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.
 

  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.

______________________________________________________________

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.

  Supervised by April Gonzales, LMFT

  Hi, I'm Gabriela, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a place where you should feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard. Reaching out for help isn't always easy, so my goal is to create an environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment.

I have experience working with children, teens, adults, families, and veterans facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and emotional well-being. I also have experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping families strengthen communication and build healthier relationships.

One of the biggest influences in both my personal life and my work is my relationship with God. My faith has taught me the importance of compassion, grace, and meeting people where they are. While I deeply respect every client's beliefs and background, I strive to treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and genuine care so they feel valued and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

I believe healing looks different for everyone, and therapy isn't about having all the answers, it's about having someone walk alongside you as you discover your own strengths and move toward the life you want to build. It would truly be an honor to be part of your journey.

   My name is Kayla Chan, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over five years of experience in the mental health field. My clinical background includes extensive experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families across a variety of settings.

My passion for supporting children began early in my career while working at a preschool, where I served as the lead teacher in the toddler classroom, caring for children from walking age through age two. During this time, I also volunteered at a local group home in Riverside, California, where my passion for therapy first developed.

I earned my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University and my bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. I completed my practicum at a private practice serving marginalized communities of all ages through contracts with TANF programs and Early Head Start’s. I then completed my associate hours in a community mental health program, where I provided therapy to children, adolescents/young adults (ages 0–25) and their families for approximately four years. This role allowed me to provide services in homes, schools, and community settings, giving me valuable experience meeting clients where they felt most comfortable.

In my practice, I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach tailored to each client's unique needs. My work draws from Humanistic Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while also incorporating expressive and therapeutic art interventions when appropriate. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward becoming their most authentic selves.

   Feeling like it's impossible to hold it together? You're not weak. You're human. Thank you for considering me as a passenger on your journey! I provide non-judgmental space and collaboration during our time together. I am passionate about helping you make sense of your life, whether you are facing trauma, grief, life changes, marital distress, complex symptoms, anxiety, or loss of identity. And if you don't know what to bring in, then you can explore with me.

I combine my practice with life-changing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Gottman method, and more. I also encourage journaling, mind-body connections, and music/art/movie therapy. I enjoy supporting adolescents and adults, as individuals or couples, on their paths to healing.

I understand that life can get in the way of taking time for yourself. As a mother, wife, and professional, I can confidently say that I have benefit from therapy to show up for those who matter to me. I invite you to invest in yourself and take that first step toward a more fulfilling path. Your voice matters.