Mary Bates, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Mary!

I help clients navigate addiction, codependency, grief, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life changes. My approach is warm, supportive, and focused on empowering you to build the skills and confidence you need to thrive.

My focus

I focus on adults seeking help for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, spiritual issues, addiction, codependency, grief, and life transitions. I work with clients ready to explore their inner world and build resilience.

My approach

I use Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered approaches, art therapy, and the 12 steps to support your journey toward mental wellness. These tools help you develop coping skills, process emotions, and create meaningful change in your life.

My communication style

I believe you are the expert of your story and have strengths that will help you overcome challenges and reach your goals. I create a safe, nurturing space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with compassion and without judgment.

My journey to mental healthcare

After working with my own therapist, I returned to school to study psychology and fell in love with learning about what it means to be human. I trained in hospice, addiction clinics, schools, trauma work, and private practice. Every session still brings new insights.

My goals for you

Some clients know their goals before we meet, and others discover them as we work together. I meet you where you are and help you gain clarity as we create a plan to move forward.

Our first session

In our first session, I would spend time getting to know you, answering your questions, and explaining what it's like to work with me. My hope is that you leave feeling a sense of hope and have things to reflect on until we meet again.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Attachment-based

Compassion Focused

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

Humanistic

Mindfulness-Based

+ 7 more

Focus populations

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Cigna
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 60 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Masters of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Mary Bates