MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
3 of the Best Los Angeles Depression Therapists
Evidence-based therapy to help you get to the root of depression and build resilience
Depression can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but therapy offers a pathway toward healing, resilience, and hope. In Los Angeles, our team of compassionate and skilled therapists provides evidence-based approaches to help individuals understand and manage their depression. We offer a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based and trauma-informed care, as well as mindfulness-based treatments to address the root causes of depression and promote long-lasting well-being.
- Expert Guidance: Our team is equipped with the research-backed techniques and therapies to help you achieve your mental health goals.
- Specialized Care: Expertise in depression, trauma, anxiety, and resilience building
- Personalized Approach: Compassionate care tailored to each client's unique needs
- Age-Specific Treatment: Tailored therapy for children, teens, and adults, recognizing the unique challenges and needs of each life stage
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Research-backed approaches, including CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed techniques.
- Supportive Environment: Safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where healing and hope can thrive
- Data-Driven Progress: We utilize standardized behavioral health screeners to monitor your progress, track depression levels, and make data-driven adjustments to your treatment plan
- Flexible Session Options: Evening hours available, with in-person sessions in Encino and Brentwood, and virtual appointments throughout California
- Streamlined Insurance Support: Handling insurance claims through our dedicated third-party service (Mentaya), so you can focus on your healing journey
About Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we believe in empowering individuals to rise above challenges and live with resilience. Our mission is to provide compassionate, research-backed (or “evidence-based”) therapy that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.We strive to help clients break free from unhelpful patterns, make meaning from past experiences that have shaped their present, and develop new, empowering habits that promote overall well-being, resilience, and a lifelong capacity to thrive. Our therapists specialize in a range of areas of mental health issues, including depression, trauma, maternal mental health, anxiety, and more, offering customized approaches for each individual.
Meet our highly-rated Encino depression therapists
1. Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D. – Founder & Clinical Director
At the forefront of Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience is Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D., a compassionate and seasoned clinical psychologist who has dedicated her practice to treating depression, anxiety, medical trauma, and other mental health challenges together. With a strong commitment to empowering individuals and families, Dr. Kanchi fosters resilience and coping skills to overcome life's obstacles. Her extensive experience spans working with children and adults, incorporating a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed, and mindfulness-based techniques to facilitate healing and growth. As the founder and clinical director of Milika Center, Dr. Kanchi has crafted a nurturing environment where individuals can find solace, rediscover hope, and embark on a transformative journey toward healing and wholeness.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D.)
Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University
Internship & Postdoctoral Fellowship: CHOC Children’s Hospital; UCLA Semel Neuropsychiatric Institute, UCLA Children’s Heart Center
Additional speciality areas: Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Chronic Medical Conditions, Maternal Mental Health, Physician Wellness, Trauma Recovery, Resilience Training
Therapeutic approach: Integrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, Mindfulness-based, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed, Strength-based, Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS)
2. Dr. Venus Mirbod, Psy.D. ("Dr. V") – Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Venus Mirbod ("Dr. V") is a clinical psychologist dedicated to providing expert treatment for depression across the lifespan. With esteemed training from Harvard Medical School's Boston Children's Hospital and UCSF, she brings a wealth of experience in helping clients overcome depression through evidence-based approaches. Her warm, engaging style fosters a safe and supportive environment where both adults and children feel understood and empowered on their journey toward emotional wellness.
Dr. V is passionate about guiding individuals through life's challenges, including difficult transitions and stressful circumstancesparticularly supporting individuals and families through life transitions and stress. She skillfully integrates her expertise in trauma-informed care with a range of effective therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness-based interventions. By combining these approaches, Dr. V helps clients build resilience, confidence, and develop lasting tools for managing depression and achieving overall well-being.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psy.D.
Education: Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) from Pepperdine University
Internship & Postdoctoral Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, UCSF Zuckerberg Hospital
Additional specialty areas: Stress & Anxiety, Depression, Infant Mental Health, Maternal Mental Health, Physician Wellness, Chronic Medical Conditions, Self-Esteem, Play Therapy, Child Therapy, Medical Trauma.
