Hi, I am Ehsan

I provide compassionate therapy both in-person at my Irvine office and online throughout California for depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and identity exploration.Whether you're in Orange County, Los Angeles, or anywhere in California, I offer a safe space to pause, breathe, and begin your healing journey without judgment or pressure.I provide a warm, affirming space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients. I speak Farsi and specialize in working with people who feel things deeply, carry complex histories, or find themselves caught between different cultural expectations.

• About Me
• Who I Help
• My Approach
• Couples Therapy
• FAQ
• Contact Me

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

Q: Do you offer a free consultation?
A: Yes! I offer a free 15-20 minute phone consultation where we can discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you have about my approach, and determine if we're a good fit to work together. This is a no-pressure conversation to help you feel comfortable before committing to therapy.

Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Yes! I accept several major insurance plans:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Cigna and Evernorth
- Oscar Health
- Quest Behavioral Health
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH)I can also provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits.

Q: What are your rates if I'm paying out-of-pocket?
A: My rates are:- Individual sessions: $175
- Couples sessions: $200I also offer a sliding scale, making deeper therapeutic work more financially accessible.

Q: How does insurance reimbursement work?
A: If you have one of the insurance plans I accept, I'll bill your insurance directly and you'll pay your copay or any applicable deductible. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) that you submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurance to verify your mental health benefits before our first session.

Q: What if I can't afford therapy?
A: I understand that cost is a real barrier. If you're interested, I offer a sliding scale. I also accept several insurance plans to make therapy more accessible. If we discuss your situation during the free consultation, we can explore what options might work for you.

Q: Where are you located?
A: My practice is located in Irvine, CA. I also provide online therapy, which means I can work with clients anywhere in California, from San Diego to San Francisco and everywhere in between.

Q: What are your hours?
A: I currently offer sessions on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Pacific Time. If you need evening or weekend sessions, please let me know during our consultation and I'll do my best to accommodate when possible.

Q: Do you see clients in person?
A: Yes, I offer in person sessions in my Irvine office. I also offer online therapy via secure video platform. This allows me to serve clients throughout California and provides flexibility and comfort for those who prefer not to commute or prefer the privacy of their own space.

Q: What is psychodynamic therapy?
A: Psychodynamic therapy explores the deeper patterns, early experiences, and unconscious beliefs that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others. Rather than just addressing surface symptoms, we explore the root causes of your struggles, why you keep repeating certain patterns, where feelings of shame or self-doubt originated, and how your past influences your present. This approach is especially helpful for people who've tried other therapies but still feel stuck, or anyone seeking lasting, transformative change rather than quick fixes.

Q: What is the Gottman Method?
A: The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed from decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. It focuses on building friendship and intimacy, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in your relationship. I use this method to help couples identify destructive patterns, learn effective communication skills, and strengthen their emotional connection.

Q: Do you prescribe medication?
A: No, as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), I don't prescribe medication. However, I can collaborate with your psychiatrist or primary care doctor if you're interested in exploring medication as part of your treatment. Many of my clients find therapy alone to be effective, while others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.

Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Yes, absolutely. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with a few legal exceptions: if there's an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, if there's suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. I take your privacy seriously and will never share information about our work together without your written consent.

Q: Are you LGBTQ+ affirming?
A: Absolutely. My practice is explicitly LGBTQ+ affirming. Your identity is not something we need to "work on"—it's who you are, and I'm here to support you in living authentically and addressing whatever challenges bring you to therapy. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Q: Do you work with people who aren't artists or creatives?
A: Yes! While I work with creative souls and highly sensitive people, I also work with immigrants and bi-cultural individuals, men exploring emotional health, people navigating depression and grief, those with anxiety and PTSD, and couples. If you're drawn to depth, introspection, and exploring the complexities of your inner world, we'd likely work well together—regardless of your profession.

Q: What if I'm a man who's never been to therapy before?
A: Many men come to therapy for the first time feeling uncertain or even uncomfortable about the process. That's completely normal. In our work together, there's no pressure to perform, no expectation that you should have everything figured out, and no judgment about what you're experiencing. Many men tell me that therapy becomes a space where they can finally be honest about what they're feeling without fear of being told to "toughen up" or "man up." You're welcome here exactly as you are.

Q: I'm interested in couples therapy. Does my partner need to be on board?
A: Ideally, yes! Couples therapy works best when both partners are willing participants. However, if your partner is hesitant, sometimes one person starting individual therapy can shift the dynamic enough that the other becomes interested. I'm also happy to speak with both of you during a consultation to address any concerns your partner might have about the process.

