Expert Care for Kids, Teens & Trauma Survivors of All Ages
Understanding your needs
Support for children, teens and adults whose worries, fears or compulsive patterns interfere with daily life.
Treatment is tailored to the concern and may include CBT or ERP when appropriate.
We're here to help you find the right support.
Anxiety can affect daily routines, relationships, school, work, and a person’s sense of confidence and independence. Children may struggle with separation, social situations, or school-related worries, while teens and adults may find themselves caught in persistent cycles of worry, avoidance, or distress. At Therapy SoCal, we assess each person’s symptoms, developmental needs, and daily functioning to guide individualized, evidence-based treatment.
We provide anxiety therapy for children, teens, and adults, with treatment tailored to each person’s needs. When OCD is a concern, we assess the nature of obsessions and compulsions and how they interfere with daily life. Explore our child and teen therapy and adult therapy services to learn more.
Treatment begins with understanding the situations, thoughts, and responses that contribute to ongoing distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients recognize these patterns and practice new ways of responding. Treatment is tailored to each person’s age, needs, and goals, including activities and experiences they would like to approach with greater comfort and confidence.
When separation anxiety disrupts daily routines, therapy may involve the child and caregivers. We consider the child’s developmental needs, the situations that trigger distress, and the responses that may maintain anxiety. Evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure to separation-related situations, help children build coping skills and increase confidence with age-appropriate independence. Caregivers are supported in responding consistently to anxiety and reinforcing progress toward everyday activities.
Selective mutism involves difficulty speaking in particular settings despite speaking in others. Support requires careful assessment and a developmentally appropriate plan. The clinician may discuss collaboration with caregivers and, with permission, school staff, as well as how the recommended approach fits the child’s needs and comfort.
Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, is a CBT approach used for OCD. It involves planned exposure to triggers while reducing compulsive responses. The clinician explains the process and develops an individualized plan with the client, adapting participation and support to age and clinical needs.
Anxiety and OCD can affect family routines as well as the individual. Caregiver sessions may help parents understand the treatment plan and respond consistently between appointments. If you are interested in parent workshops or groups, view current events and ask which options are currently running.
Step 1
During a free 15-minute phone consultation, share the client’s age, main concerns and preferred location or appointment format. If you are seeking ERP specifically, mention this so we can discuss a clinician with the appropriate training and current openings.
Step 2
The clinician asks about symptoms, avoidance, routines and their impact on daily life. We consider the person’s history and other concerns that may overlap. This helps distinguish the treatment needed instead of treating all anxious experiences as the same problem.
Step 3
We agree on goals and explain the recommended approach, which may include CBT or ERP. The plan sets out the role of practice between sessions and any caregiver involvement. Your clinician will answer questions before the treatment work proceeds.
Step 4
Sessions put the agreed approach into practice and review what is happening outside the therapy room. The clinician monitors symptoms, participation and progress, adjusting the plan as needed. Support is individualized rather than based on a fixed sequence for every client.
Step 5
As progress develops, we discuss how to continue using the strategies and recognize when more support is needed. Session frequency and follow-up depend on goals and functioning. The next stage is planned together with the client and caregivers when appropriate.
Request a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment needs. Explore in-person offices and fees in Valencia and Glendora, with California telehealth considered when clinically appropriate.
Ask about experience with your child’s age and the particular concern, such as separation anxiety or selective mutism. During the consultation, explain how the difficulty affects daily life. We can discuss clinician fit and the type of assessment or treatment that may help.
OCD and anxiety can overlap, but they are not interchangeable treatment labels. OCD involves obsessions, compulsions or both. The clinician assesses the pattern of symptoms and functioning to recommend an approach suited to the specific concern.
Exposure and Response Prevention, usually called ERP, is an approach used for OCD. A clinician plans exposure to triggers while helping the client reduce compulsive responses. Treatment is individualized and explained before starting, including any practice and support between appointments.
Yes, when appropriate. Parents may receive guidance on understanding symptoms, supporting the treatment plan and responding consistently at home. The level of involvement depends on the child’s age, clinical needs and goals, and is discussed with the clinician.
Adult services may be appropriate depending on the concern and clinician fit. Contact the team and explain whether you are seeking anxiety treatment or ERP for OCD. We will discuss the relevant clinician and available appointment options.
Group and workshop schedules can change. Check current events and workshops or ask the practice about current anxiety, OCD or parenting options. An event listing does not replace an assessment of the individual treatment your child may need.
Dr. Melissa Jinariu, Licensed Psychologist and Associates
Mon-Fri: 08AM-08PM
Saturday: Appointments may be available upon request.
27201 Tourney Road, Suite 201, Valencia, CA 91355 AND 216 N. Glendora Ave, Suite 203, Glendora, CA 91741
(661)-904-0088
dr.melissaJinariu@gmail.com
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