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 #098951-01
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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Wait List
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
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Alina Gonzalez, LMFT
Alina Gonzalez, MS, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in community mental health providing therapy to infants, children, teens, and adults. She works with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, family issues, life transitions, grief, and loss. Alina also has specialized training in the treatment of children 0-5 and their caregivers using treatment modalities such as CPP, play-based therapy, and Infant Massage to address concerns related to trauma exposure, parenting/co-parenting difficulties, attachment/bonding, childhood anxiety/mood disorders, developmental delays, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Alina is passionate about supporting her clients to utilize their strengths to meet their goals by providing a safe space that is affirming and inclusive of one’s lived experiences and intersecting identities. Her therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, reflective, collaborative, and strength-based.
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License
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT #136600
Education
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Cal State University, Northridge, 2019, MS, Counseling Psychology
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Cal State University, Northridge, 2015, BA, Psychology
Availability
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Virtual
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Accepting Patients
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
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Judy Ann Sithiphong, ACSW
Supervised by Dr. Laura Barragan
Judy Ann is a seasoned social worker in the elementary education sector, possessing a strong foundation in both private practice and community mental health services. She is dedicated to assisting individuals, couples, and children between the ages of 4 and 12, with a particular focus on navigating complex challenges such as grief and loss, the development of social skills, depression, anxiety, and problem-solving strategies.
Utilizing a solution-focused methodology, Judy Ann highlights the significance of self-care, empowering her clients to cultivate resilience and discover effective routes to improved well-being. Her empathetic and results-driven practice is shaped by her extensive experience, which includes her role as a mental health specialist serving the homeless population.
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In this capacity, Judy Ann delivered essential crisis intervention, personalized counseling, and crucial referrals to various resources, showcasing her deep commitment to aiding vulnerable communities. She continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves, promoting growth, healing, and positive transformation.
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License
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Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) #96039
Education
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The University of Southern California, 2020, MSW
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Cal State University, Los Angeles, 2017, BA, Psychology
Availability
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Virtual
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In-person
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Accepting Patients
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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Supervised by Dr. Laura Escalona Barragan LCSW #28612
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