Burbank

Burbank Site Coordinator

Kristine Adamian, LMFT

I am a bilingual therapist, fluent in Armenian in addition to English, with over 7 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families with a variety of needs and concerns. I specialize in tailoring the treatment to your specific and unique needs; understanding that each person is different and, as a result, their way of coping with issues is also going to be different. My approach is warm, thoughtful, informative and non-judgmental. I am committed to helping you determine what goals you want to meet in your life and what ways to best meet them. I support you in gaining the self-awareness to understand your goals, identifying obstacles hindering your progress, and feeling empowered to make necessary changes for a healthier and happier life.

My mission is to create a safe, therapeutic environment to facilitate exploration and resolution of underlying conflicts that can lead to stagnancy, confusion, depression, complacency, anxiety, and anger. I have experience in the following areas: Adjustment, Aging, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Bullying, Blended Family Needs, Child/Adolescents, Codependency, Communication Problems, Couples, Depression, Divorce, Grief & Loss, Irritability, Isolation, Multicultural Concerns, Oppositional Behaviors, Phobias, and Traumas.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and went on to receive my graduate degree from the University of Southern California. In 2009, I graduated from USC with my Master’s in Social Work, emphasizing in clinical work. In 2014, I received my licensure through the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Being certified in new therapeutic approaches, I am more fully connected to innovative practices and trends to best serve my clients and their specific needs. I believe that gaining insight in the context of a supportive relationship with one’s therapist will lead to authentic expression, lasting change, and true happiness.

Licensed Therapist

Rone’ Alahverdian

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified clinician in Positive Parenting Program and trained in the following evidenced based practices:

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Positive Parenting, Managing and Adapting Practice (for anxiety, depression and disruptive behavior), and Seeking Safety.

My Specializations include: Adjustment Concerns, Attachment Issues, Communication Issues, Couples, Grief & Loss Issues, and Traumas.

I work with clients of all ages utilizing various theoretical orientations, tools, and techniques to best fit the client’s needs, comfort and personality.

As a therapist, my style is warm, attentive, and thoughtful. I strive to create a safe space by establishing mutual respect and trust. I work together with my clients to identify patterns, facilitate self-reflection, and foster self-awareness. I have more than a decade work experience in psychodynamic therapy, Solution Focused, Family therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I look forward to supporting you in your journey of self-discovery and healing.

Licensed Therapist

Mikal A. Britt, LCSW

Mikal Britt was born and raised in Long Island, New York.  After graduating from Ithaca College in upstate New York, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the film & TV industry.  With a naturally calm and compassionate personality, Mikal landed a summer job teaching filmmaking at a sleep away camp for kids on the autism spectrum.  This job led to an unexpected ten year career as a behavioral therapist in which Mikal’s creative talents were being used to help others.  Having realized his deeper calling, Mikal returned to school to earn his Master’s in Social Work from California State University of Los Angeles.

After 5 years working with families and individuals in community mental health, Mikal realized his goal of starting his own private therapy practice.  Mikal promotes a modern approach to therapy that values self-awareness, optimism, and a trust that when motivated everyone is strong enough and capable enough to realize their own potential and solve their own problems.  Mikal believes that connection and self-exploration can lead to self-improvement and discovery.  Don’t be a character in the story of your life, be the author!  Mikal challenges clients to get vulnerable and face the discomfort required to figure out why we do the things we do.

Mikal works with teens, young adults, families, couples, and adults.  Utilizing a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and active listening, he specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, and attachment disorders.

Mikal lives with his wife and two boys in Los Angeles.  They are considering getting a dog.

Licensed Therapist

Athena D. Cummings, LMFT

I am an African American, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have lots of energy, fresh ideas, and an eagerness to work with you on life’s challenges.  Whatever life throws your way I’m here to help, so let’s try to figure this out together.

I enjoy bringing hope to my clients and empowering them to be their very best selves/their own best friends. I want to empower you and help you step out from under those fears that have been preventing you from living up to your potential. I work to help you gain tools that will guide you on your way to solving your own challenges.

I am a strengths-based clinician, who works with a diverse/multi-cultural clientele. I also work from a person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapeutic (CBT) approach.  I treat a variety of challenges including: Issues that concern women and women of color, stress/anxiety, loneliness/isolation, depression, your relationship challenges (family, romantic, friendships, etc.), parenting/single parenting, and African-American issues. I have also worked with families that have had cases with the Department of Child and Family services, foster care youth/foster families, and troubled teens.

Remember, you don’t always have to walk this walk alone!

