Briana Mendoza, APCC
Hello! My name is Briana Mendoza, and I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). I enjoy working with individuals, particularly those from BIPOC and diverse communities. I have a special interest in supporting others in navigating childhood trauma, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, identity, and other challenges that can impact how we see ourselves and our place in the world.
As a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in San Diego, my cultural identity and lived experiences have shaped the way I understand mental health and the importance of feeling seen and understood in therapy. Growing up within a Mexican American family and community, I became aware of how cultural values, family dynamics, generational experiences, and mental health stigma can influence the way we understand ourselves and seek support. These experiences have deepened my commitment to practicing with cultural humility and creating a space where clients can explore their experiences without assumptions or judgment.
Caroline Little, ASW
Hello, My name is Caroline. I’m an authentic, kindness-first, undeniably human therapist who is passionate about walking alongside clients as they pursue their best life. I have a strong interest in helping individuals with OCD and anxiety, those navigating the perinatal period/early parenthood or fertility journeys, and folks going through major life transitions.
I have experience working with adults and young adults with OCD, anxiety, panic, depression, and trauma. I’ve worked with many new mothers, pregnant women, and folks adjusting to parenthood or early childhood. I also enjoy supporting people who are experiencing other major life transitions, such as the loss of a loved one, a big move, recent breakups, beginning a fertility journey, career changes, etc. I have worked extensively with parents of young children and have clinical training in early childhood development and mental health, so I’m also equipped to support parents as they adjust to the challenges and joys that come with new parenthood. I practice from a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, drawing on evidence-based tools like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness to build a therapeutic experience tailored just for you.
More than just having professional training, I “get it” because I have walked these paths myself. I know firsthand how heavy and isolating it can be to navigate OCD (and ERP treatment), anxiety, a high-risk pregnancy and traumatic birth, a NICU baby, and postpartum mental health challenges. The experiences that I have had during the many different chapters of my life mean that I understand the raw reality of these struggles from the inside out. While we all move through different journeys, there is something so healing and comforting about connecting with someone who has experienced similar struggles. I carry that same deep desire for genuine connection into my support for the LGBTQIA+ community; with many chosen family members and dear friends who are queer, I am passionate about providing a truly safe, affirming space where you can feel fully seen.
Annika Fox, APCC
Hello! My name is Annika Fox. I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who is passionate about walking alongside my clients as they figure out what their happiest, healthiest life actually looks like.
I have a strong interest in women’s health and hormonal wellness. I’ve navigated my own women’s health challenges, and I know firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it can be to feel dismissed or unheard by the systems that are supposed to help us. That lived experience shapes how I show up for clients working through similar struggles. I also enjoy supporting people through relational issues, helping them build healthier, more honest connections with the people around them, whether that’s a partner, family, friends, or themselves. This often overlaps with the work I love doing with young adults navigating life transitions — new jobs, new relationships, moves, identity shifts, all the “what am I doing with my life” moments that can feel isolating but are so worth working through.
Caitlin Smith, LCSW
Hi, my name is Caitlin Smith and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I enjoy working with people experiencing a number of challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions of all kinds. I love creating space for people to bring their whole selves to therapy, including their spiritual beliefs and questions. Prior to joining the Freedom Within team, I worked with people across many walks of life – people pursuing recovery from substance use and severe mental health diagnoses, and those seeking new life and safety from domestic violence. I have lived experience as a military spouse to my husband who is Active Duty Navy.
Alexandra Mers, LPCC
Hello, my name is Alex Mers and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Prior to joining the Freedom Within team, I supported families in Colorado for over a decade in processing and healing trauma and grief after the death loss of a loved one.
Alexis Abbott, LCSW
Hi there! My name is Alexis Abbott and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In my practice, I focus primarily on supporting veterans, military-connected individuals, and adults navigating trauma and anxiety. Throughout my career, I’ve also worked with teens, families, and adults across the lifespan in both outpatient settings and intensive outpatient programs.
I feel deeply drawn to helping adults navigate life’s complex seasons, whether that’s processing past trauma, managing chronic stress, working through depression, or adapting to major life transitions. I also carry firsthand lived experience as the partner of a former active duty military member and current Veteran, which gives me a personal appreciation for the unique culture, strengths, and challenges within the military community.