- Short-term focus
- Evidence-based methods
- Works with identity
About Andrew
Dr. Andrew Mendonsa greets readers with a clear focus on helping people who are coping with life changes and health-related challenges. He is a clinical psychologist practicing in California with more than 22 years of experience. He aims to make therapy a practical, goal-focused process for people feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, or changes in health and daily functioning.
His style is direct and collaborative. He listens to what matters most and helps set realistic goals. Sessions emphasize clear steps you can use between meetings to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and handle day-to-day strain from illness or caregiving.
Mendonsa draws on several evidence-based approaches to tailor work to each person. He uses methods that focus on thoughts and behaviors, on acceptance and committed action, and on attachment patterns to understand close relationships. Therapy often includes skill practice, problem solving, and checking progress together.
His background spans community mental health, addiction services, the criminal justice system, and work with high-achieving professionals. That variety informs a flexible approach that blends practical coaching with clinical care. He also offers support for concerns such as sleep problems, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and issues tied to identity and sexuality.
Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients. To begin, callers or web users complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on his availability. The focus is on helping people regain functioning and feel more like themselves again.
His style is direct and collaborative. He listens to what matters most and helps set realistic goals. Sessions emphasize clear steps you can use between meetings to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and handle day-to-day strain from illness or caregiving.
Mendonsa draws on several evidence-based approaches to tailor work to each person. He uses methods that focus on thoughts and behaviors, on acceptance and committed action, and on attachment patterns to understand close relationships. Therapy often includes skill practice, problem solving, and checking progress together.
His background spans community mental health, addiction services, the criminal justice system, and work with high-achieving professionals. That variety informs a flexible approach that blends practical coaching with clinical care. He also offers support for concerns such as sleep problems, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and issues tied to identity and sexuality.
Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients. To begin, callers or web users complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on his availability. The focus is on helping people regain functioning and feel more like themselves again.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and changing behaviors through practical exercises, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep and daily routines. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how relationship patterns affect current stress and intimacy, helping people understand and shift ways of relating that cause pain.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide which methods to try, and they adjust as progress is tracked over time.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make sessions easier to fit into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people work on skills between meetings and keeps momentum during life transitions or when coping with illness. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and attachment-focused work to remote formats, tailoring exercises and homework to everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address related to health and life changes?
He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, caregiver strain, chronic pain and illness, sleep problems, and other life transitions connected to health challenges.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is collaborative and goal-oriented, combining skill teaching, problem solving, and regular progress checks so clients can use tools between sessions.
What kind of background does he bring to therapy?
He has over 22 years of experience across community mental health, addiction services, criminal justice settings, and work with high-achieving professionals.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is licensed as a Colorado Psychologist (CO Psychologist PSY.0005062) and a California Psychologist (CA Psychologist PSY23208) and practices from California.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.