Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lake Forest, CA covered by Aetna

Hello! I'm Kris and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and the founder of Village Wellness Center, a thriving group psychotherapy practice based in San Juan Capistrano. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, and I specialize in maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the unique needs of women and mothers.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University and returned to school 15 years later to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

The beginning of my career in mental health started in residential care helping at-risk youth, and over the course of 20 years, my work and experience evolved into leading and developing clinical programs for outpatient and court-mandated facilities while also building my specialty in perinatal mood disorders and maternal mental health in my private practice. Additionally over the past two decades, I was raising my family and actively contributing to the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness and thriving families. This became the catalyst to opening Village Wellness Center, where the ability to serve entire families and promote holistic mental wellness with a team of therapists can be achieved.

Hi, my name is Ning! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past seven years, I have worked with children, teens, adults, and older adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, complex mental health conditions. My clinical work focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, and I combine cognitive and somatic techniques with talk therapy to address root causes and foster lasting personal growth.

Since I was a just a small child I held deep empathy and curiosity for other human beings. Ultimately, this lead me to obtain my MSW with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in school social work. Along the way, I have worked in many different community-based settings (mobile crisis, K-12 schools, outpatient behavioral health, drop-in centers, residential settings, and complex trauma treatment centers) serving folks from across the lifespan, witnessing so much growth and resilience along the way. I am particularly well-equipped to support children, teens, young adults, and parents.

Hi, I'm Travis Buchanan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC). I know that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps a person takes, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate life's challenges.

Over the years, I've worked with individuals facing a wide range of struggles, including relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, and the impact of unhealthy or abusive relationships. My experience has taught me that while our challenges may shape us, they do not define us.

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique story. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel understood, gain insight, and discover new ways of moving forward.

Drawing from Adlerian principles and other evidence-based approaches, I help clients identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck, strengthen their relationships, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, struggling with addiction, or simply seeking a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, therapy can provide a path toward a healthier and more meaningful life.

My goal is to help you not only overcome obstacles but also build the confidence, connection, and sense of direction needed to thrive. Wherever you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

Outside of private practice, I have worked at Ocean Recovery as a therapist since 2014, thus specialize in working with women seeking help from eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and infertility.

I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a space where you can explore what’s happening with honesty and compassion.

I draw from evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic insights, while always tailoring my approach to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll work to uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical strategies that help you move toward clarity and meaningful change.

Clients often describe me as calm, supportive, and direct in a kind way. I value humor when it’s helpful, and I work to foster a relationship where you feel safe enough to be real—even when it’s hard.

Reaching out takes courage, and finding the right fit is key. If you're looking for someone who will listen deeply, challenge gently, and walk alongside you at your pace, I’d be honored to work with you.

Hi & Welcome. We all face challenges at times throughout our lives. We may need support finding self-awareness and compassion which I believe is the key in the healing process. I enjoy acting as an empowering guide along your journey. I believe in our innate capacity to change and create a meaningful and UPLIFTING life. My goal for you is to foster a safe, accepting and also challenging space that encourages personal growth and empowers you to make positive changes that support your values.

Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.