Therapy in Irvine, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally rooted therapy in Irvine, CA for first generation Latinas, professionals of color, and multicultural couples who feel emotionally disconnected but still deeply invested in their relationships. My work supports individuals and partners who are navigating repetitive conflict cycles, cultural guilt, attachment wounds, and the quiet fear of losing themselves in love. In a city like Irvine, where high achievement and polished success are the norm, I serve as a steady space where you can slow down, speak honestly, and feel safe bringing your whole self into the room.


I have supported clients across Southern California for years, including many who live and work throughout Irvine’s master planned communities, from Woodbridge to Portola Springs, near the Irvine Spectrum, or within the fast paced professional ecosystem shaped by tech, healthcare, and UC Irvine. Irvine carries a particular kind of pressure. It is orderly, ambitious, and highly driven. Many first generation professionals here are balancing career advancement, family expectations, and multicultural identity while trying to maintain a relationship that feels connected rather than transactional. The external stability can make internal disconnection even harder to name.


Couples and individuals in Irvine often reach out after realizing that communication tools alone are not enough. They are not looking for surface level strategies. They want emotional safety. They want to stop shrinking to keep the peace or exploding because they feel unseen. They choose this work because it honors culture without weaponizing it, challenges patterns without shaming them, and helps love feel like home instead of survival

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 Irvine, CA who feel stuck in the same argument, the same silence, or the same ache of not being understood. From the outside, your relationship may look stable and successful, yet inside you feel emotionally alone or constantly walking on eggshells. If you have been looking for couples therapy near you because you want real repair and not just temporary peace, this space is built for that deeper work.


Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Irvine, CA who feel high-functioning on the outside but emotionally overwhelmed underneath. You may be the strong one in your family, the dependable partner, the achiever at work, yet feel anxious, disconnected, or unsure how to name your own needs. If you are searching for individual therapy near you because you are tired of shrinking to keep the peace, this space is where you begin to come back to yourself.


Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Irvine, CA who feel constantly on edge, overthinking every decision, and carrying pressure that never fully turns off. You may look calm and capable on the outside while your mind races at night or your body feels tense during the day. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of functioning in survival mode, this space helps you slow down and understand what your anxiety is trying to protect.


Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is for engaged and seriously dating couples in Irvine, CA who want to build a marriage rooted in emotional safety, not just compatibility. You may love each other deeply and still notice patterns of miscommunication, cultural tension, or fear of repeating what you witnessed growing up. If you are searching for premarital counseling near you because you want to start your marriage with clarity instead of assumptions, this space supports honest, grounded preparation.


Grief Counseling

Grief Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Irvine, CA who are carrying loss that feels heavier than they expected. You may be grieving a loved one, a relationship, a version of your life, or the identity you thought you would have by now. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because you feel like you have to stay strong for everyone else, this space allows you to soften and be supported.


Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations are for individuals and families in Irvine, CA who need a culturally-responsive mental health evaluation to support their immigration case. You may be applying for asylum, a hardship waiver, VAWA, or other immigration relief and feel overwhelmed by the emotional weight of your story. If you are searching for immigration evaluations near you, this space provides clarity, professionalism, and emotional safety during a vulnerable process.


I serve first-generation women of color in Irvine, CA

I provide therapy services to individuals and couples in Irvine 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 is located at 4 Venture Suite 355, Irvine, CA 92618, and I also offer virtual sessions for clients throughout California. I have served Orange County and Southern California for several years, working with high-achieving professionals and family-oriented households who often appear stable on the outside while quietly carrying emotional pressure underneath.


My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based therapy. In a city known for academic excellence, professional ambition, and neighborhoods like Turtle Rock, Woodbridge, Northwood, University Park, and the Great Park communities, I remain committed to offering care that prioritizes emotional safety and sustainable healing rather than surface-level coping. I serve clients across Irvine as well as nearby areas including Tustin, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach, providing a steady, culturally-aware space for local residents seeking deeper emotional clarity and long-term relational growth.

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 Irvine, CA

I specialize in supporting first-generation women of color navigating anxiety, emotional patterns, and relational wounds. Whether you're near Turtle Rock, Woodbridge, or UCI, I offer online therapy that blends cultural awareness with deep emotional work so you no longer feel like you’re carrying it all alone.

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.