Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Encino, CA covered by Cigna

I've always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit. If you are working through what happened without judgment and identity what could help you keep going.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Skidmore College and my Master of Social Work from Columbia University, where I specialized in clinical practice with families. Since 2021, I have worked as an Associate Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of licensed professionals, gaining extensive experience with children, teens, and families in private practice, community mental health, and high-risk youth in the foster care system.

I am passionate about supporting children, teens, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I value creating a safe, welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. I understand that seeking therapy can feel intimidating, and I want my clients to know that I approach every session with warmth, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique experiences. My goal is to help clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions and build the skills and confidence to thrive in their daily lives.

Hi! Are you curious about what therapy would be like? Or maybe you’ve gone before and are back for more? One of my first goals is to make sure you feel at ease with the therapeutic process. You don’t have to worry about what to say or where to start. It’s my honor and duty to ask the questions and listen intently. I’m here for you!

I have had the privilege of doing this work for more than 30 years, learning along the way and stopping only to learn more.

I’m Emmanuel Garcia, a Mexican American therapist, first-generation college graduate, and founder of Radiate Hope Therapy. I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents navigating trauma, substance use, identity struggles, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Many of the people I work with feel weighed down by emotions or uncertain about their direction, especially during sobriety or recovery.

Growing up, I witnessed how mental health was often stigmatized and silenced, especially for men in Latino communities. I know how isolating that silence can feel. My own journey through therapy and recovery taught me that true strength isn’t in staying quiet, it’s in showing up for yourself and beginning to heal. That lived experience shapes the empathy, understanding, and care I bring to every session.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 12 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and families. I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I’ve practiced across community mental health, nonprofit, and private practice settings. My specialties include grief, depression, anxiety, stress, abuse, trauma, and communication skills. I’m trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and bring a trauma-informed lens to my work with individuals and families, including children and adolescents. Above all, I want you to know that I value genuine empathy and authenticity, and I see therapy as a partnership built on trust.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.

Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.