Therapeutic approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed, Mindfulness Based, Integrative, Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS)
3. Shilloy Sanchez-Lomeli, LMFT, Ph.D.c – Clinical Therapist
With over two decades of clinical experience, Shilloy brings a distinctive approach to clinical depression and treatment, integrating traditional therapeutic methods with a deep understanding of the complexities of depression. Her specialized training in trauma-focused therapies and internal family systems equips clients with a comprehensive toolkit for managing depression and improving overall well-being.
With a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Shilloy helps clients overcome depression through a groundbreaking blend of somatic awareness, mindfulness, attachment-centered approach, and evidence-based techniques. In cases where trauma is a contributing factor, Shilloy incorporates specialized techniques, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting, into the treatment plan to facilitate deeper healing and recovery. Her approach focuses on cultivating authentic connections, inner strength, and resilience, drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal understanding of the human experience.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Ph.D. in Depth Psychology
Education: Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices; M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Conflict-Related and Other Trauma: Antioch University
Clinical Trainings: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Janina Fischer TIST Model, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II
Additional specialty areas: Stress & Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & Dissociation, Maternal Mental Health, Family Dynamics, Couples/Relationship Counseling, Parenting Support, Emotional Regulation & Resilience Building, Digital Health in Children, Adolescents & Young Adults
Therapeutic approach: Attachment Centered, Somatic Awareness, Depth Psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Practices, Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM), Integrative Trauma Resourcing, HeartMath, Digital Wellbeing
How to start depression therapy in Encino
Step 1: Contact us
Reaching out is the first step toward healing. Contact Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward mental wellness.
Step 2: Schedule a free consultation
We offer a free consultation where you can discuss your needs with one of our therapists. This is an opportunity to see if our services align with your goals and explore which therapeutic approaches may be the best fit.
Step 3: Start your therapy sessions
Once you’ve connected with us and matched with a therapist, you’ll begin your personalized therapy sessions. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges and goals, supporting you every step of the way.
Why choose Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
Compassionate, Experienced Therapists
Our therapists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. With years of experience and specialized training in depression and trauma, we offer expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Holistic, Personalized Approaches
We believe in treating patients as the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our therapists use a combination of evidence-based therapies to address both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health, ensuring a holistic approach to your healing process.
Commitment to Resilience and Empowerment
At MIILKA, we focus on building resilience and empowering you to thrive. Whether you're dealing with major depression or, trauma, or life transitions, we provide the tools and support necessary to regain your strength and well-being.
Common reasons why people seek depression therapy
Chronic Stress or Life Changes
Many individuals seek therapy for depression when experiencing significant life stressors, such as career changes, family challenges, or the loss of a loved one. These events can trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms, making therapy a crucial support system.
Struggles with Self Worth
Feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or self-doubt often accompany depression. Therapy helps clients work through these automatic negative thoughts and build a more positive, compassionate view of themselves.
Trauma and Past Experiences
For those who have experienced trauma—whether in childhood or adulthood—depression can be a lingering result. Our therapists specialize in trauma-informed care to help clients process and heal from their past experiences.
Attachment and Relational Struggles
Trauma, neglect, or inconsistent relationships can impact our attachment style, influencing how we form and maintain relationships throughout our lives. This can lead to difficulties in trusting others, emotional dysregulation, and feelings of isolation. Therapy provides a safe space to explore and understand your attachment style, work through relational struggles, and develop a more secure and fulfilling way of connecting with others. By addressing these underlying issues, individuals can break free from negative patterns and cultivate healthier, more meaningful relationships.
When another practice might be a better fit for your needs
While we're dedicated to providing exceptional depression therapy and mental health care, we understand our practice may not be the ideal fit for every situation. We want to ensure you receive the best treatment and the most suitable care for your needs, so we recommend exploring other treatment options if:
- You need immediate crisis intervention or emergency psychiatric services
- You're located outside of California, as our clinical team is licensed specifically for California practice
- You require intensive treatment programs or hospitalization for severe depression
- You seek primary treatment for active substance use disorders alongside depression
If you're unsure if our depression treatment services are right for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your unique needs and goals, and provide guidance on finding the best fit for your care – whether that's with our practice or another provider.
Start depression therapy in Encino today
Taking the first step toward therapy can be a life-changing decision. At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to begin your healing journey and discover the power of resilience. We’re ready to help you thrive.