Book a therapist or psychiatrist in La Palma, CA covered by Cigna

Life is hard and naturally comes with stressors and overwhelming feelings, no matter your age. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed with your emotions, or maybe you recently experienced a difficult situation. These are very normal and natural moments that everyone will encounter at some point in their life. Just as we go to the doctors when we have aches or pains in or body, we should also see someone when we have aches or pains in our mind and soul. Valiant Mentality is about having the courage of addressing your struggles instead of ignoring them. With almost 18 years of clinical experience, I know that everyone has the capacity to heal, no matter the circumstance . Today, make that first decision towards the change you want to see and schedule your appointment with Valiant Mentality. I look forward to meeting with you.

My journey into therapy began with a deep curiosity about human resilience and the desire to help others find strength through life’s hardest challenges. During my graduate training, I had the opportunity to work with survivors of trauma. This experience showed me the powerful role therapy can play in recovery and solidified my commitment to supporting others through their healing journeys. I’m continually driven by the fundamental belief that everyone has the potential for positive growth and change. Seeing my clients gain confidence or find peace makes my work incredibly rewarding.

I work with adults who are managing anxiety, life transitions, and those seeking support for self-esteem issues. Whether you’re working through trauma, building coping skills, or exploring your personal goals, I’ll work with you to create a plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable. I best serve those who are ready to unearth the uncomfortable. Those who have felt stuck and just need the tools and a safe space to connect back to themselves. Those who have a desire to intentionally sit with the things that are sticky, so that it can stop ruling their life and they can take the reins. Is this you? This work is hard. If you’re ready to face it in a safe way, I’m the person for you.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals untangle the weight of trauma, stress, and life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re feeling on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to finally exhale.

When a teen is struggling, the whole family can feel it. I work with teens and parents facing emotional overwhelm, behavior challenges, family conflict, and stress. Therapy with me is supportive, engaging, and focused on practical tools you can use in daily life. My goal is to help families feel more connected, understood, and hopeful.

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.

Professional Journey

Melissa became licensed in California in 2010 as an LCSW, following her Master’s Degree. Since then, she has continued learning and growing. Her career began in 2006, working with families experiencing various crises and trauma. Melissa has pursued additional training to specialize further. She has worked with depression, life transition issues, anxiety, panic disorders, identify questions, and lgbtqia populations.

Specialized Training

Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy, which are effective for treating clients with experiences of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied sexuality and somatic sex therapy, coaching clients on how to reconnect erotically with themselves and others.

Hello, my name is Sandra, I’m a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I offer both video and in-person sessions, including Sunday’s. I started my journey with Mental Health Services, 2015 since then, I have had the privilege to work with all populations beginning with adolescents to older adults. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I am trained to utilize a broad range of therapeutic modalities in order, to address here-and-now real-life stressors and trauma.

Hello I’m Christine Lam, a licensed clinical counselor based in California. I specialize in helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. One phrase you’ll often hear me say in therapy is, “You are the expert on your own life.” By that, I mean that you bring the lived experiences, insights, and wisdom that come from being you. My role is not to tell you who you are or what you should do, but to serve as a collaborative guide - helping you make sense of your experiences, emotions, and patterns in a space free from judgment, expectations, or performance. My goal is to create an environment where you feel fully seen, understood, and welcomed exactly as you are.

With over 10 years of experience working with youth and families in the mental health field, I specialize in supporting teens and young adults as they navigate anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also bring a unique understanding of the pressures and experiences of student-athletes. I recognize the mental and emotional demands that come with striving for success—both on and off the field. Whether you're navigating performance anxiety, identity beyond sport, injury recovery, or balancing academics and athletics, I’m here to support your full journey, not just your performance.