Q: What should I expect in the first session?
A: The first session is about getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. I'll ask about what's been going on in your life, what you're hoping to address, your history, and what you're looking for from therapy. You'll have a chance to ask questions about my approach and how we might work together. Some people feel immediate relief just from sharing their story; others need a few sessions to feel comfortable. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready to.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
A: Life happens, and I understand that. I ask for 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling when possible. This allows me to offer the time to another client who may need it. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) may be subject to a cancellation fee depending on your insurance policy or our agreement.

Q: Can I contact you between sessions?
A: For brief scheduling questions or urgent matters, yes, you can reach me by phone or email. However, I'm unable to provide therapy or crisis support via email or text. If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Q: Do you offer therapy in languages other than English?
A: Yes, I offer therapy in both English and Farsi (Persian). If you're more comfortable expressing yourself in Farsi, especially when discussing family dynamics or cultural issues, we can conduct sessions entirely in Farsi or switch between languages as needed.

Q: What makes your approach different from other therapists?
A: A few things set my practice apart:- I use psychodynamic therapy to go beneath surface symptoms and explore root causes
- I have personal experience navigating bi-cultural identity as an Iranian-American
- I'm deeply connected to creativity and artistic life
- I value emotional depth and sensitivity as strengths, not problems to fix
- I show up as a real person in the room, not someone hiding behind clinical distance
- I'm explicitly committed to affirming LGBTQ+ identities and centering BIPOC experiencesMy hope is that you feel truly seen, understood, and safe to explore the fullest version of yourself.

Q: Still have questions?
A: Reach out! I'm happy to answer any other questions during your free consultation call. You can contact me at (949) 490-2428 or through the contact form on this website.

Who I Help

I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating complex emotional landscapes. Below are some of the populations and issues I focus on:

Creative Souls & Highly Sensitive People
Artists, musicians, and deeply perceptive individuals navigating emotional depth, creative blocks, and a world that doesn't always understand sensitivity.
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Immigrants & Bi-Cultural Individuals
Navigating identity between cultures, family expectations vs. personal freedom, and the unique challenges of living between worlds.
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Men Seeking Deeper Connection
Breaking free from limiting expectations about masculinity, building authentic relationships, and addressing isolation and emotional numbness.
Read More

Individuals Facing Depression & Grief
Moving through loss, sadness, and the heaviness that others may not understand, honoring what you've been through while finding a path forward.
Read More

Those Managing Anxiety & PTSD
Finding relief from constant worry, hypervigilance, and the exhaustion of living in survival mode.
Read More

Therapy for Artists, Creative Souls & Highly Sensitive People

You feel things others don't notice, the emotional undercurrents in a room, the weight of unspoken words, the depth beneath surface conversations. You're the DJ, painter, musician, actor, or creative soul who sees what others miss.
Yet you've probably spent a lifetime being told you're "too sensitive" or "overthinking it." The truth? You're perceptive and emotionally gifted. But that depth comes with challenges.

You might be struggling with:
-  Depression that feels tied to unexpressed parts of yourself
-  Creative blocks or tension between your artistic identity and practical survival
-  People-pleasing patterns that leave you exhausted
-  Relationships that dismiss or minimize your emotional depth
-  The exhaustion of being emotionally attuned in a world that rewards results over feeling
-  Unprocessed grief or childhood wounds affecting your present
Identity questions about who you really are vs. who you've had to become

In our work together, we'll:
-  Explore the internal patterns (self-criticism, boundary issues, childhood wounds) that threaten your wellbeing
-  Examine relationships that diminish rather than support you
-  Honor your sensitivity as a strength while protecting your mental health
-  Address the split between your creative soul and practical demands
-  Build a life where your emotional depth becomes an asset, not a liability

My approach with creative individuals:
I understand the unique struggles of creative life—the internal critic, irregular income, vulnerability of artistic pursuit, and feeling caught between worlds. As someone who plays percussion, paints, and frequents art galleries and theaters, I bring genuine understanding to this work.
This isn't about "fixing" your sensitivity. It's about building a relationship with yourself strong enough to live authentically, regardless of whether the world fully understands you.

