Find a therapist in California — covered by insurance
Top therapists in California accepting new patients
Headway brings mental health support to California residents with 7,977 empowering providers ready to help. With sessions available virtually or in-person and accepted by 70+ insurance plans, many clients save significantly on their mental health care.
Welcome! Taking the first step toward therapy is a big deal, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in this journey. I focus on helping adolescents and young adults navigate the complexities of everything from trauma and self-harm to the stressors of major life changes.
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist.
I have worked in the mental health field for about 19 years. I have worked with individuals struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, somatic disorders, trauma issues, stress management, divorce recovery, anger issues, and grief. I worked with couples and families struggling with conflict, communication challenges, child rearing, and relationship issues.
I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree, from Biola University, in Biblical Theology. I received my Master of Arts degree, from Pepperdine University, in Clinical Psychology, and recently a Master of Arts degree, from Dallas Theological Seminary, in Biblical Studies. I believe I brings a great deal of life experience to the therapeutic setting. I had a long career in Law Enforcement, retiring as a Police Manager/Lieutenant.
My main approaches to therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Behavioral Modification Therapy, and Emotional Focused Therapy.
Hi there! My name is Dawniel, and I am a licensed marriage family therapist with over 18 years of experience working with adults, children and families in a variety of settings. I work with people who have experienced trauma, anxiety or relationship challenges.
My approach to mental health care centers entirely around you. True healing happens when trust, safety, and collaboration come together. Whether you are navigating severe depression, managing long-term anxiety, or recovering from trauma, my goal is to provide a premium, supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered to reclaim a stable, fulfilling life.
As a board-certified adult psychiatrist, I bring unique depth to my clinical practice. I earned both my MD and PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, grounding my approach to medication management in advanced scientific research and evidence-based medicine.
My leadership and clinical training within the University of Texas Health System—including roles as Chief Resident, Assistant Medical Director, and Assistant Professor—deeply shaped my view of mental health. Having cared for individuals across institutions like MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann, the Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center, and Maui Memorial Medical Center, I possess the outpatient and inpatient expertise required to manage complex clinical cases with complete confidence.
I provide convenient, high-quality telepsychiatry and virtual care for adults (ages 18 and older) actively located in Texas, California, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Primary Clinical Focus Areas:
- Mood Disorders: Advanced care for major depression, treatment-resistant depression, and bipolar disorder.
- Anxiety & Stress: Targeted strategies for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and high-stress professional burnout.
- Trauma: Compassionate, evidence-based recovery and support for PTSD.
Above all, I believe in partnering with you as a collaborative ally. My practice is a safe, sophisticated space where clinical excellence is a given, and we work together to help you rediscover hope and transformation.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in supporting adults and teens who are struggling with overcoming stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and past trauma, by finding tools and solutions towards becoming the best version of themselves. I tend to use a variety of client-centered approaches, such as Solution-Focused, EMDR, IFS, and CBT to support you with identifying and processing your past and how it impacts your present. Through self-compassion and reflective work, I help clients reconnect with their inner strength and reclaim their stories. Together, we work toward healing that honors your identity, resilience, and truth.
I am a caring and compassionate person who genuinely wants to help others. I
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in California
Finding the right therapist in California starts with getting clear on what you need. Whether you're looking for support with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or something else, it helps to find a licensed provider who has experience with your specific situation. California-licensed therapists include LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and psychologists, each with different training backgrounds and areas of focus. Reading a provider's bio can give you a sense of their style and approach before you commit to a session.
California is one of the most expensive states for mental health care, which makes using your insurance one of the most practical ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance information to confirm coverage and see an estimated session cost before booking. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit depending on their plan and location.
With providers available across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and throughout the state, you can browse therapists offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Every provider listed on Headway is accepting new patients, so you can review detailed bios, check real-time availability, and book directly.
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