Carlos Villatoro, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Carlos!

I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship challenges. My approach is grounded in empathy and deep attunement, meeting each client where they are without judgment. Together, we develop self-awareness and learn to engage more fully with life.

My focus

I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, communication issues, and parenting demands. With couples, I help partners move beyond conflict and disconnection, rebuilding trust. With individuals, I specialize in those shaped by trauma, chronic stress, depression, and anxiety.

My approach

My approach is grounded in presence, curiosity, and deep respect for your unique experience. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel truly seen and heard—without judgment or pressure. Rather than rushing to fix things, I focus on understanding the full context of your life—your relationships, past experiences, and hopes for the future.

My communication style

My communication style is warm, direct, and grounded in authenticity. I create a space where you feel emotionally safe but also gently challenged when needed. I engage with you in a real, human way—asking meaningful questions, offering observations, and reflecting back what I hear to help you gain clarity and insight.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist began with a deep curiosity about people—how we relate, hurt, heal, and grow. Over time, this curiosity became a calling. What continues to inspire me is witnessing the courage people show when they choose to turn inward—to face difficult emotions, untangle painful patterns, and open themselves to growth.

My goals for you

From our first sessions, I take time to understand what matters most to you—not just what's bringing you into therapy, but what kind of life you want to move toward. Together we create a roadmap that's clear but flexible. I help you stay connected to those goals by checking in regularly, celebrating progress, and addressing barriers that arise.

Our first session

The first session is about creating a foundation for our work together—a space where you can begin to feel safe, understood, and supported. We'll talk about what brings you in and what you hope to get out of therapy. This session is also a chance for you to get a feel for how I work. My goal is to make sure you leave feeling a little more grounded.

I identify as...

Male
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Gottman Method

Humanistic

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Motivational Interviewing

Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)

+ 8 more

Focus populations

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Allegiance
Aetna
All Savers
Allied
Anthem

+ 53 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology, Option: Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Carlos Villatoro