Meet Chelsea

Hi there!

I'm Chelsea! I'm so glad you're exploring therapy - I think everyone can benefit from processing things in life and learning more about themselves. It's important to feel comfortable and connected with your clinician, so I'd like to tell you a bit about myself to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not we'd be a good fit together! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, in addition to being a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP). Previously, I worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services for 10 years, supporting children and families touched by foster care and adoption. As such, I am well versed in addressing core adoption issues, attachment, and identity concerns. Additionally, I have experience treating depression, anxiety, parenting, blended-families, teen concerns, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis, and adjustment. I've also worked at an in-patient psychiatric hospital, helping stabilize individuals short-term with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, depression, anxiety, addiction, co-morbid disorders, suicidal ideations, self-injurious behaviors, and those encountering psychotic breaks triggered by stress. Equally important was my role in educating families about the diagnosis and ways to support their loved ones. I have since transitioned to the education sector and have been supporting students as a School Psychologist. In this role, I conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify students with autism, intellectual disabilities, AD/HD, and learning disabilities, among others. My assessments are then utilized to inform independent education plans (IEPs). I also conduct Educationally Related Mental Health Service assessments and provide related counseling, serving students with higher mental health needs. Lastly, I would be remiss if I neglected my passion and experience serving the LGBTQ community. For a portion of my time as a social worker, I worked solely with LGBTQ parents and children, providing support to this community. In the school setting, I conducted my doctoral research focusing on LGBTQ student needs and facilitate a Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) club, supporting LGBTQ students and allies.

I know it takes a lot of courage to seek support, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lend my strength during times when you are most vulnerable.

My credentials include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science – California State University, San Marcos

• Certificate in Parent Education and Training – University of California, Los Angeles

• Certificate in Special Education Advocacy – University of San Diego

• Master of Science in Research Psychology – University of Phoenix

• Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) – Mount Saint Mary’s University

• PPS Credential in School Psychology – La Sierra University

• Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Mental Health (ABD) – La Sierra University

• Dual License by State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT 116834; LEP 4155)

• Diplomate in School Neuropsychology (ABSNP)

• Preliminary Administrative Credential - LACOE

About me:
I know it is difficult to share intimate details with someone, while not knowing any personal details about them. I also understand the desire for shared experiences, and feeling as though someone truly understands your pain. Thus, I tend to share some of my background with clients, while maintaining professional boundaries and focus.

Growing up, my mother was a principal and my father was a chief of police. This did not make my family exempt from adversity though. My life was closely touched and affected by learning disabilities, drug addiction, incarceration, and divorce. As an adolescent, I was quickly exposed to internal conflict, fearing loved ones and grieving those relationships. Confusion is a great word to capture that time in life! As an adult, I became a single parent and sought my own therapy to manage the intense feelings of shame while learning to co-parent. I have since found a new partner and continue to navigate the challenges of having a blended family with my 8-year-old daughter and 8-year-old stepson. After tasting the channels of infertility, we also welcomed a new baby into our family in August 2022 and are enjoying chasing around a tornado of a toddler. Recently, I lost a parent to cancer, and experienced the all the ups and downs associated with being a caregiver during the decline. I enjoy concerts, photography, soccer, spending time in the mountains, camping, audiobooks, and creating small businesses. I also use profanity far more than I care to admit, though it really helps me feel seen and heard!