Rinet Apelian, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Rinet!

I work with individuals, couples, and families who are ready for meaningful change and committed to reaching their goals. My style is compassionate yet direct. I’ll support you, but I’ll also challenge you to break old patterns, strengthen your relationships, and step into lasting growth.

My focus

I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. I also have experience with forensic populations and court involvement. I am attuned to clients from diverse cultural backgrounds navigating identity, generational, or immigration challenges.

My approach

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, drawing from humanistic and psychodynamic approaches when helpful. My work is active and collaborative; I listen deeply but also push clients to recognize blind spots and take practical steps forward.

My communication style

I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be honest and open, but I'm also straightforward and results-focused. Clients describe me as warm, present, and approachable, while appreciating that I don't sugarcoat things. Working with me feels like having someone in your corner who both supports and pushes you.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist because I wanted to help people not only heal, but also transform their lives in meaningful ways. What drives me is witnessing people build stronger relationships, develop resilience, and move forward with confidence—knowing they're no longer stuck where they once were.

My goals for you

I believe therapy works best when it's intentional and goal-driven. Early on, we'll clarify what matters most to you and define concrete goals. Throughout the process, I'll challenge you to stay focused, celebrate your progress, and adjust strategies as needed so you leave therapy with real results and lasting change.

Our first session

In our first session, I'll ask thoughtful but direct questions to get to the root of what brings you to therapy. We'll explore your goals, discuss the changes you're hoping to see, and outline a plan for how we'll get there together. By the end of the session, you'll leave with a clearer sense of direction and what to expect from our work together.

I identify as...

Female
Middle Eastern
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Humanistic

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Trust-Based Relational Intervention

+ 5 more

Focus populations

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 62 more

Languages spoken

English, Armenian

Education

Masters of Arts (MA) in MFT Trauma studies from Pacific Oaks College.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Rinet Apelian