Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Downey, CA

Hello! I'm Kris and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and the founder of Village Wellness Center, a thriving group psychotherapy practice based in San Juan Capistrano. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, and I specialize in maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the unique needs of women and mothers.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University and returned to school 15 years later to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

The beginning of my career in mental health started in residential care helping at-risk youth, and over the course of 20 years, my work and experience evolved into leading and developing clinical programs for outpatient and court-mandated facilities while also building my specialty in perinatal mood disorders and maternal mental health in my private practice. Additionally over the past two decades, I was raising my family and actively contributing to the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness and thriving families. This became the catalyst to opening Village Wellness Center, where the ability to serve entire families and promote holistic mental wellness with a team of therapists can be achieved.

I'm warm, pleasant, knowledgeable, professional, efficient and approachable.

I’m a licensed therapist in California with 7 years of professional experience, supporting clients through life’s challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Whether you’re navigating change, building confidence, or seeking support, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and strength. Taking the first step can be hard, and I’m proud of you for starting.

Hello,

I’m Ermelinda, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10+ years of experience in providing therapy to adults, children, and adolescents. Do you feel stuck, tired, and not being able to function in your daily life? Are you struggling to balance work, relationships, and life? Many times, we experience loss, grief, anxiety, stress, and depression. I look forward to helping you in your journey to healing. Life is hard and sometimes all you need is just a push.

Weather you have been considering therapy, worked with therapy in the past or loved ones are suggesting reaching out-welcome to my practice. I work with individuals, couples and families in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career issues, job dissatisfaction. My specialty areas included the assessment and treatment of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression/Anxiety and Grief and Loss.

Welcome!

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight, and move toward the life you want to live.

I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and relationship challenges. If you're seeking more short-term coping, we can explore the patterns shaping your experiences to support lasting, meaningful change. My approach is trauma-informed and attachment focused - always guided by your goals. Therapy is a warm, collaborative space where we process experiences, strengthen communication, and build more secure, fulfilling relationships.

Dr. Margaret Chao is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in the field of psychology. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. She specializes in working with high achievement oriented professionals navigating important life transitions, career decisions, romantic relationships, friendships, and adjustment to change.