Michelle Casas, MA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 164852

Michelle Casas is a compassionate and dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 164852) with experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across community mental health, school-based, and counseling center settings throughout Los Angeles County. She is committed to creating a supportive, culturally responsive, and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and build resilience.

Michelle has extensive experience providing family-centered and strength-based care to youth and families experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Her clinical work includes conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, treatment planning, rehabilitation services, and facilitating therapeutic groups. She works closely within interdisciplinary care teams to provide holistic and individualized support.

Known for her empathy, adaptability, and collaborative approach, Michelle values building strong therapeutic relationships and helping clients develop practical coping skills, emotional insight, and healthier communication patterns. She is especially passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families through life transitions and mental health challenges with compassion and authenticity.

Education & Training

Michelle earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and two Associate degrees in Humanities and Social and Behavioral Applied Sciences. In addition to her clinical training, Michelle is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to support and connect with diverse communities and bilingual families. She is passionate about integrating faith into treatment for clients who so desire.

Throughout her training and professional experience, Michelle has worked in both school and outpatient settings, including Azusa Pacific Community Counseling Center, Glendora Unified School District, Pacific Clinics, and Outreach Concern. She has extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, stress management, family conflict, and academic or social challenges. Michelle incorporates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR-informed interventions while tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Book dr. Melissa for your event

Dr. Melissa is a sought after presenter who engages her audience with energy, charisma, and critical information. She regularly speaks on the topics of ADHD, trauma, foster and adoption, attachment, child development, parenting, mental health, and faith. Inquire for more information.

Words from the families
we’ve walked alongside.

I had an amazing training experience with Therapy SoCal. Dr. Jinariu is an excellent supervisor and utilizes a strengths-based approach with her practicum students. I feel very confident in my skills working with trauma, adoption, and ADHD thanks to the... More

Erica Kirk, MA

former Masters level Associate

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Dr. Jinariu is one of the most compassionate and knowledgable clinicians in the field of pediatric psychology. She truly cares about her clients and is an expert in trauma and trauma-informed care. Her standard of excellence is bar none.

Brooke Angaga

LMFT

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Answers to your mental health questions

Faq

Need More Questions?

Yes. Therapy SoCal’s multilingual team offers services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Armenian, and Russian. Language availability may depend on the clinician and type of service requested.

Yes. Christian and faith-sensitive counseling is available for clients who would like their beliefs incorporated into therapy. Faith integration is optional, client-led, and offered alongside evidence-based psychological care. Clients do not need to request faith-based services to receive treatment at Therapy SoCal.

Child therapy may help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism-related needs, OCD, trauma, grief, disruptive behavior, emotional regulation, social challenges, family transitions, attachment concerns, and school-related difficulties.

The recommended treatment approach depends on the child’s individual needs and the results of the initial consultation.

Therapy may be helpful when emotional, behavioral, developmental, or social difficulties interfere with your child’s daily life. Signs may include persistent worry, sadness, withdrawal, intense emotional reactions, changes in sleep, school difficulties, family conflict, avoidance, or trouble recovering from a stressful experience.

An initial consultation can help determine whether therapy, psychological testing, parent support, or another service may be appropriate.

To request therapy or psychological testing, complete the form on the Contact Therapy SoCal page or call 661-904-0088.

Please include the type of service you are seeking, the client’s age, your preferred location or telehealth option, and a convenient way to reach you.