Elsa Matsumoto, LCSW, PMH-C

¡Hola!
Mi nombre es Elsa (she/her/ella). I am a first-generation Mexican-American, I enjoy coffee in the morning, pop culture, gardening, and I’m a mama to a baby girl and rescue dog. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and earned my Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Social Work to address the disparities in the Latinx community.

Experience

I have been a therapist for 12 years, servicing youth, young adults, and families. I specialize in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety through client-centered, somatic-based, culturally affirming methods, and evidence-based practices. Having my own experience as a first-generation Latina, I have strength for working with young adults and adults with a particular focus on women. I have experience serving people from all walks of life.

Currently, most of the clients I serve identify as :

• College Students
• Graduate Students
• Young Professionals
• Therapists
• Mamas
• First-Gen Latines
• Undocumented Folks

Education

I graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, with my Bachelor’s in Sociology. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino, specializing in Mental Health.

Treatment Methods and Philosophy

I prioritize the client’s level of comfort to reassure we create a trusting foundation for our therapeutic relationship. I am the co-pilot of your journey and help you navigate life while teaching you skills to help manage everyday challenges.

I have been trained in Chicana/o/x Affirming Therapy by the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and Community Wellness, a practice that centers on the client’s culture as part of the mental health treatment process. With Chicana/o/x affirming therapy, “we address both risk and protective factors related to the wellness of the Chicana/o/x community, including historical factors of oppression as well as ancestral strengths and wisdom.”

I am a certified  Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) practitioner, a model utilized in my treatment approach, to teach you how to restore your nervous system into a state of natural balance while increasing awareness of your internal responses to high-stress situations. I have used this model on individuals that live with symptoms of trauma, anger, anxiety, and depression.

I am Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) and have completed trainings in Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care and Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy through Postpartum Support International because I am passionate about supporting mothers. Since becoming a mom myself, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges new mothers face and the importance of addressing mental health during this crucial time. These trainings have equipped me with the knowledge and tools to provide the compassionate, evidence-based care that mothers deserve.

I believe in a mind-body approach and incorporate a holistic perspective into treatment. I have training in Nutritional Psychology, which allows me to provide psychoeducation on the relationship between food and mental health. I have completed trainings with UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Practices, focusing on mindfulness exercises and techniques.

Other treatment methods in my background include garden-oriented activities, play, art, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Elsa Matsumoto, LCSW