Best Therapists in Santa Ana, CA of 2025
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Best Therapists in Santa Ana, California of 2025
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I. Therapists in Santa Ana, CA
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Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem, Depression, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Eileen Beirich
- 20 years of Experience
- United States
- Pasadena, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Adoption, Anxiety, Depression, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Psychodynamic
State License: California
Steven Garman
- 30 years of Experience
- United States
- Chino, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Divorce, Marital / Premarital, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Spirituality
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Jungian, Psychodynamic
State License: California
Maelisa Hall
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Irvine, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Multicultural, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Soad Tabrizi
- 10 years of Experience
- United States
- Mission Viejo, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Addiction, Alcohol Abuse, Anxiety, Behavior Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, End of Life Issues, Faith Transition, Goal Setting, Life Coaching, OCD, Self Esteem, Spirituality
Languages: English, Farsi
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State Licenses: California, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia
Nancy Culhane
- 40+ years of Experience
- United States
- Fairfax, California
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Coping Skills, Divorce, Goal Setting, Grief, Infidelity, Interpersonal Relationships, Life Transitions, Marital / Premarital, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Women's Issues
Languages: English, Finnish
Treatment Approaches: Family / Marital, Integrative, Narrative, Relational
State Licenses: California and Nevada
Melissa Jones
- 11 years of Experience
- United States
- Online, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Existential, Family / Marital, Family Systems, Gestalt, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy, Relational
State License: California
Lori Kandels
- 28 years of Experience
- United States
- San Francisco, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, EMDR, Family / Marital, Feminist, Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Narrative, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
State License: California
Lisa Larsen
- 15 years of Experience
- United States
- Lancaster, California
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Humanistic, Hypnotherapy
State License: California
II. The Best Therapists in Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana therapists were rated on eight key factors. These include credentials, cost, specialization, availability, and other features. Together, these factors ensure you get the support you need — the way you need it. |
HeaderCredentialsOne way to tell that a therapist is qualified to deliver top-level care is to check their credentials. In California, licensed therapists are required to hold a Master’s degree at an accredited university and then complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised practice over 104 weeks. They must all pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and the National Counselor Examination before they are fully licensed. AccessibilityEvery therapist runs their practice a little differently, and the key is choosing the one that fits into your lifestyle. Flexible scheduling and remote sessions can be a good way to take pressure off your schedule while making sure your needs are met. CostTherapy is a long-term commitment, which means it needs to be affordable. Whether your therapist charges a per-session fee or monthly subscription fee, make sure it is at a price that’s accessible to you. Sliding scale plans can help here, as can compatibility with common insurance plans. |
Janet Francis-Cisneros: LMFT | Best for parenting skills
844-462-3238
Website
Janet Francis-Cisneros works collaboratively with her clients to recognize the strengths they already have and make them their most effective selves. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma-focused CBT. She also offers specialized services to teach parenting skills as a component of her family therapy practice.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Parenting Skills Education, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy | Aetna, Blue Shield, CHIPA, Cigna, Magellan, PPO & Other Indemnity Plans, Out of Network | 15 Minute Phone Consultation: Free Evaluation Session 60 Minutes : $250 Ongoing 50 Minute Sessions: $200 |
No | Yes |
Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno: M.A., Ed.D. | Best for emotional disturbance
714- 253-7877
Website
Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno has over 15 years of experience working with clients to help with common conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, and other kinds of emotional disturbance. He is able to offer Christian-focused services upon request, as well as culturally relevant Spanish-language services.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Emotional Disturbance, Parenting, Trauma and PTSD | Cigna | Cost per Session: $150+/session | No | Yes |
Don Diva: LMFT, CSAT | Best for men's issues
562-508-0059
Website
Don Diva understands how easy it is to feel stuck when dealing with difficult situations like loneliness, death, and failed relationships. As a therapist, Don strives to help his clients move through these natural phases and embrace healthy relationships and lifestyles. While he has experience working with a range of different clients, his strength is speaking to a male perspective.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Sexual Addiction, Relationship Issues, Men’s Issues | Out of Network | Cost per Session: $180/50 minute session | Yes | Yes |
Margarita Calzadilla-Kishimoto: M.S.G., LCSW | Best for grief
714- 309-9035
Website
Margarita Calzadilla-Kishimoto has a passion for working with clients as they struggle with times of pain and loss. With 25 years of experience, she has learned how to truly listen to her clients, and move them toward self-examination and acceptance. She believes therapy is a process of transformation where clients can come to understand that happiness comes from within.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Grief, Trauma and PTSD, Child or Adolescent | Windstone | Cost per Session: $120/hour | No | No |
Jennifer Martin: Psy.D.| Best for chronic pain
949-791-7174
Website
Jennifer Martin’s specialty is working with clients who are dealing with chronic pain as part of their daily life. She has the qualifications and personal experience necessary to overcome pain-related challenges.