Therapy for Immigrants & Bi-Cultural Individuals

Living between two cultures can feel like living between two worlds, never fully belonging to either, constantly translating yourself, caught between family expectations and personal freedom.
You might be experiencing:
-  Identity confusion: "Who am I when parts of me belong to different worlds?"
-  Family pressure vs. personal desires (career, relationships, lifestyle)
-  Guilt about assimilating or "abandoning" your heritage
- Feeling invisible or misunderstood in both cultures
-  Navigating relationships where partners/friends don't understand your cultural background
-  Intergenerational trauma or family dynamics shaped by immigration
Isolation from not fully belonging anywhere
Common struggles I help with:
-  Reconciling traditional family values with Western individualism
-  Dating and relationships across cultural differences
-  Managing expectations from family vs. building your own path
-  Processing experiences of discrimination or "otherness"
-  Language barriers affecting emotional expression
-  Second-generation immigrant guilt and pressure

Why I understand this uniquely:
As an Iranian-American who speaks Farsi, I've lived this tension firsthand. I understand what it's like to code-switch, to carry the weight of family sacrifice, to navigate being "too American" for some and "too foreign" for others.
In therapy, we'll:
-  Explore your complex identity without pressure to choose sides
-  Process family dynamics with cultural context and compassion
-  Build a sense of self that integrates all parts of you
-  Navigate relationships with people who may not understand your experience
-  Honor your heritage while creating your own authentic path

You don't have to abandon one culture to embrace another. We'll work toward integration, not elimination.

Men's Therapy in California: Depression, Anger & Emotional Health

Many men come to therapy feeling stuck, isolated, or disconnected from themselves and others. You might look fine on the outside, holding down a job, maintaining relationships, but inside, you feel empty, numb, or overwhelmed.

You might be struggling with:
-  Difficulty expressing emotions or feeling emotionally numb
-  Anger that feels out of control or relationships damaged by conflict
-  Pressure to "be strong" and handle everything alone
-  Isolation and difficulty forming deep friendships
-  Shame about vulnerability or asking for help
-  Depression that manifests as irritability or withdrawal
-  Relationship patterns where you shut down or pull away
-  Identity questions about masculinity and what it means to be a man today

Common themes I work with:
-  Breaking free from limiting beliefs about what men "should" be
-  Learning to identify and express emotions beyond anger
-  Building authentic connections without losing your sense of self
-  Addressing childhood wounds or absent/difficult father relationships
-  Navigating relationship struggles, intimacy fears, or repeated patterns
-  Processing trauma, grief, or experiences you've never talked about
-  Redefining masculinity in ways that feel true to you

Why men choose to work with me:
I create a space where you don't have to perform or prove anything. No judgment, no pressure to have it all together. I understand the specific challenges men face, the cultural messages, the isolation, the difficulty opening up.
As someone who's navigated my own journey with identity, culture, and masculinity, I bring both professional expertise and genuine understanding to this work.

What therapy can look like for you:
-  A place to finally be honest about what you're feeling
-  Learning practical skills for managing anger, anxiety, or depression
-  Understanding patterns that keep you stuck
-  Building deeper relationships (romantic, friendships, family)
-  Defining success and identity on your own terms
You don't have to keep carrying everything alone.

Treatment for Depression & Grief: Compassionate Online Therapy

Depression and grief can feel like a weight you carry everywhere, an exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, a sadness that others don't quite understand, or a numbness where feelings used to be.You might be experiencing:-  Persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling "heavy"
-  Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
-  Difficulty getting out of bed or completing daily tasks
-  Feeling like you're just going through the motions
-  Grief that feels stuck or unresolved
-  Guilt, shame, or feeling like a burden
-  Isolation and difficulty connecting with others
-  Physical symptoms: fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep

Types of grief and loss I work with:
-  Death of a loved one
-  End of relationships (divorce, breakups)
-  Loss of identity (job loss, career changes, empty nest)
-  Cultural or geographical loss (immigration, relocation)
-  Unprocessed childhood grief
-  Ambiguous loss (estranged family, living with someone who has dementia)
-  Loss of dreams or expectations about how life "should" be

In our work together:
-  We'll honor what you've lost while finding a path forward
-  Explore the roots of your depression, not just symptoms, but underlying causes
-  Address patterns of shame, self-criticism, or isolation
-  Create space for all your feelings without judgment
-  Build practical coping strategies alongside deeper healing

I use psychodynamic therapy to understand how your past shapes your present, while also providing concrete tools for managing symptoms. This isn't about "getting over it" quickly, it's about genuinely processing what you've been through.
Healing doesn't mean the past never happened. It means loosening the grip it has on you, so you can finally feel lighter, calmer, and more connected to life.

