Elizabeth Payne, LPCC

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor California and work with adults who often feel overwhelmed—by anxiety, depression, identity questions, self-doubt, or the weight of daily life. My role is to help you feel more empowered, more understood, and more capable of living a life that feels meaningful to you.

Clients often describe me as kind, genuine, and easy to talk to. I show up as a real person—not an authority figure—and I believe therapy works best when it’s a collaborative, judgment-free space.

We’ll make space to understand your story while also focusing on solutions that help you feel better in your day-to-day life. You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting—just a willingness to show up.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU, where I received academic training and mentorship from leaders in the field. I also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CUNY Hunter College, where I studied how social systems, power structures, and cultural dynamics shape human behavior and emotional well-being.

I’ve worked in a variety of settings—including clinics, schools, and non-profits—and with people from many different backgrounds. I welcome and affirm all identities and proudly support LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where you can be fully yourself.

My work is rooted in child development and guided by a decolonizing, anti-pathologizing lens. That means I don’t see you as “broken.” Your emotions and behaviors are meaningful responses to your life experiences. Our goal isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to build new ways of coping that help you feel more grounded and capable.

I draw from evidence-based tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic and narrative therapy.
These tools support—not override—your lived experiences. They don’t erase the real barriers you face, like trauma, discrimination, or unequal access to resources. Real healing also means addressing these larger challenges.

My role is to help you feel more empowered, more understood, and more capable of living a life that feels meaningful to you.

If you're looking for a therapist who will honor your full humanity and walk alongside you, I’d be honored to work with you.