What patients say: “I didn’t know how bad I was really doing and feeling when I first started working with Jennifer. Now that we have been working together for a year, I can easily see and feel how much better and more capable I feel.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Gastrointestinal disorders (including but not limited to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS, Diverticulitis), Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and loss, Stress management, Anger management, Selfesteem and confidence concerns, Social skills training | Out of Network | Cost per Session: $150/session | Yes | Yes |
Andy Park: M.A., LMFT, CCTP, CSAT, CMAT| Best for EMDR
714-262-4445
Website
Andy Park is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with adults, young adults, and couples. He takes a warm and collaborative approach to his practice, employing CBT, EMDR, and experiential modalities. In his EMDR work, he employs evidence-based treatment that helps target and process distressing memories, which can be effective for trauma and PTSD.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Men’s issues, Relational issues, Young adults, Depression & Anxiety, Self-esteem, Sex and pornography addiction, LGBTQ/Sexuality issues, Trauma, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Christian spirituality issues and integration | Out of Network | Cost per Session: $150/60 minute | Yes | Yes |
Lorraine Ibold: M.S.W., LCSW | Best for addiction
714-541-4921
Website
Lorraine Ibold runs a client-oriented practice where she takes the time to listen every step of the way. She offers specialized services for chemical dependency, crisis intervention, and a wide range of other topics.
What patients say: “I have had a great experience with her. Very honest, accommodates my after-work schedule, and I never wait longer than 10 minutes from my appointment time.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD, Sexual Addiction, Addiction | Aetna, Also accepts, Anthem, BlueCross and BlueShield, CCN, CHIPA, CalOptima, Cigna, ComPsych, Guardian, Health Net, Holman Group, MHN, MHNet Behavioral Health, Magellan, Medi-Cal, Optum, TRICARE, TriWest, UMR, UnitedHealthcare, Out of Network | Cost per Session: $110 – $120/session | Yes | Yes |
John Whittington: M.S., LMFT| Best for family counseling
949-310-2688
Website
John Whittington provides a safe and understanding environment where individuals, couples, and families can come to explore their inner lives. In his work with families, he aims to increase awareness of negative emotional cycles in the hope of installing compassion and empathy between family members. He uses emotionally focused therapy, EMDR, systems-type therapy, and other approaches to restore harmony.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Children/teen, Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Court-ordered Treatment, Culture, Blended Families, Cutting, Death, Dependency, Depression, Diversity, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Emotionally Shut Down, Extended Families, Family, Foster, Grief/Loss, Hopelessness, Infidelity, Intimacy, LGBQ Supportive, Life Stage Changes, Marriage, Obsession | Out of Network | Cost per Session: $125/50 minutes | Yes | Yes |
Mitchell Blum: Psy.D. | Best for couples therapy
760-708-1482
Website
Mitchell Blum has worked as a psychotherapist for over 30 years, specializing in marriage workshops and addiction management therapy. He also offers joint sessions with his wife Lisa for couples therapy that includes a male and female perspective. Communication skills and interpersonal problem-solving are at the core of his sessions, and he helps build the tools necessary for a happy life and productive relationships.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Adults, Families, Couples/marriages, Seniors & All People Suffering with Anxiety, Fear, Stress, Depression, Addictions, Eating Disorders | N/A | Cost per Session: $75 – $95/session | Yes | Yes |
Christine Monroe: M.F.T.| Best for premarital therapy
714-332-1203
Website
Christine Monroe uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and EMDR to help her clients navigate the difficulties innate in relationships. She understands how stressful marriage can be for all participants and strives to be seen and known by their significant other.
