Connections Mental Health
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About Us

Effective residential inpatient mental health treatment.

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Locations

Choose from our beautiful locations near beaches & national parks.

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California
Tustin, CATustin, CAVilla Park, CAVilla Park, CAOrange, CAOrange, CA
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Areas We Serve

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Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Trauma Disorders
Personality Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Neurodevelopment Disorder Treatment (MentalHealth National)
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Mental Health Treatment

Mental Health Treatment

Get dual-diagnosis treatment for SUD and mental health

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844-759-0999
Connections Mental Health
844-759-0999

Los Angeles IFS Therapy (Residential Mental Health Treatment Centers)

Access personalized IFS Therapy focused on emotional healing, self-awareness, and long-term mental wellness.

657-298-1982
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Accredited & Trusted By

Our Awards

AMERICA’S BEST MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT CENTERS 2026

Proudly recognized once again as one of America’s Best Mental Health Treatment Centers in 2026. Honoring our commitment to excellence in mental health care, positive patient outcomes, and a compassionate dedication to improving lives and emotional well-being.

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Trauma-Informed IFS Support for Parts Work and Self-Awareness in Los Angeles

When you’re caught in repetitive patterns of self-criticism, unresolved emotional pain, or behaviors that seem stuck despite your sincere attempts at change, the experience can feel deeply lonely. Ongoing emotional suffering, harsh self-talk, untreated trauma, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding your emotional responses can take a toll on your relationships, sense of self-worth, and everyday life. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers an evidence-based, compassionate approach that helps individuals identify the separate emotional “parts” within themselves while building greater self-awareness and authentic transformation. Many people commonly ask themselves:

  • Why do my emotional reactions seem to have no clear origin?

  • Would I need to revisit painful past experiences before feeling ready?

  • Can deeply ingrained patterns truly be changed and overcome?

  • What about covering the expenses involved in ongoing therapy?

These concerns deserve validation, since many individuals approach therapy with apprehension about opening up emotionally. Being offered patient, supportive guidance centered on creating safety, authentic connection, and individualized recovery at your own comfortable pace is something you truly merit.

Throughout California, Connections Mental Health provides specialized IFS therapy, helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, deepen emotional understanding, and develop healthier emotional responses through devoted, customized therapeutic support aimed at lasting wellness and growth. Our partner organization District Behavioral Health Group also delivers additional resources, including community-based behavioral health programming.

Explore what’s available to you below.

Our Faculty Members

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Our Faculty Members

Sean O'Neill

Clinical Director - LMFT

Is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an accomplished clinical director with over 15 years of dedicated experience in mental health and substance use treatment. Since 2009, he has made a significant impact in the field, working tirelessly to support individuals grappling with addiction and mental health issues in a variety of settings, including residential treatment centers and outpatient facilities. Having been sober since 2002, Sean brings personal insights to his practice, empowering clients to navigate their unique challenges and break free from the cycle of addiction and the difficulties associated with mental health disorders. His compassionate and client-centered philosophy fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth, resilience, and long-lasting recovery.
Meet Our Clinicians

Joana Constante Freitas

Therapist - ACSW, MSW, EMDR Certified

My passion for becoming a therapist was shaped by my own experiences navigating cultural challenges, trauma, and substance-related struggles within my community. These experiences deepened my understanding of how important it is to feel seen, supported, and understood during life’s difficult moments. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine and a Master’s in Social Work from California Baptist University. I practice with both cultural and spiritual competence, and I have experience working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and spiritual traditions. My therapeutic style is direct, honest, and compassionate. I don’t believe you need to have everything figured out to begin therapy. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused work to support healing and growth. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can show up as you are, without judgment or pressure to perform. Whether you are working through trauma, grief, identity challenges, or substance use, my goal is to support you in building insight, resilience, practical coping tools, and a stronger connection with yourself. Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time in nature, practicing my spirituality, playing music, and staying active through sports. I value real, meaningful connections, and I bring that same authenticity into my work with clients.

Huy Nguyen

Therapist - ASCW

My name is Huy Nguyen, and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, compassion, and individualized care. I use a warm and direct approach, creating a space where clients can feel supported while also being gently challenged when it can help them grow. I believe that clients are the experts of their own experiences, and my role is to work alongside them to identify the tools and strategies that can help them navigate life more effectively. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Brainspotting. I tailor these approaches to each client’s unique experiences, needs, and goals rather than believing that one approach works for everyone. My decision to become a therapist was deeply influenced by my own personal experiences with therapy and witnessing how transformative that process can be. Those experiences shaped my belief that therapy can provide not only a place to heal, but also a space to better understand ourselves, develop new ways of coping, and build a life that feels more meaningful. My hope is not to help clients avoid the waves that life inevitably brings, but to help them find calmer seas while developing the skills and confidence to navigate the big waves when they come. Healing may look different for everyone, and I want to help each client discover what healing means for them and find their own way forward.