Licensed Therapist

Sara Forouzan, LMFT

Having access to the tools and language we need to confront daily stressors is critical in these uncertain times. We all need to be heard and have our experiences acknowledged. My approach is a client-centered one. I will work closely with you to create a fluid and collaborative space for enduring healing. While figuring out what works best for you can take time and patience, I will tailor our sessions to you.

I work with individuals, couples, and families. My expertise includes working with individuals and families to understand and work through various traumas through crisis intervention. I also have experience working with intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety-related issues, life transitions, communication issues, relationships, and generally navigating the daily macro- and micro-stressors of life.

I know it is hard to begin therapy. Thank you so much for being brave enough to take the first step.

Lucine Khachtourians

I have had the privilege of providing therapy to children, young adults, adults, couples, and families for the last four years and enjoy every moment of it. I am fluent in both Armenian and English. I strive to help my clients reach their goals and make the desired change they are seeking to meet. Attending services may not always be easy, but I am here to support you as much as I can in your therapeutic services.

Licensed Therapist

Cecilia Penailillo

I am an EMDR Certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about my work and a firm believer that inner strength, determination and hope can lead to balance, healing and growth. I continue to work with adults, teens and young adults who deal with a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems; such as Trauma (past or recent), PTSD, Depression and Anxiety.

I was born and raised in South America. Therefore, I understand the challenges of raising a family abroad. Taking a supportive stand & learning effective communication will help you increase the chances of overcoming cultural challenges personally or within the family.

I received my MA in Counseling Psychology 15 years ago. I have experience providing individual and family therapy.

Prior to my work as a LMFT, I spent almost 11 years working as a behavioral consultant who provided behavioral support trainings to parents as well as school consultations to teachers. My work focus also included presentations and workshops on Behavior Modification Theory; especially targeting children and adults with developmental disabilities. I have helped many families to navigate the challenges of raising healthy individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently, I continue to conduct Behavioral Modification Workshops several times per year at a local Regional Center.

ANNOUNCEMENT: I currently work with immigration attorneys/law corporations, conducting Mental Health Assessments for applicants who are seeking legal status in the US through U-Visas & Provisional Waivers. Immigration evaluations are professional, comprehensive and contain all the information required by the US Department of Homeland Security.

If you think you may need support, I would love to help you find your own path towards meaningful living. Call or email me if you have any questions.

Licensed Therapist

Ryan Roback

Clients enter treatment haunted by symptoms attributed to various conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, behavior compulsion, family dysfunction and trauma. As a responsible marriage and family therapist (license #113205), I assist my clients to reframe their condition, as not simply purposeless suffering, but a source of strength that they can unlock for their own self -discovery.

Through various empowerment interventions, I have facilitated countless clients learning how to gain control of their life’s. My practice services individuals, couples, families and children from all walks of life. I have a vast knowledge of mental health that is formed by various therapeutic modalities, community-based treatment and Depth Psychology. Most importantly, I am here to help!

Licensed Therapist

Amalya Tagakchyan

Providing therapy for the last six years, it has become my mission to provide a warm, non-judgmental, and direct approach to children, young adults, adults, and families in order to empower them to achieve their goals. I have worked in outpatient, residential, school-based, community and group home settings utilizing both holistic and evidence-based practices, helping each client with a unique plan to achieve their desired outcome. Fluent in both Armenian and English, supporting people through a multicultural lens is a component I bring to help break through cultural barriers and arrive at insight and self-awareness. Seeking out a therapist can be overwhelming, but finding one who fits your style can be enriching and will make the journey worthwhile.
Burbank Office

Licensed Therapist

Dr. Carolyn Wingfield, PhD

As an experienced Clinical Psychologist, I have honed my skills working with culturally diverse populations during very challenging times in their lives. My work has included issues of domestic violence, infertility and motherhood, relationship and family difficulties, infant mental health, trauma, illness and death, as well as more general issues related to life transitions and just feeling stuck in old patterns. I am often described as a perpetual student since I am always looking to learn new ways of helping my clients reach their goals. I know that there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy- we are all unique human beings after all, and we are definitely more than any diagnosis we may have been given.

I make strong connections with my clients through an authentic presence, well-developed active listening skills, and speaking in clear language, never getting bogged down in jargon. I take a relational approach to therapy- meaning I believe that we are in this together and there is always more for us to learn from each other. I am here as your guide and co-explorer; you will always be the expert of you! While I will draw on a number of theories to tailor your treatment specifically to you, my work is largely anchored in theories of attachment, trauma and somatic (body-based) theories. I believe that in order to better understand ourself, both the brain AND the body must be part of the conversation.

