Joey Guzman-Kuffel, M.A., LMFT
CO License # 0001868
TX License # 203925
Joey is a Southern California native who was born and raised in Los Angeles. He began
his career serving others as a medical interpreter for Spanish-Speaking clients in the
field of worker’s compensation. Through his experience as a medical interpreter, Joey
developed a passion for working with people from diverse backgrounds. In 2012 he earned
a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. Following
completion of his undergraduate education, Joey worked as a Behavioral Specialist with
children with autism utilizing Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques and as a Child and
Family Specialist providing behavior interventions for at-risk youth. Simultaneously, Joey
completed the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy
University, San Diego, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Joey underwent
clinical training at Hanbleceya Treatment Center under the supervision of clinical
psychologist, Karlyn Pleasants, Psy.D. While at Hanbleceya, now BrightQuest Treatment
Center, Joey acquired the clinical skills to help individuals and families who suffered from
trauma, mood, thought, anxiety, and personality disorders and drug-induced psychosis.
In August of 2017, Joey relocated temporarily to Newport, Rhode Island in support of his
spouse’s military mobilization. While on the east coast Joey was employed as a clinician
at an intense out-patient program for North American Family Institute that focused on
underserved families experiencing difficulties with mental health and behavioral issues.
Joey also worked closely with the LGBTQ community in assisting individuals explore the
dimensions of gender identity.
Having been an intended parent and having a daughter through surrogacy, Joey came to
realize the important role that mental health professionals play in the IVF and surrogacy
process. This led him to transition from working in treatment centers to founding his own
private practice, Counseling with Joey.
Specialties/Clinical Interests
- Infertility
- Mood Disorders
- Behavioral Issues / Coping Skills
- Family Conflict / Infidelity / Relationship Issues
- LGBTQ Sexual/ Gender Identity / Transgender
- Life Transitions
- Men’s Issues
- Parenting
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Self Esteem
- Stress, Grief & Anxiety / Depression
- Substance Use
- Surrogacy/ Intended Parents/ Surrogates/ Donors
- Trauma and PTSD
Treatment Approach
- Attachment-based
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- Dialectical (DBT)
- Family Systems
- Humanistic
- Interpersonal
- Motivational Interviewing
- Multicultural
- Narrative
- Person-Centered
- Psychodynamic
- Relational
- Strength-Based
- Structural Family Therapy
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles, CA
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Argosy University, San Diego, CA
Getting Personal
In his free time, Joey enjoys spending time with his spouse, daughter and fur baby, Phoenix.