Our Licensed therapists

  • Licensed therapists are governed by the board of behavioral services 
  • May be able to accept SOME insurances 
  • Able to Accept Cash Payments 

Janel King, Co-founder

Licensed marriage and family therapist 

Are there times when you cannot explain the overwhelming emotions you are experiencing. I enjoy helping those who are seeking change and are motivated to do so. I believe people should always work toward becoming their best selves. I work with individuals, families, children, and adolescents. If your family is suffering from functioning in a loving and happy manner and you cannot figure out where the problem lies, family therapy may be the right choice for you. From learning to function with a new baby, blending, or newly transitioning teenagers, I can help.

I work from a loving space where I will assist you by building on your current strengths. Work together and individually in helping your family function to the best of the family's abilities.

If your child is struggling with an issue you cannot seem to help them overcome. I offer parent training, we will work through the struggles of setting limits, fear of bringing home a new baby for mother and father, or learning to understand the importance of bonding with your children.

Shanelle D. Johnson, Co-founder

licensed marriage and family therapist 

I am looking to work with individuals and couples that have managed to weather the storms of life but not without bumps, bruises, and scrapes. I want to work with couples that can't seem to communicate without arguing, that have difference styles of parenting, whose trust have been broken by moments of infidelity or lives impacted by medical and mental illness. I specialize in helping individuals and couples renew, rejuvenate, restore, or rebuild their relationships.

I am a relationship guide and mentor that works with individuals and couples to help them develop blueprint to resurrect, restore, and establish healthy and meaningful relationships. I am a warm, honest, and open therapist that offers a non-judgmental environment where you can safely explore the challenges of your relationships.

Janet Matthews

domestic violence program manager

Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist 

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe in creating a comfortable and safe environment for my clients to share and explore their personal experiences without shame or judgment. I enjoy helping people to have enjoyable and satisfying lives and relationships. I love seeing individuals become the persons that they want to be, and succeed in their personal goals.

I have experience working with grief and bereavement, trauma, addictions, social skills training, and a variety of other mental health disorders. If you or someone you know has gotten in trouble with the law for domestic violence or sexual offending, I provide group or individual therapy for these populations.

It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. If you are in need of support, and a listening ear I can help. My desire is to help you to become healthier emotionally and mentally, and to live a joyful life.

Tarrah Oktavec

Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist

It’s a blessing for you to tell your story; to reflect on life’s challenges and explore hopes and dreamThe focus in my approach to therapy is to provide practical, tried and true, treatment that meet your values. We can work on a myriad of issues, some of which are handling transition periods, growing up, disconnection amongst family, relationship conflicts, addiction, or you’re worried about a possible condition like anxiety or depression. Do any of these questions resonate with you? Are you mistreating yourself or are those around you treating you poorly? Do you feel like people don’t understand you? Have there been times when you feel like you’re bored with life? Is your child seen as timid and have they been bullied?


There are two parts to keep in mind, how we work together during the session and completing independent tasks. Remember, practice creates change. I will guide you through an application of skills to improve communication, handle difficult emotions, cap negative thoughts, find solutions to problems, and increase your connection to the present moment.

Since you're here, I believe you are searching for a good fit. Come, talk about it. Let's uncover the possibility. I will follow your lead, at your pace and provide a space for the freedom to express yourself and eventually take control of your life.s; to find that safe place within to express life’s meaning; to talk of life’s journey with a sense of purpose. If these are the blessings you seek, tell your story. You are not alone. I would be blessed to listen. Sense the joy of life; experience the release of pain. Be blessed to recognize and experience control of your life.

I specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship issues. My approach integrates Family Systems, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Client Centered interventions. I am a trained Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual (CCTS-I).

"What are the words you do not yet have? What do you need to say? There are so many silences to be broken." - Audre Lorde, 20th c. American writer

OUR ASSOCIATE THERAPIST

  • MASTER'S LEVEL GRADUATES WORKING TOWARDS COLLECTING 3000 HOURS OF EXPERIENCE
  • ARENOTABLE TO ACCEPT INSURANCE
  • can accept cash pay Clients and victim or crime clients
  • WORK UNDERNEATH A LICENSED SUPERVISOR

Diego Flores

Operations Manager

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)

My therapeutic style is collaborative and I invite those who are motivated to seek change including those from the LGBTQIA community, youth in transition (ages 16-24), and families in transition due to divorce, death, and re-marriage to come and speak with me. My specialty is couples counseling. Whether you are a monogamous couple or you are in a non-monogamous/polyamorous relationship, I provide space for couples who want to define who they are and what their relationship means to them now and moving forward.

