Our Story of Healing
Founder & CEO, Core Therapy
When the world shut down in 2020, therapy offices went dark, just as mental health needs exploded.
As a licensed psychotherapist, I saw my clients overwhelmed by fear, isolation, and uncertainty. Families were confined at home. Support systems vanished overnight. Stress, anxiety, and depression surged, but traditional care models couldn’t keep up.
I launched Core Therapy as a direct response to the emotional toll of the pandemic. What began as a small virtual practice quickly became a vital lifeline for people across California. From day one, our mission has been simple: to meet people where they are emotionally and geographically, and help them move toward healing.
Over time, Core Therapy has grown into a collective of diverse, compassionate clinicians who believe in client-centered, culturally competent care. We now serve individuals, couples, families, and children statewide, providing quality therapy from the comfort and safety of home.
But for me, this work isn’t just professional, it’s personal. I know what it feels like to be stuck, to feel unseen, or unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’ve built a practice rooted in empathy, accessibility, and connection.
Damian Robledo, MSW, LCSW
The Experts Behind Your Care
With diverse expertise in psychology, counseling, and mental health, we are here to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Our Partnership with USC: Expanding Access to Therapy Through Education and Service
Through our partnership with the USC Master of Social Work (MSW) program, Core Therapy offers free and low-cost therapy delivered by advanced graduate interns supervised by licensed clinicians. It’s a mission-driven way to expand access to quality online therapy in California while training the next generation of culturally responsive therapists.
Why this program matters
- Free & sliding-scale counseling for individuals, couples, and families
- Licensed-clinician supervision every step of the way
- Statewide telehealth with flexible scheduling
- Shorter wait times for new clients
- Evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and more
Who it helps: Our USC Partnership helps Californians seeking low-cost therapy or a self-pay option, people who value culturally competent, client-centered care, and clients needing evening/weekend availability.
Cost: We offer free or sliding-scale, depending on availability. Insurance billing is not typically available for intern sessions; we can provide documentation for reimbursement where appropriate.
How it works
- Request an appointment and select the USC MSW Intern option.
- Get matched with an intern aligned to your goals, preferences, and availability.
- Begin care, your clinician-in-training provides sessions while a licensed supervisor oversees treatment and outcomes.
- Adjust as needed, we can rematch or update your plan as your needs evolve.
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