Work program at California State University of Long Beach. My diverse experience includes working with
children, transitional age youth, adults, and families across various programs focused on substance use, mental health, homelessness, foster care, and re-entry for formerly incarcerated
individuals.
As a passionate mental health advocate, I am committed to breaking the cycle of
generational trauma in my journey and would be honored to support others as well. My goal is to empower individuals by offering personalized support and cultivating a safe, collaborative space where we can work together to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. I am dedicated to meeting people where they are and providing empathetic, compassionate care that encourages growth and healing.
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
¡Saludos!
Kevin here! I am a first-generation gay Mexican-American entering my second year of the Master of Social Work program at California State University of Long Beach and beginning my first-year
internship with Metztli Counseling Services. I am passionate about human connection and kindness, which motivated me to pursue a career as an
¡Saludos!
Kevin here! I am a first-generation gay Mexican-American entering my second year of the Master of Social Work program at California State University of Long Beach and beginning my first-year
internship with Metztli Counseling Services. I am passionate about human connection and kindness, which motivated me to pursue a career as an LCSW.
I would describe myself as fair, determined, gentle, empathetic, and mindful. For the past ten years, I have worked for a major healthcare provider as a patient advocate, where I
have witnessed the negative impacts systemic oppression has on the mental health needs of minority individuals. As an internship student, I look forward to learning various therapy modalities
that are more sensitive to the particular needs of each individual, encompassing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity dysphoria, and discrimination. While at Metztli Counseling, I hope to garner the knowledge necessary to positively support individuals on their healing journey. To those clients
who will trust me to aid them, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity and await our future sessions with great pleasure!
Lilian Rosero MSW Intern
Kevin Mora MSW Intern
Lilian Rosero MSW Intern
I am a dedicated professional with a strong background in child development and family support. I earned my Bachelor’s in Child Development from Cal State Los Angeles and am pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Pacific Oaks College.I believe every child has a voice and deserves the opportunity to express themselves. I understand that chi
I am a dedicated professional with a strong background in child development and family support. I earned my Bachelor’s in Child Development from Cal State Los Angeles and am pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Pacific Oaks College.I believe every child has a voice and deserves the opportunity to express themselves. I understand that children and teens face challenges, and parents often feel overwhelmed. My goal is to help parents better understand their children's physical and mental development, which can lead to stronger relationships. I want to create a safe space where kids and teens feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings, strengthening their bonds with their families
SUPPORT STAFF
THERAPY DOG
NALA
Nala is our therapy dog who accompanies our clinical director, Marissa in therapeutic sessions and provides additional support to her clients.
HR SUPERVISOR
JULIEANNE ZALTEZ, MBA
Julieanne comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and has her Master's in Business Administration. Julieanne oversees our HR Department and provides support with Human Resources and Billing.
EXECUTIVE ADMIN ASSISTANT
M. TERESA SANCHEZ, MPA
Teresa comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience and provides support for our HR Department and Billing
ADMIN ASSITANT
LAUREN MENDOZA, BS
OUTREACH/ SOCIAL MEDIA coordinator
Alice N. Oueijan
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