I specialize in the clinical treatment of Borderline Personality and Substance Use Disorder. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, and am soon to be a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist. I hold a CA-state license as a Clinical Social Worker, and am currently registered as a Psychological Associate. I have been practicing for 12 years, with my entire career dedicated solely to people struggling with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems.

For a long time throughout my life, I struggled with wanting to exist, due to life experiences that led to my own borderline and substance use diagnoses. Working as a clinician, providing others the life-saving treatment I desperately needed as a client, through a lens of humanness and expertise, is a dream come true.

I approach clients through research-based, integrative interventions and an overall existential lens. I developed Exist Centers to encompass all aspects of my clinical philosophy, which includes: Existentialism, Somatic Integration, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychoanalytic Analysis. Clients and loved ones can grasp this as: I work with clients by helping them understand life and being alive, get to know their body, learn about their brain and mind, and rewrite the stories they tell themselves.

They are me. They are treatable. And they have some of the biggest hearts and kindest souls I've ever met. I also enjoy providing such effective treatment for them. For people who are told constantly that they “can’t change”, helping them see (and experience) that they can is wonderful.

It’s a place I know people are getting the best care they can, and I feel really proud of that.

Seeing that what I’d been promised, “a life worth living”, did in fact happen when I started healing myself. I see this in my children, my career, my marriage, and my mental health.

The time I spend with my children. It’s more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.

I believe in the ability to heal and I’ve seen it. Knowing this truth is what drives me.

I practice what I preach and I accept people for the way they are, adjusting myself and my boundaries/priorities as needed.

A lot of things! The biggest is the ability to love and be loved.

I’m dedicated to ensuring the mental health facilities we run allow our staff and clients to feel safe and get what they need. I have background education and degrees in psychology, philosophy, and entrepreneurship. I’m an expert in behavioral health systems and structures, overall compliance, and environment of care as it relates to our highest quality standards. I’ve been in the behavioral health field for 7 years.

I wanted to do something meaningful that is similar to what would have helped me during my own years of struggle.

I understand the different things these individuals are working through. It’s meaningful work, and work that a lot of people don’t understand.

It’s fun to create something that helps people and does good things. It’s also a challenge, which is important because it keeps me thinking.

I experienced a foundational life-altering period of my life when I first became a parent that kickstarted my path to healing and desire for bettering myself and the world around me.

Spending time with my family!

I feel like helping others is the most worthwhile thing to be doing with my life.

By knowing that the more self-care I give myself, the more care I can give to others.

My family and getting to pause in the meaningful moments.

I specialize in treating substance use and co-occurring disorders and have been practicing in this field for 10 years, with 8 years specifically focused on substance use treatment. I have my bachelor's degree from SFSU in Psychology and my Master's in Marriage and Family therapy and am licensed in the state of California.

I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and the way the human brain functions. Growing up, I saw the stigma surrounding mental health within my community and family, which deeply motivated me to pursue this field. I wanted to understand these issues on a deeper level, help others navigate their struggles, and contribute to breaking the stigmas associated with mental health.

My therapeutic approach is primarily evidence-based, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as foundational methods. However, I tailor each session to the individual needs of my clients, integrating other techniques like solution-focused or psychoanalytic approaches when beneficial. This flexibility ensures that clients receive the most effective support for their unique challenges.

My favorite part about working with the population at Exist centers is witnessing the incredible transformations that take place during the clients' time with us. Seeing the dedication and effort that both the clients and our team put into improving lives every day is truly rewarding and fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment.

What I love most about working at Exist Centers is the supportive and collaborative environment. Being surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the well-being of their clients and each other is inspiring. Additionally, working with clients who are motivated to make positive changes and transform their lives makes the work incredibly rewarding.

My life has been shaped by a variety of experiences, both big and small, but one of the most significant was my immigration at age 9. It took me years to fully understand the profound impact this had on me, and it's still an ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery. The challenges I faced in adapting to a new environment deeply influenced who I am today, both personally and professionally.

Being with my family and spending time with them especially my daughter.

Knowing that I can contribute to someone's growth, helping them navigate their challenges, and ultimately seeing them thrive, drives me every day.

I have learned to make time to meditate or write out a gratitude list daily either in the morning or if too busy at night before I go to bed it helps me stay grounded and it is what helps me personally the most.

I am grateful that I exist because each day offers me the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve into a better version of myself. This ongoing journey of self-improvement and discovery brings me fulfillment and happiness.

I specialize in adolescent care, substance use disorders, eating and feeding disorders, self-harming behaviors, and crisis management. I am a registered Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold my license in CA. I have had the opportunity to work in this field for about 7 years. My identity and passion in my career have centered on sitting within people’s crises and providing support as people recognize their strength within themselves and their community.

Growing up in a home that consisted of chronic substance use, emotional abuse, and fear, I quickly learned how to hide myself and live in shame. When I began my social work program, all I knew was I wanted to be a part of people’s darkest and brightest moments. It has been nothing less than a divine privilege to see people become more of themselves and more at home within their minds and bodies. To be accurately seen and accepted is a gift - I am motivated to utilize my skill sets and education to provide people with emotional safety and clinical attention.

