Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Laguna Beach, CA covered by Aetna

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California and Illinois, and can see clients from both states. I have worked with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, relationships issues, addictions, stress management, sport and performance, bipolar disorder, and binge eating disorder. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned.

What patterns keep repeating in your life, even when part of you wants something different? I work with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a particular focus on experiences that are hard to put into words: the quiet accumulation of feeling disconnected or unseen, questions around adoption and family origins, infertility, the emotional weight of becoming a parent, and the grief that comes when life takes an unexpected shape. A lot of what brings people to therapy is not a single event. It builds. I trained at UCLA and bring both clinical depth and genuine warmth to this work.

I am a Latina EMDR therapist who uses compassion to guide my patients through healing areas in their lives where they are feeling stuck. My patients are often working through trauma, grief, or unhelpful beliefs about self, others, or the world that can manifest into anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, and/or PTSD. I also offer Individual and Group EMDR Consultations to clinicians looking to become Certified in EMDR Therapy. Se habla español.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’ve worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice, and I’m deeply committed to providing culturally affirming care that honors the full complexity of who you are.

Hello, I’m Cerise Dossman, LCSW.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. My background includes community mental health and child welfare, where I’ve helped clients navigate complex trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

I look forward to talking with you about what needs to change in order for you to have the life you want & deserve. I believe most of our problems are usually short-term issues.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Since graduating in 2021, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples in community mental health and outpatient settings.

I became a therapist because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I’m passionate about helping others better understand themselves, work through challenges, and become the best versions of themselves. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic to them.

I have experience supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, neurodivergence, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and general life stress. I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard.

My approach is collaborative and individualized, drawing from modalities including CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. I work alongside clients to better understand patterns, build coping skills, improve relationships, and create meaningful change aligned with their goals and values.