Meet Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Dsw, Msw, Lcsw | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Dsw, Msw, Lcsw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Deborah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own practice, autonomy was at the forefront of my mind- both for myself and the clients I serve. As a clinician in the mental health field, I’ve found that being able to craft an environment where I can provide personalized care is invaluable. I wanted the freedom to innovate and design services that truly meet the needs of each individual. In particular, I recognized that many clients needed a flexible, accessible way to receive mental health care that would fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Whether due to work, family responsibilities, or just the reality of Los Angeles traffic, it’s not always possible to drive across town for an appointment.

That’s where virtual therapy plays such a crucial role. By offering a safe and comfortable space for clients- whether it’s from the comfort of their home or private office- I’m able to meet them where they are, both physically and emotionally. This model not only removes the barriers of geography but also fosters a unique sense of security and privacy, which is critical in mental health work. My goal has always been to empower my clients to take ownership of their mental health journey, and having the flexibility to access care on their terms is a big part of that.

Autonomy isn’t just important for me as a clinician; it’s central to my clients’ healing process. By making therapy more accessible, I’m helping them cultivate that same sense of agency and control in their own mental health journeys, which can be empowering and transformative.

What should our readers know about your business?
My practice is deeply rooted in providing culturally competent care, with a focus on supporting women and young girls who are survivors of human and sex trafficking. What sets my practice apart is the environment I’ve created- one where clients feel heard, appreciated, and accounted for. Many of the individuals I work with have experienced extreme trauma, and it’s crucial that they have a space where they can process their experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I am passionate about equipping my clients with the skills they need to create a life worth living- a life where they not only survive but thrive.

What excites me the most is witnessing that transformation. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client fall in love with life again, chasing their dreams, setting goals, and realizing they are worthy of everything they aspire to. It’s not just about healing trauma, it’s about elevating their whole experience of life and giving them the tools to prioritize themselves, their hopes, and their futures.

Business-wise, getting to this point has been a journey. It wasn’t easy. I bet on myself and allowed my inner dreams to come alive, knowing full well that it might not work out. But I was strategic and grounded in my “why”understanding the importance of the work I wanted to do and the population I wanted to serve. That gave me a sense of confidence to pursue entrepreneurship, even when the path was uncertain.

Starting a private practice meant facing financial challenges. I didn’t have the safety net of a steady salary, and I knew failure wasn’t an option- I couldn’t afford it. So I approached the process with strategy and financial planning, and I took calculated risks. There were unknowns along the way, and some obstacles caught me off guard, but being prepared and flexible helped me manage expenses and keep the business moving forward. Soon, my practice started to grow rapidly because of the specific population I work with and the urgent need for these services.

Along the way, I’ve learned some key lessons. One of the most important has been trusting my gut. There have been moments where data and logic didn’t necessarily align with my instincts, but trusting myself has always led me in the right direction. I’ve also learned the importance of staying relevant. The world is constantly changing, and it’s crucial to stay up to date with the needs of the community and the times we live in. The population I serve-survivors of human trafficking- faces unique and evolving challenges, and being adaptable in my approach is essential.

Finally, I’ve learned to be prepared for the unknown. Flexibility is key in entrepreneurship, and when surprises or setbacks arise, I’ve made sure I’m able to bounce back quickly. This resilience has been central to my business’s success and growth.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it is built on a foundation of love, empathy, and empowerment. I’m committed to creating a space where women and girls who have been through unimaginable trauma can come to heal, dream, and rebuild their lives. My practice is more than just a service- it’s a movement to prioritize self-worth, dreams, and goals for those who have been marginalized and often overlooked. At the heart of it all is the belief that every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered to create the future they want.

Ultimately, my story is about betting on myself and betting on the idea that through compassion and strategic care, we can help individuals not just recover but truly thrive. The work we do is transformative, and I’m proud to be part of my clients’ journeys toward hope and fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure we experienced the perfect blend of LA’s rich history and its vibrant, bohemian culture. Here’s what our week-long itinerary might look like:

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Heart of LA We’d kick off the week with a visit to Olvera Street- the birthplace of Los Angeles. This historic district is filled with colorful market stalls, vibrant music, and incredible Mexican food. For lunch, we’d grab a bite at La Luz del Dia, known for its authentic tamales and tacos. In the afternoon, we’d stroll through Union Station, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. To cap off the day, we’d head to El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, the city’s oldest section, to soak in even more history.