My therapeutic approach is based on utilizing a Systems and Narrative approach, Dialectal Behavioral skill sets, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and integrating existential therapy practices. Ultimately, I believe these approaches give clients the opportunity to reframe their experiences in a way that provides understanding and peace within their past, compassion for their present, and hope and trust for their future. Making your brain and body home again requires allowing ourselves to feel, grieve, release, and restore pieces of who we are.

One of the most important and precious qualities I’ve found is folks’ authenticity and inner spirit they have to discover more for themselves. It’s beautiful and healing to help folks see that they have always been worthy of quality clinical care and self-care.

I love that the work being done and the care being given is coming from such diligent, research-based, and personalized care. It feels so honorable to be apart of something that treats people like they belong exactly as they are.

I experienced a class in graduate school that I will always attribute to who I am today. It caught me in such a vulnerable and tender season of life. It encouraged me to receive care and seek out support like I never have. I finally felt like I had found a piece of myself in my humanity that had been tucked away for a long time.

In my own recovery journey, it has brought me such rest to spend time with my husband and cats in our home. Watching emotional movies and creating tattoo art have been such fun human moments for me outside of work.

Knowing that humankind is so worth it. During one of my first jobs after graduate school, I was sitting with a client at the DMV for 5 hour waiting for her first ID. The moment she received it was one of the most exciting moments in our therapeutic relationship. I realized that a huge passion for me was sitting with people in their discovery that they deserved more than maybe they believed. I feel a passion for people to feel witnessed and connected to their goals and self.

My personal journey with self-care is best prioritized through boundaries, advocacy, accountability, and practicing intentionality in slowing down my mind and my day.

Oh god - so much makes me grateful to exist. Cloudy days, when my cat purrs, when I am able to connect with my inner joy and silliness. Through my recovery journey, healing has brought an abundance of love and care into my life.

I am a CA-state licensed Associate Clinical Social Worker, currently accruing hours toward becoming a Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With six years of experience, I have worked in psychiatric settings and treatment centers for individuals dealing with co-occurring substance use and mental health Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’m also pursuing certification in Dialectical disorders.

My own experiences with mental health and addiction, both personally and through loved ones, motivated me to pursue this career. Part of my healing journey is helping others in theirs. I aim to provide hope, strength, and support for those who may not yet see it within themselves.

I use an Integrative Therapy approach, drawing from Cognitive and Behavioral methods to meet the unique needs of each client. Recovery is not a "one size fits all" process—different strategies work for different people. I believe in working closely with clients to find the best approach that suits them individually.

Seeing clients undergo profound transformations and rediscover hope is incredibly rewarding. Watching them realize their own humanity and recognize a life worth living is inspiring. I see parts of myself in their journeys and being able to relate while providing tools for growth also helps me in my own healing process.

Dr. Courtney and my coworkers are wonderful people, and I felt at home the moment I walked through the door. They foster such a warm, loving environment, and I am excited to be part of this supportive team and contribute to the mission.

One pivotal experience was my decision to ask for help and embrace change. Accepting that I can make mistakes, that I am human, and that I don’t have to face challenges alone has shaped who I am today. These realizations have also influenced my passion for helping others in my career.

I love reading, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with my family and friends.

Seeing the hope that emerges from clients’ self-transformations is incredibly fulfilling. Watching life return to their eyes and their renewed excitement for living is what motivates me.

I take life one day at a time, practicing acceptance, love, and patience with myself and others. I understand that if I don’t care for myself, I won’t be able to help others do the same. Self-care is a priority to maintain my well-being.

Knowing that I am capable of growth and love, and that my past does not define me. Helping others in this process makes me feel glad to exist.

I specialize in light. I believe that when people begin to see themselves as they truly are, they start living in light. When they live in light, they love themselves better, and when they love themselves more, everything else falls into place. I’ve been sharing this for over 15 years, with 7 years of that in a professional experience.

I am motivated to help individuals struggling with mental health because I believe every person is inherently valuable and deserving of love and respect. I demonstrate this through providing the highest quality care and education, both personally and within Exist Centers where I serve.

My approach prioritizes connection. I believe humans thrive when they feel heard and loved. Understanding each individual allows me to tailor the best approach for them, laying the foundation for effective group sessions.

My favorite part of working with the clients at Exist Centers is the opportunity to speak life and light into the individuals who come to Exist Centers. Watching people learn to love themselves more deeply and set life-changing goals is the most rewarding experience.

I love Exist Centers because, having worked at many different recovery centers, I’ve found the intentionality, love, and knowledge here to be exceptional. Simply put, the vibe is perfect.

The most powerful experience in my life has been getting to know Jesus. He shapes everything I do, and I strive to live the life He modeled for us. He loved people in the way I want to love them.

My family is one of my greatest joys in life. My wife and two kids are my motivation. I also have a deep passion for creating and performing music.

My belief system calls me to serve others. I strive to love and respect everyone I encounter, always prioritizing their needs above my own.

I prioritize self-care by recognizing when to be still. With so much going on and my love for creating and working, knowing when to pause is a powerful tool for renewal.

I am grateful to be alive because I believe I am living out my most important calling. Seeing tangible changes in people through the work I do is incredibly fulfilling. Even when I struggle with my own existence, I know I must continue for the love of others. The fruit of my life gives my existence meaning.