(714) 450-6708

Meet Our Therapists

PAX Therapy and Family Services, inc is a group practice located in Whittier, CA and Riverside, CA- and soon to be a third in the Irvine area.  We have male and female therapists who specialize working with a range of issues.  We are dedicated to offering highly specialized, individual, expert therapy to help people heal and get where they want to be.  We specialize in childhood trauma, child behavior, personality disorders, and relationships.  We accept the following insurances: Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Kaiser, Optum, United Healthcare, Carelon, LA Care, Beacon, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises, HMC Healthworks aka Uprise, LYRA, Adventist Health, Holman Group, ComPsych

In Person AND Virtual Therapists

Black Therapist, Christian therapist, African- American Therapist

Christine Mallette, AMFT

AMFT  and APC under the supervision of Brian Rice, LMFT. She uses compassionate and client-centered approach, Christine specializes in working with individuals, adolescents, and couples dealing with trauma, substance use, and life transitions. Drawing from experience in community mental health settings and inpatient care, Christine integrates evidence-based practices to support clients on their healing journey.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, LA Care, Carelon, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises, Optum/UHC and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Whittier and Virtual

Fee: $185

maternal mental health, child therapist

Esther Carrera, AMFT

AMFT under supervision of Alma Pacheco, LMFT. Esther is great with kids, behavioral struggles, social skills, depression and anxiety.  Esther also works with trauma, and adults.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care, HMC Healthworks, Optum, Oscar, and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Virtual ONLY

Fee: $185

Therapist

Brian Rice, LMFT and Clinical Director

LMFT: Works with general anxiety and depression.  Specializes in couples, high risk behavior, personality disorders, and child focused behavioral intervention.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Kaiser, Optum, HMC Healthworks and Out of Network PPO benefits

Locations: Virtual ONLY

Fee: $185

Hey humans! My name is Taelor Edwards, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family<br /> Therapist based in California. I work with couples and individuals across different life<br /> stages, specializing in work with BIPOC on trauma and fostering a relationship with<br /> emotions, anxiety, depression, challenges with self-esteem, life transitions, generational<br /> and complex trauma. I integrate cultural sensitivity in my work primarily engaging in, but<br /> not limited to the following orientations: Inner child work helping clients reconnect with<br /> past experiences and emotions for healing, Imago relationship therapy focusing on<br /> communication and understanding between partners, Systems providing insight into<br /> relationship dynamics and Person-Centered therapy emphasizing empathy and<br /> unconditional positive regard.</p> <p>I believe change starts with the development of self-awareness and being able to put<br /> language to our experiences. Self-awareness is instrumental to deepening our<br /> understanding of our emotions and behaviors. By articulating our experiences, we can<br /> identify patterns, make informed choices and foster personal growth. This process can<br /> empower one to initiate positive change in their life and interactions with others. I strive<br /> to create a safe and empathetic space for couples and individuals to explore their<br /> feelings and foster a meaningful connection with self and others. </p> <p>Thank you for taking the time to read a little more about me!<br /> If you or someone you know is seeking support, I would be honored to connect. </p> <p>Yabba Dabba Do (for now)!

Taelor Edwards, AMFT

Hey humans!

My name is Taelor Edwards, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I work with couples and individuals across different life stages, specializing in work with BIPOC on trauma and fostering a relationship with emotions, anxiety, depression, challenges with self-esteem, life transitions, generational
and complex trauma. I integrate cultural sensitivity in my work.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Anthem United Health Care, HMC Healthworks, Carelon, LA Care, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises,  Optum, and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Whittier and Virtual 

Fee: $185

BIPOC Therapist, Black female therapist

Autumn Fannin

LMFT specializes in working with chronic and complex trauma.  She has experience working with recovery and group therapy.

Locations: Virtual ONLY

Fee: $185

Insurances Accepted: Aetna, HMC Healthworks, Cigna, Kaiser, UHC/Optum/UMR, Out of Network PPO

maternal mental health, child therapist

Audrey Perez

AMFT Under the supervision of Brian Rice, LMFT. Specializing in Chronic Illness and trauma. Works with kids through adults.

Locations: Virtual ONLY

Fee: $185

Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, HMC Healthworks, Optum and  Out of Network PPO

Christian Counseling

Humberto Garcia

LMFT. Specializes in working with families with immigration histories, depression, anxiety, trauma, and Christian therapy.  