Day 2: Downtown LA Arts and Culture The next day, we’d explore downtown LA’s art scene, starting at The Broad Museum for some contemporary art and a peek at Yayoi Kusama’s famous Infinity Mirror Rooms. Afterward, we’d wander over to Grand Central Market for lunch, where we’d grab something eclectic from vendors like Eggslut or Sarita’s Pupuseria. Then, we’d check out The Last Bookstore, a bohemian haven filled with art installations, rare books, and quirky design elements. For dinner, I’d take us to Bestia, a trendy spot in the Arts District known for its innovative Italian cuisine.

Day 3: A Day in Santa Monica and Venice Beach We’d spend the next day at the coast, starting with a leisurely morning in Santa Monica. A walk along the iconic Santa Monica Pier and a bike ride down the Strand would give us beautiful views of the ocean. For lunch, we’d stop at Gjelina in nearby Venice, where the rustic, farm-to-table dishes are as vibrant as the Venice vibe itself. Afterward, we’d wander through Abbot Kinney Boulevard, checking out the eclectic shops and grabbing coffee at Intelligentsia. The day would end with a sunset stroll along Venice Beach, watching the street performers and soaking in the bohemian spirit.

Day 4: Historic Pasadena and Griffith Park Mid-week, we’d head out to Pasadena to visit the stunning Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. After walking through the Japanese Gardens and viewing the historic manuscripts, we’d have lunch at Sage Vegan Bistro in nearby Old Town Pasadena, a charming area filled with history and great eateries. In the late afternoon, we’d head back to LA for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory to take in panoramic views of the city and the famous Hollywood Sign. At night, we’d grab dinner at Messhall Kitchen, an upbeat spot known for its modern American cuisine.

Day 5: Orange County Day Trip We’d venture down to Orange County for a change of pace, starting with a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of California’s most beautiful and historic missions. After taking in the Spanish architecture and gardens, we’d head to Laguna Beach for lunch at Nick’s Laguna Beach, a laid-back spot with ocean views. We’d spend the afternoon wandering through the local art galleries and boutiques before catching the sunset at Crystal Cove State Park. For dinner, we’d check out The Deck on Laguna Beach, an oceanfront restaurant with fresh seafood and laid-back vibes.

Day 6: Bohemian Silver Lake and Echo Park Back in LA, we’d spend the day exploring Silver Lake and Echo Park. For brunch, I’d take us to Sqirl, known for its inventive dishes and locally sourced ingredients. We’d then walk around Echo Park Lake, where we could rent paddle boats and admire the surrounding hills. Afterward, we’d wander through Silver Lake’s quirky shops, stopping for coffee at Café Stella. Dinner would be at Alimento, a neighborhood favorite with an elevated take on Italian comfort food. We’d end the night at The Satellite, a classic music venue that’s hosted some of the best indie acts in the city.

Day 7: Wrap Up with a Day in Malibu We’d finish the week with a relaxing day in Malibu. Starting with a hike in Solstice Canyon, we’d work up an appetite for brunch at Malibu Farm on the pier, where the views and the fresh, organic food are unbeatable. Afterward, we’d hit the beach at Zuma or take a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway. We’d cap off the trip with a final dinner at Nobu Malibu, an iconic spot where the ocean views and upscale Japanese-Peruvian cuisine would be the perfect way to end the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my husband deserves the biggest shoutout in my journey. He has been nothing short of instrumental in helping me pursue my career in mental health. From the very beginning, when I first started undergrad, all the way through grad school and eventually while pursuing my doctorate degree, he has always been my number one fan. Balancing school full-time, working full-time, and raising a family together could have felt overwhelming, but he was the steady foundation that allowed me to keep going, even when the days were long and the challenges were many.

We both worked full-time while growing our family, and it took honing serious time management skills to not only support our children in their schooling and extracurricular activities but also to ensure I could continue my education and career goals. His support and belief in me gave me the space to pursue my passions, and that has made all the difference. There were many late nights, deadlines, and moments where I had to juggle what felt like a thousand things at once, but he was always there, encouraging me to push forward.

I want to give a special shoutout to my adult children. They’ve been incredibly patient and understanding through the years and this entire journey, cheering me on as I worked toward my dreams. Their love and encouragement, even when it meant me missing a game or a family event because I had to study or work, have been a constant source of strength. Together, my family has truly been the backbone of everything I’ve achieved, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support.

I also, would like to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to the academic and professional mentors who believed in me. Their leadership, guidance, and support have been instrumental in helping me reach many of my personal and professional milestones. I am forever indebted to them, and I am committed to paying it forward by supporting the next generation of mental health clinicians as they enter this important and evolving field.

Website: https://www.drdeborahvillanueva.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deborah-villanueva-dsw-msw-lcsw-69582b40