Therapy in Laguna Hills, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally rooted therapy in Laguna Hills, CA for first-generation Latinas and multicultural couples who feel emotionally distant but still deeply invested in love. My work supports individuals and partners navigating repetitive conflict cycles, cultural guilt, attachment wounds, and the quiet fear of losing themselves in relationship. In Laguna Hills, where life can feel settled and stable on the surface, I create a space where you can speak the truth underneath the silence.


For years, I’ve worked with clients across South Orange County, including those living near Alicia Parkway, Moulton Parkway, and the neighborhoods surrounding Nellie Gail Ranch. Laguna Hills carries a particular kind of quiet. It’s residential, established, and often professionally driven, with many commuting toward Irvine or Laguna Niguel. That steadiness can make it harder to name emotional disconnection. When everything looks fine from the outside, it can feel confusing to admit that inside, you feel alone next to the person you love.


Individuals and couples in Laguna Hills often reach out when communication feels fragile and resentment has begun to harden. They are not looking for someone to tell them who is right. They are looking for emotional safety. They want to stop shrinking to keep the peace or escalating to be heard. They choose this work because it helps soften what has been guarded and rebuild connection in a way that feels mutual, grounded, and real.

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 Laguna Hills, CA who feel the quiet distance growing between them. You may not be in constant conflict, but something feels off. Conversations feel surface-level, tension lingers longer than it should, and you are both unsure how to bring up what actually hurts. If you are looking for couples therapy near you because you want clarity and emotional safety, this space supports that deeper repair.



Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Laguna Hills, CA who feel steady on the outside but emotionally overwhelmed underneath. You may be dependable at work, present for your family, and committed in your relationships, yet privately 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 slow down and tell the truth about what is heavy.



Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Laguna Hills, CA who feel calm on the outside but internally overwhelmed. You may be dependable at work, steady in your relationships, and present for your family, yet your mind rarely turns off. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of carrying quiet tension every day, this space allows you to slow down and understand what is driving the constant worry.



Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is for engaged and seriously dating couples in Laguna Hills, CA who want to build a marriage rooted in emotional safety and mutual understanding. You may love each other deeply and still feel uncertain about how you navigate conflict, family expectations, or cultural differences. If you are searching for premarital counseling near you because you want to prepare intentionally rather than assume things will work themselves out, this space offers grounded support.



Grief Counseling

Grief Therapy is for individuals in Laguna Hills, CA who feel like something significant has ended and nothing feels the same. You may be grieving a death, a relationship, or a shift in identity that feels disorienting. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because the sadness feels heavy and private, this space offers safety.



Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations serve individuals in Laguna Hills, CA who require psychological documentation for immigration cases. These evaluations are often part of asylum, VAWA, hardship, or cancellation applications. If you are searching for immigration evaluations near you, this process centers both clinical rigor and cultural awareness.


Evaluations are conducted in person in Irvine or virtually across California, with detailed written reports prepared for legal use.

I serve first-generation women of color in Laguna Hills, CA

I provide therapy services to individuals and couples in Laguna Hills and surrounding South 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 13-minute drive from central Laguna Hills, and I also offer virtual sessions throughout California for added flexibility. I have served Orange County for several years, working with high-functioning professionals and family-oriented households who often appear stable while quietly managing emotional overwhelm.


My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based therapy. In a community known for established residential neighborhoods, proximity to Laguna Hills Community Center, and strong family-oriented values, many residents prioritize long-term stability and personal responsibility. I remain committed to offering care that prioritizes emotional safety and sustainable healing rather than surface-level coping. I serve clients throughout Laguna Hills as well as nearby areas including Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, 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 Laguna Hills, CA

I support first-generation women of color untangling anxiety, grief, and relational pain while staying grounded in their cultural identity. From the Community Center to Moulton Ranch or Sandy Point, I provide online sessions for deep emotional and relational healing.

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.