Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
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Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT

Irene Carretero

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (949) 603-1693
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Available both in-person and online
23276 South Pointe Drive Suite 105 Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Hi! I'm Irene, a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping adults break free from survival patterns that no longer serve them. Many of the clients I work with have spent their lives being the strong one, the caretaker, the fixer, the independent person everyone relies on. While these strengths helped you survive, they may now leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of who you are outside of caring for everyone else. Healing doesn't have to mean rejecting your culture, it can mean honoring what serves you while letting go of what no longer does. You don't have to carry everything alone anymore.
I specialize in supporting hyper-independent women, adults who were parentified as children, and individuals navigating the unspoken expectations often passed down. Together, we'll explore how generational patterns, family roles, and cultural messages have shaped your relationships, boundaries, self-worth, and ability to ask for support.
I believe you already possess the resilience and wisdom needed to create meaningful change. My role is to provide a supportive space where you can gain clarity, challenge old narratives, and experience those powerful "aha" moments that lead to change. If you're ready to rewrite the story that truly reflects who you are, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.
Call or Irene Carretero now for a free 15 minute consultation - (949) 603-1693

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

23276 South Pointe Drive

Suite 105

Laguna Hills, CA 92653 map

(949) 603-1693

1913 17th Street

ste 118

Santa Ana, CA 92705 map

Now accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions. Best way to reach me is by phone.
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Let's Connect (949) 603-1693
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

23276 South Pointe Drive

Suite 105

Laguna Hills, CA 92653 map

(949) 603-1693

1913 17th Street

ste 118

Santa Ana, CA 92705 map

Now accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions. Best way to reach me is by phone.
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $150
  • Couple Sessions $180
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Blue Shield
  • Cigna Medicare
  • Medi-Cal
  • Optum
  • United Medical Resources (UMR)
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. or (949) 603-1693
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. or (949) 603-1693

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of California / 149411 Supervised by Maryam Jamili (California / 113856) Irene Carretero
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 3 years
  • Attended Northcentral University , Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Graduated 2024
  • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from University of La Verne Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education / 2019
"
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in early childhood education, developing a strong understanding of child development, learning differences, and family dynamics. This experience informs my work with children, parents, and caregivers to provide developmentally appropriate support.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693
"
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in early childhood education, developing a strong understanding of child development, learning differences, and family dynamics. This experience informs my work with children, parents, and caregivers to provide developmentally appropriate support.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Women's Issues
"
Guiding clients to a different perspective. Highlighting the positivity and what is going well.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693
"
Guiding clients to a different perspective. Highlighting the positivity and what is going well.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693

2 Endorsements

Maryam Jamili
Maryam Jamili
Marriage & Family TherapistMALMFTEMDR
I highly recommend Irene, a gifted Marriage and Family Therapist who connects exceptionally well with children. Her warmth, creativity, and expertise help kids feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.

Client Focus

Age

Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Religion

Christian

Age

Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Religion

Christian

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Art Therapy
  • Attachment-based
  • Christian Counseling
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Family Systems
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Narrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Play Therapy
  • Relational
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Trauma Focused
"
I believe healing and growth happen through supportive relationships. My approach is compassionate and collaborative. Supporting children and families better understand emotions, strengthen communication, and navigate challenges. Drawing from my background in early childhood education and clinical training, I tailor therapy to each client's needs while supporting growth and connection.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693
"
I believe healing and growth happen through supportive relationships. My approach is compassionate and collaborative. Supporting children and families better understand emotions, strengthen communication, and navigate challenges. Drawing from my background in early childhood education and clinical training, I tailor therapy to each client's needs while supporting growth and connection.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (949) 603-1693

Location

Primary Location

23276 South Pointe Drive

Suite 105

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

(949) 603-1693

Additional Location

1913 17th Street

ste 118

Santa Ana, CA 92705

(949) 603-1693

Nearby Areas

"
Now accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions. Best way to reach me is by phone.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call for a free consultation now - (949) 603-1693
"
Now accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions. Best way to reach me is by phone.
Photo of Irene Carretero, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Irene Carretero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, Irene Carretero, MA, AMFT
Call for a free consultation now - (949) 603-1693