​Meet our Team

Behzad Bernous, Psy.D.

President / Clinical Psychologist PSY27821
Dr. Behzad Bernous is a Licensed clinical psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Certified Life Coach (LC) practicing in Southern California. 
He is also a professor of psychology and teaches at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and National University, as well as being the president of  the Bernous Psychological Services in Newport Beach, CA.
Dr. Bernous is an active member of the Mental Health Society and hosts a radio and TV show about healthy parenting on Ayeneh Organization. Dr. Bernous' extensive knowledge and experience in psychology and art enables him to be an avid observer, a good listener, as well as a creative solution finder.
Dr. Bernous' theoretical approach in therapy is psychodynamic, which involves the various forces of the mind that are in motion. This approach considers different psychological factors as having effects on an individual's life. These factors could be known or unknown to us. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to make us aware of unknown thoughts, feelings, and desires. This way, we can develop new ways of thinking about ourselves and new ways of relating to others, while learning to be more flexible in dealing with our problems. This method of therapy allows for a new aspect of our personality to grow; in other words, it allows us to become the best person we could be.
​
Dr. Bernous provides therapy both in English and Farsi.

Maryam Afshari, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT104786
Maryam Afshari is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with experience working with couples and individuals dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and relationship issues. She received her Master’s in Counseling from Webster University in 2009. Maryam’s methods of therapy are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. 
​
Maryam is currently a Counselor and Adjunct Professor at local community colleges, with over six years of experience in teaching & providing academic, career, and personal counseling to a diverse student population.
​Her efforts at a local community college won her the 2016-2017 President’s Award for Innovation, Leadership & Distinguished Services.  

Maryam provides therapy both in English and Farsi.

Alexandre Kargar,  Psy.D.

Psychological Assistant PSB94023493
Dr. Alexandre Kargar has a doctorate in Clinical psychology and is currently working under supervision of Dr. Bernous. He has a teaching background in clinical psychology at university and is a licensed clinical psychologist in France. He has worked as a therapist and psychological assistant with a variety of emotional, cognitive and conduct disordered children and adults in a multi-cultural background. His expertise is working with developmentally disabled adults and children and family management. 

Dr. Kargar is also a certified life-coach focused on transitional and crisis interventions.

Dr. Kargar provides therapy in English, French, and Farsi

Minoo Dargah,  Psy.D.

Psychological Assistant PSB94023198
Dr. Minoo Dargah has a doctorate in Clinical psychology (PSB94023198) and is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous. She is an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and is also a guest speaker on many different TV & Radio stations.

Dr. Dargah works as a therapist and psychological assistant in a wide variety of settings including outpatient as well as residential settings. She specializes in relationship issues, trauma, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, marital problems, as well as premarital consultation and adjustment to various life transitions. She is passionate about supporting clients to develop insights and more self- fulfillment in their lives. She takes this journey with them and assist them to learn healthy coping skills to approach life challenges more effectively. 

​Dr. Dargah provides therapy both in English and Farsi.