WE’RE HIRING!
Come join our team of 2000+ clinicians
FEATURED ARTICLE
A comprehensive guide to starting therapy
Book my first session
96% of clients feel supported and understood by their therapist
Get expert medication support, tailored to you
Check my copay estimate
Sessions cost $24 on average with insurance
34 licensed therapists & providers in California—6 in Thousand Oaks. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
I understand the unique challenges of navigating life as a minority, and I bring both personal experience and professional support...
About
I understand the unique challenges of navigating life as a minority, and I bring both personal experience and professional support to create a safe, affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience helping children, teens, adults, and families find healthy ways to cope, communicate, and thrive. I work with those navigating stress, anxiety, family transitions, cultural identity concerns, adjustment, depression, or relationship struggles. Many of my clients seek to manage overwhelming emotions, heal from past experiences, and build confidence. As a Christian and a minority, I bring a perspective grounded in faith, resilience, and cultural understanding, creating an affirming space for clients who value the integration of their beliefs in the healing process.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Widener University. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s needs. I draw from evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and strength-based practices, while incorporating creative tools like play therapy and expressive activities.
I know that seeking support takes courage, and you don’t have to walk this path on your own. As a Christian, I believe in the power of hope, healing, and renewal, and I strive to create a space where faith and therapy can work hand in hand. If you’re ready to take the next step, it would be my honor to walk with you on this journey.
Education and training
View more therapists in Thousand Oaks
I understand the unique challenges that come with being a Latina woman....
I understand the unique challenges that come with being a Latina woman.
Marcela Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the medical and mental health fields. She's passionate about helping individuals find their true, wonderful selves and live more fulfilling lives. She has helped individuals decrease their depression and anxiety symptoms by helping them become more self-aware, allowing them to identify their feelings and emotions. Marcela provides a safe space for her clients to discuss their traumas, grief, relationship issues, and important life transitions. Marcela completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Cal State Long Beach.
Marcela is compassionate, empathetic, and understanding, and she challenges her clients in a loving way to help them gain better control of their emotions. Marcela utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy
All of us experience life in different ways, and at times we feel as though we're facing challenges alone. Marcela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!
As someone who has walked alongside individuals, couples, and families through trauma, loss, and life transitions, I bring an empa...
As someone who has walked alongside individuals, couples, and families through trauma, loss, and life transitions, I bring an empathetic and strengths-based approach that honors each person's unique story.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, older adults, couples, and families through trauma, loss, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients strengthen resilience, restore connection, and achieve emotional well-being in a safe, compassionate space. Together, we'll identify strengths, build coping tools, and create positive change through collaboration and self-awareness.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Walden University. My approach is trauma-informed, empathic, and strengths-based. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and family systems techniques to support healing.
In our work together, you can expect warmth, authenticity, and respect. Whether you're navigating relationships, grief, or personal challenges, I'll walk alongside you to foster healing, clarity, and confidence. You deserve a space to feel heard, supported, and empowered toward lasting growth.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Thousand Oaks, CA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Thousand Oaks is located near Camino Dos Rios and Wendy Dr, off the Ventura Fwy. It is near Conejo Adventist Elementary and Newbury Park High School.
Shown in PT
7 photos
34 therapists available in California, including 6 in Thousand Oaks
Call to book
We'll help you find the right provider and get you scheduled.
Book online
Find the right provider for you and book your first session in minutes.