How to Move Forward After an Abusive Relationship

Erin Kerns Vazquez January 4, 2024

Grow With Us

A path to licensure for associates

Through a combination of clinical experience, supervision, and supportive mentorship, our post-graduate program offers pre-licensed clinicians the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to achieve their clinical goals as they accumulate hours toward licensure.

We offer individual and group supervision that meets the requirements for supervised training as defined by state licensing boards for Psychological Associates, Associate Marriage & Family Therapists, Associate Clinical Social Workers and Associate Professional Clinical Counselors.

Currently, we are accepting applications in Los Angeles and Santa Ana for Psychological Associates and Associate Marriage & Family Therapists.

Reach Out To Learn More

Grow With Us

A path to licensure for associates

Through a combination of clinical experience, supervision, and supportive mentorship, our post-graduate program offers pre-licensed clinicians the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to achieve their clinical goals as they accumulate hours toward licensure.

We offer individual and group supervision that meets the requirements for supervised training as defined by state licensing boards for Psychological Associates, Associate Marriage & Family Therapists, Associate Clinical Social Workers and Associate Professional Clinical Counselors.

Currently, we are accepting applications in Los Angeles and Santa Ana for Psychological Associates and Associate Marriage & Family Therapists.

Reach Out To Learn More

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also provides prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.

1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline

24/7 hotline with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

1-800-799-7233

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also provides prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.

1-800-799-7233

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also provides prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.

1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline

24/7 hotline with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

1-800-799-7233

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also provides prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.

1-800-799-7233

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also provides prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.

1-800-799-7233

Therapy & Counseling Forms

Psychotherapy Registration Packet
View & Fill Out
Psychotherapy Registration Packet
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Psychotherapy Registration Packet
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Psychotherapy Registration Packet
View & Fill Out
Psychotherapy Registration Packet
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Therapy & Counseling Forms

Psychotherapy Registration Packet
View & Fill Out
Psychotherapy Registration Packet
View & Fill Out

Founder's Story

The origins of Medens Health and how it has evolved.

Support a specific initiative

At Medens Health, we’ve formed two main initiatives to combat problems that we witness every day in the local community. We invite you to direct your donation to them if you feel strongly about supporting these causes.

Low or no cost program for youth in need of mental health care

Out of all segments of the population, young people aged 11-17 are struggling the most with their mental health. Unfortunately, many children never get the care they need.60% of youth with major depression in the US did not receive any mental health treatment in 2017-2018.Even in states that were more proactive about getting mental health care to children, 38% of youth still did not receive any mental health services.

At Medens Health, we know we can do better. That’s why we launched a program to raise awareness of the problem and provide mental health services to adolescents from low income families in California and Nevada. Funds donated towards this program are used for psychological assessments and psychotherapy sessions for children. They also fund outreach and awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers, and adults who work with youth on the seriousness and prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents.

Donate to this initiative

Program for low cost psychological assessments and treatment

1 in 5 Americans suffers from a mental health disorder. For those that seek treatment, the consequences of being misdiagnosed are dire. In mental health care, it is estimated that patients are misdiagnosed as much as 70% of the time.Without an accurate diagnosis, patients can invest years and money into a misguided treatment plan and take unneeded medications without feeling any better.

At Medens Health, we believe that everyone should have access to the hope, clarity, and progress that comes with an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. We offer over 60 different psychological assessments at our nonprofit mental health center to accurately diagnose mental, learning, and attention disorders. Our Low Cost Psychological Assessments & Treatment Program covers the cost of these assessments, as well as the resulting treatment from the diagnosis.

Donate to this initiative

Donate to Medens Health

The most direct way to support our efforts is to donate. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations to Medens Health are tax deductible.

Donate Now

How your money is used

  • Low or no cost therapy.

  • Psychological assessments to accurately diagnose mental health disorders.

  • Community outreach & awareness to combat the youth mental health epidemic.

