
Meet the Team
A wide range of seasoned professionals to fit your individual needs.

CEO & Founder
Dr. Laura Escalona Barragan
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health.
I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. It has been a privilege to be able to provide support and guidance to those who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.
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My specialties and areas of focus are working with women around life transitions and trauma work by utilizing approaches such as Brianspotting and EMDR.
As your therapist, I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process your thoughts and feelings. Together, we will identify areas of your life that might be causing distress or preventing you from living your best life.
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Using evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans, I will work with you to develop coping skills and strategies that will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your personal goals. My goal is to empower you to become your own advocate for your mental health and well-being.
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I believe that everyone has the ability to heal and grow, and I am committed to helping you achieve the life you deserve. Whether you are struggling with a specific issue or just want to work on personal growth and self-improvement, I am here to support you on your journey.
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License
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker California #28612
New York #098951
Nevada #11820-C
Education
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The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2016, PsyD
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The University of Southern California, 2007, MSW
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Mount St. Mary’s University, 2003, BA
Languages
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Spanish
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Wait List
Office
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Valencia
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San Fernando

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sara Hernandez, LCSW
Sara Hernandez, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with low-income populations that includes teens, parents, families, and adults. Sara demonstrates an understanding for intersectionality and the impact of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Sara’s approach to therapy is warm, individualized, safe, compassionate, and intersectional. Her aim is to create a trusting, collaborative and supportive environment for her clients. Humility, kindness and empathy are at the center of her work, and she encourages open communication and safety, allowing clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. It is important that Sara’s clients have a voice and choice in their therapeutic process and when setting goals.
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License
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW #118095
Education
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Cal State University, Northridge, 2019, MSW
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Cal State University, Northridge, 2013, BA, Psychology
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Accepting Patients
Office
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Valencia

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Giselle Ortiz, ACSW
Supervised by Dr. Laura Barragan
A first-generation bilingual (Spanish/English) Associate Clinical Social Worker, raised by hard working-class parents in Los Angeles, CA., Giselle prides herself in her dedication to her work. Giselle has experience working with adults, teens, children, and families in hospice care and outpatient therapy. Her approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with patients in identifying the issues they wish to address and the goals they would like to achieve. Depending on your goal, Giselle utilizes evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her treatment. Giselle creates a judgement free environment where patients feel supported and ultimately have the tools to live an empowered life.
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License
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Associate Clinical Social Worker #129631
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Supervised by Dr. Laura Escalona Barragan LCSW #28612
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Education
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UMass Global, 2023, MSW
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Touro University Worldwide, Northridge, 2018, BSW
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Accepting Patients
Office
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Valencia
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San Fernando

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lisa Kappaz, LCSW
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with private, county, and healthcare system experience. She specializes in working with couples, and adults. Trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she focuses on treating mood disorders, anxiety, postpartum issues, and life transitions.
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License
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW #14812
Education
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New York University School of Social Work, 1977, BSW, MSW
Availability
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Virtual
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Accepting Patients

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lesley Gomez, LCSW
Lesley Gomez, LCSW, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with community-based, school-based, and private practice experience. Lesley has had the opportunity to work with children, teens, and young adults within socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and minority communities. Lesley prides herself in being able to create a positive and safe environment for each individual client and help clients identify their goals for therapy. At her core, Lesley believes in the importance of building a trusting therapeutic relationship, emphasizes open and honest communication, approaches each interaction with kindness and curiosity, and looks forward to helping clients address their struggles. It is important that Lesley’s clients identify and build upon their strengths, learn healthy coping skills, and are able to experience vulnerability as a means for self-growth.
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License
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW #120535
Education
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Cal State University, Los Angeles, 2020, MSW
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Humboldt State University, 2018, BA, Criminology & Justice Studies
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Accepting Patients
Office
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Valencia
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San Fernando

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Cesar Espinoza, LCSW
Cesar Espinoza is a first-generation bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the San Fernando Valley. Passionate about mental health, self-care, and fostering healthy relationships, Cesar actively contributes to his community by volunteering as a youth basketball coach at his local recreational park.
With years of experience in forensic social work, he has worked with adults,
adolescents, and families, helping them navigate complex challenges. Cesar takes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to work toward their goals. Using an integrative therapeutic
style, he blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in their therapeutic journey.
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License
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW #325482
Education
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Cal State University, Northridge, 2020, MSW
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Cal State University, Los Angeles, 2017, BS, Criminal Justice
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Accepting Patients
Office
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San Fernando