The Happy Therapists Team

Who We Are

Janisha Mickens-Ingram,LMFT

Founder & CEO

Janisha has been in the human services field for over 18 years.

Janisha fell in love with helping those who often had trouble helping themselves. She realizes in the black and brown community therapy is, at times taboo and has been relegated to "crazy" people, it's for everyone. In a world that has been shut down and many are uncertain just know you are not alone. As a therapist but most importantly as a human my ability to connect and relate with almost anyone no matter your race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or age.

Janish's expertise offers solutions for pressing mental health challenges affecting both individuals and workplaces, including high-achieving employees. Assisting those who suffer from a lack of self-esteem, co-dependency, attachment/detachment issues, a decrease in self-worth, depression, anxiety, and all-around fear of success. My main focus is breaking generational patterns with empowerment, perseverance, and igniting resiliency.

Therapy is a place where you can be transparent with no judgment. A safe place where you can be your authentic self. Whichever path you decided to find closure and healing, know that there is someone here to help you through the process. Stay hopeful and remember though times are hard they will not last forever.

Nathan Oliver, AMSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

My name is Nathan Oliver and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker offering online counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have a variety of clinical interests; however, I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression, anger management, and relationship issues.

As a psychotherapist, I treat each client as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of his or her personal circumstances or struggles. My overall goal in therapy is to help guide clients to achieve the best version of themselves by living an authentic life.

I provide a safe and nurturing space for my clients to share and express their experiences and feelings. My goal after every session is for my clients to want to return and look forward to their next session with me.

KHALIA TAYLOR, AMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Intern

Khalia Taylor is a Marriage Family Therapist with a fresh perspective as an upcoming clinician. In 2018, she received her Bachelor's degree from Marymount California University in Biology and Psychology. After graduating, she worked in Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy working closely with kiddos with special needs, specifically Autism. Khalia went on to become an Emergency Medical Technician, allowing her to have a unique ability to understand the connection between the human body and mind due to her science background. In 2020, she began her Masters's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and successfully graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2022. During this program, she gained invaluable hands-on experience, including working as a school-based counselor. With a thirst for knowledge and a true passion for psychology, she decided to pursue her Doctoral degree and has successfully completed her first semester.

Khalia is very passionate about health and fitness as well as the connection it holds between mental health, specifically helping to positively alleviate symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Khalia is extremely warm, a complete people person with a genuine heart to help others, striving to make a positive impact on her community.

Krysta Alarcon, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello! I am Krysta Alarcon, MSW, and a service-focused individual with a passion for serving the needs of underprivileged adults and adolescents including homeless, at-risk youth, and other disabled populations. I have over 10 years of work experience in the Social Services industry including substance abuse, re-entry (AB 109/Parolee), and domestic violence. I use my experience to help empower individuals toward better overall well-being. I graduated with both my undergrad and graduate degrees (Master of Social Work) from Cal State Long Beach (Go Beach!).

I have learned to integrate effective communication and my clinical knowledge as an effective provider and leader to clients and overcome barriers related to behavioral health. I use my critical thinking skills to use when providing leadership and person-centered services to individuals. I was born and raised in East Los Angeles where I also currently live and work. My passion lies beyond mental health more towards overall well-being and becoming the best version of ourselves in hopes of creating a brighter future. In my off-time, you could find me in the gym, out in nature, or on the basketball court. I also love to spend time with loved ones, read, binge on great shows, and live my own life of adventure with travel.

Amber locklear, lcsw

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

My clinical approach to therapy is a blend of CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness. It is my belief that everyone deserves a unique and tailored plan to help them to heal.

I specialize in Trauma, specifically with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Grief and Loss. I work with adults, 18+, who identify as male, female and of the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for a safe space to delve into past traumas and work towards self-love and healing.

Alexis Odom

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ Mental Health Therapist, I get the privilege of reminding people of who they were before society told them who they should be. There is strength, beauty and worthiness in every unique incomparable being. Everyone has a unique set of circumstances that creates their core beliefs, and how they see the world as well as themselves. We are not defined by the hardships we endure. We have the opportunity to define who we are. The healing journey is a journey back to you; back to the person you were before your innocence and curiosity was stripped away.

I love utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy to walk people through the process of understanding their core beliefs, and how they often dictate their thoughts, feelings and actions. We live in a world that confines people to societal labels and limits. I am here to help you break free from the mental and social conditioning that has kept you from healing, and becoming the most authentic version of yourself.

I assist people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment related concerns, adjustment, work-life balance, improving self-esteem, creating healthy relationships, exploring identity, shame, guilt, people pleasing, abandonment, grief and more.

I meet client's where they are by utilizing a variety of interventions and modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person in environment approach, strength-based approach, motivational interviewing, somatic exercises, mindfulness, skill building and more.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a Masters Degree in Social Work also from California State University Dominguez Hills.

I Look Forward to assisting you on your healing journey :)

Jasmine Brown, MSW, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

I'm deeply honored to join you on your healing journey and grateful for the opportunity. Whether you're just beginning or further along, I warmly welcome you. My education in Social Work and experience with various challenges like depression and trauma inform my empathetic approach. Together, we'll focus on what matters most to you, celebrating your authenticity in a safe space.

In our collaborative work, my aim is to meet you right where you are today and guide you towards what matters most to you. Leveraging a strength-based and value-driven approach, we will focus on moving you closer to the life you envision. You’re stepping into a safe haven—a place where being authentically yourself isn’t just allowed; it’s celebrated. Here, you can lower your defenses and address the wounds and experiences that have acted as barriers to your progress.

Through mindfulness practices and therapy techniques, tailored to you, we'll journey towards healing. With certifications in various therapies, I adapt to your needs, ensuring our time together is impactful and meaningful. Starting therapy is a brave step towards a healthier you, and together, we'll navigate your story, embracing your strengths and discovering joy in your authenticity.

Eryn Watkins, AMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

As a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist, I specialize in utilizing client-focused modalities to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, substance use disorders, coping skills, interpersonal relationships, and adjustment disorders, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, experiences, and challenges with authenticity and vulnerability. Through evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-focused therapy, I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and process traumatic experiences to promote healing and resilience.

My expertise extends to working with individuals who have experienced trauma and may also struggle with substance use disorders as a means of coping. I integrate trauma-informed approaches with addiction treatment modalities to address the underlying factors contributing to substance use, facilitate trauma resolution, and support clients in achieving sustainable recovery and holistic well-being.

I am passionate about empowering clients to develop and strengthen coping skills to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Through psychoeducation, skills-building exercises, and role-playing techniques, I help clients enhance their emotional regulation, stress management, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Central to my therapeutic philosophy is the belief in the inherent strengths and resilience of each individual. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect, where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to take an active role in their healing journey. I tailor therapy interventions to meet each client's unique needs, preferences, and cultural background, honoring their autonomy and fostering a collaborative approach to treatment.

Mariela Cortez, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hi, I am Mariela Cortez, ASW. I am a bilingual English-Spanish speaking therapist. I have experience working with individuals with symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, feelings of anger, and loss. I have worked with adults from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I am very passionate about empowering individuals to heal and live their best life.

My goal is to help you increase self-awareness and coping skills to help manage your symptoms. I honor the principles of compassion, openness, acceptance, and nonjudgment. My style of therapy is warm and compassionate. I use a collaborative approach by building on your strengths to help you meet your therapeutic goals. I hope that we can connect and work together on your journey toward a healthier life.