-
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person holds the capacity for healing, growth, and resilience when provided with a compassionate, safe, and empowering space to explore their inner world. I approach therapy with deep respect and curiosity for the complexities of every individual’s subjective experience, integrating evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed and relational lens. I am driven by a profound passion to help clients discover their personal strengths, rewrite limiting narratives, and reconnect with a sense of purpose, wholeness, and fulfillment. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative journey where authenticity, empathy, trust, and empowerment are the cornerstones of meaningful transformation. My work is grounded in the values of integrity, cultural humility, and a deep ongoing curiosity driven by a genuine desire to truly understand each person’s unique story and lived experience. Ultimately, I strive to support clients to recognize their inner strengths and sense of agency, help them thrive emotionally and relationally, and experience therapy as a transformative process that fosters empowerment, self-awareness, and lasting growth.
I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California in Irvine, and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California, where I built a strong foundation in systemic and evidence-based practices. My clinical work is further supported by specialized training and certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), allowing me to provide effective, individualized care for clients with a range of therapeutic needs. In addition to my direct clinical work, I have served as a clinical instructor and have spent the past five years as a clinical supervisor, supporting the growth and development of emerging therapists. My background reflects a commitment to both clinical excellence and mentorship within the mental health field.
-
My focus areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, and family and relationship issues. I work with individuals who are navigating the weight of persistent worry, sadness, or past trauma, helping them to understand and manage their emotional experiences with compassion, empowerment, and evidence-based strategies.
I offer an integrative and client-centered approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based models tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I am trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Managing and Adapting Practices. I approach each session with a trauma informed lens and integrate cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness based interventions, and relational frameworks that foster emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change. I work collaboratively with clients to strengthen their understanding of self, interpersonal skills, deepen their emotional connection, and foster healthier patterns of communication and problem solving. My approach is rooted in empowerment and resilience.
In my sessions, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance by viewing clients as the experts in their own lives. I approach each individual with a deep respect for their unique lived experiences, challenges, and personal journey. My role is to remain curious and listen with intention, understanding how to best support them as they navigate life’s stressors. I emphasize a client-centered and strengths-based approach, focusing on the here-and-now through Gestalt techniques to help clients increase awareness of their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This allows us to explore challenges and goals together, while empowering clients to cultivate greater self-agency, resiliency, and personal growth. My goal is for clients to feel empowered in their journey, recognizing that their challenges are not defining, but rather opportunities for learning, transformation, and meaningful change. In our work together, clients can expect a collaborative, safe space where vulnerability is welcomed, and where both the client and I show up authentically—encouraging openness, curiosity, and motivation for lasting positive change.
-
I specialize in working with a diverse range of clients, including teens, young adults, and adults, and offer individual therapy. I am particularly skilled at supporting clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional regulation. My approach is grounded in creating a safe, empowering, and affirming space where clients of all backgrounds can feel seen and supported. Whether working with adolescents navigating the complexities of adolescence, young adults establishing their sense of self, adults managing stress and personal growth, or supporting individuals develop their relational skills, I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. I view clients as the expert and driver in their lives, and I am in the passenger’s seat helping them navigate through their life journey.
What makes my approach unique is the emphasis I place on creativity and collaboration throughout the therapeutic process. I believe in meeting clients where they’re at—honoring their pace and individual needs—while gently inviting them to explore their challenges from different perspectives. One of the core elements of my practice is integrating art-based interventions and creativity into our work. Whether through visual arts, journaling, or other creative outlets, I encourage clients to express themselves in ways that feel natural and empowering. This process helps to deepen self-exploration, facilitate emotional recognition and expression, and foster a sense of connection to their own narratives. Additionally, I integrate narrative therapy techniques, helping clients reshape their personal stories by identifying strengths, values, and possibilities for change. By blending creative expression with narrative work, my aim is to create a therapeutic environment that feels dynamic, engaging, and transformative—where clients can explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and being.
Patty Calbay, LMFT98915
Marriage Family Therapist
-
In therapy, Meera Baya’a adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach, tailoring treatment to fit each client's unique needs. She is passionate about empowering clients to lead healthier lives and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Meera integrates a culturally sensitive approach to her practice. Having been born and raised in the Middle East, she emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding cultural beliefs, perspectives, and values, particularly as they relate to mental health and treatment.
-
ADHD | Anger Management | Anxiety | Behavioral Issues | Career Counseling | Codependency | Coping Skills | Depression | Divorce | Family Conflict | Grief | Infertility | Men's Issues | Parenting | Relationship Issues | School Issues | Self-Esteem | Sexual Addiction | Sleep and Insomnia | Spirituality | Sports Performance | Stress | Trauma and PTSD| Women's Issues
-
Meera Baya’a brings a wealth of experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults through individual, couples, and family counseling. She is also skilled in leading therapy groups, including process groups, anger management sessions, parenting classes, and domestic violence intervention programs. Meera is dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Meera Baya’a, AMFT
Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT#135656)
-
We are pleased to have Lori L. Breeden-Gomez, M.S., LMFT, LPCC, as part of our team at Avail Family Counseling and Psychotherapy, serving as the Clinical Supervisor for our Mental Health Department. Lori brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our practice, making her an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional mental health care.