Ryan Ruiz

Therapist - AMFT

Ryan Ruiz is a dedicated and compassionate therapist at Connections Mental Health, bringing over seven years of experience and more than 3,000 hours of clinical work in substance use and mental health treatment. With a strong foundation in addiction recovery, trauma, and co-occurring disorders, Ryan has provided individual and group therapy across reputable treatment centers, developing personalized treatment plans that foster long-term healing and growth. His expertise spans mindfulness, trauma recovery, and psychodrama, and he has been an active member of interdisciplinary teams focused on clients’ mental, emotional, and physical wellness. As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, Ryan is deeply committed to expanding his clinical knowledge and staying at the forefront of evidence-based approaches in addiction and mental health care. His therapeutic style blends empathy, structure, and innovation, helping clients navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Ryan’s holistic approach emphasizes treating the whole person—addressing both the addiction and the underlying issues that contribute to distress and dysfunction. Beyond his clinical role, Ryan is passionate about mindfulness, personal growth, and mental health advocacy. His dedication to helping others extends into the broader community, where he supports initiatives that promote awareness and recovery. With his extensive experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to client well-being, Ryan Ruiz is a valued member of the Connections Mental Health team, guiding individuals toward lasting change and self-discovery.
Meet Our Therapists

Internal Family Systems Therapy in Los Angeles

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy focuses on identifying and understanding the different parts of your internal experience—such as protective, reactive, or shutting down. These parts are often shaped by past experiences and can begin to conflict, making it difficult to feel stable or aligned in your thoughts and actions.

If you feel stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, you’re not alone.

IFS therapy helps you work with these patterns rather than fight them. In a residential setting, consistent practice helps you reduce internal tension and build balance.

  • Within 25 of Los Angeles there are 37 residential programs available, offering structured environments where IFS therapy can be practiced as part of daily care.

  • There are also more than 122 mental health treatment programs available within 15 of Los Angeles, offering different levels of care depending on the support you need.

With time and guidance, IFS can help you identify and separate the different parts of your experience, allowing you to respond with more clarity.

If you’re considering IFS therapy in Los Angeles, Connections can help you explore options that align with your needs and support mental well-being. 

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Tour Our IFS Therapy Facility in Los Angeles

We Accept Most Major Insurance

View our wide selection of accepted providers for our Orange County rehab. Don’t see yours?

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Choosing the Right IFS Program in Los Angeles

IFS therapy often centers on rebuilding trust—not just with others, but within yourself. That process takes consistency, especially when certain parts or emotions have been in control for a long time. Trying to shift those patterns without proper support can be challenging.

If you’re working to understand yourself more deeply but feel stuck in the same internal cycles, you’re not alone.

Access to programs that accept insurance and are backed by strong patient experiences can make it easier to stay engaged and feel confident during the therapeutic process.

  • No less than 82 programs within 20 of Los Angeles accept private insurance, helping reduce financial barriers to care.

  • Within 20 miles of Los Angeles, there are 1 programs that maintain ratings of at least 4 stars with a minimum of 10 reviews, demonstrating positive outcomes in mental health treatment.

Choosing a program that supports this kind of work can help you move from internal conflict to a more confident, self-aware way of responding.

If you’re considering IFS therapy, Connections Mental Health can help you find care that fits your needs and supports lasting change.

With the right support, you can begin to feel more aligned within yourself.

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Achieving Equilibrium: IFS Therapy Approaches in Los Angeles

Are you looking for IFS therapy in Los Angeles? Evidence-based clinical treatment helps individuals address emotional challenges, internal fragmentation, and protective responses from trauma or chronic stress. Data shows that approximately 6 out of 10 individuals who participate in IFS therapy experience substantial improvements in affect management, self-awareness, and interpersonal functioning. By engaging in IFS therapy, individuals strengthen their capacity to recognize emotions while cultivating greater self-compassion and authentic relationships.

Our comprehensive services feature:

  • Trauma-informed therapeutic support dedicated to restoring internal emotional wellbeing

  • Treatment for anxiety, depression, self-judgment, and emotional overwhelm

  • Evidence-based development of mindfulness and affect regulation skills

  • Healthier behavioral responses and improved relationship communication

  • Individualized care plans emphasizing long-term psychological wellness

Our clinical professionals at Connections Mental Health provide empathetic, personalized IFS therapy designed to increase emotional resilience, deepen self-understanding, and facilitate meaningful positive changes in your daily life.

Location Overview

Our clean and modern facilities are located beautiful beaches and a thriving sober community. Clients enjoy easy access to local hiking spots, beaches, restaurants & more nearby.