I believe each relationship is unique and that couples want to make their relationship work but can keep hurting each other instead. I believe that people are resilient and strong and that you have the ability to change and use your life experience to rediscover your strength and overcome the stress that comes from your history, your biology, and your relationship.

I seek to help you access new skills that will improve your relationship, explore what has/hasn't worked in your past, learn what it means to be in a healthy relationship with yourself and those you love, and make changes to help you create the story of your life that best defines you. I know about relationships and mental health, you're the expert in your life, together we can reach your goals

Mariza Maldonado

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

With the many obstacles thrown at us daily, it is not uncommon to find yourself in a place of uncertainty, a place where you are overcome by a plethora of emotions that lead to participation in alarming behaviors or leave you feeling debilitated. If this is you, I am proud of you for making it here and reading this far. Through acknowledgment of your suffering and your participation in a collaborative therapeutic relationship, you will be on your way to reaching your goals and beginning your healing journey.

I offer a safe and healing space free of judgment. In this space, we focus on your unique goals and tailor treatment to your specific needs. I walk alongside you to support you in paving a new path and changing the narrative of your story so that you can begin to walk in alignment with your true and higher self.

Reaching out for support is the first step towards beginning your healing journey.

Monica

Morales-Harrison

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 

Sharing your deepest thoughts with a complete stranger can be frightening. “How does this work? What should I say? Do I even need a therapist?” If these are your words, trust me, I get it! These were my thoughts just a few years ago. Since then I’ve learned that choosing a therapist can be like choosing an ally. As a therapist trainee, I am committed to supporting you on your path to emotional balance, true change and real connection with others.
Our journey will be one of progress through developing insight, learning new tools and skills for managing problems, and creating new behaviors to replace old habits. Together we can build on the experiences of your past, so you may move more confidently into your future.
If the difficulties in your life are weighing you down and you don’t know where to start or nothing you’ve tried worked, let’s sort through it together. In being humble, open and transparent, we’ll build an authentic relationship that focuses on your goals and the improvements you want to see in your life.
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."- C.S Lewis.
Shall we begin?
Couples, teens, families and individuals are all welcomed. I cannot wait to meet you!
I offer a safe and healing space free of judgment. In this space, we focus on your unique goals and tailor treatment to your specific needs. I walk alongside you to support you in paving a new path and changing the narrative of your story so that you can begin to walk in alignment with your true and higher self.

Reaching out for support is the first step towards beginning your healing journey.

Myrna Knight

MFT Associate


Ronnae Beech

Marriage And Family Therapist 

Before pursuing psychology and becoming an MFT I didn’t know what my passion was and I had a lot of hobbies. It took me to try all of my hobbies in order to come back to my interest in the human mind. I’ve always been the “go to” for advice or giving it to you straight so I figured why not make a career of it. It comes pretty natural to me so I find myself being person centered in my therapy.

I like to have real conversations with real people and allow space to let their hair down while they get the support they need. My job is my to listen to you, help you work through your current issues and ways that help you improve. My goal is to get everyone to max out on their self love and personal (self) journey in life, or whatever that may look like to them. I am gifted at helping people identify their own personal happiness, learn to set healthy and clear boundaries and learn to live free of external validation.


I find my happiness, serving underserved and underrepresented communities. It is so rewarding to see my clients blossom and truly step into their strengths.

Jacqueline Johnson

Marriage And Family Therapist 

The journey of life was never promised to be a smooth ride to anyone. Complete health is being intentional about your physical, social, and mental well-being. When we are able to step back and look at ourselves from this perspective- truly seeing what represents us as a “whole” person, it is easier to see the steps we need to take in our individual journeys to reach goals in those destinations. I want to let you know that is never a road you need to go down on your own! I believe that everyone brings something unique to them to this life- your strengths, differences, struggles, etc. and the things that we go through help tell OUR personal story.

My goal in therapy is to ultimately partner with you to integrate whatever spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional goals/needs that you may have and work together to create lasting change and a positive future. The relationship between the mind, body, and spirit plays an integral role in a person’s journey. I am not here to play the part of a teacher or friend, but instead using skills that I’ve learned to partner with you as an individual. I am an open, warm, intentional, and authentic person seeking to collaborate with you and allow a safe space for you to be…you.

