Meet Erica Rubio of Westlake Village, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Rubio.

Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Erica Rubio. I am half Armenian and was born and raised in California. As the oldest daughter in my family, I learned early on the importance of empathy, responsibility, and caring for others—qualities that naturally became part of who I am and continue to guide me in my work today.

My journey toward becoming a therapist was shaped both by my own experiences growing up and by witnessing how therapy helped loved ones heal and grow. Seeing the difference it made when someone felt truly heard and understood left a lasting impression on me. It inspired my passion for helping others—especially children and teens—find their voice, build confidence, and feel genuinely seen and supported. Creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can show up as they are is at the heart of the work I do.

I began my academic journey at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where I earned my B.A. in Psychology, and later completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I am currently a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #148990) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #17515).

During graduate school, I completed over 1,000 hours of clinical training at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, working with children, teens, adults, and groups. There, I was trained in sandtray and play therapy, which deepened my love for creative, developmentally appropriate ways of helping young clients process emotions. Before becoming a therapist, I also volunteered at Strength United as a State-Certified Sexual Assault Advocate on their 24-hour crisis hotline, where I supported survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

To date, I have completed over 2,300 hours of clinical experience across nonprofit and private practice settings. I currently practice in Westlake Village under the supervision of Mary Ann Lovegren, LMFT #39405, supporting children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and family/relationship challenges. In addition to my clinical work, I serve as part-time instructor in the Child and Adolescent Development Department at CSUN, where I have the privilege of mentoring and encouraging students as they explore their own paths.

Every step of this journey has shown me the importance of empathy, connection, and creating a space where people feel safe to be themselves. I feel grateful to do this work and to be alongside my clients as they heal, grow, and embrace the resilience and strength they already possess.

Outside of my work, I find peace and joy through photography, music, and spending time in nature. These moments of creativity and reflection help me stay grounded and connected. I also enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my two miniature Australian Shepherds – Hazel and Harley. I pride myself on being authentically who I am, both in and outside of the office, and I carry that same openness and genuineness into my work with clients.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path to becoming a therapist hasn’t always been straightforward. As a first-generation college student, I had to learn early on how to ask for guidance, set boundaries, and care for myself while navigating life’s challenges. Early in my career, I also realized the importance of building my own confidence—learning to trust myself, my instincts, and the value I bring to the work I do, even when being young in the field sometimes felt like a challenge. Throughout it all, my family’s encouragement to reach for my dreams, never give up, and persevere has been a guiding force, reminding me that growth and determination can carry you through even the toughest moments.

Those experiences taught me resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of showing up fully as myself. They continue to shape the way I connect with my clients today. I understand firsthand how powerful it is to feel supported, seen, and heard, and I strive to create a safe, encouraging space where every client can explore, heal, and grow, no matter where they are in their journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #148997) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #17515), practicing under the licensed supervision of Mary Ann Lovegren, LMFT #39405, in her private practice in Westlake Village. I specialize in children, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family and relationship concerns, and life transitions.

What I love most about my work is supporting young clients through expressive and play-based approaches—like sandtray, play therapy, and art as therapy—that let children and teens explore and process their emotions in ways that feel natural and empowering to them. I also deeply enjoy working with adults, helping them gain insight, confidence, and tools to navigate life’s challenges.

I have a special focus on children and teens experiencing bullying, a topic that resonates deeply with me. I know firsthand how isolating and painful it can feel—having experienced bullying as a child myself—and that understanding continues to guide the work I do. It motivates me to create a safe, compassionate space where young people feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

What I’m most proud of is being a therapist—especially one who works with children and teens—because there is such a high need for skilled, caring professionals in this area. Every day, I have the privilege of helping kids and families feel empowered, understood, and capable of growing through even the toughest experiences. Being able to walk alongside them in their journey of healing and self-discovery is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.

Beyond my clinical work, I’m a part-time instructor in the Child and Adolescent Development Department at California State University, Northridge. I never imagined teaching so early in my career, so stepping into this role has been incredibly rewarding. As someone who was once a shy student, putting myself out there and growing in confidence has been a proud milestone. I love mentoring students and sharing knowledge that helps them support children and adolescents, guiding the next generation of teachers, therapists, and helping professionals.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my favorite apps is How We Feel — I use it myself and often recommend it to clients. It’s a simple way to check in with your emotions, journal your thoughts, and notice patterns or triggers over time. I also love the podcast The Squeeze, which offers practical strategies for navigating life’s pressures.

Some books that have really shaped the way I approach work and life are Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Atlas of the Heart, and The Whole-Brain Child. They’ve helped me practice self-care, understand and navigate emotions, and support children, teens, and families in building resilience and stronger connections.

Together, these resources remind me to pause, reflect, and stay grounded, so I can show up fully for my clients, my students, and myself.

Pricing:

• My fee for private pay sessions is $150. However, I have sliding scale options available, as well as superbills to help with insurance reimbursement
• I accept straight Medi-Cal and am in the process of being paneled with Gold Coast Medi-Cal and L.A. Care

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ericarubiotherapy.com
• Instagram: @ericartherapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-r-b48308220
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erica-rubio-westlake-village-ca/1449141