Welcome to a space where your mental health journey is honored with compassion and professionalism. I am Carissa Lataillade, a dedicated Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist deeply committed to supporting individuals through their most challenging life moments.
As a black therapist, I bring a unique perspective to the therapeutic process, understanding firsthand the nuances of BIPOC, cultural identity issues, and the importance of nurturing self-esteem. My experience spans a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, including mood disorders, grief, loneliness, family and relationship conflict, and life transitions.
My approach is rooted in strength-based and collaborative therapy, where your voice and story lead the way. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness, I tailor our sessions to fit your individual needs, empowering you to build resilience and find clarity.
Whether you’re navigating personal growth or seeking support for mental health battles, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll strengthen your shields and embark on a transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Feel free to reach out and begin the conversation that could unfold the path to your well-being.
-Carissa Lataillade, LMFT#144727, Founder, Director, and CEO of Paladin Psychotherapy & Family Counseling, Inc.
What is a therapy approach?
A therapy approach is a way in which a clinician provides therapy to their clients. Currently, I work with a wide range of individuals and couples using a strength-based and collaborative therapeutic approach. The key theoretical orientations that resonate with me are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I am life long learner and I aspire to add more therapy techniques to my toolset to achieve an eclectic style in working with clients in the future.
What’s an Associate?
An “Associate” is the title given to individuals who have completed their master’s degree and are currently earning hours for licensure in the state of California. The title of Associate means that I was registered as a pre-licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) & Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in the state of California. This registration allowed me to gain post-degree hours to fulfill the 3000-hour requirement of a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California.
My title was formerly “Associate Marriage & Family Therapist Registration Applicant” and “Associate Professional Clinical Counselor Registration Applicant” which meant that I was in the process of applying to receive an associate registration number from the licensing board of California, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
What’s a Trainee?
“Trainee” is the title given to graduate students as they earn their hours for licensure while still in Graduate school. The first step to licensure in California is to work as a Pre-Licensed therapist under the title Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee. I have completed my pre-degree licensure hour requirements as established by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Did you say you’re no longer in school?
Yes, I officially finished graduate school! As of September 20th, 2020, Pepperdine University has officially conferred my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy.
What’s your educational background?
I have completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy at Pepperdine University in 2020. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge in 2011. I also completed my Master’s degree in Public Health from The George Washington University in 2016.
How long have you been doing this?
I have been providing mental health services since September 2019.
I previously worked at MagpieLife, a private practice owned by my former supervisor Eve Sturges, LMFT, from February 2021 to February 2024. While in this position I enjoyed working alongside my clients to provide individual and couple psychotherapy services as a Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist.
I previously volunteered at CalFam Counseling where I provided individual, couples, and family therapy from May 2020 to September 2021.
I have also previously worked at a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health directly operated site Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center (SCVMHC). At SCVMHC, I worked as a Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee from September 2019 to September 2020 providing individual, couple, and group therapy services in-person and through telehealth platforms (i.e., VSEE Clinic, Everbridge, Doxy Telemedicine, and Zoom).
In addition to my practicum experience, I also worked part-time as a Behavior Technician with Autism Learning Partners.