My general approaches to our therapeutic relationship will be integrative, but Person-Centered, Holistic, and Solution Focused. If it sounds like we may be a good fit together, I would love to come alongside you on your journey to help you reach those different destinations. 

Meet Our Clinical Supervisors

Shanelle D. Johnson, LMFT

Janet Matthews, LMFT

Janel King, LMFT

(left to right)

Connect With Us

Our therapist trainees

  • master's level graduate students enrolled in graduate programs throughout the nation
  • ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT INSURANCE
  • can accept cash pay clients
  • providers for the therapy for ALL program
  • WORK UNDERNEATH A licenseD SUPERVISOR

Kipenzi Herron

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Therapy is a collaborative environment where communication is key. I am interested in empowering couples, families, and individuals to overcome personal obstacles, find confidence, and improve empowerment strategies. My approach during this productive exploration is being intentional and being fully present within a supportive environment. I strive to bring an effective blend of experience, clarity, concern, and curiosity to the counseling process to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness. I am committed to listening, understanding, and respecting you on your journey towards growth and healing and achieving your goals. Always know that you can ask questions, have a different opinion from me, and feel comfortable telling me what you are thinking. I will encourage and support you on your quest to be the best person you can be and help you determine what that looks like for you.

Sarah Manetti

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

Hope is the correct response to the strange, often terrifying miracle of consciousness. Hope is not easy or cheap. It is true.” - John Green

To my mind, so much relief can come from just pure understanding. When we have better, deeper and more loving insights into ourselves, compassion and empathy follows. The idea of loving ourselves can feel very hollow, a quote on a would-be inspirational poster. But I believe in it, as a life-time occupation, a work that is both as complex and meaningful as it is demanding. It is a functioning, tangible thing.

I believe so much of what causes suffering comes from a sense deep inside us that something about us is wrong or bad. I want to work to help people construct a new sense of normal. That may include unspooling the beliefs we may carry about our wrongness as well as coming to a better understanding of ourselves, our needs and our boundaries. We all have reasons why we do what we do and need what we need. It’s my goal to help you better understand yourself, and love yourself. It’s my goal to help you become your best friend, most ardent supporter and fearless champion. You are, in the end, exactly as you should be.

I am a second year MFT graduate student, I have an extensive background in working with neurodiverse populations as well as being open to gender and sexuality exploration and affirmation in addition to non-traditional relationship structures.

Amir Moradi

MSW Student

Amir is a MSW candidate at California State University, San Marcos. He has a history of working in Social Work as a BSW from San Diego State University with extensive experience working in school settings with both children and parents. Among other careers, Amir has worked as a Care Coordinator, Manager for the County's Migrant Youth Housing program, School Special Education Assistant, and now a Case Management worker here at the URCC.

Abi Cole

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

Hailing from San Bernardino, CA, Abigail is a young organizer that is deeply passionate
about using her voice to amplify the needs of young people. With special interests in areas
such as Mass-incarceration and Prison-to Pipeline Dilemmas, she is fueled with dedication and drive to stir up change in her community. Abigail has most recently served as a Resident
Advisor, Early Academic Outreach College Advisor in Southeast San Diego, and in the past she served as the Lead Media & Communication Intern at CURB (Californian’s for a Responsible Budget), where she was able to sharpen her skills around writing opinion editorials, curate social media content, and weigh in on the plans of CURB to close prisons across California. A recent graduate at University of California, San Diego with a Bachelors in Psychology and minor in Global Health, she hopes to work to end stigmas around mental health and encourage care in her community. During her time in her Undergraduate career she served as a UC Advocate and Campus Leader. Abigail now plans to spend much of her time working at Urban Restorations Counseling Center to serve as an Intern working directly with community members in search of mental health resources to better themselves.

Kristen Goodrich

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

Heart is sea,
language is shore.
Whatever sea includes,
will hit the shore.

- Rumi

Sometimes it’s hard to find the words for what’s going on in the world and in your life. It can feel overwhelming to navigate rough waters alone and make sense of a sea of emotions.

After nearly two decades of working in the environmental field, I’ve learned that in order to protect nature, we must see ourselves as a part of it, and practice self- and collective care to thrive. Through my collaborative and person-centered approach, and training in multicultural community counseling, we will work together to define what restoration and resilience means to you.

If you are seeking a non-judgmental and compassionate space to explore challenges and chart a course forward, I am here to support your wayfinding in a journey together toward better mental health.

