Murrieta Clinicians

Associates

Deborah McLendon
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

AMFT135602

Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist; I earned my Masters degree from National University in San Diego California and I completed my undergrad in Birmingham Alabama from the University of Alabama/Birmingham with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I have 20-plus years of experience specializing in mental and behavioral health. I have provided for diverse populations including mental illness, developmental disabilities, troubled youth, substance abuse, and autism. I have also had the opportunity to manage several residential facilities throughout the community as well as facilitate group sessions for clients struggling with mental illnesses. Throughout my educational training and professional experience, I cultivated a strong background in supporting children, teens, adults, families, and couples facing life challenges and transitions. My passion has always been caring for others and helping them to find opportunities to succeed. I hope to be able to assist you in navigating through your journey to bring peace and healing. My goal is to allow you to fully explore and express your story in a safe and comfortable environment that will give you the freedom to be authentic. I believe the mind, body, and spirit are all intricate parts of who we are, and if one of these parts is not doing well, a shift occurs and there becomes an imbalance, so assisting you in maintaining that balance will also be my goal. Everyone's existence has a purpose and it will be my pleasure in helping to guide you into discovering your strengths and sense of self. My approach is warm and inviting, person-centered, and nonjudgemental. I give my clients the space to feel at ease while enjoying laughter in the therapeutic sessions. It is important to assist my clients with gaining insight into who they are as an individual as well as their purpose in life. I specialize in helping clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, grief and loss as well as relationship issues and family concerns. I am open to exploring any concerns my client brings to the session while focusing on an evidence-based approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-focused, Emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-focused as well as, Meditation and Mindfulness. I look forward to assisting you in strengthening your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being while offering genuine guidance and support.

Julia Lewis

Associate Clinical Social Worker

ACSW 122862

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi before receiving my Master's degree in Social Work from Tulane University. I am now an Associate Clinical Social Worker under direct clinical supervision. I plan to become a License Clinical Social Worker one day, and build a diverse practice in my community. I love working with children and have experience with a wide range of ages and abilities. I have also worked with a wide range of diagnosis included Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, and Trauma-related disorders. My personal belief is that every child deserves to be listened to, cared for, and respected. I am passionate about guiding young minds to become wonderful adults someday. I have experience in utilizing art therapy and play therapy techniques, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Structural Family Systems techniques. I enjoy client-centered, mindfulness, and strength-based approaches. I am a military spouse and moved to California not long ago. I am originally from the south and advocate for mental health awareness whenever I can. In my free time, I love spending time with my two dogs, hiking, and trying new foods.

Laine Johnson

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

APCC17611

Hi, I’m Laine, and I’m passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space for people to explore their emotions, challenges, and personal growth. As an Associate Counselor, I’ve worked with many individuals, helping them navigate tough times like anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also have a strong connection to the LGBTQ+ community, and I’m dedicated to supporting clients in their journey toward self-acceptance and healing. I like to keep things real and approachable in therapy. My goal is to create a place where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself and talk about whatever is on your mind. Together, we’ll work through the tough stuff while helping you discover your strengths along the way. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me watching football, reading a good book, listening to podcasts, or jamming out on my drums. It’s important to me to stay balanced, and these are a few things that help me unwind. If you’re looking for someone to walk with you through your challenges and help you build a brighter future, I’d love to connect!

Regina McGuire
Psych Associate

94029546

Compassionate Care Rooted in Experience, Healing, Growth and Strength As a therapist, I offer a trauma-informed, integrative approach that blends evidence-based clinical methods with deep compassion and cultural awareness. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, and mental health concerns. My therapeutic work is grounded in the belief that healing is possible when people are seen, heard, and supported in their full complexity. I am certified in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the treatment of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). These modalities support my work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, substance use issues, and unresolved trauma. My clinical style is collaborative, strength-based, and culturally sensitive offering both structure and flexibility to meet clients where they are. Before entering the field of mental health, I completed 20 years of honorable service in the United States Navy, where I developed a lifelong dedication to service, mentorship, resilience, and leadership. My military experience continues to inform my understanding of trauma, identity, and the power of transformation especially for veterans, first responders, and those carrying complex histories. Areas of Focus:  Trauma & Complex PTSD  Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Dysregulation  Substance Use & Dual Diagnosis  Military & Veteran Mental Health  Family and Relational Conflict  Identity, Purpose, and Life Transitions  Youth & Adolescents (including justice-involved youth) I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. I approach therapy from a holistic, person-centered lens, integrating mind-body awareness and cultural humility into every session. Whether you are processing the past or building a healthier future, I am here to support you in moving toward clarity, healing, and wholeness. Therapy can be a bridge back to yourself. Let's take that step together.

Oluwatosin Olatunji

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

AMFT126700

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

APCC10704

I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. My clinical experience spans hospital-based settings, short-term acute residential treatment, outpatient care and private practice. I have experience providing individual therapy, group therapy, clinical assessments, crisis intervention, risk/safety assessments, treatment planning, case management, and rehabilitative services. I utilize evidence-based modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, family systems, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed therapy, narrative therapy and harm reduction strategies among others. I have worked with diverse populations and a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, bipolar and related disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, trauma-related conditions, grief and loss, substance use disorders, and other severe mental illnesses. My practice is inclusive and affirming, serving individuals across varied cultural, religious, and gender/sexual identities. I believe healing occurs in a therapeutic space that is safe, collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic—where vulnerability is welcomed and authenticity is encouraged. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in their journey toward personal growth, resilience, and meaningful connection within their families and communities.

Ashley Ortega-Mejia

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

AMFT 159288

Bio coming soon...

Tamanna Chander

Psych Associate

94028182

I am a Psychological Associate who provides thoughtful, integrative therapy grounded in compassion and clinical depth. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, identity concerns, and the long-term impact of early relational experiences. My therapeutic approach is flexible and client-centered, integrating CBT, DBT, relational, and depth-oriented frameworks. I balance insight-oriented exploration with practical tools for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and meaningful change. I pay close attention to relational patterns that emerge in therapy and view the therapeutic relationship as a central part of the healing process. I am committed to creating a culturally responsive, affirming, and supportive therapeutic space. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and bring a nuanced understanding of how culture, family systems, and identity shape psychological well-being. I speak English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Tracy Sanchez

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

AMFT 137387

BIO COMING SOON...