Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Mission Viejo, CA

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 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.

I'm invested in helping you find value and joy in your life!

For over the past decade in this field, I have assisted clients at all stages of life. I prefer to show up with humility, humor, and genuine humanity.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

I am a California LMFT with several years of experience in community mental health and private practice settings. I help support people through challenges such as chronic "stuck" mood states, family dynamics, and trauma. Much of my work focuses on helping clients better understand themselves within the context of their own lives. I value warmth, curiosity, and open inquiry as foundations for meaningful therapeutic work.

I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up honestly without fear of judgment. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck, or uncertain about their next step. Many of my clients are men navigating relationships, career/school stress, anxiety/depression, fatherhood, major life transitions, and other challenges. I provide a supportive space to explore what's going on beneath the surface while helping you build practical strategies for moving forward. Let's work together to identify the roadblocks in your life and approach the here and now with clarity and intention.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and I have a passion for working with people in all stages of life. I always knew I wanted to help people from a very early age. What that looked like changed a dozen times before I decided on a career. I do this work because it's vital to hold space for people who don't have another human they can trust to share their innermost thoughts and feelings without being judged.

I'm driven by the knowledge, that mental illness doesn't decipher between black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy, it just happens, and when it does people need a safe space to heal.

My hope, my goal is to be that space for others. It's a beautiful gift to be a part of another human's healing process! My approach to therapy is client-centered, open-minded, and non-judgmental with compassion and empathy. I believe everyone deserves a life worth living!

I'm comfortable working with clients across the lifespan children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. I've been described as warm, caring, friendly, non-assuming, accepting, and patient.