Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in South Pasadena, CA

I'm Matt Darst, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained at the University of Southern California, with advanced training in military and veteran clinical social work. I work with adults who are motivated to change but feel stuck — navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, OCD, grief, or the kind of cumulative pressure that quietly builds until something gives.

My clients tend to be high-functioning people who look fine from the outside but are carrying more than they let on. That includes professionals managing stress and burnout, veterans and first responders, and anyone who's ready to do honest, purposeful work — regardless of background or title.

I bring a direct, warm style grounded in kind accountability. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you move.

My work is grounded in behavioral therapy, and a firm belief that people can change. I prefer a flexible and collaborative approach that evolves as we work together. Though the foundation of my work is behavioral, I develop integrated treatment plans for each new client, drawing on other evidence-based modalities and new research.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I am a Latina woman. I earned my Bachelor's in Science with a minor in Law & Society at Cal State Los Angeles in 2007 and my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Cal State Long Beach. I have worked in social services for over 22 years and in mental health services for over 13 years. I am a therapist who believes sympathy, support, and individualized services are important to help through the challenges in life.

Welcome, I'm Britney Jackson, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping adolescents and adults achieve better mental health through compassionate, evidence-based care. I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, stress, insomnia, and other common mental health concerns. Whether you're struggling with persistent worry, low motivation, difficulty focusing, emotional ups and downs, or life transitions, I am committed to helping you find practical solutions that fit your unique needs.

Before becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I spent several years as a registered nurse caring for patients in both inpatient medical and behavioral health settings. These experiences strengthened my ability to recognize complex mental health needs while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Today, I combine psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and patient education to help individuals achieve lasting emotional wellness.

My philosophy is simple: every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered. Healing begins with trust, collaboration, and a treatment plan tailored to your goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals untangle the weight of trauma, stress, and life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re feeling on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to finally exhale.

Hi! My name is Dr. Katherine Alvarez and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges related to anxiety, relationship stress, social difficulties, OCD, life transitions, graduate student stress, self-esteem, cultural and racial identity. I also offer support for parents seeking guidance on how to best support their children with learning disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties.

I received my Master’s in Education and my Doctorate in combined School-Clinical Psychology from Pace University. My training spans a variety of public and private institutions across New York and California, including therapeutic day school programs, community mental health clinics, and foster care agencies. This diverse background has deeply shaped my clinical perspective and inspired my special interest in exploring intergenerational trauma and how it impacts the way we experience the world. I am passionate about creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your identity and its influence on your journey of self-understanding. Additionally, I have completed specialized training in ERP for treating OCD and anxiety disorders, and I am deeply committed to providing education on and de-stigmatizing OCD.

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW #130126) who is passionate about helping individuals find better alignment with their values to create a life worth living. Melissa has experience working with trauma (she is trained in EMDR), substance use, anxiety, depression and life transitions. Melissa has worked in the outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential settings since becoming a social worker in 2020. Melissa employs an individualized, eclectic approach including interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to meet the needs of each client. Melissa is passionate about social justice and uses a systems approach that views individual clients in the context of interconnected systems like family, community and society.

I am a board-certified nurse practitioner with many years of experience in healthcare, including primary care, psychiatric mental health, leadership, and wellness-based practice. My background has allowed me to work with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and medical concerns, and I understand how closely mental health and physical health are connected.