-
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Lori specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families to address challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting issues, and workplace stress. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to individualized care.
Lori’s focus on fostering growth, connection, and balance aligns seamlessly with Avail’s vision. We are proud to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to bring to our clients and community.
-
In addition to her clinical work, Lori is an adjunct Faculty/Clinical Supervisor who teaches graduate students entering the mental health field. Lori has been clinically supervising since 2005 and has been an AAMFT Approved Supervisor since 2014. Her role as an Educator and Supervisor reflects her dedication to advancing the profession and mentoring the next generation of therapists.
With extensive experience in residential treatment facilities and outpatient mental health settings, Lori offers valuable insights and leadership to our team. As the supervisor of our mental health department, she provides guidance and support to our therapists, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of care.
Lori L. Breeden-Gomez, M.S., LMFT39712, LPCC114
Mental Health Director/ Team 1 Clinical Supervisor
-
John Vail is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Board Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). He is certified in evidence-based practices, including Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Seeking Safety. Over the years, John has worked with clients across all ages and backgrounds, witnessing the resilience and power of the human spirit.
John’s passion for mental health stems from his personal experiences growing up in a single-parent household, surrounded by poverty and environmental stressors. These challenges fostered his empathy and understanding for underserved communities, which shaped his early career as a psychotherapist working with at-risk youth. His experiences inspired him to expand his mission beyond individual therapy, creating Avail Holistic Wellnest, to address the growing health crisis and to provide holistic wellness solutions.
-
Under John’s leadership, Avail Holistic Wellnest offers a wide range of services, including Mental Health Therapy for diverse challenges, ABA Therapy for neurodivergent individuals, Certified Wellness Coaching, Educational Coaching and Holistic Tutoring, to support students struggling academically. His dedication to wellness is fueled by his belief in the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of empathy and professional support.
-
John’s mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive through innovative, accessible, and compassionate care.
The Avail Holistic Wellnest mission is:"To deliver high-quality holistic services to promote equity in health and wellness for all we serve."
Our goal is for the Avail Holistic Wellnest brand to be at the forefront of wellness, offering apps, a network of wellness centers, and online telehealth services across the spectrum of holistic therapies. Our mission is to spread holistic wellness through various therapeutic services, reaching not only all 50 states in the U.S. but also expanding worldwide.
John Vail, MA, LMFT
Chief Executive Officer
-
We are pleased to introduce Monique Gutierrez, CTO of Avail Holistic Wellnest. With a Full Stack Web Developer background, and extensive experience in IT management, Project Management, and network administration, Monique excels at optimizing IT operations, leading system integrations, and ensuring secure infrastructure. Her technical expertise strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, reliable wellness services and scalable technology solutions.
-
With a proactive and innovative approach, Monique excels in leveraging technology to align IT strategies with organizational objectives, optimize workflows, and enhance the scalability of systems.
-
As the driving force behind the creation of our Holistic Wellnest App, she leads the Tech initiative to design and develop a platform that will revolutionize how we deliver wellness services. With content currently being crafted to complement this transformative app, Monique is committed to ensuring seamless functionality and an exceptional user experience.
We are thrilled to have Monique as part of our leadership team and look forward to the profound impact she will bring to our staff, clients, and the broader community through her vision and expertise.
Monique Gutierrez, CTO
Chief Technology Officer
-
We are honored to have Carla Lavelle Trinh, LCSW, PPSC, serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Avail Holistic Well|Nest. With over two decades of progressive leadership experience, Carla is an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional mental health and wellness services to individuals, couples, and families.
Carla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), bringing a unique blend of expertise in consulting, client services, education, and mental health. Her proven ability to synthesize complex information, foster collaborative relationships, and drive strategic solutions makes her an invaluable leader at Avail.
-
With a proactive and visionary approach, Carla excels in aligning teams with strategic objectives, streamlining operations, and enhancing program effectiveness. She is deeply committed to championing evidence-based practices and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve meaningful outcomes for clients and communities alike.
We are thrilled to have Carla as part of our leadership team and look forward to the lasting impact she will make for our staff, clients, and the broader community.
-
Carla oversees our initiatives to support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in building sustainable programs that prioritize student well-being. She leads our efforts in implementing the California Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI) Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Program, which enhances behavioral health support for youth aged 0-25. Under Carla’s leadership, Avail offers grant writing assistance, Certified Wellness Coaches, and training programs to empower schools to successfully integrate wellness coaching into their districts.
Carla Lavelle Trinh, LCSW, PPSC
Chief Operating Officer