As a strong advocate for early intervention, I have a particular interest in working with pregnant and postpartum women, new parents and parents of babies with NICU experience. I am a fellowship trained parent/infant mental health specialist and can work with you AND your baby!

My personal motto is “never underestimate the power of a single moment to effect change.” I would be honored to be a part of your journey toward wellness.

Licensed Therapist

Melissa Zavala, Psy.D

Therapy is a process. It fluctuates throughout one’s lifespan based on the needs of every unique individual. Although challenging, the ultimate goal is to gradually heal from the inside out.

Women and children often forgo many stressors not often voiced in culturally diverse communities. For many, the thought of seeking help is a burden coupled with feelings of shame or guilt. You are not alone.

Much of my passion in the field is in the treatment of perinatal women, postpartum symptoms, and women’s issues. Whether it be infertility, pregnancy loss, difficulty throughout pregnancy, or trauma before, during or after your story matters. Seeking therapy can help advocate your needs while you navigate life in this new role.

My passion in caring and advocating for women is equally complimented by my commitment to children 0- 5 years old as well as school-aged children. When treating birth to five years old I like to utilize the evidence based practice Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and other interventions to help aid in attachment, biofeedback, and other stressors. Children are often resilient, however their emotional needs matter just as much as an adult. My role is to help put their behaviors, often triggered by trauma and life changes, into words by utilizing play interventions. In doing so, I help build a safe bridge between child and parent in addition to aiding in building a confident sense of self.

As a multicultural clinical psychologist, I emphasize taking a collaborative approach with each individual. In session, I construct a unique treatment plan by assessing your sense of self and impacts to your environment, familial relationships, cultural identity and community. In time, we learn to build a trusting relationship. In this psychodynamic approach I integrate various theoretical interventions that are best tailored to the individual. Although difficult, together, we filter through complicated feelings and behaviors that make it challenging to heal the different fragments of our lives. Perhaps these heightened emotions are due to past or current trauma, feelings of insecurities, attachment irregularities, emotional fragilities due to life stressors, and other life altering experiences. In this process, you are not alone, as I believe it is the job of the therapist to keep you grounded as you navigate through these experiences. In the therapeutic process I help you sift through transgenerational and cross-cultural considerations to help clarify your needs. Often, this may present itself with interventions that may make you feel uncomfortable.  However, by sitting in the now, putting your behaviors and thoughts into words, developing your story, and drawing attention to how your past and present play a vital role in identifying change for the future. Together we integrate parts of the self into the therapeutic process, and we end by healing the whole person.

Regardless of the ‘season’, in adolescence or adulthood, therapy sessions are created in a safe space allowing you to explore what is needed to treat not just parts of you, but all of you. In my experience, whether it be life transitions, past or current trauma, acclimating to a new community such as, military life, or overall seeking treatment to strengthen who you are as an individual, it can be difficult to navigate. I am here as a beacon to help you inspire, reflect, develop, grow and transform to the person you want to become. It is through an array of evidence based practices, and the relationship built between client and therapist, that we begin our journey in session.

I completed my undergraduate at the University of California, Riverside, and further completed my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in multicultural and community at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University – Los Angeles Campus in 2012. Over the years I have specialized in treating women and children in trauma and attachment issues, and have implemented various treatment models to help with PTSD, depression, anxiety, life stressors, military family life, adoption, and parenting lessons. As a licensed
psychologist I offer sessions in English and Spanish.

As a bilingual Spanish speaking clinician, I work with California Lawyers working through immigration trauma surrounding deportation, childhood trauma, and hardships. In doing so, I offer immigration evaluations for hardship, competency, U visas, T visas, and VAWA. More times than not, these evaluations are not covered under insurances, however my prices are geared toward understanding the financial difficulty during today’s time.

Licensed Therapist

Katie Zwolski, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including: residential and day treatment, school s, in-home therapy, school based clinics, outpatient therapy clinics and community based health clinics.

I believe that every person has inherent worth and built in resiliency. Therapy can be utilized for a variety of reasons and is meant to be supportive in whatever ways you, as a client, need it to be. Building trust and rapport are key. As a client, you choose what it is you need from therapy, leading to creating a unique plan that meets your goals.

I approach therapy from a strength based, client centered and relational approach. I also draw upon cognitive behavioral, humanistic, systems, attachment, mindfulness and psychodynamic theoretical orientations. I do not offer EMDR.

My specialties include: children, adolescents and young adults, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship problems, school problems, LGBTQ, grief and loss, parent/child conflict, emotional dysregulation, anger management, family or social issues, women’s issues, adjustment to changes and life transitions.

