About Canyon Lake Therapy
Healing rooted in compassion, guided by science.
We believe that every person carries within them the capacity for growth, resilience, and meaningful change. Our role is simply to walk alongside you.
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #LCSW94971
Meet Your Therapist
Nicholas Perez, LCSW, CCTP
Trauma-informed. Evidence-based. Deeply human.
Nick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker within the State of California, over 15 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, families, Veterans, and first responders across California.
His clinical background includes over 15 years of serving Veterans, active-duty service members, children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in community mental health and private practice.
He specializes in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and the unique psychological needs of military Veterans and first responders. His work is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each client's individual goals and strengths.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and enjoying the outdoors. He believes therapy should provide a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate life's challenges and work toward meaningful change.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Southern California
2015
Specialized Training
Our Philosophy
Therapy is a collaboration, not a prescription.
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Every person who walks through our (virtual) door brings a unique history, a unique set of strengths, and a unique vision for their life.
Our role is to listen deeply, to understand your world from the inside out, and to offer tools, perspectives, and support that are genuinely useful to you — not just clinically appropriate in the abstract.
We draw from multiple evidence-based frameworks — CBT, ACT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches — weaving them together in a way that honors your individual needs and goals.
Compassion First
Every session begins with genuine care for your wellbeing — not a clinical checklist.
Evidence-Based
We use approaches with strong research support, adapted thoughtfully to your unique situation.
Trauma-Informed
We understand how trauma shapes the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self — and we work accordingly.
Culturally Sensitive
Your identity, background, and lived experience are central to our work together, not incidental.
Collaborative
You are the expert on your own life. We bring clinical expertise; you bring your story. Together, we find the path forward.
Affirming
A judgment-free space for people of all backgrounds, identities, orientations, and walks of life.
Clinical Approach
Modalities we draw from.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and reshape thought patterns that contribute to distress, anxiety, and depression.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Build psychological flexibility, clarify your values, and commit to meaningful action.
DBT-Informed Skills
Practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Cultivate present-moment awareness and a compassionate, non-judgmental relationship with yourself.
Motivational Interviewing
Explore ambivalence and strengthen your own intrinsic motivation for meaningful change.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Build on your existing strengths and resources to create the future you want.
PTSD Evaluations
Comprehensive clinical assessment to identify PTSD symptoms, severity, and treatment needs using evidence-based evaluation tools.
ADHD Evaluations
Thorough assessment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan, informing diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
Ready to take the first step?
Reaching out is the hardest part. We make everything after that as simple and welcoming as possible.