Anxiety & PTSD Treatment | Trauma-Informed Therapy in California

Anxiety and PTSD can feel like living with an alarm system that never shuts off, constant worry, hypervigilance, or sudden panic that takes over your body and mind.
You might be experiencing:
-  Constant worry or racing thoughts
-  Panic attacks or physical symptoms (racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness)
-  Difficulty relaxing even when nothing is "wrong"
-  Hypervigilance or always feeling on edge
-  Avoidance of places, people, or situations that trigger anxiety
-  Sleep problems or nightmares
-  Feeling like you're always waiting for the other shoe to drop
-  Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Types of anxiety and trauma I work with:
-  Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
-  Panic disorder
-  Social anxiety
-  PTSD from specific traumatic events
-  Complex trauma (ongoing childhood abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction)
-  Anxiety related to identity, culture, or family dynamics
-  Health anxiety or OCD tendencies

In therapy, we'll:
-  Understand your nervous system and why it's stuck in "threat mode"
-  Learn grounding techniques to manage panic and overwhelming emotions
-  Explore the root causes of your anxiety (trauma, childhood experiences, patterns)
-  Build practical coping skills for daily life
-  Process traumatic memories in a safe, paced way
-  Develop healthier relationships with yourself and others

My trauma-informed approach:
I recognize that anxiety and PTSD aren't just "in your head", they're in your body, your nervous system, your history. We'll work at your pace, never pushing you beyond what feels safe.
You don't have to live in survival mode forever. Together, we can help your nervous system learn it's okay to relax.

Couples Therapy in California | Gottman Method LMFT

Relationships can be the source of our greatest joy and our deepest pain. When patterns of conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding take hold, it can feel like you're speaking different languages.

You might be struggling with:
-  Communication breakdowns or constant conflict
-  Feeling disconnected or like roommates
-  Trust issues or betrayal
-  Navigating cultural differences in relationships
-  Balancing individual identity with partnership
-  Creative couples managing irregular schedules, financial stress
-  Deciding whether to stay or leave

I Specialize in:
-  Gottman Method for couples therapy, evidence-based approach for building stronger relationships
-  Bi-cultural couples navigating different family expectations
-  Creative couples balancing artistic pursuits with practical partnership
-  LGBTQ+ affirming couples work

In couples therapy, we'll:
-  Learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills
-  Understand your relationship patterns and cycles
-  Build emotional intimacy and connection
-  Navigate specific challenges (trust, intimacy, life transitions)
-  Create a relationship that honors both partners' needsBoth individual and couples sessions available.

Therapeutic Approach: Psychodynamic LMFT in California

How I Work: Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy

My primary approach is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy, which means we explore not just what's happening in your life right now, but the deeper patterns, early experiences, and unconscious beliefs that shape how you see yourself and move through the world.
This approach helps us understand:-  Why you keep repeating patterns you promised yourself you'd never repeat
-  Where feelings of shame, unworthiness, or self-doubt originated
-  How your early relationships influence your current relationships
-  The ways you learned to adapt and survive
-  The parts of yourself you've had to hide, minimize, or abandonThis isn't surface-level work. We're not just managing symptoms or applying coping strategies (though we'll do that too when needed). We're going deeper, to the root of what's causing your pain so that change can be lasting and transformative.

Psychodynamic therapy is especially powerful for:-  People who've tried other therapies but still feel stuck
-  Those who want to understand why they feel and act the way they do
-  Anyone dealing with relationship patterns, identity questions, or complex trauma
-  Individuals who are tired of quick fixes and want real, sustainable change

For Couples: The Gottman Method

When working with couples, I integrate the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach backed by decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail.

In couples therapy, we'll:-  Identify destructive patterns (criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, contempt)
-  Learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills
-  Build friendship, intimacy, and emotional connection
-  Navigate specific challenges: trust issues, cultural differences, life transitions
-  Strengthen your relationship's foundation so conflicts don't feel so threateningI especially enjoy working with:-  Bi-cultural couples navigating different family expectations and values
-  Creative couples managing the unique stresses of artistic life (irregular income, vulnerability, identity)
-  LGBTQ+ couples seeking affirming, knowledgeable support
-  Couples at crossroads, deciding whether to stay and rebuild or part ways

Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive

My approach is trauma-informed, which means I understand that:-  Trauma isn't just about single events, it can be ongoing experiences of neglect, invalidation, or living in unsafe environments
-  Your reactions (anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, numbing) make sense given what you've been through
-  Healing requires feeling safe in your body and in relationship—not just talking about problems
-  You're not broken; you adapted to survive, and those adaptations served you onceI'm also deeply committed to culturally responsive therapy. I recognize that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum—it's shaped by culture, identity, family systems, socioeconomic realities, and societal messages about who gets to be "normal."

