Therapy in Fountain Valley, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally rooted therapy in Fountain Valley, CA for first-generation Latinas and multicultural couples who feel emotionally distant yet still deeply invested in their relationship. My work supports individuals and partners navigating attachment wounds, cultural expectations, unresolved grief, and the quiet exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. In Fountain Valley, where stability and long-term community roots run deep, I offer a space where you can explore the emotional layers beneath the surface without feeling judged or misunderstood.


For years, I’ve worked with clients across Orange County, including those living near Mile Square Park, along Brookhurst Street, and in neighborhoods close to Warner Avenue and Magnolia. Fountain Valley carries a grounded, residential energy. Many people here grew up locally or have extended family nearby, which can make cultural loyalty and generational expectations even more present inside relationships. When family ties are strong and reputation matters, emotional tension can stay unspoken for years.


Individuals and couples in Fountain Valley often reach out when conflict feels repetitive or when emotional closeness has quietly faded. They are not looking for someone to assign blame. They want to understand why certain arguments escalate so quickly or why vulnerability feels risky. They choose this work because it respects culture without using it as an excuse, helping them rebuild emotional safety and connection in a way that feels steady and authentic.

How it works

Step 1

A thorough intake session where we explore your relationship history, cultural backgrounds, and current struggles so we can understand the deeper patterns behind the disconnection.

Step 2

Emotionally focused sessions to help you with clarity, begin repairing trust, and rebuild emotional safety.

Step 3

Ongoing, guided sessions with personalized homework, where we break unhelpful cycles, strengthen connection, and practice healthier ways of relating so your relationship feels more like a true partnership.

Explore my therapy services and specializations

Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy is for partners in Fountain Valley, CA who feel steady on the outside but strained underneath. You may both be responsible, family-oriented, and committed, yet feel unseen or emotionally alone in your own home. Arguments repeat, or silence stretches longer than it should. If you are searching for couples therapy near you because you want real repair and not just temporary calm, this space supports deeper reconnection.



Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Fountain Valley, CA who feel dependable on the outside but emotionally overwhelmed underneath. You may be the one everyone turns to, the steady presence in your family or relationship, yet quietly feel anxious, resentful, or disconnected from your own needs. If you are searching for individual therapy near you because you are tired of carrying everything alone, this space allows you to pause and be honest about what feels heavy.



Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Fountain Valley, CA who feel steady on the outside but internally overwhelmed. You may be dependable at work and present for your family, yet your mind rarely slows down. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of constant overthinking and quiet tension, this space allows you to pause and understand what is fueling your stress.



Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is for engaged and seriously dating couples in Fountain Valley, CA who want to enter marriage with emotional clarity and shared intention. You may love each other deeply and still feel unsure about how you will navigate conflict, extended family expectations, or cultural values long term. If you are searching for premarital counseling near you because you want to build a strong foundation before making a lifelong commitment, this space offers grounded preparation.



Grief Counseling

Grief Therapy is for individuals in Fountain Valley, CA who are carrying loss while still showing up for everyone else. You may feel like you have to stay strong even when you feel fragile inside. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because you are tired of holding it together, this space offers steadiness.



Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations are available for individuals in Fountain Valley, CA requiring psychological assessments for immigration cases. If you are navigating asylum or hardship-based petitions, this evaluation supports your legal documentation with care and accuracy. Searching for immigration evaluations near you should lead to a process that feels steady and culturally aware.



I serve first-generation women of color in Fountain Valley, CA

I provide therapy services to individuals and couples in Fountain Valley and surrounding Orange County communities, supporting first-generation Latinas, professionals of color, and multicultural families navigating attachment wounds, anxiety, grief, relational conflict, and generational expectations. My office, located at 4 Venture Suite 355, Irvine, CA 92618, is approximately a 19-minute drive from central Fountain Valley, and I also offer virtual sessions throughout California for added flexibility. I have served Orange County for several years, working with family-oriented households and working professionals who often carry emotional pressure while maintaining stability on the outside.


My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based therapy. In a community known for its established neighborhoods, proximity to Mile Square Regional Park, and strong multigenerational family presence, many residents value responsibility, loyalty, and long-term security. I remain committed to offering care that prioritizes emotional safety and sustainable healing rather than surface-level coping. I serve clients throughout Fountain Valley as well as nearby areas including Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and Irvine, providing a steady and culturally-aware space for local residents seeking deeper emotional clarity and relational wellbeing.

Testimonials

Dama's approach to therapy is marked by empathy, insight, and a profound commitment to fostering positive change. I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the well-being of her clients.

Depression/Anxiety ~ Hyland & Associates

Dama is a colleague & a professional that truly cares about her clients & their therapeutic journey. She is highly skilled in Emotionally Focused Therapy helping individuals & couples navigate & strengthen their emotional connections within relationships.

Jan Covyeau

As a former US military officer, I can see Dama being a great therapist for active-duty members, families, and veterans. I confidently recommend clients to Dama because she cares and has clients' best interests in mind.

Angela Chwe

I'm Dama Perez, founder of Casa Therapy offering therapy in Fountain Valley, CA

I support first-generation women of color untangling generational emotional patterns, anxiety, and grief. Whether you're walking near Mile Square Park or staying close to home, my online therapy space is culturally grounded and emotionally safe.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I use insurance for therapy?

     I am currently an out-of-network provider. However, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement checks with your provider to confirm your benefits.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale?

    Yes! I offer two sliding scale spots for clients with financial need. If cost is a concern, please reach out. I'm happy to discuss options during your consultation.

  • What does the therapy process look like?

    We start with an intake session to explore your relationship history, communication patterns, and goals. From there, we’ll meet regularly to uncover deeper emotional patterns, build new tools for connection, and work toward the relationship you want to create. Therapy is always tailored to your unique story and pace.

  • What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

    Life happens! I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee. No-shows or missed appointments without prior notice will be charged the full session rate, as that time is reserved specifically for you.

  • How does virtual therapy work?

    Sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You’ll receive a private link before each session. All you need is a quiet and confidential space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What if I don’t feel like we’re a good fit?

    It’s completely normal to wonder if therapy is the right match for you. Building trust and feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for meaningful growth. If at any point you feel unsure about our connection or approach, please let me know. We can talk openly about it and decide together whether to adjust our work or explore other options. Your comfort and progress are my top priorities, and I’m here to support you every step of the way whether that means continuing together or helping you find the best path forward.

  • Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)

    This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to us when we did the estimate. 


    The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill. 


    If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.


    You may contact the contact listed above if billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can request an update to the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. 


    You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. 


    There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. 


    To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:  www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.


    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .


    This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.