Irene Akther, M.S.

practicum counselor; AMFT (12404)

Pronouns: She/Her/Her’s

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Akther (or simply “Irene”) received her Master’s in Counseling from Mount Saint Mary’s University and is currently completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. She enjoys working with diverse communities and supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or poor self-esteem. Outside of her role as a therapist, Ms. Akther enjoys spreading awareness and understanding for mental health concerns, and strives to break down barriers that may prevent people from seeking treatment. She is supervised by Dr. Hossepian (34310). We invite you to reach out to our Assistant Director of Training, Dr. Leal, for any questions or concerns.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Irene can help with.

Rikk Cavin, M.A.

LMFT (132703)

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Mr. Cavin joins Framework after working in a variety of private practice and community clinics across Southern California. He specializes in working with creatives, and often addresses topics of shame, anxiety, fear, and self-criticism within therapy. He prides himself on being authentic and down-to-earth as a therapist, helping clients quickly feel comfortable and accepted. Mr. Cavin uses a person-centered & solution-focused approach, and finds himself most helpful to clients who come to therapy ready to change. His colleagues have noted his passion for social justice, particularly with folks in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Outside of providing therapy, Mr. Cavin enjoys playing the drums in multiple bands around Southern California and is an avid animal lover.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Mr. Cavin can help with.

Ying-An (Erica) Chi, Psy.D.

Psychological Associate (94027856)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA or IL residents)

Dr. Ying-An (Erica) Chi is a person-centered therapist who places a high value on the relationship she forms with her clients. She received her doctorate from Alliant International University and joins Framework after training at several community mental health agencies around Los Angeles County. Dr. Chi prides herself on being a social justice oriented and culturally competent therapist, and uses her own experience as an international student in the US to empathize with the various cultural stressors many clients face in their lives. She is a postdoctoral psychological associate supervised by Dr. Scott (CA: 29242, IL: 071010928). 

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Chi can help with.

Rachael Dadbin, M.A.

LMFT (138618)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Dadbin attended Phillips Graduate University and provides individual therapy at Framework. She specializes in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety or navigating stressful transitions in their life. She approaches therapy from a Humanistic perspective, meeting clients where they are in their journey and building a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere in therapy to facilitate her client's personal growth. Past clients have expressed gratitude for Ms. Dadbin's ability to balance warmth and acceptance with honest and frank feedback. Additionally, Ms. Dadbin enjoys working with fellow mothers who are seeking to increase their sense of wellness. 

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Dadbin can help with.

Nicki Dezfuli, M.A.

practicum counselor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Dezfuli (or simply “Nicki”) received her Master’s, and is currently completing her Doctorate, in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. She views her clients through a strengths-based lens, incorporating psychodynamic, CBT and Mindfulness interventions to help clients achieve greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. She works closely with her clients to uncover insights that foster healing, growth, and authenticity, creating a supportive therapeutic environment filled with empathy, warmth, and acceptance. Additionally, she is committed to providing accessible and quality mental health services to all, aiming to bridge gaps in care and ensure her clients receive the support they need for their wellness. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes from Pinterest, exploring hidden gems in Los Angeles, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Ms. Dezfuli is supervised by Dr. Gamboa (32955). We invite you to reach out to our Assistant Director of Training, Dr. Leal, for any questions or concerns.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Nicki can help with.

Cem Gultekin, M.A.

practicum counselor

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA & IL residents)

Mr. Gultekin (or simply “Cem”, pronounced “Jim”) received his Master’s, and is currently completing his Doctorate, in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. He helps his clients with a wide range of concerns, but has a special interest in the intersection of mental and physical health. He utilizes interventions based in psychodynamic and existential theories of psychology. Originally from Istanbul, he uses his immigration experience and Turkish-American heritage to develop a deeper understanding of clients’ cultural histories, and how those histories have influenced their life. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, cooking, and traveling. Mr. Gultekin is co-supervised by Dr. Scott (CA 29242; IL 071010928) & Dr. Snead (147290). We invite you to reach out to our Assistant Director of Training, Dr. Leal, for any questions or concerns.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Cem can help with.

Catherine Engle Kilmer, M.A.

AMFT (147014), APCC (16577)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Kilmer received her Master’s in Counseling from Pacifica Graduate Institute. In addition to being a therapist, Ms. Kilmer has been a secular mindfulness practitioner since 2003, completed hundreds of hours of yoga teacher training, and facilitated meditation retreats. Ms. Kilmer approaches her therapeutic work with the utmost sensitivity and respect for each client’s unique inner world, connecting with each client’s emotion through openness and mindful presence. She utilizes Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness based interventions in her work. Although Ms. Kilmer works with individuals and couples presenting with a wide range of concerns, she is especially honored to help clients clients explore themes of creativity, sensitivity, and isolation. She is supervised by Kerry Rogers, LCSW (102686).

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Kilmer can help with.

Elisa Leal, Psy.D.

Assistant Director of Training

PSYCHOLOGIST (28330)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Dr. Leal is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio as well as The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She specializes in helping individuals navigate through periods of high stress in their life. At her core Dr. Leal believes that every single person on Earth is truly capable of change. By using cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based approaches, she strives to help each client discover the power they hold to change their life for the better. Although Dr. Leal works with clients of all genders at Framework, she holds a sub-specialization in working with men around the concepts of masculinity and shame. Additionally she specializes in LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy as well as digital ethics for mental health professionals.

Dr. Leal specializes in training the next generation of therapists, coordinating Framework’s training fellowships as our Assistant Director of Training. As a supervisor, Dr. Leal uses a developmental approach to help build upon her trainees’ innate strengths. Click here to learn more about clinical training opportunities at Framework.