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Kaiser, LA Care, Optum/UHC, Anthem/BCBS and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA

Fee: $185

Therapy for sexual abuse

Kristin Martinez

LMFT: President and CEO of PAX Therapy. Kristin works with OCD, Neurodivergent Executives, Professional Couples, and carries specific specialization in Sexual Abuse and Chronic Trauma.

Kristin trains and keynotes on Systemic Leadership and whole person approaches to management.

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA 

Session Fee: $250

Training Fee: $6000/day

Keynote Fee: Inquire at info@paxtherapy.com or click Learn More.

Who are you: Hello im Jocelyn Contreras. I am an associates professional clinical<br /> counselor in the state of CA. My associates number is APCC 50068043. I am under the<br /> supervision of Alma Pacheco. I have over a year of experience as a therapist working<br /> with trauma, grief, anxiety with children and adolescence. I have worked in behavioral<br /> and mental health systems since 2022. I have also over two years of experience as a<br /> ABA therapist.<br /> Who do you work with? I specialize in working with children and adolescence. Such as<br /> helping them through trauma/grief/depression and anxiety. However, I am trying to do<br /> family, groups and substance abuse.<br /> How do you believe change happens? Change often happens through a combination of<br /> factors. It usually starts with a need or desire for improvement, followed by a process of<br /> awareness and understanding. This can lead to planning and action, supported by the<br /> commitment of individuals or groups. External factors, like societal shifts or<br /> technological advances, can also play a significant role. Over time, through persistence<br /> and adaptation, these efforts can lead to meaningful and lasting change.<br /> What theoretical orientations do you use? I primarily use CBT, TF-CBT, Person<br /> Centered, ABA, and DBT.<br /> Do you do behavioral modification with children and parents? I typically do check-in the<br /> first 5 to 10 minutes of the sessions. Then do a follow up for the last five minutes of<br /> session with children and parents.<br /> Do you work with any particular groups? I currently work with all groups and can also<br /> provide Catholic based therapy for those who are interested.<br /> What do you require in treatment for clients who have a history of SI or hospitalizations?<br /> I require all clients with a history of hospitalization and si to begin treatment at 2x weekly<br /> for the first 2 weeks to 1 month. I require a safety plan on file, or we can create a new<br /> safety plan during the first session.

Jocelyn Contreras, APCC

Hello im Jocelyn Contreras. I am an associates professional clinical counselor in the state of CA. My associates number is APCC 50068043. I am under the supervision of Brian Rice, LMFT. I have over a year of experience as a therapist working with trauma, grief, anxiety with children and adolescence. I have worked in behavioral and mental health systems since 2022. I have also over two years of experience as a ABA therapist. 
I specialize in working with children and adolescence. Such as helping them through trauma/grief/depression and anxiety. I also work with families and individuals affected by substance abuse. Spanish language services available.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Anthem, Carelon, LA Care, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises, United Health Care, HMC Healthworks, Optum, and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA

Fee: $185

African American, Black female standing in front of green plant in front of white building. She has on a white cotton sweater over a black shirt.

D'Andra Johnson

LMFT: Specializes in work with BIPOC on trauma, self esteem, depression, and anxiety,

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, United Health Care, Kaiser, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises, Carelone, Beacon, LA Care, HMC Healthworks, Optum, Anthem/BCBS and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA

Fee: $185

BIPOC Therapist, Black female therapist

Monica Jessey

LPCC: Specializes in complex trauma, first responders, military, LGBTQ2IA+, high risk behavior, and personality disorders.

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Anthem, Carelon, LA Care, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promises, United Health Care, HMC Healthworks, Optum, and Out of Network PPO benefits.

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA

Fee: $185

maternal mental health, PPD, postpartum depression, child loss, miscarriage

Kimberly Almanza

LMFT: Focusing on maternal mental health, children, behavior intervention, dual diagnosis, and parenting. 

Locations: Virtual and Whittier, CA

Fee: $185

Insurance accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UHC, Anthem/BCBS and Out of Network PPO benefits

Thomas Cho, AMFT starts August 4, 2025

Jenna Kim, AMFT starts August 18, 2025

Molly Barrett, AMFT starts Sept 1, 2025

Fill Out Our Contact Form or Call Us

Know which therapist you want to work with?
Just fill out our contact form or give us a call: (714) 587-4543.