About Gina

Since I was young, I’ve enjoyed helping people. I love to solve problems and help others find new, different and better ways of doing and thinking about things. For more than a decade, I’ve been counseling clients and helping them work through depression, anxiety, and trauma. It’s a wonderful honor to provide information, resources and guidance to clients and witness their healing and growth as they make effective changes and begin to look, sound and feel better. One of the main things that I have learned and witnessed countless times over the last 15 years is the amazing capability that we each have to learn, grow and overcome painful emotions and difficult challenges.

I chose the specialties of my practice thoughtfully. So many Americans suffer from depression, anxiety, and trauma issues. Before going into private practice, I worked in community mental health service programs. There, I provided in-home therapy and facilitated programs that were focused on providing assistance to at-risk families and children who had been removed from their homes. Within that work, I saw the depression, the anxiety and the trauma that affected so many of these families. I saw adults who had experienced trauma as children – who thought they would never put their own children at risk – despairing as they were placed under investigation by social services. These issues, among countless others related to depression, anxiety and trauma, are so prevalent in our society.

Over the years, I’ve learned that depression, anxiety and trauma affect all kinds of people, regardless of education level, income, race, gender or location. The good news, however, is that all three are entirely manageable and treatable. Through working with a compassionate, experienced therapist, it is possible to find relief, mitigate symptoms and eventually overcome the pain and challenges you may now face.

Whether you’re battling depression, anxiety or trying to recover from a trauma, I can help. I offer warm, compassionate support and practical guidance. I’m easy to talk with and bring a touch of humor to every session.

I offer online sessions for those who have extremely busy schedules and feel they have no time for therapy.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I love the ocean and adore the Southern California coast. Even when I travel (another passion), I need an ocean view. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time reading and practicing Pilates. I’m most happy, however, while spending time with my husband and friends, mainly my best friend of 35 years!

If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma issues, you don’t have to navigate pain and challenges alone. I invite you to call me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific needs and to ask any questions that you have about my practice.

Gina Petrella has been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2004. She earned her M.A. in Marriage Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, a certificate in Management Effectiveness from the University of Southern California, and her B.A. in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge. She is also a certified Professional Coach and completed a 40-hour training certification in Divorce Mediation. In addition to her private practice, Gina is a clinical supervisor for the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley where she provides assessments and therapy for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, domestic violence and trauma. She is also a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.