Monrovia Providers

Monrovia

Monrovia Site Coordinator

Jennifer Pruitt, PsyD

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance at Louisiana Tech University. I completed my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 24215) with the California State Board of Psychology. I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the Pasadena Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Therapy does not involve a therapist giving advice and simple solutions. I guide my clients towards gaining insight and awareness to help them problem solve, make healthy life choices, and establish healthy and meaningful relationships. Therapy can be the supportive environment people need to help make life changes necessary to enhance their lives and futures.

I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I have experience working with various issues including Depression, Anxiety, relationship conflict or end of relationships, life transitions, abuse, and trauma. In addition, as a Licensed Psychologist, I also have experience completing Psychological Testing with children, adolescents, and adults. As a Psychologist, I enjoy providing therapeutic services and Psychological Assessment services to provide thorough assessment and treatment to individuals.

Licensed Therapist

Candace Colliflower

You are unique and have a powerful story to tell. In my many years as a therapist, I have developed the experience and tools necessary to help you understand what’s keeping you stuck and how to find more satisfaction in your life. The trusting bond formed between us is what will make therapy successful. I work with individuals, couples, children and teens to help them make the changes they want in order to have a more fulfilling life.

In therapy, I can offer you a safe place to share your thoughts and problems. I am an objective professional who will give you honest feedback and allow you to free your mind in a non-judgmental environment. We can deal with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, grief and loss, or infertility to name a few.

When we begin our therapy sessions, we will have conversations about your present concerns, your past history and how you would like to see yourself in the future. As we continue to explore, you’ll become empowered and find more fulfillment in your life and relationships. With openness on your part, you can develop your strengths and improve your shortcomings in order to better handle life’s challenges and live a happier life. I received a Master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1992. I also received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Pepperdine in 2004. I completed a fellowship at Cedars-Sinai, working with special needs children and have also worked with special needs children at The Children’s Ranch in Atwater Village. I have been in private practice in the area since 1996.

For more information, visit my website at www.CandaceHeath.com.

Licensed Therapist

Artemisa Oliva, LCSW

Hello!!  You can call me Arty!  😊

I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaking therapist. I have a BA in psychology from Pomona College and a master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. In my 25 years in the field, I have provided therapy to individuals/families and supervised and trained many therapists.  I have experience working with adults in group and individual treatment recovering from domestic violence, child physical abuse and sexual abuse. I also have experience working with individuals and families who have experienced traumatic loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, self-esteem, parenting concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I am trained in evidenced-based practices for treatment of trauma, depression, poor coping habits and anxiety.

My therapeutic approach combines psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and elements of Buddhist psychology without any of the religious aspect.  

I believe that it is important to tailor your treatment to your specific needs and pace to help you feel supported and able to see your progress as you work through issues that you identify. I look forward to using my experience to benefit you to feel more empowered, self aware and at peace.

Licensed Therapist

Maria Perez-Richter

Maria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking therapist with over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. Maria uses humor and compassion to provide a client-centered and strength-based treatment modality to help individuals achieve the life they yearn for. Recognizing that respect is critical to every relationship, Maria’s approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, non-judgmental and solution-oriented to help people effectively address and overcome challenges. By incorporating lifestyle changes, Maria helps individuals manage stress, navigate self-exploration, and break free of emotional patterns that prevent positive growth. Maria integrates complementary methodologies and tailored techniques to meet each person’s specific needs. She truly believes in the resilience and resourcefulness potential of every individual.

Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Maria raised a family and worked in the residential real estate, accounting and retail management industries. After seeking mental health services for herself and her children, and witnessing the benefits, Maria made it her mission to pay it forward. At the age of 42 Maria began her formal college education.

Maria earned an AS degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Glendale Community College, a BA degree in Human Development and a MA degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License 104546) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, a member of (CAMFT) the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and a member of (AASECT) the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Maria loves learning and continues to increase her skills and knowledge to help others heal, so she is always attending trainings and workshops to keep current with evidence- based modalities of treatment.

Maria has worked extensively with children and adults, providing intensive services to clients with trauma, who have been abused and/or neglected, have severe behavioral difficulties, have parents/caregivers with emotional and mental health issues, and with families that are in crisis. Maria has assisted families in the areas of relationship conflicts, ADHD, PTSD, parenting challenges, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and domestic violence, etc., utilizing evidence-based practices including Seeking Safety and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT), etc., to help them heal.

Currently, Maria is working with individuals struggling with mental health (PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction and post-partum depression), relationships (codependency, conflicts, sexual challenges, grief and loss), life skills (navigating transitions, balancing school/work/home life,

communication and women issues), among other difficulties. She enjoys providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy to diverse patient populations from all faiths, cultures and lifestyles.

Maria’s goal is to empower individuals and help them use their own inner strengths to grow as an individual and work through life’s challenges. She applauds your courage in taking the first step in seeking help and looks forward to working alongside you in your journey for change. Maria would be honored to have the opportunity to help you gain more freedom from your past experiences and develop, lasting and meaningful changes and relationships in your life.

In her spare time, Maria enjoys traveling (particularly to Texas where her grandchildren live), gardening, reading, furniture painting, seeking out new adventures, making memories and spending time with family.