MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
Therapy for Student-Athletes
Mental health therapy for student-athletes navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and the emotional pressures of sports.
In-office sessions in Encino CA, and online across California.
Mental Health Support for Athletes Who Are Balancing More Than the Game
Being a student-athlete can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also come with intense pressure.
Athletes are often expected to perform at a high level while balancing school, training, competition, relationships, injuries, and expectations from coaches, parents, teammates, and themselves.
At MILIKA Center for Therapy & Resilience, we provide specialized therapy for student-athletes who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, or other emotional challenges.
Our goal is not simply to help athletes perform better. It is to help them feel better, function better, and develop the emotional tools to thrive both on and off the field.
In-office therapy in Encino, CA and online therapy across California.
Therapy for the Whole Athlete
At MILIKA, we recognize that an athlete is more than their performance.
Therapy provides a confidential space for student-athletes to explore what they are experiencing, understand patterns that may be contributing to distress, and develop healthier ways of coping.
Depending on the athlete's needs, therapy may address:
ANXIETY & PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
Learn to understand anxiety, manage overwhelming thoughts and physical symptoms, and develop healthier ways to respond to pressure.
BURNOUT AND OVERHWELM
Learn to recognize the signs of emotional exhaustion and develop healthier ways to manage competing academic, athletic, and personal demands.
RELATIONSHIPS & TEAM DYNAMICS
Work through challenges involving teammates, coaches, parents, friendships, and other relationships that may affect an athlete's emotional well-being.
PERFECTIONISM & FEAR OF FAILURE
Explore the pressure to be perfect, harsh self-criticism, and fears of making mistakes while developing a more balanced and supportive mindset.
SELF ESTEEM AND BODY IMAGE
Develop a healthier relationship with body image, self-worth, and identity that is not dependent solely on athletic performance or appearance.
INJURY & LOSS OF ATHLETIC IDENTITY
Injuries can affect much more than an athlete's physical abilities. Therapy can provide support with frustration, grief, uncertainty, fear of reinjury, and changes in identity during recovery.
DEPRESSION AND LOW MOOD
Address persistent sadness, loss of motivation, withdrawal, low self-worth, and other symptoms that may interfere with school, relationships, and athletics.
RECURRING & CHRONIC PAIN
Ongoing pain can affect an athlete’s mood, confidence, relationships, and ability to participate in the sport they love. Therapy can help athletes cope with frustration, uncertainty, fear of reinjury, and the emotional challenges that can come with living and competing with recurring pain.
When an Athlete May Benefit From Therapy
Mental health support may be helpful when you notice that your athlete:
- Is increasingly anxious, irritable, withdrawn, or overwhelmed
- Dreads practices or competitions they previously enjoyed
- Has intense emotional reactions to mistakes or losses
- Is excessively self-critical
- Has difficulty sleeping because of worry
- Is struggling to balance school and athletics
- Has lost motivation or enjoyment
- Is experiencing significant distress following an injury
- Is increasingly concerned about weight, appearance, or food
- Feels their worth depends on athletic performance
- Is avoiding activities, competitions, or social situations because of anxiety
- Is struggling emotionally despite appearing successful externally
You don't have to wait for a crisis to seek support. Therapy can provide an opportunity to address concerns early and strengthen an athlete's emotional well-being before difficulties become more disruptive.
What Therapy Looks Like at MILIKA
Therapy is individualized to each athlete's age, developmental stage, goals, and concerns.
Our clinicians may integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, emotion regulation skills, and other therapeutic approaches based on the athlete's needs.
Together, we may work on:
- Understanding thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns
- Managing anxiety and stress
- Developing healthier self-talk
- Building self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Strengthening self-esteem and self-compassion
- Navigating relationships and communication
- Coping with setbacks and transitions
- Developing healthier responses to pressure
- Reconnecting with activities and relationships outside of sport
For younger athletes, parents can also be an important part of treatment. When appropriate, we work with parents to help them better understand what their child is experiencing and learn ways to support progress outside of therapy.
Looking for Performance-Focused Mental Skills Training?
If your athlete is doing well emotionally but wants to strengthen confidence, focus, mental toughness, and performance skills, our Mental Skills & Resilience Training could be a game changer.
