

Seeking mental healthcare in Laguna Hills? Explore talk therapy and medication management with experienced providers throughout the area, including Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, and Emerald Bay. Access 8,096 providers through Headway, with sessions often covered by insurance and average savings of 75%.
I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 34 years of experience. I do my best to meet you "where you are" and to offer compassionate presence as you progress through your personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.
I'm honored to be part of your journey of transformation. I approach sessions in collaboration, as you learn to free yourself from judgment, criticism, and pain; to change negative perceptions that do not serve; and to experience more ease and peace in life.
There are always solutions for problems that we encounter, even the problems that we have been stuck with for quite some time. Though, there is no quick fix or one-size approach either. Therapy is a collaborative healing process to improve functioning in several areas of our life. I will guide you through these challenges and provide you with the tools along the way. Collaboration is extremely important during the process to establish comfortable space to promote growth.
If you feel stuck in chronic stress, overwhelmed by your emotions, or like your body is always bracing for the next thing, you don't have to keep carrying that alone.
I help adults and couples work with their nervous system — not against it — to find real relief, stability, and a steadier sense of control.
I'm a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over seven years of clinical experience in trauma-informed care, including earlier work as a psychologist in Costa Rica.
My background spans community mental health, school-based outpatient services, private practice, and supporting military service members and veterans.
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and California State–Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, I have specialized training in trauma recovery, relational safety, and the long-term effects of abuse.
I also work with clients navigating anxiety, depression and mood disorders, grief and loss, maternal and women's mental health, dual diagnosis, and the chronic stress that comes from systemic and cultural pressures.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds and bring genuine cultural humility to every relationship.
I am Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been practicing therapy since November 2015 and licensed since January 2023. The modality I mainly use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but also pull from other modalities as one modality may not fit all clientele. I have had experience with self-esteem, couples, anxiety (mild to moderate levels), depression (mild levels), grief/loss and end of life. I have work with prior law enforcement experience, substitute teacher (Elementary thru High School), and various other vocational experience. NOTE: I am not a psychiatrist, so I do NOT prescribe medication.
My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW who helps individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. My goal is to maintain a safe and confidential environment to help overcome adversity.
As a therapist I have a genuine interest in humans and human behavior. I have been in the Mental Health Field since 2006. I have had multiple experiences that has helped me to be aware of problems that individuals may face today. I use CBT, SFT, and other Modalities using a humanistic approach to understand and guide you. I accept you as you are and will guide you with all training and experiences as the backdrop. I believe that life is a journey with many surprises.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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