  • Call Us

    • Appointments (833) 953-7400
    • Billing (833) 953-7500
    • Referrals (833) 953-7600
  • Fax Us

    • Billing (844) 654-2700
    • General (844) 654-2800
    • Referrals & Record Requests (844) 654-2900
  • Write Us

    • Mailing Address Medens Health 2108 N Street, #5619 Sacramento, CA 95816-5712
    • Employment Verification hr@medenshealth.com

Have more questions?

Feel free to submit an inquiry!

To inquire about psychotherapy, testing or medication management services, our Get Started process is the quickest way to become a new patient.

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Nevada (Virtual)
  • Accepting New Clients
  • No In-Person Visits
  • Virtual Visits
Book With Me

Dr. Alicia Vander Dussen

(She/Her/Hers)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Relationship Issues

Certain patterns in your life may be negatively impacting you, but it can be hard to identify and challenge them by yourself. Getting some help to understand those patterns can empower you to make the changes you’ve wanted for a long time. I would be honored to be your partner in creating a more fulfilling and authentic life that aligns with the future you desire instead of the wounds of the past.

  • Client Focus
  • Get To Know Me
  • Education
  • More Details
  • Adolescents (13-18)
  • Young Adults (18-24)
  • Adults (25-64)
  • Seniors (65+)

As a kid, I was an avid reader; I loved observing how different characters grew and changed throughout a story to become the best version of themselves. When I grew up, I realized that I wanted to take a more active role in the story and help people grow into who they were meant to be. I believe that we heal through relationships, and one of the most unique relationships you can have in your life is with your therapist.

In a good story, it is when the main character is the most isolated that their challenges feel insurmountable. Their allies are gone, the world is against them, and they don’t know what to do next. Many of us feel like that sometimes in real life, too. If that’s the chapter you find yourself in, I want you to know that you don’t have to go it alone. I will be your ally as you discover your voice and step into your role as the hero. I aim to create a safe space where you can express your fears, uncover any negative patterns, and grow empowered to write your own story.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the State of California Board of Psychology (#33830). I am available for in person appointments at our Placentia office (in Orange County) and virtual sessions across California.

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Molina, Oscar Health, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare.

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Molina, Oscar Health, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare.

Nevada (Virtual)
  • Accepting New Clients
  • No In-Person Visits
  • Virtual Visits
Book With Me

Dr. Alicia Vander Dussen

(She/Her/Hers)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Relationship Issues

Certain patterns in your life may be negatively impacting you, but it can be hard to identify and challenge them by yourself. Getting some help to understand those patterns can empower you to make the changes you’ve wanted for a long time. I would be honored to be your partner in creating a more fulfilling and authentic life that aligns with the future you desire instead of the wounds of the past.

  • Client Focus
  • Get To Know Me
  • Education
  • More Details
  • Adolescents (13-18)
  • Young Adults (18-24)
  • Adults (25-64)
  • Seniors (65+)

As a kid, I was an avid reader; I loved observing how different characters grew and changed throughout a story to become the best version of themselves. When I grew up, I realized that I wanted to take a more active role in the story and help people grow into who they were meant to be. I believe that we heal through relationships, and one of the most unique relationships you can have in your life is with your therapist.

In a good story, it is when the main character is the most isolated that their challenges feel insurmountable. Their allies are gone, the world is against them, and they don’t know what to do next. Many of us feel like that sometimes in real life, too. If that’s the chapter you find yourself in, I want you to know that you don’t have to go it alone. I will be your ally as you discover your voice and step into your role as the hero. I aim to create a safe space where you can express your fears, uncover any negative patterns, and grow empowered to write your own story.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Anaheim, CA), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the State of California Board of Psychology (#33830). I am available for in person appointments at our Placentia office (in Orange County) and virtual sessions across California.

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Molina, Oscar Health, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare.

Insurance plans accepted: Aetna, Molina, Oscar Health, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare.

  • Doctors Nicole Anders and Mindia Gabichvadze met during their doctoral program and quickly recognized each other as kindred spirits in mental health care. In 2007, Dr. Gabichvadze identified a lack of access to quality mental health services and settings for clients who could not afford private practice fees. After sharing his idea with Dr. Anders, they both realized how similar their experiences and concerns were.

    The problem, they decided, was that the clinics who do serve the underinsured or uninsured offer therapy and medication management for a limited time. They also have long waiting lists, making mental health care difficult to access for underserved populations.

