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

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist 

 Are the difficulties in life weighing you down? Maybe you don’t know where to start or you've exhausted all efforts... That's where I come in. I know that sharing your deepest thoughts with a complete stranger can be frightening but I’ve learned that choosing a therapist can be like choosing an ally. You don't have to do life alone.

My specialties include improving communication skills, boundaries and expectations; developing new skills and coping mechanisms; building low self-esteem or confidence; recognizing and managing anger, self-destructive behaviors, family issues, stress, anxiety; and working through the grief and rebuilding process from break-ups and divorce.

I use a gentle but direct therapeutic approach that focuses on your goals and the improvements you want to see in your life. Together we can learn from the experiences of your past to move healthily and confidently into your future.

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."
- C.S Lewis. 

Myrna Knight

 Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

As children, we were asked, "What would you like to be when you grow up?" We mostly answered " A Fireman! A Princess! A Teacher! A Policeman!" As children growing into adulthood, we truly have no idea of the road ahead. One full of unexpected journeys, peaks and plateaus, that we as innocent, little children never would have imagined we would be on. Maybe you have been on a road of depression or substance abuse, struggling with anxiety, or hopelessness. Whatever it is you are facing, we can and will walk this road together. I would like to have the opportunity to walk with you on this journey to find and reach your potential in life 

Ronnae Beech

Associate 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

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist 

The journey of life never promised to be a smooth ride. Your well-being begins with embracing your physical, social, and mental needs. When we are able to step back and reflect on our life's journey the steps needed to reach our goals become clearer. I want to let you know, that it is never a road you have to travel alone. I believe that everyone brings something unique to this life- our strengths, differences and struggles. The things that we go through help tell OUR personal story.

My goal in therapy is to partner with you to integrate your spiritual, mental and emotional well-being as you create lasting change . The relationship between the mind, body, and spirit plays an integral role in your journey. I am here to collaborate with you and provide a safe space for you to be…YOU.

If my approach sounds like the type of help you are seeking, I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey as you begin to heal old wounds and open positive pathways to new beginnings. 

Kipenzi Herron

Associate Marriage And Family Therapist 

Asking for help is difficult. I know that from my own experience. If you are like many of my clients, you are handling many emotions on your own. Adding to this, it can be difficult to maintain healthy relationships. You may feel disconnected, frustrated, or just stuck with conversations that go nowhere or you end up talking in circles. Realize that every couple goes through tough times, and it is hard to know how to get back on track.

I work with couples who need to address communication breakdowns, intimacy issues or healing past hurts. Together, we will work to explore your feelings and gain insight into underlying issues of your arguments. My philosophy is to increase understanding, trust, manage conflict and understand each other’s needs. I believe that everyone deserves to have healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Congratulations on your decision to work on your relationship.  

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

Sarah Manetti
 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.

Abi Cole
 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

 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 seen the power in healing nature, ourselves, and each other through self- and collective care. 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 toward better mental health and well-being. 

Octavia Mack
 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

 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
 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

 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.

Dinecie Collins

 Therapist Trainee

Dinecie Collins, graduated from Alliant International University, San Diego with a Bachelors and Psychology (Marriage and Family Counseling). She has experience in collaborating with others to spread awareness about Public Health Epigenetics’ which included building and sustaining resilience. She became a therapist to help people in some way, whether to offer support through the process of improving mental health, addressing relationship difficulties, or adjusting to challenging life changes. She is dedicated to applying her strengths in educational guidance and support to help clients succeed in their everyday life. 

Jasmine Lister

 Therapist Trainee

Hi all! My name is Jasmine, I am 30 years old, and I was raised in California. I am currently an LPCC student at Pepperdine University in the Clinical Psychology Program. I am expected to graduate with my second Master’s Degree in May of 2024. I moved to the San Diego area in 2022, and I believe this place has been a great fit for me thus far. I especially utilize the dog beaches for my puppy. I thoroughly enjoy exercising, playing the drums, communicating with my family, working, and self-care. I am looking forward to gaining more insight through my experience at Urban Restoration Counseling Center coincided with my education at Pepperdine. Getting certified is a process, and I am excited for further growth!

Amanda Boiko

 Therapist Trainee

I am working towards obtaining my masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. My long term goal is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist and specialize in working with marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples.

In our work together, you are in the driver’s seat and I am the passenger helping you with the GPS. I may have to grab hold of the wheel at times if you’re having difficulty keeping your eyes on the road and that is okay. But at the end of the day, YOU are in the driver’s seat of your own life. You may not have had the opportunity yet to believe that. You may not have found your voice yet to believe that. My role is to help you feel empowered in your life to believe that you are indeed in the driver’s seat. My role is to help you learn how to be a safe driver. My role is to hold you accountable to be a safe driver until you can do that for yourself. And you CAN. You are capable.

My therapeutic style is collaborative. This is your journey and you are the expert of your own life. Let’s work together to figure out what has worked and what has not worked. Let’s work together to uncover those beautiful strengths you already have. Let’s work together to unpack generational trauma and circumstances that brought you to where you are today. Let’s work together so you can create change in your life. You are capable of seeing the change you wish to see in your life, and I’ll be here to support you through this journey you are about to embark on. This space is nonjudgmental, safe, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and culturally sensitive. I look forward to working with you. 

Alexis Johnson

 Therapist Trainee

Alexis is a positive and passionate mental health professional. Her passion for mental health and wanting to be a therapist began at a young age. She believes in creating an inclusive, safe, and judgment-free space for anyone to come and heal. Her goal is to empower individuals to see and become their best selves by helping them achieve personal goals through therapeutic strategies and interventions. Alexis is finishing her Masters at Midwestern State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The next chapter of her professional career will be becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor or LPCC to provide therapeutic services to underserved populations Treatment approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Reframing, Emotional-Focused Therapy (EFT),and Holistic/Integrative therapy. Clinical focus: Alexis’s clinical focus and experience includes serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and those experiencing homelessness/housing instabilities. Alexis works with school aged children who are 5+ years old, teens aging in 13-19 years old, and adults.Issues you address but are not limited to:
Grief
Addiction
Domestic violence
Sexual trauma
Sex trafficking victims
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Eating Disorders
Psychosis
Personality Disorders

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.

Amir Moradi
Case Management Intern

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.

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