GINA GARGANO, AMFT
THERAPIST | AMFT #152887
Hi! I’m Gina,
If you're here, that means you've taken the first step toward making changes within yourself, relationships, or your life. I know how difficult change can be, and am here to walk alongside you as we navigate the uncertainty of the future together. While I move at your pace, I also recognize that change is inherently uncomfortable and may challenge you to create shifts in your ways of thinking or acting that keep you stuck. I am not a "blank slate" kind of therapist who will listen silently and leave you wondering what I really think. I show up with my authenticity and humanity so you can, too. Our sessions will feel dynamic and responsive to your needs so you leave sessions feeling connected, seen, and hopeful.
As a social justice-oriented clinician, my approach is grounded in the understanding that suffering and distress is not a "you" problem. We are constantly interacting with people and systems who make it difficult for us to show up the way we'd like, and we often cope in the best way we know how at the time. By drawing from trauma-focused CBT, DBT, attachment-based therapy, EFT, and mindfulness, I will guide you in responding to your emotions from a place of curiosity and empathy rather than fear or shame. I earned my Bachelor in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from CSU Sacramento, as well as my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from CSU, Northridge. My experience involves work with severe mood disorders, personality disorders, chaotic interpersonal relationships, children and families in the child welfare system, and addiction treatment. I specialize in working with young children and their families, adolescents, and adults around issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, relationships, and addiction.
We will access your underlying emotions and needs so you learn new tools for relating to yourself, loved ones, and the world in more adaptive ways. Using breathwork and somatic healing, you can release stuck energy in the body to feel safe and grounded when the past threatens to overwhelm you. Through challenging core beliefs that block your growth, healing attachment wounds, and integrating the mind and body, you can let go of what's no longer serving you to create space for new experiences. Together, we will make meaning of your experiences so you can live life from a place of wisdom, courage, and wholeheartedness.
Supervised by: Maria Alcorn, LCSW #109289
SPECIALIZATIONS
Anger Management
Anxiety and Depression
Family Conflict
Grief & Loss
Personality Disorder
Relationship Issues
Stress
Substance Abuse
Trauma & PTSD
Women's Issues
LOCATIONS
Telehealth
LA Office
INSURANCES ACCEPTED
MHN/Health Net Medi-cal
Anthem Blue Cross Commercial and Medi-cal
Aetna
Cigna/ Evernorth
Optum/ United Healthcare
Medi-cal
Blue Shield of CA Commercial and Medi-cal
Beacon/ LA Care/ Carelon Commercial and Medi-cal
Molina Healthcare
Magellan Healthcare
Ready to get started?
