Downtown Riverside Therapists

   My name is Vanessa Sagala, and I am an Asian-American Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. I have worked closely with people struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, psychosis, and more. Depending on the individual’s needs, I utilize different approaches that include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Each person is unique, and I take the time to work with each individual to find what approach best suits them. I look forward to assisting individuals and families in their healing journey. 

 Hi, I’m Marisa Medina, LCSW. 

My career in mental health began in 2008, working with emancipated foster youth in a transitional housing program. Witnessing the depth of their needs inspired me to pursue my Master’s in Social Work, with a focus on Clinical Practice, from Azusa Pacific University. Since then, I’ve served in roles such as Case Manager, School-Based Counselor, Primary Therapist, and Program Director for outpatient mental health programs. I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, families, and couples through pivotal life transitions and emotional challenges. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore who you are, clarify your needs, and work toward meaningful personal goals. My approach is flexible and client-centered, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation. Working together, we’ll keep your goals at the center of our journey, building a collaborative path toward growth, healing, and empowerment. 

  Hello, my name is Gerardo Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges in a warm, welcoming, and non judgmental environment. My hope for every client is that they feel empowered to make positive changes and reach their unique goals through a journey of greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, and my professional background is built on the belief that each person’s journey requires a tailored, client-centered approach. As a bilingual clinician, I am proud to provide comprehensive therapeutic services in both English and Spanish. I am passionate about ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving quality mental health care, and I strive to make sure every client feels heard and valued in the language they find most comfortable. In my practice, I work with individuals, children, adolescents, families, and couples, drawing from an integrative range of evidence-based models to suit each unique dynamic. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method, and Family Systems work. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate generalized anxiety, mood management, and complex relationship dynamics. My therapeutic style is characterized by empathy and active listening, ensuring a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions freely. Whether we are working through a difficult life transition or addressing long-standing patterns, I look forward to partnering with you on your unique journey to wellness.
 

  Hi there! It’s my pleasure to greet you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and I can’t wait to partner with you on your wellness journey. 

There are times when life seems more difficult than we can bear. In today’s current climate, life can seem more confusing as the days go by. Managing social issues, employment challenges, relationship difficulties, and personal struggles can be all consuming. I am passionate about partnering with clients on how to see the best in themselves and how to establish autonomy and agency in their lives. As a wife and mother within a blended family, I am very familiar with life’s struggles and challenges. Stress, anxiety, depression, disappointments, don’t have to get the final say in your life. My role as a therapist is to support you with discovering peace, inspiration, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. 

Deciding to seek therapy to help manage your day-to-day life is a huge first step. You are important and you’re worth taking that step. If you believe that I can support you as you re-establish goals for your life, I would love to connect with you. 

  Hello and welcome. My name is Joanna Jacobo, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work closely with at-risk youth, children, and families, supporting clients as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and everyday life challenges.

My approach is warm, strengths-based, and culturally informed, with awareness of the systemic factors that shape individual experiences. I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs, values, and background.

I earned my BA in Sociology and MSW from California State University, San Bernardino. I integrate evidence-based approaches including CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused strategies, and Acceptance and Commitment strategies. I am fluent in Spanish and provide therapy in Spanish.

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Hola y bienvenida/o. Mi nombre es Joanna Jacobo y soy Trabajadora Social Clínica Licenciada (LCSW). Trabajo de cerca con jóvenes en situación de riesgo, niños y familias, brindando apoyo mientras afrontan desafíos emocionales, conductuales y de la vida diaria.

Mi enfoque es cálido, centrado en las fortalezas y culturalmente informado, con sensibilidad hacia los factores sistémicos que influyen en la experiencia de cada persona. La terapia se adapta a las necesidades, valores y contexto único de cada cliente.

Obtuve mi licenciatura en Sociología y mi Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) en California State University, San Bernardino. Integro enfoques basados en evidencia como la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT), TF-CBT, DBT, estrategias centradas en soluciones y enfoques basados en la atención plena y la aceptación. Hablo español con fluidez y ofrezco terapia en español.

   Hi, I’m Cassandra Gilbert, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I work with adults with ADHD on emotional regulation, self-esteem, people-pleasing, avoidance, and relationship patterns, while taking a neuroaffirming approach that considers how cultural experiences and upbringing shape those patterns. Many of my clients are working through rejection sensitivity, emotional overwhelm, and patterns they’re ready to understand and shift. My approach is direct, warm, and culturally informed. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic and relational approaches, mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Therapy with me is a space to be honest and understand what’s driving your patterns. I earned my Bachelor’s in Gender, Ethnicity & Multicultural Studies from Cal Poly Pomona, my Master’s in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton, and my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. 

Greetings! My name is Leslie Bartholomew, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and families through life’s challenges. I earned my Master’s in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

My clinical experience spans multiple settings, including county mental health, nonprofit organizations, private practice, home-based services, and school-based work. I have a strong passion for serving diverse communities, with a deep connection to Hispanic/Latino populations rooted in my own Guatemalan heritage.

I specialize in anxiety, relationship patterns, trauma, and life transitions, helping clients gain insight, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. My approach is eclectic and collaborative, drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles.

I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and am committed to providing culturally responsive, accessible care.