Grief counselors and therapists in Chula Vista, CA

Are you are experiencing verbal and/or mental abuse from a romantic partner, a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker? Do you struggle with your own internal thoughts (e.g. "you’re not good enough”, "it's all your fault", “you are not a priority”). Maybe you’ve lost someone and you’re grieving. You are emotionally exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You tell yourself the good is good but the bad is bad. You're scared and confused on what to do or how to "fix" things. These experiences create rumination, avoidance, trauma, anxiety, and more.

Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.

Sometimes a thoughtful conversation with the right person can make all the difference. As an experienced therapist, husband, and father, I bring both professional training and real-life wisdom to help people navigate life’s challenges. Over many years of both life and clinical work, I’ve had the privilege of helping people move through difficult seasons, gain clarity, and reconnect with their strengths. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you’re returning after time away, it’s normal to feel uncertain. Our first conversation is simply a starting point. I often work with people facing life transitions, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, seeking clarity and a practical path forward. Together, we’ll slow things down, understand what’s happening, and identify steps that help move you forward. If you are going through a difficult season, you don't have to navigate it alone.

I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

First Things First, you are here! I’m happy about that and excited to help you reach your next step in life. Having helped my clients for over 20 years now, I have a deep understanding of how to facilitate growth and will be tailoring our sessions to your personal goals and individual needs.

I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

BA Degree Psychology, Masters in Social Work

40yrs experience: Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression, Trauma/ PTSD, Grief & Loss Counseling.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of social work experience and 5 years of experience as a psychotherapist. My experience ranges from treating children ages 5 and older to treating geriatric individuals aged 70+. I am a bilingual, Latina therapist and I conduct therapy in both English and Spanish. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health and private practice treating a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, and more. Much of my work has been focused on working with the Latino community in Southern California as well as disadvantaged communities of color.

Great to meet you!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Asking for help can be one of the toughest challenges, so congratulations on taking that first step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, and my main focus are adult clients who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.