Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Mission Viejo, CA covered by Cigna

Struggling with anxious thoughts or self-doubt? I work with young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Together, we’ll build coping skills and create a personalized plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. I help clients navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and life changes with curiosity and compassion. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected—to yourself and the life you want to create.

My journey into mental health began with a deep interest in the intersection of human behavior and emotional resilience.

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults going through life transitions and experiencing trauma. My current practice includes individual treatment helping adults with anxiety and depression, self-esteem/confidence, grief, trauma and life transitions! Finding a therapist with whom you connect with is important.

Over the past 14 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community clinics and public school settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that therapy is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, but rather a collaborative partnership built on trust and evidence-based strategies!

I hold a Master of Social Work from California State Long Beach as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University..

Welcome!

As a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), I believe in prioritizing out mental health as a way to live a happy and balance life. Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest things a person can do, great job on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, but in the field for 20 plus years. In the last 6 years I have shifted my main focus to adults 18 plus who are struggling with trauma and substance use.

I’m Katrina Balian, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood, empowered, and able to build meaningful change in their lives.

What patterns keep repeating in your life, even when part of you wants something different?

I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, and experiences that have been hard to put into words -- including adoption-related history, infertility, and the emotional complexity of becoming a parent. A lot of what brings people to therapy isn't a single event. It's the quiet accumulation of feeling disconnected, unseen, or like something important has never had space to be worked through. I trained at UCLA and bring both clinical depth and genuine warmth to this work.

Life can feel overwhelming — thoughts that won't quiet down, family tension that keeps building, or past experiences continue to dictate your present days. Whether you're an individual carrying something heavy, a couple trying to find your way back to each other, or a family navigating a moment that feels too big to face alone, you don't have to keep pushing through without support. I provide a safe space where your culture, your story, and your language are deeply valued. I bring a grounded, tenacious approach to my clinical work utilizing specialized, evidence- based tools to help with processing heavy burdens. Healing is possible and it can start here, so let's walk this path together.