Whittier Providers

Whittier

Whittier Site Coordinator

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

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

Elva E. Gutierrez, LMFT

Hello, my name is Elva E. Gutierrez and I am an experienced, qualified, and a registered licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #112327) in private practice located Whittier, CA. I am bilingual, Spanish. I am also a culturally sensitive therapist. I understand differences in opinions, cultures, genders, sexual identities, classes, material status and religion. I use evidenced-based approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy with clients. I also utilize Seek and Safety with clients in Recovery. I am EMDR trained. I utilize all my tools to help with emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and Mindfulness techniques, to identify and recognize the client’s thoughts which contribute to their behaviors and feelings.

I have been practicing for the last 11 years but have been mentoring, providing guidance, supporting, and assisting in various other areas (ex. group homes, non-public schools, public schools, and probation department) for the past 22 years.

Most recently I have utilized my time in working with individuals (children, teens, and adults), couples and families. My specialties include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, ADHD, school/ home Behavior issues, family conflict, blended families, sexual, mental, and physical abuse, domestic violence, grief/bereavement and adjusting to life changes.

As you know the world was not built in a day neither was Rome. It’s important to come into treatment with no time frame. Be ready do the work and allow the time you need to get to a healthier place with my support, encouragement, guidance, and assistance.

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.

Licensed Therapist

Esmeralda Ledesma, LCSW

Hello! I am Esmeralda Ledesma, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in the Whitter, CA. I earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California in 2007. I come with over 13 years of experience providing an array of mental health services to children, individuals and families in a community mental health clinic setting.

Currently, I provide individual and family therapy in English and Spanish for children and adults, addressing a wide range of concerns including:

· Anxiety
· Depression
· Self-esteem
· Identity Development
· Relationship Concerns
· Life Transitions
· Grief, Loss and Trauma
· Parenting Concerns
· Infancy and Early Childhood Social and Emotional Development (ages 0-5)
· Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy/Maternal-Infant Mental

As a bilingual, bicultural Latinx mental health therapist, I am deeply passionate and dedicated towards promoting mental health wellness in all communities and access to culturally sensitive therapy in the language that is meaningful to you. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. If you or your child are struggling with any of the above-mentioned concerns, I like to congratulate you for trusting that feeling that brought you here. Asking or accepting help is often difficult and it takes courage.

In therapy, my focus is to hold a safe space that allows for us to explore, integrate, change, and work through difficult aspects of your lived experiences. I am trauma sensitive and aim to provide support for both your personal development and the quality of your relationships. I draw from several treatment models, integrating them in a way that supports your vision in life. With children, I often use play, art or movement therapy modalities. I have a strong affinity working with women, mothers, infants, toddlers and new parents as the process of family building is one of the most intense periods in one’s life.

*Please note all services are provided via telehealth/video conferencing at this time.

Licensed Therapist

Leonor Rocha, LMFT

Hello! My name is Leonor Rocha, I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. For the first part of my career I worked in community mental health, providing clinical services to children, young adults, and families. I implemented techniques based on various trainings I received in evidenced-based practices, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, and Depression Treatment Quality Improvement (DTQI). I have worked with individuals, families and couples addressing a wide range of concerns including, depression, anxiety, PTSD, disruptive behavior in children, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem, parenting concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, as I believe treatment should be tailored to your personal needs, strengths, and resources. I aim to help my clients uncover and unlearn maladaptive behaviors, patterns and beliefs and gain healthier coping skills. My goal is to empower you, help you regain control of your life while providing a warm and caring space.