    Anders and Gabichvadze wanted to serve those populations by offering them open-ended care for as long as they needed it. They also believed that everyone deserved to receive care with dignity in an inviting setting - regardless of their financial situation.

  • Doctors Nicole Anders and Mindia Gabichvadze met during their doctoral program and quickly recognized each other as kindred spirits in mental health care. In 2007, Dr. Gabichvadze identified a lack of access to quality mental health services and settings for clients who could not afford private practice fees. After sharing his idea with Dr. Anders, they both realized how similar their experiences and concerns were.

    The problem, they decided, was that the clinics who do serve the underinsured or uninsured offer therapy and medication management for a limited time. They also have long waiting lists, making mental health care difficult to access for underserved populations.

    Anders and Gabichvadze wanted to serve those populations by offering them open-ended care for as long as they needed it. They also believed that everyone deserved to receive care with dignity in an inviting setting - regardless of their financial situation.

  • Doctors Nicole Anders and Mindia Gabichvadze met during their doctoral program and quickly recognized each other as kindred spirits in mental health care. In 2007, Dr. Gabichvadze identified a lack of access to quality mental health services and settings for clients who could not afford private practice fees. After sharing his idea with Dr. Anders, they both realized how similar their experiences and concerns were.

    The problem, they decided, was that the clinics who do serve the underinsured or uninsured offer therapy and medication management for a limited time. They also have long waiting lists, making mental health care difficult to access for underserved populations.

    Anders and Gabichvadze wanted to serve those populations by offering them open-ended care for as long as they needed it. They also believed that everyone deserved to receive care with dignity in an inviting setting - regardless of their financial situation.

  • Doctors Nicole Anders and Mindia Gabichvadze met during their doctoral program and quickly recognized each other as kindred spirits in mental health care. In 2007, Dr. Gabichvadze identified a lack of access to quality mental health services and settings for clients who could not afford private practice fees. After sharing his idea with Dr. Anders, they both realized how similar their experiences and concerns were.

    The problem, they decided, was that the clinics who do serve the underinsured or uninsured offer therapy and medication management for a limited time. They also have long waiting lists, making mental health care difficult to access for underserved populations.

    Anders and Gabichvadze wanted to serve those populations by offering them open-ended care for as long as they needed it. They also believed that everyone deserved to receive care with dignity in an inviting setting - regardless of their financial situation.

Individual Therapy

You’ve come so far while carrying those burdens! Seeking individual therapy means that you’re ready to let someone share the weight. You are stronger than you realize - you just need to bring all of your strengths to light.

Our clinicians provide therapy to residents of Arizona, California, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. And some of our psychologists are licensed to provide treatment in the ~34 states that participate in PSYPACT. Learn more about PSYPACT and see if your state is a participant here.

By The Numbers

  • 92%

    of scheduled appointments kept

  • 72%

    of our clients are 40 and under

  • 52%

    of our clients are female

  • 844

    clients seen in 2022

  • 10,478

    psychotherapy sessions held in 2022

  • 125

    testing cases in 2022

Individual Therapy

At Medens Health, we believe that everyone should have access to the hope, clarity, and progress that comes with an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. We offer over 80 different psychological tests to identify your challenges, strengths, needs, and any existing mental health conditions.

What does the testing process look like?

Our process is a 4-step approach:
  • 1. Initial Consultation

    For your first appointment, you’ll meet online with a doctor to discuss your concerns, evaluate the reason for referral and find out what you wish to learn from the evaluation.

  • 2. Clinical Interview

    A comprehensive clinical interview is conducted. We’ll meet again online to discuss your background information and collect your mental and physical health history.

  • 3. Testing

    We’ll meet in person - at least once - for testing. A testing appointment typically takes three hours. The type of evaluation will determine the duration of testing needed.

  • 4. Results

    Two weeks later, we'll meet to review the results, go over treatment recommendations and answer any questions. After your appointment, you'll receive a copy of the report.

ADHD Testing

Open and honest communication is the only way to bridge the gulf between you and your partner. If things have been unpleasant for a while, however, that can feel impossible.

