Find 7480 therapists in California

I work with couples, families, and adults navigating life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, fertility challenges, PTSD, bipolar disorder, sexual identity exploration, intimacy concerns, and family conflict. Many of my clients are high-achieving individuals who look “fine” on the outside but feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected internally.

My style is warm, relational, and deeply attuned — but also strategic and structured. I am direct in a gentle way. I will validate you, and I will challenge you. I hold unconditional positive regard for every client while helping you become the person you truly want to be.

Jamila Banks is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 14 years of experience working in the mental health field. She graduated from the University of Southern California(USC), with a BA in Political Science and Psychology and received her master's in psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, from the University of LaVerne, in 2011. Jamila initially began working in the mental health field in an Addiction & Treatment crisis center in 2010, working with adults battling various addictions and mental health disorders. From there, she has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, mental health hospitals, and inpatient/outpatient centers, providing therapy in both individual and group services. Concurrently in 2010, as a case manager for a California regional center, she worked closely with both children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities such as Autism and mental health disorders such as Anxiety. She has experience working with a multidisciplinary team of parents, teachers, social workers, and other practitioners in developing a collaborative plan of care. Jamila is a wife, and mother of 4, and lives her life in service through multiple vehicles of community advocacy, impact, and philanthropy. Outside of her community work, Jamila enjoys traveling, learning, making memories, exercising (gym, yoga, hiking) reading, meditating, crystal healing work, trying out new foods, and spending quality time with friends and family.

If you are struggling with relationships, depression, anxiety, grief, and tired of patterns keeping you from moving forward, then I'm here to walk with you. I can help you understand how to shift your perspective, learn more about your past, how to cope with stressors, how to communicate more effectively, and more. You have it in you, and I can help introduce new skills and awareness in your life.

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just plain tired of trying to figure everything out on your own. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, or depression makes it hard to find the motivation to get through your day. Perhaps ADHD has you juggling a million things at once, but nothing feels like it's getting done. Maybe you're in the midst of a big change; a new role, shifting family dynamics, or health challenges and you're not sure how to navigate it all. I want you to know that you don't have to do it alone. Life doesn't always go as planned, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to carry. We can find a way forward together.

I believe in a person's ability to grow and as a clinician, the experience of guiding another in the process of growth, is invigorating and has fueled my passion for over 40 years in the helping professions. My education focused on addictions, and marriage, family, and child psychology and my work experience has included a variety of therapeutic settings and issues with adults, families, adolescents, and children.

I have over 20 years of experience helping clients explore and navigate challenges related to relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. My approach is client-centered, meaning therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory, with particular attention to how early life experiences shape our relationships with ourselves and others.

Living with anxiety, depression, or trauma can create deep feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Relationship struggles and low self-esteem often fuel fear, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Breaking cycles of overthinking, managing intense emotions, and facing uncomfortable people or situations can feel exhausting. When emotions feel unstable and life feels heavy, recognizing the need for change is an important first step. While change can be intimidating, having a supportive therapist can make the process feel more manageable and less isolating.

I genuinely care about my clients and strive to meet them with empathy, compassion, and respect. I have helped many individuals navigate difficult life circumstances by increasing self-awareness, strengthening emotional regulation, and reflecting on personal experiences. Together, we work to better understand the patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck or distressed.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Feeling safe and supported is essential for healing and growth. I provide a nonjudgmental, supportive space where you can speak openly and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.

My therapy style is centered on warmth, empathy, and inclusivity. Drawing from my extensive experience working with diverse populations, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone feels heard, valued, and understood. Everyone brings unique experiences, and my goal is to ensure that our work together honors your cultural, spiritual, and personal life story.

Makenna Briceno is a dedicated therapist committed to supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges. She provides compassionate and evidence-based care to adolescents and adults, helping them build resilience and develop the tools needed to improve their well-being.