Our training helps young athletes develop practical skills to manage pressure, respond to mistakes, build confidence, and perform with greater focus and composure.
Click below to learn more and understand how it's different from therapy.
ABOUT US
Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience
Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.
Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive change.
As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi
Meet The Team
Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.
Associate Therapist
Jasmine Chow, AMFT.
Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.
Doctoral Clinical Trainee
Kurtis Vu, M.A.
Clinical Therapist
Lindsay Merrill, LMFT.
Yoga Instructor
Laily Gallo
TESTIMONIALS
"Dr. Kanchi and her team are life savers...
As a UCLA provider, I need trusted referral sources for my most vulnerable patients. The MILIKA Center provides patient-centered, comprehensive, and evidence based care for youth and families who are facing medical stress and/or anything else that life throws our way. Look no farther this private practice. They will work with your family, patient and/or team and provide ACTUAL GOOD MENTAL HEALTH CARE!! Worth every penny!"
- Dr. Natacha Emerson | Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.
Co-Director for UCLA Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison (C/L) Service at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and the Pediatric Psychology C/L Service at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital
"The therapists and team at MILIKA are fantastic...
As a pediatric neurologist i see many patients who would benefit from mental health care for school related anxiety, stress over college applications, difficulty coping with a chronic illness, and various other reasons. I never hesitate to refer patients to MILIKA. And all my patients who have worked with MILIKA therapists report a wonderful and beneficial experience. I also like that MILIKA will work with patients' insurance companies to reduce out of pocket costs."
100% recommend the MILIKA Center!
- Dr. Lauren Waldron | UCLA Pediatric Neurologist, M.D.
"Dr. (Kanchi) Wijesekera has been a trusted expert in trauma therapy, offering evidence-based approaches that foster deep healing...
Milika Center for Therapy and Resilience is a testament to her commitment to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care. With a team of skilled professionals and a welcoming environment, the center specializes in trauma recovery through innovative techniques that are family focused, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed. Whether for individual healing or community support, this center is a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their well-being. Highly recommended!"
- Dr. Blanca Orellana | Ph.D. | Co-Director UCLA Stress, Trauma & Resilience Clinic
"I've had the pleasure of referring patients to Dr. Kanchi and her team at the MILIKA Center...
...and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! As a psychiatrist, I'm always on the lookout for top-notch resources to support my patients' mental health journeys. Their comprehensive therapy and resilience training programs for children, teens, and adults have made a tangible difference in the lives of my patients. I highly recommend the MILIKA Center!"
-Linslee Egan, M.D. | Board Certified Psychiatrist
"Dr. Kanchi and her team at MILIKA have been phenomenal!
They have gone above and beyond in caring for the patients I have referred."
-Dr. Juan Alejos | MD
Medical Director of UCLA Pediatric Heart Transplant/Cardiomyopathy Program. The Director of the UCLA Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension program.
"Dr. Kanchi is one of the most gifted therapists that I have ever worked with...
Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera is one of the most gifted therapists I have ever worked with. Not only is she aware of the latest evidence-based modalities, but she has the secret ingredient of being able to attune to her patients in such a meaningful way. She truly is an absolute gem of a human and I would trust her to treat any one of my family members."
-Dr. Misty Richards | MD
Co-Founder and Medical Director of UCLA Perinatal Psychiatry for the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic |
Associate Medical Director of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program|
HOW OUR THERAPY WORKS
Step 1
Get In Touch
Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to explore our services. This session allows you to ask questions, familiarize yourself with our approaches, and determine if we're the right fit for you (or child)
Step 2
Get Personalized Support
We tailor our support to meet you where they are, building upon your current strengths as we work together towards healing and growth.
STEP 3
Embrace Positive Change
Begin making meaningful shifts in your life, paving the way for resilience and fulfillment, and creating the life you've wanted.
STEP 4
Graduate With Confidence
Graduating from therapy is not an end, but a new beginning. You will leave therapy with the tools and confidence to continue thriving and growing, long after our work together is complete.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
At MILIKA, we believe that seeking help is a sign of STRENGTH, not weakness.
"It's okay if you're not okay."
Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, opens up about his struggle with depression and anxiety.
"I say put mental health first" - Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
An important segment on mental health of athletes from Wall Street Journal.
Get in touch with us!
Ready to get started?
Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.