Burbank 2

Licensed Therapist

Pricilla Benites, LMFT

I have 18 years of clinical experience in various community mental health, dual diagnosis, Junior College, and private practice settings. I counsel individuals dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I focus on helping clients explore and clarify their personal goals, recognize their strengths, regain a sense of control, and develop the tools they need to move forward in their lives. I utilize family systems and the cognitive-behavioral approaches when conducting individual, couples and family therapy. I also integrate Christian concepts, when appropriate, in assisting clients in finding more meaning and purpose in their lives. I know change is challenging and it takes courage and commitment to reach out for help. I believe that a supportive, compassionate therapeutic relationship is the basis for change.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for the past 10 years. I received my Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I have been trained in Seeking Safety, TF-CBT, EMDR, and Positive Parenting Program.

Licensed Therapist

Marcela Diaz-Smoire, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a vast experience providing services in clinics and school settings to a broad population that includes children, adolescents and adults who have been experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, as well as having a history of trauma. I believe in a person centered strength based approach, and my goal is to help and guide individuals to have a safe and healing place to work through life’s difficulties, to guide them towards fully realizing their potential through therapeutic work, and to have fulfilling relationships.

To help clients attain these goals I utilize a variety of therapies that include EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy. Furthermore, previously to becoming a clinician, I worked for over 10 years as a behavioral therapist working with children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as developing and implementing parenting workshops. Also, for the past 5 years I been using my clinical skills to supervise pre-licensed clinicians.

I was born and raised in Chile and I am fluent in Spanish in addition to English. As an immigrant I am aware and mindful of the challenges that acculturation brings; therefore, and my goal is to serve the Latino community whenever possible.

Licensed Therapist

Danielle Kouri

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work from a relationship focused, strength-based approach integrating mindfulness and client collaboration. My approach is based on collaboration, psychoeducation, and skill building. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that promotes positive relationships and life satisfaction. As a clinician, I have worked with a wide variety of clientele from children with developmental delays to teens struggling with addiction and self-harm to adults struggling with addiction, anxiety, and/or depression. My specialties include Early Childhood Psychotherapy, Communication Skills, Family Therapy, Parenting Skills, Dyad work, Depression, Anxiety, and Families with Children with Special Needs. Additionally, I have a great deal of experience working with Bipolar Disorder, Life Changes, Relationship Building Skills, Substance Abuse, Self-Harm, and Personality Disorders.

My experience comes from working in a variety of settings. My initial clinical work was in a clinic for children with special needs and developmental delays where I worked one on one with children and parents as well as family/parent-child dyad work. I have worked individually with adolescents struggling with mental health issues as well as self-harm and substance abuse. I was a program coordinator and lead therapist at Las Encinas Hospital’s outpatient program running the College Student Track which focused on life transitions, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Additionally, I was the lead therapist for the Chemical Dependency outpatient program where I ran groups with adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. In this role, I conducted couple’s counseling to support healthy communication, psychoeducation on addiction and mental health, and worked on assisting the couple in building a stronger relationship through compromise and understanding.

I look forward to supporting you in creating the life you want to lead through collaboration, exploration, and skill building.

Licensed Therapist

Sophia Leupp, LCSW

We all struggle sometimes.

It’s part of being human, and sometimes life includes painful transitions, relationships, or sometimes we just feel stuck. I strive as a therapist to provide a safe and supported environment for you to explore some of what may be holding you back, and address patterns that are no longer serving you. As a therapist, my goal is to help you reach deeper self-awareness, recognize that suffering does not identify you, and empower you to develop the relationships and life that you want. I have a background in working with adolescents, college students, and adults in processing and healing from past traumas and current stressors.

My approach is non-judgmental and grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship in which I work collaboratively to meet the unique goals of each individual. I draw upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, psychodynamic, and mindfulness theories depending on each person’s needs. Some of the issues I work with include: depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, family and relationship conflict, foster-youth, adult children of alcoholics (ACOA), life transitions, and self-harming behaviors. 

Licensed Therapist

Arineh O. Margaryan, LMFT

Psychologist

Armine Ovasapyan, PsyD

The purpose of therapy isn’t to eliminate, but to transform.

Each part, impulse, behavior, symptoms within us have a story to tell and have the capacity to become something positive and helpful to a person’s life.

