MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
4 of the Best Therapists for Women's Issues in Los Angeles
- Evidence-based approaches tailored specifically to women's experiences and needs
- Specialization in maternal mental health, couples therapy, and resilience training for expectant and new mothers
- Team of highly qualified female therapists with extensive training from prestigious institutions
- Innovative treatment methods, including virtual reality therapy and mindfulness-based interventions
- Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend appointments available to make getting mental health care as accessible as possible
- In-person availability in Encino and Brentwood, plus teletherapy options across California
- Simplified insurance reimbursement support through our partnership with Mentaya
- Culturally-informed care that respects your unique background and values
About Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
At MILIKA, we understand that women face unique challenges across different life stages. Our approach to women's therapy goes beyond symptom management and gets to the deeper undercurrents of your struggles so you can find lasting relief.
We create a safe space where you can explore your authentic self, process experiences, and develop lasting resilience. Whether you're navigating new motherhood, career transitions, relationship dynamics, or identity questions, our compassionate team provides personalized support to help you reclaim your sense of balance and purpose.
We believe that therapy for women should honor your complete story—acknowledging both your strengths and struggles while empowering you to write the next chapters with confidence. Through our comprehensive approach, we blend evidence-based techniques and cutting-edge approaches with genuine warmth, creating a therapeutic experience that nurtures growth, healing, and self-discovery. Our mission is to help you not just survive life's challenges, but to thrive through them.
Meet our top-rated Los Angeles women's therapists
1. Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.
Dr. Kanchi brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and personal understanding to her work with women. As founder and clinical director of MILIKA, she draws from her experience as both a clinical psychologist and mother of two to create a nurturing therapeutic environment.
Her background at prestigious institutions, including UCLA's Behavioral Wellness Center, equips her with specialized knowledge in women's mental health, particularly in supporting mothers through pregnancy and postpartum challenges, stress, and life transitions. Dr. Kanchi's warm approach both validates women's experiences and helps them build resilience.
2. Dr. Venus Mirbod, Psy.D. ("Dr. V")
Dr. Venus Mirbod blends compassionate care with evidence-based expertise in women's mental health. Specially trained at Boston Children's Hospital and UCSF, Dr. V has dedicated her career to supporting women through life's many transitions, from early adulthood to motherhood and beyond.
Her strength-based, trauma-informed approach helps women navigate challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and maternal mental health concerns. With genuine warmth and clinical insight, she creates a safe space for women to explore their experiences and develop practical strategies for lasting well-being.
3. Shilloy Sanchez-Lomeli, LMFT, Ph.D.
With over twenty years of clinical experience, Shilloy brings a deep understanding to her work with women facing life's complex challenges. Her approach integrates depth psychology with a trauma-informed lens, helping women process difficult experiences and build meaningful connections in their relationships.
Shilloy is particularly skilled at supporting women through major life transitions, past traumas, relationship dynamics, and the digital age's unique pressures. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother and grandmother, she helps women cultivate authentic self-expression, resilience, and purpose.
4. Lindsay Merrill, AMFT
Lindsay brings a unique background in performing arts education to her therapeutic work with women. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, she combines creativity with clinical expertise to help women navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem challenges.
Lindsay's approach emphasizes the mind-body connection, helping women develop self-awareness and self-compassion as they move toward positive change. Her training in EMDR therapy provides additional tools for processing difficult experiences. With warmth and authenticity, Lindsay creates a therapeutic environment where women can explore both light and darkness, finding their path to a more meaningful, peaceful life.
How to get started & what to expect
Step 1: Connect with us
The first step is simply reaching out through our website or by phone to schedule a free consultation. We understand that taking this initial step can feel vulnerable, but our team is here to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Step 2: Initial consultation
During this complimentary phone consultation, we'll discuss your current challenges, goals for therapy, and any questions you might have about our approach. This conversation helps us understand your unique situation and match you with the right therapist for your specific needs.
Step 3: Begin your therapeutic journey
Once matched with your therapist, you'll begin personalized sessions designed to address your specific concerns and build lasting resilience. You'll explore patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and create meaningful change that aligns with your authentic self and personal values.
