Psychotherapists

Christina Dougherty LCSW

I have twenty-five years of experience in the fields of mental health, substance abuse, social services, and child welfare. I am licensed to evaluate and treat behavioral health problems and specialize in individual psychotherapy for adults and seniors, as well as group therapy. I graduated magna cum laude with a BA in clinical psychology in 1999 and received a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2002 from the University of South Florida with a dual specialization in clinical social work and substance abuse counseling. I am a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, as well as the Graduate Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.  I received pre-licensure training at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs where I went on to serve eight years as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, assisting in creating and implementing their Veteran’s Medical Center Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Tampa, Florida, as well as serving other programs and departments within the Medical Center.  I became licensed to practice independently in 2005 and left government service for private practice work in 2010. After working both individually and with group practices in Florida, I founded and served as director for a group practice of behavioral health clinicians in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2016. I have most recently relocated to Los Angeles in 2020 and have opened my individual practice here.  I am a qualified Supervisor for clinical supervision of pre-licensed MSW graduates as well as having served as a Field Instructor for MSW students.

I am trained in psychoanalytic theory, CBT, motivational and transpersonal theory, mindfulness, 12-step facilitation, and energy psychology to include EFT Emotional Freedom Technique or “Tapping” and Matrix Reimprinting. I have experience treating depression, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, adjustment issues, geriatric issues, LGBTQ-related issues, substance use disorders, eating disorders, gambling addiction, ACOA/codependency, dual diagnosis, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, and family/relational/ cultural/employment problems. My medical social work background also provides expertise in detecting and treating the psychological and emotional problems that often correlate with and aggravate physical problems like chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, injury, and HIV. I am also trained in Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing/ Psychological First Aid and am proud to have served veterans, military active duty, and first responders in trauma treatment.  I also am a Certified Reiki Practitioner, Level II.  

Matthew McGahran LCSW

I have almost 30 years of experience in mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, and child welfare. I am licensed to evaluate and treat behavioral health problems individually and in groups and specialize in anger management, couples counseling and domestic violence. 

I received a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania specializing in Child Welfare.  I’ve been in private practice and in government service for the last 30 years, working with the Department of Child Welfare, Departments of the Navy and Veterans Health Administration.

I recently re-located to Los Angeles after serving as the Chief of the Social Work program for the Veterans Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. I currently serve as the Department Head for the Homeless Programs with the Veterans Hospital for the Greater Los Angeles area.   

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapies along with Motivational Interviewing.  My therapy practice is short-term, solution-focused strategies for medically necessary conditions and interpersonal difficulties.  I provide individual therapy as well as marital/couples counseling. I treat the Whole Person and look at each as a person in their environment who is often responding to a myriad of stimuli that may include personal relationships, physical health and economic status.