About Me
Mario Palacios
M.A. LMFT
My name is Mario Palacios. Before becoming a therapist, I was in Special Education in a school setting in California for five years. I was interested in helping special needs students more deeply than what was possible in a school setting and decided to hit the books again. I enrolled in a graduate program to follow my interests calling out be a therapist. This has proven to be one of my best decisions I have ever made.
I have been a practicing therapist for the past twenty five years. In that time, I have been inspired and touched by those who have shared their wealth of life stories and experiences. This not only did that enrich the therapeutic process, but strengthened the therapeutic bond.
I love every minute of being a therapist. Why? Being able to have all different walks of life come into my office, listen intently and empathetically to their tribulations and difficulties they face, and work with them to overcome these challenges fills me with passion and purpose. The moment someone is able to take their first steps in realizing their true potential and walking towards positive growth is a monumental change and also courageous. I applaud anyone who is willing to make changes and improve their lives.
Change and growth comes from within. This is the time to make the change.
I received my Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology from Cal State Northridge, my Master’s of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute and a gerontology certification from UCLA. I am a certified caregiver support group leader for the Alzheimer’s Association. I have been certified to work in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, CBT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. I have organized and ran various workshops on topics such as depression, anxiety, caregiver’s stress, dealing with arthritis and lupus, and coping with grief.
I have worked in multiple settings treating clients with a broad range of issues, however, my specialties includes treating and gaining a deep understanding and wisdom in the field of Older Adults, Spanish speaking population, those with chronic medical illnesses, and caregivers.
Please contact me for a free consultation.
INSURANCE
I accept the following insurances:
Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Optum
Cigna/Evernorth
Magellan
Kaiser
MHN/ Health Net
Value Care Options/ Beacon
Beacon/Carelon/ LA Care ( Medi-Cal)
BHS
Curalinc
Workplace Options
VOC-Victims of Compensation Program
CREDIT CARDS
I also accept major credit cards.