I especially value working with:-  LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, your identity is affirmed here, not questioned
-  BIPOC clients navigating racism, microaggressions, and cultural pressures
-  Immigrants and bi-cultural individuals caught between worlds
-  Creative and highly sensitive people whose depth gets pathologized
-  Men challenging limiting definitions of masculinityYour identity, culture, and lived experience aren't obstacles to therapy, they're central to understanding who you are and what healing looks like for you.

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for therapy is an act of courage. It means acknowledging that you deserve support, that you're worth investing in, and that change is possible.
If my approach resonates with you, if you're looking for a space where you can be fully yourself, where your complexity is honored, and where healing goes deeper than surface-level changes, I'd be honored to work with you.
You don't have to keep carrying everything alone.

About me

The Unconventional Path

I've wanted to be a therapist since I was a child. Though I was naturally talented in engineering and built a successful career in it, there was always a voice in the back of my mind telling me I wasn't complete, that this wasn't my full purpose.
My passion for psychology, the complexity of the human mind, and the intricacies of relationships never left me. Eventually, I could no longer ignore that inner calling. I chose to pursue a second career, one that would let me live more fulfilled: helping others discover their own path to healing.
I believe this journey is one the things that makes me effective in this profession. I understand pursuing the practical path while carrying a deeper calling. I know the courage it takes to pivot toward what truly matters. And I bring both the analytical clarity of my engineering background and the emotional depth of someone fully committed to this work.

Who I am in the Room

Clients and colleagues describe my presence as warm, grounded, and deeply compassionate. I don't hide behind professional distance or clinical jargon, I show up as a real person who brings both expertise and genuine humanity.
I won't pretend to have all the answers, and I won't expect you to perform or have everything figured out. What I offer is a steady, non-judgmental space where you can think out loud, feel deeply, and explore parts of yourself that may have been silenced for years.
I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen and understood, not as a diagnosis, but as a whole, complex person navigating a complicated world.

My Cultural and Creative Identity

As an Iranian immigrant who speaks Farsi, I understand firsthand what it's like to navigate between cultures. I know the tension of straddling two worlds, honoring family and heritage while building an authentic life. I know what it means to code-switch, carry generational expectations, and feel "too foreign" in some spaces and "not Iranian enough" in others.
This lived experience shapes how I work with immigrants, bi-cultural individuals, and anyone navigating complex identities. I don't just understand these struggles intellectually, I've lived them.
Beyond my cultural identity, I'm deeply connected to creativity and art. I play percussion, paint, and frequent galleries and theaters. These aren't just hobbies, they're essential parts of who I am. This creative sensibility informs my work with artists, musicians, and highly sensitive individuals who experience life with unusual depth.

My Training and Experience

Education:-  Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, National University
-  Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Cal State FullertonClinical Experience:-  More than four years working with individuals, couples, and families
-  Specialized training in psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalytic approaches
-  Gottman Method Level 1 & 2 training for couples therapy
-  Extensive experience with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities
-  Focus areas: depression, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationship issues, artists' issues, grief and lossPopulations I've worked with:-  Creative professionals (artists, musicians, performers)
-  Immigrants and bi-cultural individuals navigating identity
-  Men exploring masculinity, emotional expression, and relationships
-  LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
-  People recovering from trauma, including complex and developmental trauma
-  Individuals and couples dealing with addiction and recoveryMy approach is trauma-informed, which means I understand how past experiences (especially those from childhood) continue to shape how we think, feel, and relate to others in the present. I specialize in helping clients release shame, heal from generational wounds, and build lasting confidence and self-acceptance.

Why I do This Work

Becoming a therapist meant leaving engineering's financial security, but this work is infinitely more meaningful. Every day, I witness people discovering lost parts of themselves, breaking free from limiting patterns, and building genuinely authentic lives.
I especially value working with people who feel marginalized, misunderstood, or caught between worlds, whether due to culture, identity, creativity, sensitivity, or life circumstances. If you've felt like you don't quite fit anywhere, like you're too much for some and not enough for others, or like you carry complexities few understand, you're exactly the kind of person I love working with.