In couples therapy, you’ll work with a therapist who acts as a neutral third party to facilitate important discussions. Your therapist will provide active, solution-focused mediation to meet the needs of both parties. You can expect to receive useful tools and strategies to learn a new way of relating to your partner so you can experience positive change as quickly as possible.

We now offer QbTest, an evidence-based and FDA-cleared objective ADHD assessment that measures the three core symptoms of ADHD: attention/distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. QBTest presents a detailed and accurate picture of how your ADHD is manifesting in your unique case, allowing your mental health provider to tailor your care to your needs for the best possible outcome. It can also be used to measure the effectiveness of medication. You can learn more about QBTest here.

During couples therapy you will learn to:
  • Listen to your partner (and really hear them!)
  • Express what you truly mean
  • Communicate your needs
  • Argue productively (yes, arguing is positive when done right!)
  • Break the negative cycle you and your partner have been stuck in
  • Work towards understanding on issues such as finances, parenting, intimacy, and division of household duties

Together with your therapist, you and your partner will build healthy channels of communication so you can get on the same page… and back on the same team!

There is no “one size fits all” approach; you are a unique individual made up of all your experiences and your relationships with others. At Medens Health, we respect your individual process.

Together, you and your therapist will explore your challenges, get to the root of them, and make a plan to help you move forward. We provide tailored care for:

Life Transitions

Our lives are divided into stages by major events. Moving, getting married or divorced, changing careers, going to college, becoming an “empty nester” - these transitions can be emotionally and mentally challenging, even when the change is a positive one.

Relationships

Our relationships with others - and our ability to form and maintain those relationships - have a major impact on our mental well-being.

Stress

Your experience with stress is unique, and the situations that cause you stress may be different than those that your friends seem to deal with effortlessly.

Depression

Depression can feel like a physical weight bearing you down and negatively impacting all areas of your life.

Therapy FAQ

  • How long does a therapy session last?

    Most sessions are one hour which includes 53 minutes of therapy time and 7 minutes of documentation that the provider will complete after your appointment is finished.

  • I’ve never been in therapy before. What is it like?

    Therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your provider. You will come up with goals to help you move through some of the difficulties you are experiencing.Therapy is not like a regular conversation, and sometimes that might take a little getting used to. For example, your therapist may not simply agree with you like a friend would. Their job is to help you understand yourself more and come to a place of accepting yourself and making any necessary changes.

    You may find that the therapeutic process brings up some uncomfortable feelings, but your therapist is there in a supportive capacity to help you process those feelings. Many come out of a therapy session with a lot on their mind and often feel they need a little while to think over the things discussed. This is completely normal!

We accept most insurance plans and offer sliding scale fees as needed

Get Started

Find Clarity.
Find Balance.

Compassionate and accessible mental health care for all
Get Started
  • 40 Diverse
    Providers
  • 40 Diverse
    Providers
  • 40 Diverse
    Providers

Welcome! Glad you're here

We are Medens Health – a comprehensive mental health center and non-profit organization staffed by an outstanding team of caring professionals.

Our mission is to support our community by delivering quality, affordable mental health services to people of all backgrounds, while also providing training for pre-licensed professionals who will go on to enrich the mental health of the surrounding area.

Virtual therapy across 35+ states

Teletherapy is an approved, HIPAA-compliant treatment option that is covered by insurance.

With providers licensed to practice therapy in AZ, CA, NV, and the ~34 states that participate in PSYPACT, we are able to support clients across the nation via virtual appointments. Take advantage of this convenient solution to bring therapy right to your home!

Get Started

We're here for you

With experts in all areas of mental health, we offer a variety of services based in compassionate, personalized care.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy as unique as you are! Partner with your provider to bring forward your authentic self, heal from past trauma, manage stress, and cope with the challenges of life.

Learn More

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy as unique as you are! Partner with your provider to bring forward your authentic self, heal from past trauma, manage stress, and cope with the challenges of life.

Learn More

We accept most insurance plans

We start by verifying your coverage, identifying if we’re In Network for you,
and letting you know exactly how much your copay and/or deductible will be.

From the blog

Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations

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