Octavia Mack

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

Working in workforce development and my healing journey helped me recognize the importance of mental health awareness in underrepresented communities. It also encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in Multicultural Counseling. I have a genuine passion for guiding people through their healing process to thrive in every area of their life. I feel it takes a holistic approach to truly find your joy. I consider myself a lifetime learner always looking for opportunities to learn.

Samer Zoukari

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

Hello! I am originally from Palm Springs, and I just recently graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Human Health! I have previously worked with the OASIS department at UCSD, which provided services to underrepresented students at that institution. Now, I am starting my first year as a graduate student at San Diego State University. I am on track to obtain a Master's degree in Multicultural Counseling through the CBB (Community Based Block) Program.


I am passionate about making a change within my community regarding the attitudes toward mental health and servicing other marginalized communities. I firmly believe that mental health is a human right and should be accessible for all and is just as important as other health services! I am looking forward to working with URCC to help achieve my goals of working with people within my community and providing accessible mental healthcare access!

Mia Yoshoika

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

I am currently a Master’s student at Northwestern University studying Mental Health Counseling. I am new to the San Diego area, having recently relocated from Honolulu, Hawaii. I hope to bring the aloha spirit and multicultural competence from the islands into my sessions!


Storytelling also has been an influential part of my life. As a wedding and lifestyle photographer, capturing people’s experience has been extremely impactful. Transitioning into a counselor role, I hope to listen to your unique personal narrative and process together with a person-centered attitude, cognitive- behavioral techniques, and other elements from psychodynamic theory.


Life is unpredictable and it is my pleasure to sit with you with no judgment. The first step to change is reaching out for help, so I am glad you’re here!

Kiyana Harris

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist Trainee

My name is Kiyana. I am from Oakland,Ca., currently serving in the US Navy for 12 years. I am a loving mother and have a passion for nature. My calling is to help heal people from trauma and build resiliency.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them” – Maya Angelou.

Our Case Managment team 

  • What is Case Management?
    • Case management is a means for improving clients’ health and promoting wellness and autonomy through advocacy, communication, education, identification of service resources, and facilitation of service.
  • How does case management help our clients? 
    •  It is a wholistic approach to Addressing and handling the needs of our clients (e.g., addressing medical, physical, functional, emotional, financial, psychosocial, behavioral, spiritual, and other needs), as well as those of their support systems.
  • how does it benefit our clients?
    • The goals of case management are first and focused on improving the clients clinical, functional, emotional, andenvorinmental and mental health status. 


Cesar Santana
Case Management Intern

I am a Bachelors of Social Work student. My goal as a case manager intern here at URCC is to provide my community with any resources they need to improve their quality of life including but not limited to: mental health care, housing programs, health clinics, and immigrant and refugee services. I pledge to listen to my clients' concerns with empathy, and to do diligent research to find the best resources for them.


Bethany Nguyen

CAse Managment Intern

With so much to navigate in our daily lives, I understand the difficulties of figuring out how to tend to our personal needs—where to start, or how to go from there. It’s my utmost priority to provide a safe and collaborative space for those also in search of their next step.
As a Bachelor of Social Work student, I am committed to advancing equitable opportunity and quality care for all individuals. I especially hope to speak with BIPOC women and those identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so that I may provide insight toward best amplifying your voice and reclaiming your autonomy.


Kassandra Casas

Case Management Intern

It's my first year as a graduate student working towards my Social Work degree. I'm an MSW student from California State University San Marcos interning at URCC. At the moment I'm doing case management and fundraising. I'm so excited to be part of this amazing organization and achieve my goal of helping the community.


Leanna Jackson

CASE MANAGEMENT INTERN

I hope to empower you and build a collaborative partnership. A partnership built around warmth
and empathy allows you to feel seen. Engaging and understanding the needs of the people is
essential to promoting their essential self. As your case manager I am there to support, advocate,
and research resources that you will need.

Kaitlyn Cooper
Case Management Intern

I am a Bachelor of Social Work student at San Diego State University. I am interning at URCC as a case manager as well as part of the fundraising team. I am passionate about social justice issues and working within the system to ensure that all different kinds of people have access to quality, affordable mental health care and resources. I grew up in a rural area with little to no mental health care, which sparked a desire to increase accessibility to mental health care and social services. I believe in the strengths and self determination of each client and look forward to working with clients from all walks of life.

CONTACT US