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Hello, I’m Sofia Mendoza, my therapy practice is encompassed by using a race based trauma and social justice lens with evidence based approaches. I believe that all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. I welcome people of all backgrounds and orientations.
My practice combines compassion and science by using the latest researched best practices in treatment to help clients understand their problems and work toward developing a life worth living.
I’m passionate about helping individuals through their challenges, childhood memories, trauma, parenting, work stress and life transitions.
I use a combination of compassion, inner wisdom, social justice, behavioral, and cognitive interventions to help clients become present, focused and skillful — all in an effort to train them to listen to their own wise mind while developing a life worth living.
Specialties
As a First Gen I know the impact that being at the intersection of race, class and gender can have on how you feel about your roles in society. My practice invites people from all backgrounds to heal, understand, and validate their experiences all (and always) through a trauma and cultural lens.
Having anxiety is hard. But anxiety doesn't have to control you. My practice is tailored around your unique needs and wants, with a focus on helping you manage your symptoms and learn to befriend your nervous system.
When we do the work that is necessary to become helpers and healers our bodies, hearts, and minds are impacted. We can help each other care for ourselves so that we may continue to heal others. When we focus on our own self-care practices and healing traumatized experiences, then it can allow us to be stronger therapists who can provide even more compassionate care.
Trauma can affect the way you think, feel, and behave. Are you experiencing disturbances in your sleep, moods, or relationships? The trauma may be affecting your everyday life by making it difficult to function normally. It’s important to get help so that you can cope with your symptoms and lead a healthier life.
MY Skills & APPROACH
My approach combines compassion and research to help people feel validated as they take the necessary steps to reach their behavioral goals and values. While I have been extensively trained in various Evidence Practices, I practice mainly through a trauma and social justice lens. I am skilled in knowing how to adapt to each client and incorporate various decolonizing, race-based and inner child approaches to help BIPOC in their healing journey.
Extensive training and experience in several evidence-based practices (EBP)
additional trauma treatment modalities
The idea of talking to stranger about your problems can be a scary one!
Therapy can be incredibly helpful by providing an avenue for you to discuss your challenges with a professional who is trained to listen non-judgmentally. I can provide a different perspective about the challenges you’re having and ease suffering.
Therapy might also be helpful if you notice that you’re not functioning as you used to. Perhaps you’re noticing increased irritability, more arguments with your friends and loved ones, difficulty accepting changes in your life, or simply that you’re not enjoying the things you once did.
Through assessment, I can help identify problem areas and together, we can discuss your goals to leading a happier life or reducing your current suffering. Sofia Mendoza, LCSW is based in Long Beach, California and offers virtual sessions as well as in-person.
Frequently Asked questions
My current fee is up to $200 per initial evaluation and $185 per 1-hour session.
You can request an appointment for evaluation by calling me by phone at (323) 351-1741. You can also e-mail me at info@sofiamendozalcsw.com.
(Please note that I will return calls within a four (4) hour time frame)
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for assistance.
You can also call 1 (800) 854-7771 for emergency evaluation by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
I accept major credit card payments (via my electronic platform or square invoicing) at the beginning of session. I am also registered as a healthcare provider and accept HSA (Healthcare Spending Account) and FSA (Flex Spending Account) cards.
I take Lyra: I am a provider for the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Lyra. Please speak with your HR to see if you have this benefit.
Otherwise, I am an out-of-network provider, therefore I do not take insurance as a source of payment. I can however, provide a receipt for PPO – out of network reimbursement. Please discuss with your insurance provider or health care spending account about reimbursement. I do take Health Care Spending cards and can provide invoices for you to submit.
It depends. I am paneled with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Lyra. Ask your human services representative if you have Lyra.
Some employers cover the cost of therapy. Ask your HR. I also have experience with having employers pay me for their employees session especially when there are grief, loss, or trauma related stressors due to the work environment. This is a good option for small companies. Session details remain completely confidential (except for mandated reporting reasons), however, your employer does receive an invoice after the session took place for payment purposes only. You would have to consent to this disclosure.
Did something happen at work that you’re having trouble processing or coping with? Have your employer reach out to me for employer sponsored sessions at info@sofiamendozalcsw.com
Si, hablo Español y tengo experiencia en proveer terapia desde el año 2007 con niños, jovenes, familias y adultos. Para mas informacion, por favor llame al (323) 351-1741.
Mending roots
Sofia Mendoza, LCSW offers courses, workshops, and trainings for the public as well as mental health professionals online and throughout Long Beach, Los Angeles and Orange County California. All courses center mental wellness and creating a space to support individuals and professionals in collective healing.
Licensed clinical social worker (LCS28884)
I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist who has specialized in mental health and psychotherapy since 2007.
Available for psychotherapy appointments for first generation professionals, burnout, depression, anxiety, and more virtually, or in Long Beach, California.