Whittier

Whittier Site Supervisor

Irma Lopez, LMFT

Each of us has a story of something we have been through and how it has impacted our lives. Throughout our journey, we experience some of life’s difficult moments, which can affect our relationships and quality of life. I invite you to share your story with me. I have a gentle and patient approach. I will work with you at your speed, so that we learn together what your purpose in seeking therapy is and what you would like to learn or heal from. I enjoy helping clients find their strengths and provide support for their growth.

I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist. I have 10 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the following areas: Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Selective Mutism, Life Transitions/Changes, Relationship Conflicts, Communication Difficulties, LGBTQ community and needs, Special Needs Children and impact on families, Divorce/Co-parenting, Adolescents and Suicidal Ideation, Children/Teens and difficulties at school (Academic/Relational Impairments), Children and Teen Victims of Bullying, Positive Parenting, and Narrative Therapy. I enjoy using creative methods such as photography, art, music, literature, and guided imagery.

I graduated in 2006, with a Master’s in Science of Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In 2010, I received my Marriage and Family Therapist License from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Since 2010, I have been trained in Evidence-Based Practices, including Seeking Safety, Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS). I am a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Whittier Location

Licensed Therapist

Adriana Armenta

It’s a life passion of mine to help people who might be struggling, feeling a little lost, or just need to be heard. Sometimes life happens, we get thrown curve balls and often times we need a little help to get back in the game; I would love the opportunity to be that help! I believe that providing a nonjudgmental & compassionate therapeutic environment provides a safe place for individuals to heal, work through their struggles, and more importantly, GROW.As a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 7 years, I have experience working with individuals and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, adjusting to life transitions, relationship challenges and military life challenges. I’ve also had the privilege of training community members and mental health professionals in suicide prevention and suicide risk assessment and management. I received my BS in Psychology from Cal State University Long Beach in 2002 and earned my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from USC in 2011. I am trained in an array of practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy(IPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety.My therapeutic approach is eclectic as I believe that one size does not fit all, therefore I work with each individual to develop a unique treatment plan that addresses their needs and goals. I truly believe in the resilience and resourcefulness of every individual. My goal is to empower clients and help them use their God-given strengths to grow as an individuals and work through life’s challenges. I applaud your courage in taking the first step in seeking help and I look forward to working alongside you in your journey for change.

Licensed Therapist

Margaret Best

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. I work with individuals and families in identifying/exploring beliefs and emotions that affect various areas of life such as personal, occupational, and even spiritual growth or concerns. I have over ten years of experience working with children and adolescents,individuals and families to resolve relationship issues, mood/emotional disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I received my undergraduate degree in psychology and music and received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in 2008. Since then, I have been trained in various Evidence-Based Practices, including Seeking Safety, Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I look forward to meeting and exploring with you to find methods and tools to resolve issues which keep you from being your best self.

Licensed Therapist

Michael Lemley

Michael Lemley is a New Jersey native and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida Southern College in 2005. Michael moved out to California in 2007 and has since worked in numerous residential treatment settings. Music is major part of Michael’s life and he enjoys using music as a therapeutic tool. Michael went back to school to get a Master’s Degree in Social Work at California State University Long Beach and graduated in 2015. Michael has worked with the various populations in a residential setting. Michael facilitates music therapy groups, multi-family group, and provides individual, couples, and family therapy.

Licensed Therapist

Carolina Miranda

WHITTIER OFFICE

Inez Salcido-Kasteiner

Hello! I am Inez Salcido-Kasteiner and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (50010).  I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree In Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona.

My professional work began with providing direct mental health services across various community and school settings with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings. Over the course of my career I have worked within the framework of the Department of Mental Health, being trained and certified in practicing several evidenced-based practices including; TF-CBT, PCIT, and MAP, to name only a few. I later worked with the California Victims of Crime Program, other community mental health service providers, and over the past six years I have provided educationally related mental health services to kindergarten through high school students attending a school campus that is specifically geared toward providing services for students with emotional disturbances. I have also provided academic counseling to community college students.

I am a staunch believer in the importance of mental health and I have dedicated over fifteen years of my professional life to providing quality mental health services to the those who need help in managing the symptoms and behaviors related to; depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders. I’ve worked with several populations including; couples and families, at-risk youth, low-income groups, minority groups, and those within the LCBTQ community.

I believe in empowering my clients by meeting them where they are, identifying not only the areas of need, but also identifying viable solutions, while assisting my clients to implement the skills and strategies they learn in our sessions to their every day lives.