Nicole Bravo LMFT, compassionate therapist

Hey, I’m Nicole

I am a California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience. My journey began as an in-home therapist for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. I was later promoted to program coordinator, where I supervised therapists and developed and monitored each family’s behavioral goals. During this time, I discovered my passion for providing family support and followed that passion to San Diego, where I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from San Diego State University. There, I focused on working with community-based programs designed to serve low-income and under-resourced families.

My drive for mental health care far surpasses my professional experiences. Growing up in a multicultural family—a blend of American, Puerto Rican, and Guatemalan cultures—I witnessed firsthand the significance of cultural identity and its impact on emotional well-being. I remember the challenges I faced when I struggled to define my own identity and what I wanted for myself. My journey toward self-discovery inspired me to create therapeutic spaces where clients can explore their identities and gain a deeper sense of self.

In addition to my education and personal journey, my professional path has taken me through a variety of settings, including Rady Children’s Hospital, where I served as a family therapist, and as a Certified Trauma Professional, equipping me to guide clients through life’s most challenging moments. These experiences, paired with my dedication to helping others, have shaped my approach to therapy—rooted in empathy, cultural understanding, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported.

My Approach

My therapy goes above and beyond finding surface-level solutions, and instead, sets out to discover long-term benefits and healing. I believe therapy should be a place where you gain skills, learn solutions, and discover yourself in ways you hadn’t before. In my sessions, we explore topics that reconnect you with your values and create goals that best align you to the life you want to live.

My work explores and connects to larger cultural contexts, such as gender roles/expectations, racial identities, and generational influences. I strive to help my clients gain insight, self-compassion, and an overall deeper understanding of who they are. I find that this type of deeper, self-discovery work results in the most effective care and long-term benefits.

Nicole Bravo LMFT, licensed therapist in California

Therapy Values

At the heart of my work is a commitment to creating a therapeutic environment that is authentic, supportive, and tailored to your unique journey. Here’s what you can expect from our time together:

Non-Judgmental, Safe Space

Be unapologetically yourself! In our sessions, every thought, feeling, and belief is welcomed with openness and understanding. This is a space where you can share without fear of judgment, allowing you to explore your true self freely.

Comfortable Tone

Therapy doesn’t have to be dry or overly serious! While I deeply value the goals we set, I believe in the power of laughter, lightness, and joy as integral parts of healing. Together, we’ll create an environment that feels warm and inviting, where growth can happen naturally.

Self-Discovery

Understanding yourself on a deeper level is a cornerstone of meaningful change. My approach goes beyond surface-level solutions, focusing instead on uncovering the “why’s” behind your patterns and challenges. This process of self-discovery leads to lasting solutions and a stronger connection to your true self.

Personalized Care

There’s no one-size-fits-all in therapy. I take a thoughtful and collaborative approach to tailor our sessions to your specific needs and goals. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, ensuring your growth aligns with your life and values.

Holistic Care

Healing involves addressing the whole person, not just individual symptoms. I strive to understand and address the root causes of challenges, moving beyond quick fixes to foster true, lasting well-being.

Goal-Oriented Growth

We’ll work together to define clear, actionable goals that reflect the changes you want to see in your life. I’ll support you in staying accountable to these goals, helping you navigate and overcome barriers along the way.

More About Me

I was born and raised in the South Bay of LA. I then moved to San Luis Obispo and San Diego, earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and have since settled in Pasadena.

In 2020, I, like many of us, was prompted to spend more time alone and understand myself in a deeper sense. I felt lost, confused, and antsy, which led me to traveling once the world was re-opened. These trips ended up being one of the most expansive things I’ve done in my life. They’ve inspired my beliefs in the power of feeling comfortable, confident, and secure with yourself and the importance of fulfilling your own needs and desires.

Outside of my work, I find joy in nature, thrifting, singing, animals, books, art, and cooking—passions that keep me grounded and inspired in both life and therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Services take place in-person in Pasadena, CA or online to California residents.

  • I am not in-network with any insurance company but I offer my clients a few options to ensure therapy costs are manageable and insurance benefits are being utilized. 

    1. I have a billing concierge service that I work with. This service takes care of superbills on behalf of my clients. Their service also includes extra support with any/all insurance-related needs.

    2. I provide my clients with superbills to submit themselves and offer any additional guidance if necessary.

  • Please inquire about fees through email or over the phone. Fees can be paid using debit cards, credit cards, and HSA cards. Sliding scale is available if necessary. 

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your mental health care will cost.

    Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

    You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.