Close to The Beach

National Parks Nearby

Mild, Comfortable Weather

Strong Local Sober Community

Why Our IFS Therapy in Los Angeles Stands Out

At Connections Mental Health in Los Angeles, clients enter a safe and welcoming therapeutic setting where IFS therapy is used to support emotional healing, self-discovery, and long-term mental wellness.

We proudly support adults aged 18 and up from diverse backgrounds, including couples, executives, veterans, and first responders. Through compassionate treatment and individualized care planning, our licensed clinicians help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, emotional stress, and other mental health challenges while building greater self-trust and resilience. If someone under 18 reaches out, our team can help connect them with age-appropriate care resources.

Mental Health Therapies Used in Orange County

Connections Mental Health uses evidence-based mental health therapies backed by the latest advances in mental health treatment and administered by experienced clinicians.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction and mental health challenges. By learning practical coping strategies, clients gain healthier ways to manage stress and triggers in daily life.

DBT focuses on building emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. It is especially effective for those dealing with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or co-occurring mental health conditions.

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. This approach reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping clients stay engaged in recovery.

Group & Family Therapy involves collaborative counseling sessions that bring individuals together with peers or loved ones to build strong support systems and heal relationship dynamics. This approach helps improve communication, foster deep mutual understanding, and provide shared coping strategies that support long-term wellness and collective recovery.

Couples Mental Health Treatment helps partners navigate relationship conflicts, improve communication, and support each other through mental health challenges. By working together in a supportive space, couples learn to rebuild trust, address emotional triggers, and strengthen their bond for a healthier future together.

Our Treatment Network Locations Across US

Connections Mental Health belongs to a trusted network of mental health treatment centers across the nation.

*Red Pins: Our Locations / Blue Pins: States Patients Have Traveled From

What Our Clients Say

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Evidence-Based Orange County Mental Health Treatment

Evidence-Based Orange County Mental Health Treatment

At our behavioral health treatment center in Orange County, we utilize evidence-based treatments and therapy to bring you or your loved one the highest quality of care, rooted in the most recent psychiatric science.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps our clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or depression. It focuses on problem-solving and developing healthier coping strategies.

Learn More about cognitive behavioral therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help regulate emotions, manage stress, and improve relationships. It is especially effective for treating borderline personality disorder, self-harm, and chronic suicidal ideation.

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Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments focus on healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—by integrating traditional psychotherapy with alternative treatments such as meditation, yoga, and nutrition. This approach promotes overall well-being and balance.

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps our clients process and heal from trauma by using guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories. It is particularly effective for treating PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders.

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Seeking Safety

Seeking Safety is a trauma-informed therapy designed to help our clients who struggle trauma and PTSD. It emphasizes coping skills, safety, and personal empowerment to reduce the risk of re-traumatization.

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Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a counseling approach that encourages our clients to find their own motivation for making positive behavioral changes, often used in mental health treatment and health-related behavior changes.

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Medication Management

We offer medication management, which provides careful monitoring and adjustment of psychiatric medications by a healthcare provider to ensure they are effective and properly addressing mental health symptoms. This process may include regular check-ins and dosage adjustments to optimize treatment outcomes.

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Individualized Treatment

Our treatment center only sees up to 6 clients at a time, meaning you or your loved one will receive the highest level of care and attention, customized to the specific needs of each individual.

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Family-Like Environment

Our founders have been through treatment for mental health themselves, and are passionate about creating an atmosphere where our clients can connect with like-minded individuals and feel like they’re part of a family.

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Comfortable & Safe Accommodations

Recovering from a mental health disorder is not easy, so we take the utmost care in providing a treatment program that is safe and comfortable, with 24/7 supervision and support.

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Los Angeles IFS Therapy: FAQs

Can you practice IFS on your own?

Exploring foundational IFS self-reflection techniques independently is feasible, particularly when learning to identify distinct internal “parts” that emerge during stress. However, working through significant trauma with this method generally requires guidance from a licensed mental health professional.

Where does IFS therapy typically start?

Your journey begins by recognizing and naming the various “parts” within your psychological makeup, such as your protective mechanisms or inner critic. A qualified therapist then helps you establish meaningful dialogue between these parts and your core, authentic self.

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Disorders We Treat

We treat a wide range of mental health conditions with compassion-based techniques and an expert clinical staff. Conditions we treat include:

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  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Mood Disorders
  • Trauma Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • And More

Healing starts here.

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Learn More about the mental health disorders we treat

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What most patients want to know before they book

1Protect your job while you come to treatment2Does Insurance Cover Residential Mental Health Treatment?3Why Traveling or Staying Close to home can both be great options.4Locations & Galleries5Staff page6Reviews7What to bring to treatment8Treatment & Therapies we provide9Admissions Process10Contact Us11Residential Inpatient vs Hospital Inpatient