Therapists
OWNER, LEAD THERAPIST
Juan Moriel, PSYD LMFT LPCC
Dr. Juan Moriel is a distinguished clinician and leader in the mental health field with over 30 years of experience serving diverse communities. As the founder of the practice, he has dedicated his career to advancing therapeutic excellence, improving access to care, and training clinicians in compassionate, evidence-based approaches. His extensive professional background includes work across hospital systems, specialized medical programs such as California Children’s Services (CCS), and private clinical settings.
Dr. Moriel is highly regarded for his expertise in helping survivors of narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, offering deeply informed treatment that supports recovery of identity, self-confidence, and emotional safety. He also brings advanced clinical competency in EMDR, LGBTQ+ mental health, and the unique emotional needs of terminally ill children and their families. His therapeutic approach prioritizes restoring agency, dignity, and long-term resilience.
A respected public speaker and frequent media contributor, Dr. Moriel has appeared on television and continues to be a sought-after voice on issues of psychological trauma and relational harm. Known for his professionalism, warmth, and advocacy, he remains committed to elevating mental health care while walking with clients through some of life’s most complex and painful challenges.
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Lizbet Betancio AMFT
Lizbet is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with seven years of experience supporting children, teens, and families through critical developmental challenges. She specializes in youth-focused care, helping young clients navigate emotional regulation, social pressures, identity formation, and family dynamics. Her work reflects a strong commitment to serving diverse populations and ensuring that each child’s unique voice and needs are honored throughout the therapeutic process.
In addition to her clinical role, Lizbet serves as a patient liaison and advocate, helping families understand treatment options and ensuring seamless communication between clients and the care team. Her approach centers on empowerment, collaboration, and creating a safe environment in which young people can heal, grow, and confidently step into their future.
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Jesus (Jesse) Bautista, AMFT
Jesse is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, life transitions, relational challenges, and emotional stress. His approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative, creating a space where clients can feel seen, heard, and supported as they work through life’s complexities. He draws from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, tailoring treatment to each person’s unique experience and goals.
In addition to his clinical work, Jesus brings valuable experience supporting individuals in alternative education settings and working with high-risk youth in complex, high-stress environments. These experiences have shaped his commitment to compassionate, non-judgmental care that helps clients build practical tools, deepen self-understanding, and move toward meaningful, lasting growth. His work centers on empathy, resilience, and helping clients navigate change with greater clarity and confidence.
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Peter Hernandez AMFT
Peter Hernandez is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with seven years of clinical experience and thousands of hours providing supportive care to youth, young adults, and families. He has extensive training in working with anxiety, depression, and the unique developmental challenges faced by children and young adults. Peter has served in school-based and community mental health settings, tailoring his care to meet clients where they are and guiding them through periods of growth and uncertainty.
Working extensively with LGBTQ+ populations, Peter brings an affirming and informed perspective to his therapeutic work. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and narrative approaches, helping clients understand the stories that shape their lives while building practical skills to manage emotions and thrive in daily functioning.
Peter, who uses he/him pronouns, is bilingual in English and Spanish and deeply values multicultural sensitivity in therapy. He is committed to fostering a warm, inclusive space where clients and families can feel understood, supported, and empowered as they build confidence and emotional resilience.
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Steven Avila APCC.
Steven Avila is an APCC Therapist with six years of experience supporting individuals through meaningful and transformative change. He has worked closely with LGBTQ+ populations, providing affirming care that honors identity, lived experiences, and personal resilience. Steven’s background includes community-based counseling and collaborative care settings where he has supported clients navigating trauma, anxiety, and complex emotional challenges.
As an EMDR-certified clinician, Steven takes a trauma-informed therapeutic approach, helping clients process painful experiences and rediscover a grounded sense of safety and self-worth. He integrates evidence-based modalities to support healing from trauma while also strengthening emotional regulation and self-understanding.
Steven, who uses he/him pronouns, is dedicated to cultivating a secure, non-judgmental environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. His goal is to guide each individual toward deeper clarity, confidence, and lasting emotional restoration.
Support Staff
PRACTICE SUPPORT
Mike
Mike Aesir provides essential office support to the practice, contributing to both daily operational needs and long-term organizational planning. With a focus on infrastructure development and business strategy, he helps ensure the practice remains efficient, sustainable, and positioned for continued growth in serving the community.
PATIENT LIASON
Richard
Richard is currently training to become a nurse and brings his growing healthcare knowledge to his role as an office assistant. He supports the team by coordinating appointments, assisting clients with scheduling needs, and helping ensure daily operations run smoothly for the entire office staff.
APPOINTMENT LIASON
Soledad
Soledad supports the practice by managing client scheduling and coordinating therapy appointments, helping ensure that each individual receives timely access to care and a seamless experience when connecting with their clinician.
VICE PRESIDENT,
Marlee
Marlee, the beloved Bull Terrier and proud mascot of the practice, brings joy, playfulness, and a welcoming spirit to everyone who walks through the door. Widely considered the true boss of the business, she reminds the team daily of the importance of comfort, companionship, and a little bit of fun in the healing journey.