Therapy in Mission Viejo, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally attuned therapy in Mission Viejo, CA for first generation Latinas, multicultural professionals, and couples who feel stuck in painful communication cycles but still deeply care about their relationship. My work supports partners who are navigating resentment, emotional distance, attachment wounds, and the weight of family expectations while trying to build something stable and connected. In Mission Viejo, where life often looks calm and established from the outside, I offer a grounded space where you can speak openly without feeling judged or misunderstood.


For years, I have worked with clients across South Orange County, including many living near Lake Mission Viejo, along Marguerite Parkway, or in neighborhoods like Pacific Hills and Painted Trails. Mission Viejo carries a quieter pace than neighboring cities, but that does not mean the emotional pressure is lighter. Many couples here are raising young families, balancing commutes toward Irvine or Laguna Niguel, and managing the invisible expectations that come with upward mobility. Cultural loyalty, financial stability, and keeping the peace can quietly override emotional honesty.


Couples and individuals in Mission Viejo often reach out when arguments feel repetitive and intimacy feels strained, even though love is still present. They are not looking for someone to take sides. They are looking for a therapist who understands bicultural identity, generational trauma, and the tension between independence and family loyalty. They choose this work because it helps them move from defensiveness and distance toward clarity, emotional safety, and connection that feels sustainable.

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 Mission Viejo, CA who feel emotionally distant even though they are still committed to the relationship. You may be functioning well as parents or professionals, yet privately feel unheard, resentful, or unsure how small disagreements turn into shutdown or defensiveness. If you are searching for couples therapy near you because you want clarity instead of constant tension, this space supports repair without shame.



Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Mission Viejo, CA who appear steady and responsible but feel emotionally stretched thin underneath. You may be holding your family together, excelling in your career, or supporting everyone around you while quietly feeling anxious, resentful, or disconnected from yourself. 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 be honest about what you need.



Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Mission Viejo, CA who feel high-functioning but internally overwhelmed. You may be managing work, family, and expectations well on the outside while your mind constantly anticipates what could go wrong. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of overthinking, tension, and emotional exhaustion, this space allows you to slow down and understand the deeper roots of your anxiety.



Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is for engaged and seriously dating couples in Mission Viejo, CA who want to enter marriage with clarity, not just chemistry. You may love each other deeply and still feel unsure about how you handle conflict, family boundaries, or cultural expectations. If you are searching for premarital counseling near you because you want to build something emotionally secure from the beginning, this space supports honest and grounded preparation.



Grief Counseling

Grief Therapy is for individuals in Mission Viejo, CA who feel like life has shifted in a way they did not choose. You may be grieving a death, a breakup, estrangement, infertility, or the loss of who you used to be. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because the ache feels isolating, this space allows you to process without pressure to be okay.


Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations are available for individuals in Mission Viejo, CA who need a psychological evaluation to support their immigration petition. Whether you are navigating asylum, extreme hardship, VAWA, or cancellation of removal, this process requires sensitivity and precision. If you are searching for immigration evaluations near you, this space provides professional documentation grounded in emotional safety.



I serve first-generation women of color in Mission Viejo, CA

I provide therapy services to clients in Mission Viejo and surrounding South Orange County communities, supporting individuals and couples navigating attachment wounds, grief, anxiety, relational conflict, and first-generation cultural expectations. Many residents in Mission Viejo balance professional responsibilities, family roles, and long-term partnership commitments while quietly feeling emotionally overwhelmed. My office, located at 4 Venture Suite 355, Irvine, CA 92618, is just a 11-minute drive from Lake Mission Viejo, and I also offer virtual sessions if you prefer care from home.


I have served Orange County for several years, working with high-achieving professionals, multicultural families, and first-generation Latinas who want deeper emotional clarity and relational safety. My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based work. I am committed to providing care that goes beyond surface-level coping and instead supports sustainable healing rooted in emotional safety.


I serve clients throughout Mission Viejo and nearby areas including Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and Irvine. With neighborhoods centered around Lake Mission Viejo and a strong family-oriented culture, this community values stability, commitment, and long-term growth. My work supports local residents who want therapy that honors both their ambition and their emotional 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 Mission Viejo, CA

I support first-generation women of color navigating relationship stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Whether you're near Lake Mission Viejo, Saddleback College, or Oso Creek, I create a healing space rooted in trust, compassion, and cultural understanding.

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.