​Meet our Team

Behzad Bernous, Psy.D.

President / Licensed 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 also specializes in psychological testing and evaluation and conducts testing and evaluations such as: memory and cognitive assessments, intellectual and academic abilities assessments and many more for variety of sources including forensic evaluation for courts, fitness for duty, and also Department of Defense (DOD) evaluations.

Dr. Bernous' extensive knowledge and experience in psychology and art (photojournalist for more than 15 years) enables him to be an avid observer, a good listener, as well as a creative solution finder. Dr. Bernous is amount the leading psychologists utilizing Photo-Therapy in his practice which is an innovative use of photography to reduce mental health symptoms. You can find out more about Photo-Therapy by visiting our services page. 
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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.
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Dr. Bernous provides therapy both in English and Farsi.
​You can follow Dr. Bernous on social media, or send him an email by clicking the links below.

Alexandre Kargar,  Psy.D.

Psychological Associate 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.
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Ariana Ahani, Psy.D.

Psychological Associate PSB94025821
Dr. Ariana Ahani is a psychological associate currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bernous. Dr. Ariana received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general psychology and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She conducts psychotherapy with individuals suffering from addiction, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. She also works with immigrants facing acculturation problems as well as individuals seeking personal growth. 

Dr. Ariana provides a safe, respectful, and growing space for her clients to build inner strength in facing difficulties and find meaning in life. 

​Dr. Ariana believes that a human’s true wealth is the ability to fully experience life, which is the cornerstone of her approach to help her clients live life to the fullest. 

Dr. Ariana provides therapy both in English and Farsi.

Soheila Norolouni, LMFT 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT132196
Soheila Norolouni a licensed marriage and family therapist with seven years of experience treating individuals, couples and families to overcome and manage their daily stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, behavioral issues, relational distress, anger, compulsiveness, complex grief, unresolved past trauma, attachment wounds and other mental health and behavioral challenges. 

Soheila's approach in therapy is to be present as a healthy attachment figure for the wounded and detached individual who feels left out and isolated in this world. By listening empathically and taking a nonjudgmental stance, she provides a trusting environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to share their inner struggles. Soheila moves with client’s pace and will work with what they bring into the session. 

Soheila admires people who seek therapy for the purpose of gaining insight into their relational issues with self and others. They choose to embrace vulnerability and work steadily to reach their goals. Despite the discomfort and ambiguity of the process, they stay focused on their intention of creating a healthier life. 

​Soheila believes that not every modality works for all. By catering to each client’s specific needs, Soheila utilizes the appropriate approach in order to help them move past their struggles and to gain a sense of strength to fulfill their mental health needs. 

​Soheila provides therapy both in English and Farsi.

Trisha Church, MA, APCC , ​Doctoral Candidate

Psychological Associate PSB94026496
Trisha completed her M.A. in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Irvine, CA.  During her graduate studies, Trisha gained experience in the field of clinical psychology, working as an associate therapist at the County of Orange, Children and Youth Services, providing therapy to children and adolescents. 

Trisha is a registered professional clinical counselor and has practiced in a variety of treatment settings, including hospitalization, intensive outpatient settings, and private practice. Trisha has experience working with dual diagnosis, addiction, trauma, as well as psychological testing. She continues to be trained in CBT, Attachment Theory, and Psychodynamic treatment modalities.

Trisha is currently working on her Clinical Psychology Doctorate (PsyD) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim, CA, an APA-accredited program.

​Trisha’s doctoral training has included working at the Norooz Clinic Foundation, Pathways to Potential, and most recently, Bernous Psychological Services, where she administers intellectual, personality, and neurocognitive assessments to adolescents and adults. Trisha is also currently working on her dissertation, examining alternative outcomes in the foster care system for children affected by methamphetamine in families.

​Trisha provides therapy and testing in English.

Toranj Tourchian

Front Office
Toranj Tourchian is a student in psychology major who  is pursuing her love for assisting others in our workplace.

Toranj is responsible for running the front desk and helping our clients and medical professionals. She has the soul of an artist and appreciates the beauty in everything.
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Toranj is a fluent Farsi and English speaker.