Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

Meaningful change often begins when the silence of suffering becomes too heavy to carry alone. I am Andrew Levander, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 30 years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and families navigate the complexities of addiction, trauma, and the relational patterns that keep people stuck. My work has been recognized for innovation and excellence, earning the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Service Innovations Festival Award. While my insights have been featured nationally on platforms like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Dr. Phil Show, and Time Magazine, my focus remains on the individual person sitting across from me. I consider it a profound privilege to help my clients pause, seek understanding, and find a path toward peace.

I believe that true healing requires a clinician who is as human as they are professional. My clients often describe my demeanor as candid and high in integrity, and I strive to ensure you feel both challenged and deeply respected during our time together. I want you to feel empowered by our partnership, knowing you have a seasoned advocate who balances professional expertise with a genuine, dynamic style. When I am not in the office, I find my own sense of peace and focus through the practice of magic and the patience of fishing—hobbies that remind me of the importance of perspective and the quiet rewards of persistence.

I have a PsyD from the highly regarded California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), and I have worked with a varied population, from college students, working professionals, to seniors in care homes. Working as a licensed professional for more than 10 years, I enjoy private practice work while always maintaining some connection to community mental health where I can give back. I specialize in working with artists, and regularly receive consultation from masters in the field.

Whole-Hearted Therapy Centered on Genuine Connection. Ever had therapy that feels like it drags on without any results? Research shows the Power of Connection drives roughly 60% of Therapeutic Success. My Compassionate Therapy Style focuses on Building Bridges of Trust and cultivating a meaningful connection with positive outcomes. I also use holistic practices that dramatically reduce symptoms of depression & anxiety as well as trauma/grief.

I’m a naturally curious, growth-oriented human who believes healing happens when insight meets action. I love helping people zoom out to see the bigger picture of their lives—while also gently zooming in on the patterns, habits, and beliefs that shape their everyday experience.

I’m drawn to the intersection of self-awareness and real-world momentum. Therapy with me is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded. We can explore the deep stuff—identity, relationships, purpose, transitions—while also building practical tools you can actually use on a Tuesday afternoon when life is lifing.

I value emotional honesty, nervous system regulation, and sustainable growth over quick fixes. I believe you’re not broken—you’re adaptive. Together, we figure out what’s working, what’s outdated, and how to move forward in a way that feels aligned, empowered, and authentically you.

Expect warmth, insight, humor when it fits, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. Healing doesn’t have to be clinical and cold—it can be connected, intentional, and even a little energizing.

I'm a therapist offering in-person sessions in the Thousand Oaks area of Southern California, and telehealth to folks throughout California. I decided to become a therapist after many years of working in corporate America, and I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and LMFT license.

With 47 years of experience and a deep commitment to my clients' well-being, I'm dedicated to providing a supportive and effective therapeutic experience. I graduated from Chapman University with departmental honors in both Sociology and Social Work, and I hold a graduate degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. My core strengths as a therapist are sincere empathy and deep listening, which I believe are the most powerful tools for fostering growth and healing. I am dedicated to continuous learning and am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to each client's unique needs.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.

I am an African American woman with over 32 years of experience providing social service and therapeutic support to marginalized families who have experienced trauma — from Criminal Justice involvement, Adult and Child Protection systems, to housing insecurity, intimate partner violence and substance use challenges. I also have a deep passion for working with pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating pregnancy loss, perinatal mood disorders, leading to postpartum depression and anxiety. It is also important for me to hold space for Fathers who are navigating raising children as single fathers.

My therapeutic approach creates a safe, compassionate space where we partner together to challenge unhealthy beliefs, reduce shame and guilt, and address traumatic experiences at whatever pace feels right for you.

While my work is primarily centered with the BIPOC community — African American women specifically — it is my goal that no individual ever feel alone when dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Through active listening and gentle, honest dialogue, I partner with individuals to uncover what is keeping them stuck and walk through those hard places together — building trust, fostering resilience, and creating a real sense of freedom for themselves and their families.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.

I am a full-time professor of psychology and a licensed therapist for over 10 years. I have a doctorate and two master's degrees so you see psychology is my passion!