Why choose our Los Angeles women's therapy services
Expert clinical team with specialized training
Our exceptional therapists bring extensive experience from leading institutions, offering specialized expertise in women's mental health across different life stages. Each clinician combines advanced clinical training with genuine compassion, creating a therapeutic experience that honors the complexity of women's lives and relationships.
Personalized approach that honors your unique story
We recognize that each woman's experience is shaped by her unique background, identity, and circumstances. Our therapists take time to understand your individual journey, creating a therapeutic plan that respects your personal values, cultural background, and specific goals for therapy.
Comprehensive support for life's transitions
From career changes to relationship shifts, motherhood to empty nesting, our team provides skilled guidance through life's many transitions. We help you navigate these changes with confidence, offering practical tools to manage stress while reconnecting with your core strengths and authentic self.
Flexible options that fit your busy life
We prioritize accessibility with both in-person and virtual therapy options. Our welcoming offices in Encino and Brentwood serve local women, while our secure online sessions extend our expertise to women throughout California. We also offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate busy schedules.
Culturally-informed care
Our diverse team understands that women's experiences are shaped by cultural background, identity, and community. We create an inclusive environment that celebrates your unique perspectives and incorporates your cultural values into the therapeutic process.
Common reasons why women seek therapy
Life transitions and role changes
Major life shifts—whether becoming a mother, changing careers, ending a relationship, or entering a new life stage—can trigger stress, identity questions, and emotional adjustment. Our therapists help you navigate these transitions with greater self-awareness and confidence, finding meaningful ways to move forward even during challenging changes.
Burnout and work-life balance
The pressure to excel in multiple roles—professional, mother, partner, caregiver—can lead to exhaustion and disconnection from yourself. We help women recognize the signs of burnout, develop sustainable self-care practices, establish boundaries between work and home life, and reconnect with what truly matters to create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Relationship challenges
Many women seek mental health services to address relationship difficulties, whether in family dynamics, intimate relationships, friendships, or professional ties. Our therapists provide a safe space to explore relationship patterns, improve communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and develop more fulfilling connections that honor your authentic needs and values.
Maternal mental health
Pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and the ongoing journey of motherhood bring unique emotional challenges. From postpartum depression and anxiety to parenting stress and identity shifts, our specialists provide compassionate support for women navigating the complex terrain of maternal mental health.
Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
Women often juggle multiple responsibilities while managing societal expectations, which can contribute to anxiety, persistent worry, and feeling overwhelmed. Our therapists offer evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety symptoms, process underlying concerns, and develop a stronger sense of calm and presence in daily life.
Trauma and difficult experiences
Many women seek therapy to heal from traumatic experiences. Whether you've experienced sexual trauma, want to break cycles from your family of origin, or are navigating another form of trauma, we're here for you. Our trauma-informed therapists create a safe environment to process past experiences at your own pace, helping you reduce symptoms, reclaim your sense of safety, and move forward with greater resilience and self-compassion.
Is our practice right for you?
While we'd love to support your personal growth, there are some cases when another provider may be more appropriate. Here are some examples of when we may suggest other local resources.
- Experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need immediate support, please contact the 988 Lifeline, which is available 24/7.
- Experiencing severe mental illness. In some cases, you may benefit from more intensive support before working with a private practice therapist.
- Need an in-network provider. We do offer support with out-of-network reimbursement. Read more about how it works here.
If you're unsure whether we're the right fit, we recommend reaching out for a free consultation so we can discuss your situation directly.
FAQs about therapy for women
Start counseling for women's issues in Los Angeles, CA today
At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we're committed to supporting women through life's challenges with compassionate, evidence-based care. Our expert therapists understand the unique pressures women face and are dedicated to helping you develop the resilience, self-awareness, and practical skills needed to thrive.
Whether you're navigating motherhood, career transitions, relationship changes, or simply seeking greater balance and fulfillment, we provide a safe space to explore your authentic self and create meaningful change. Our holistic approach blends methods like CBT, art therapy, virtual reality therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches to support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Don't let life's challenges hold you back from experiencing the support and wellness you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward resilience and a renewed sense of vitality.