Therapy in Santa Ana, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally rooted therapy in Santa Ana, CA for first-generation Latinas and multicultural couples who feel emotionally disconnected yet deeply committed to love. My work supports individuals and partners navigating generational trauma, attachment wounds, cultural loyalty, and the quiet pressure of being the strong one in the family. In Santa Ana, where culture, community, and identity are deeply woven into daily life, I create a space where you do not have to shrink yourself to maintain harmony.


For years, I’ve worked with clients across Orange County, including those living near Downtown Santa Ana, Floral Park, and neighborhoods along Bristol Street and Main. Santa Ana carries a different rhythm than surrounding cities. It is culturally rich, historically layered, and community-rooted. Many first-generation women here are balancing professional growth with strong family expectations, often translating emotionally and literally between worlds. Loyalty runs deep. So does silence. That tension can quietly shape how you show up in love.


Individuals and couples in Santa Ana often reach out when conflict feels reactive or when emotional closeness feels fragile despite shared history. They are not looking for someone to dismiss culture or pathologize family dynamics. They want to understand how grief, immigration stories, and generational roles influence their relationship patterns. They choose this work because it honors where they come from while helping them build connection that feels safe, mutual, and emotionally secure.

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 Santa Ana, CA who feel the weight of culture, family, and responsibility pressing into their relationship. You may both care deeply, yet feel caught in reactive arguments, long silences, or the sense that you are carrying more than your share. If you are looking for couples therapy near you because you want connection that feels safe and mutual, this space allows you to slow down and be honest about what is hurting.



Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Santa Ana, CA who feel the weight of family, culture, and responsibility pressing on their sense of self. You may be high-functioning and dependable, yet privately feel anxious, resentful, or unsure how to voice what you need. If you are searching for individual therapy near you because you are tired of silencing yourself to keep the peace, this space offers room to slow down and feel understood.



Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Santa Ana, CA who feel the weight of responsibility and culture pressing on their nervous system. You may appear strong, capable, and steady, yet privately struggle with racing thoughts, tension in your body, or constant worry about disappointing others. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of living in survival mode, this space allows you to slow down and understand what your anxiety is protecting.



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 Santa Ana, CA grieving losses shaped by culture, family, and identity. You may feel pressure to be resilient while quietly carrying deep sadness. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because you need a culturally-aware space, this work honors both your grief and your roots.


Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations support individuals in Santa Ana, CA seeking psychological documentation for immigration relief cases. Many clients are applying for asylum, VAWA, hardship waivers, or related petitions and need clear, professional documentation. If you are searching for immigration evaluations near you, this process centers cultural sensitivity and emotional safety.


Evaluations are conducted in person in Irvine or virtually across California, with comprehensive reports prepared for legal submission.

I serve first-generation women of color in Santa Ana, CA

I provide therapy services to individuals and couples in Santa Ana 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 13-minute drive from central Santa Ana, and I also offer virtual sessions throughout California for added flexibility. I have served Orange County for several years, working with multigenerational families and career-driven individuals who often balance cultural loyalty, responsibility, and emotional strain beneath the surface.


My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based therapy. In a community known for its strong cultural roots, family-centered values, and landmarks such as the Santa Ana Civic Center and Bowers Museum, many residents prioritize resilience and long-term stability. I remain committed to offering care that prioritizes emotional safety and sustainable healing rather than surface-level coping. I serve clients throughout Santa Ana as well as nearby areas including Tustin, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, 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 Santa Ana, CA

I walk with first-generation women of color learning how to carry their stories without losing themselves in survival mode. Whether you're near the Artists Village, Logan neighborhood, or Santiago Park, I offer virtual sessions that center emotional expression and cultural care.

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.