For me, an integral role of any therapist is to guide a person to begin an inner dialogue – a conversation with the parts of self that are uncomfortable and unpleasant in thought and feeling. These include fragments of depression and anxiety; fragments left in limbo from traumatic experience(s) or attachment injury(s). Parts of self that we may not like or understand; that we struggle to keep at bay in our relationships and daily interactions. To give each part a voice is to gain appreciation for it. Only through gaining clarity about who we are – the makings of us – can we arrive onto a path of compassion and calmness for all those fragments that essentially make us whole.
We are all capable of healing; I believe that. As such, we will embark on a journey of building trust – both within and with each other – to navigate through this path toward healing, together. In a safe, calm space of acceptance, you can begin to explore self; to gain insight. You are the only expert of your life and I am here as your therapist, merely to be your soundboard.

With the above-mentioned school of thought, I have worked with individuals and families alike from all walks of life, from every age beginning with the birth-5 population all the way to adulthood. Heretofore, the pinnacle of my career , undoubtedly, has been witnessing tremendous emotional and psychological maturity in individuals, dedicated to the transformation of self.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, I went on to receive my Doctorate in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in 2009. Since becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist I have been trained in a myriad of therapeutic models. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, attachment issues, physical, emotional and other abuse and life transitions are on the top of my professional experiences. I offer sessions both in English and Armenian.

Licensed Therapist

Meredith Rockenstein, LMFT

You deserve to be happy. Asking for help to achieve that is courageous. Life is hard and sometimes outside help is needed to get you into a better state of mind. Whether you are coming to therapy to work on yourself or with a partner or family member to work on your relationship, I am here to help.

No two people are exactly the same so, therefore, no two therapeutic experiences are exactly the same. While I take a person centered approach with all of my clients, I customize the rest of the therapy to each individual client’s needs. I utilize my knowledge of and experience with different theories and techniques to create a treatment plan that is ideal for each individual client.

With a creative background and a Masters degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, I am able to incorporate all of my experiences and teachings into my practice. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is of utmost importance so it is important to find the right match. I strive to create a safe space for my clients where they feel empowered, heard and not judged in any way. I would love to work with anyone ready to make a change in their lives and ready to put in the work to do so.

Philip Ruddy, LMFT

I specialize in helping creative adults (writers, comedians, performers, producers, directors, film, TV and media professionals) manage and transcend stress, anxiety, depression, emotional blocks, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions.

My background includes an M.A. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and, prior to becoming a therapist, 15 years working in film and television production, so I’m finely attuned to the unique stressors of the industry.

I tailor my practice to meet each client’s needs, using CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Talk Therapy) and Depth Therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental setting where warmth and humor is encouraged. I also offer EMDR Therapy when appropriate, to help reduce the effects of trauma.

Licensed Therapist

Jenny Silver, LMFT

I am a bilingual licensed clinician, fluent in Russian in addition to English. I have been practicing therapy since 2012 and have worked in various roles and settings. I implement various approaches into my work; however, my focus is always on meeting my client’s individual needs and helping them accomplish their goals. Through a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to help them through whatever struggles they may be facing and make long-lasting, positive changes to become their best selves.

I am a graduate of Antioch University, and hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive training and experience working with adults, adolescents, children, as well as families who are dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, attachment issues, and loss and grief.

Reaching out for help is the first step toward understanding what is troubling you. I believe taking the first step is often the hardest, but if you are ready to do the work, I am ready to help you.

Qualifications:
Ms. Silver is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT115947). She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University of Northridge in Northridge, CA and then went on to complete her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree at Antioch University in Culver City, CA.

Licensed Therapist

Lilit Melik-Bakhshyan, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I conduct individual psychotherapy at my practice. My practice focuses on relationship healing, self-discovery and self-improvements, anxiety, and depression. I bring a fresh and unique outlook to my practice while I provide a non-judgmental safe space for my clients. I offer my clients a transcultural perspective as I believe that examining one’s cultural norms and stigmas can often help to identify and address issues like anxiety or self-criticism. Additionally, I believe in a holistic approach to my practice by incorporating both mind and body. I incorporate a variety of mindfulness techniques and guided practices utilizing movement and various breathing techniques. I emphasize being in the present moment in order to notice one’s limiting patterns and to break free from them, ultimately working towards self-development and self-awareness, finding peace within. My practice strives to empower the clients by ensuring they remain in control during the therapy sessions. It is my opinion that each individual has the strength and knowledge to reach their full potential and I assist them in accomplishing that vision.

I hold a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have extensive experience in facilitating group therapy, couples therapy, as well as individual therapy for clients from various cultural backgrounds and circumstances. I’ve worked in a variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, rehab facilities and schools. I am a bilingual therapist, fluent in Armenian in addition to English.