Chelsea Heller, LMFT
California LMFT focused on family and LGBTQ care
- Adoption and attachment expertise
- School-based assessments
- LGBTQ family support
About Chelsea Heller
Chelsea Heller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who brings a blend of clinical, school-based, and child welfare experience to her therapeutic work. She spent nine years as a social worker with Child Protective Services, supporting children and families affected by foster care and adoption, which built deep expertise in adoption-related issues, attachment, and identity concerns. That background is complemented by clinical work in an in-patient psychiatric hospital, where she helped stabilize individuals coping with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective conditions, depression, anxiety, substance concerns, and stress-related psychotic episodes, while also educating families about diagnosis and support strategies.
Chelsea later transitioned into the education sector and currently supports students as a school psychologist. In that role she conducts psychoeducational assessments to identify autism, intellectual disabilities, AD/HD, and learning disabilities, and uses those evaluations to inform individualized education plans and Educationally Related Mental Health Services. She also provides counseling for students with higher mental health needs and has conducted doctoral research focused on LGBTQ student experiences, in addition to facilitating a Gay Straight Alliance to support students and allies.
Her clinical repertoire spans stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting and blended-family challenges, relationship and family issues, grief, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar disorder, career concerns, and coping with life changes. Chelsea draws primarily from a humanistic, person-centered stance that aims to meet each person where they are, while integrating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She frames her role as an empathic, non-judgmental collaborator who supports clients in setting goals and moving at their own pace.
Chelsea’s formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from California State University San Marcos, certificates in Parent Education and Training from UCLA and Special Education Advocacy from the University of San Diego, a Master of Science in Research Psychology from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy) from Mount Saint Mary’s College, a PPS credential in School Psychology from La Sierra University, and ongoing doctoral study in Educational Psychology and Mental Health. She is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LMFT (CA LMFT 116834).
Chelsea later transitioned into the education sector and currently supports students as a school psychologist. In that role she conducts psychoeducational assessments to identify autism, intellectual disabilities, AD/HD, and learning disabilities, and uses those evaluations to inform individualized education plans and Educationally Related Mental Health Services. She also provides counseling for students with higher mental health needs and has conducted doctoral research focused on LGBTQ student experiences, in addition to facilitating a Gay Straight Alliance to support students and allies.
Her clinical repertoire spans stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting and blended-family challenges, relationship and family issues, grief, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar disorder, career concerns, and coping with life changes. Chelsea draws primarily from a humanistic, person-centered stance that aims to meet each person where they are, while integrating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She frames her role as an empathic, non-judgmental collaborator who supports clients in setting goals and moving at their own pace.
Chelsea’s formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from California State University San Marcos, certificates in Parent Education and Training from UCLA and Special Education Advocacy from the University of San Diego, a Master of Science in Research Psychology from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy) from Mount Saint Mary’s College, a PPS credential in School Psychology from La Sierra University, and ongoing doctoral study in Educational Psychology and Mental Health. She is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LMFT (CA LMFT 116834).
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
Adoption and foster careAttachment issuesBlended family issuesFamily problemsGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Chelsea Heller have?
Chelsea Heller has five years of experience as a licensed therapist, in addition to prior work as a social worker and school psychologist.
Is Chelsea Heller a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed by the State of California - CA LMFT 116834.
In which languages does Chelsea Heller provide therapy?
Chelsea provides therapy in English.
Where is Chelsea Heller located?
Chelsea Heller is located in California.
How can I work with Chelsea Heller as my therapist?
Therapy with Chelsea can be conducted through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Chelsea Heller work with international clients?
No. Chelsea Heller does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Chelsea Heller cost?
Costs can vary by location and availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Chelsea uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where people are met where they are and supported in exploring their values, identity, and relationships. This approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and helps with parenting concerns, attachment issues, self-esteem, and identity exploration.She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. Motivational Interviewing is used when clients are weighing change - it helps clarify personal motivation and build commitment to realistic goals.
Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Chelsea will work together with each person to determine which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with Chelsea can take place via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and needs. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home, balance therapy with work or school, and access consistent support when in-person care is not feasible. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to provide structured, goal-oriented care that aligns with each client’s circumstances.