What patients say: “Chris is the best! She can fix the pain that no one else could and she is a wonderful woman and caring soul.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma and PTSD, Marital and Premarital, Men’s Issues | Superbill, Out of Network | Cost per Session: $160/50 minute session | Yes | Yes |
Stephen P. Pines: Psy.D. | Best for depression
562-452-3893
Website
Stephen P. Pines helps his clients work toward self-actualization, whether that means in their relationships or restoring balance to their inner lives. He understands that depression is a serious illness and has experience managing common symptoms and putting patients back in touch with their self-worth and autonomy. His services are covered by major health plans.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / Ptsd, Teens, Adults, Lgbtq, Couples and Families, Anger Management, Assessments / Testing | Out of Network | Cost per Session: $175 for a 50 minute session | Yes | No |
Christine Luu: LCSW| Best for life transitions
949-415-4662
Website
Christine Luu offers services designed to put people in control of their emotions so that they can fulfill long-term goals and reach their full potential. Many of her clients are Asian-Americans experiencing life transitions like a loss or job change. Her strategy involves identifying underlying problems like anxiety and depression, which can serve as roadblocks that make it difficult to move forward.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Depression, Self-Esteem, Anxiety | N/A | Initial Session: $190 (60 minutes) Ongoing Session: $165 (45-50 minutes) |
No | Yes |
Mayra Iniguez: LMFT, EMDR, CSAT-C | Best for trauma
657-999-0052
Website
Mayra Iniguez has developed a unique approach to overcoming trauma that involves embracing emotions as a natural part of the human experience while encouraging continual progress and growth. She sees the role of a therapist as a partner on a journey who helps navigate pain and chaos. Mayra has experience working with adults and adolescents in an individual or group setting.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma, Relationship Issues, Addiction, Depression/anxiety | PPO Out of Network, Out of Network | Cost per Session: $175+/session | Yes | Yes |
Melissa Milne Percy: LCSW | Best for marital therapy
657-214-4985
Website
Melissa Milne Percy has over 28 years of experience helping her clients grow in their marriages and romantic relationships. Her approach to therapy is rooted in science and proven to help strengthen marriages. She offers both 50 and 80-minute sessions, where she will work to build a roadmap for healthy communication and intimacy.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Marital and Premarital, Life Transitions, Grief | Couples Counseling: 50 minute sessions – $180; 80 minute sessions – $225 | Cost per Session: $300 | No | Yes |
Sulabha Abhyankar: LCSW, MSW| Best for compassion fatigue
949-584-1031
Website
Sulabha ‘Su’ Abhyankar has experience working with issues like trauma, relationships, and addiction. Using EMDR for individual therapy and a technique called Psychodrama for group therapy, she is able to help her clients let go of difficult memories and live fuller lives. When treating compassion fatigue, also called caregiver burnout, she identifies the specific needs of caregivers as they watch over loved ones.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Trauma – physical, emotional, sexual, Addiction – drug, alcohol, sex & love, gambling, food, Grief & Loss, Transitional Life Events – career changes, re-entering the workforce, divorce, relocation, Family & Relationship Issues – marital problems, parental, sibling & intergenerational, Compassion fatigue for health care providers and caregivers | N/A | Cost per Session: Individual 60 minute session: $175- $200 | Yes | No |
III. What You Should Know About Santa Ana Therapy
How are Santa Ana therapists licensed?
Santa Ana therapists begin their license requirements by completing a Master’s degree at an approved university in counseling or a related program. After this is completed, they must complete a full 3,000 hours of supervised practice work within the span of two years and then pass a pair of exams, the National Counselor Examination and the California Law and Ethics Exam. Finally, they need to complete various background checks to ensure they are trustworthy enough to begin taking clients.
How much does therapy cost in Santa Ana?
Therapists in Santa Ana can charge anywhere from $75 to $175 for a 50-minute session, though on average, you can expect to pay about $140. However, many professionals offer free phone consultations for new clients, as well as sliding scale payment. Many therapists in this area are out of network for common insurance plans, so be sure to check this before making an appointment.
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IV. Sources
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences | Last accessed December 2025
- California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors | Last accessed December 2025
- National Counselor Examination | Last accessed December 2025