Lakewood, CA Local Support & Community Resources

Maria Carina Abanes, EdD, is a compassionate psychologist who utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral therapy as her foundational framework. She firmly believes that each individual is the expert on their own life, guiding her to tailor treatments that are specifically customized to meet their unique needs, rather than applying a generic, one-size-fits-all solution. Maria celebrates the distinctive differences of each person and embraces the notion that 'we're all more human than otherwise.' This perspective informs her practice, where she encourages meaningful conversations around feelings, highlighting the wisdom of Fred Rogers: 'Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.' Maria is driven by the belief that the desire for connection, understanding, and support is a universal theme that motivates individuals to seek therapy during challenging times.

Marci Flores, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals who feel stuck or overwhelmed by their experiences. She believes that life is filled with challenges and that there is no singular way to navigate one’s path. Marci understands how judgment can create a harsh internal landscape and that fear often paralyzes individuals, while control has its limitations. Through her expertise, she assists clients in gaining insights and breaking free from the underlying dynamics that contribute to their struggles and suffering. Her primary focus is on facilitating meaningful changes that lead to inner peace and empowerment. In her sessions, clients experience a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that encourages self-exploration, behavior change, and emotional growth. Marci is proficient in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and trauma-focused therapies, including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She provides a high level of personalized care tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Emphasizing her commitment to client-centered care, Marci is currently welcoming new referrals and offers Teletherapy modalities, fostering accessibility for her clients. She looks forward to supporting individuals on their journey to well-being.

Christa Mapes, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, brings a warm and collaborative approach that empowers her clients to raise awareness, tap into their personal strengths, and develop skills to achieve their treatment goals. She aims to provide a safe therapeutic environment for individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use issues, and perinatal mental health challenges. Christa believes in the many paths to healing, utilizing an array of therapy types, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and techniques in Mindfulness to cater to her clients' individual needs. Passionate about supporting women during the perinatal period, she focuses on areas such as pregnancy planning, postpartum, and fertility challenges. Christa is a trained Perinatal Mental Health Provider and is certified in EMDR, ensuring that her clients receive expert care tailored to their unique experiences.