Outside of her life as a therapist, she enjoys engaging in expressive arts.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Leal can help with.

Rebecca LeCroix, Ph.D.

Assistant director of education & Engagement

Psychologist (32449)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Dr. LeCroix received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University. She previously worked at Oglethorpe University as well as the University of California, Irvine. She specializes in utilizing Humanistic and CBT-based interventions to treat depression, anxiety, and aid in navigating life transitions. She also specializes in providing LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy and has worked as a LGBTQIA+ researcher and Safe Space program facilitator. Dr. LeCroix provides individual and couples therapy at Framework.

As Framework’s Assistant Director of Education & Engagement, Dr. LeCroix facilitates Framework’s relationship with other healthcare providers in our community, and coordinates our Continuing Education Program approved by the California Psychological Association (FRA0001).

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. LeCroix can help with.

Kimberlee McMillian, M.S.W.

LCSW (61932)

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Ms. McMillian is a graduate of San Diego State University. Before joining Framework, she previously worked for Loma Linda University Medical Center and Optum Behavioral Health, while also helping train the next generation of therapists as a field instructor. Ms. McMillian approaches her work from a supportive and nonjudgmental place, utilizing a wide array of intervention styles to help her clients achieve their goals. Ms. McMillian borrows from a range of different therapeutic styles, but helps each client discover practical solutions to their presenting issues. She works with adults of all ages and presenting concerns, but especially enjoys working with adults in their 20s or 30s, or those in college. In addition, she values making herself available to adult adoptees.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. McMillian can help with.

Jaime Reeves, M.A.

lMFT (102924)

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Reeves attended Howard University and holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. Integrating a wide variety of clinical approaches, she uses collaboration, compassion, and understanding to help guide her clients through wherever they might be in their own personal journey through life. Past clients have reported that they feel she is easy to connect with and very nurturing. Before becoming a therapist, Ms. Reeves worked in television and radio advertising. She uses her own personal experiences in the entertainment industry to help clients thrive in stressful and demanding jobs. Although she’s a generalist who helps clients overcome a wide array of concerns, she specializes in anxiety, depression, and poor body image. She lives in Los Angeles and her hobbies include creative writing and horseback riding. 

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Reeves can help with.

Kerry Rogers, M.S.W.

lCSW (102686)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Rogers is a graduate of the Boston College School of Social Work, and joins our practice after previously working at the University of San Diego and Boston College. She treats a wide variety of presenting concerns using a solution-focused approach, helping clients identify their unique strengths, goals for life, and uses therapy to help bridge the two. Within this approach, she intersperses interventions from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapies. She values the role of social justice in her work and is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. Outside of therapy, Ms. Rogers enjoys hiking, playing board games, and traveling.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Rogers can help with.

Maite Savage, M.A.

AMFT (141037)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA & IL residents)

Ms. Savage holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University as well as a BFA in Theater from Carnegie Mellon University. She works with a wide range of presenting issues, including depression and anxiety, in both individual and couples counseling. Ms. Savage adopts a holistic view of her clients, helping them to see the interconnected nature of their unique experiences and challenges.  Outside of being a generalist, she has former training as an actor and enjoys working with other creatives.  Additionally, she’s passionate about working with individuals or couples around issues of family planning, fertility, and parenthood. Ms. Savage is supervised by Dr. Scott (CA 29242;IL 071010928).

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Savage can help with.

Kari Schall, Ph.D.

Psychologist (34734)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Dr. Schall received her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Before joining Framework, she completed her clinical training at university counseling centers, including a predoctoral internship at Washington State University and a post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA. She considers herself a generalist, treating a wide variety of concerns, but specializes in working with members of the LGBTQ community as well as survivors of sexual assault. She grounds her interventions in Cognitive-Behavioral and Feminist theories, striving to help clients better understand themselves and live their lives feeling empowered. Dr. Schall emphasizes creating a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients to foster a safe, warm, and trusting space for personal growth. In her free time, Dr. Schall enjoys reading novels, traveling to national parks, and spending time with her two cats.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Schall can help with.

Spencer Scott, Psy.D. 

founder, Director

PSYCHOLOGIST (CA-29242; IL-071010928)

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Appointment Location: Online (for CA or IL)

Dr. Scott founded Framework Associates in 2017. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, completed his internship at the University of Illinois, and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Previously, he’s held positions as a therapist, supervising psychologist, and faculty member at several universities across the U.S., including here in greater Los Angeles. Dr. Scott treats a wide variety of psychological concerns and has experience working with people from many backgrounds of life. He holds expertise in treating anxiety, ADHD, and relationship concerns from psychodynamic perspectives. He’s incredibly passionate about LGBTQIA+ wellness and loves helping other members of this community thrive. His dissertation examined the use of interpersonal boundaries in online dating.

As Director, Dr. Scott oversees Framework’s clinical services to ensure they are culturally affirming, of the highest quality, and aligned with our practice's values. Outside of his role as a psychologist and Director, he provides private practice consultation to colleagues seeking to grow their own dream practice.

He lives in the Valley with his husband, kid, and miniature dachshund.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Scott can help with.

Yasi Shamtoub, Ph.D.

PSYCHOLOGIST (29520)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Dr. Shamtoub earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University and has previously worked in private practice and addiction treatment in Malibu. She approaches each client with patience, an open mind, and emotional presence. Using an eclectic approach, she practices mindfulness-based therapies along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help each client find a sense of peace and balance. Dr. Shamtoub prides herself in being a generalist who works with a broad range of clients and issues. She holds sub-specializations in relationship issues, trauma, and addiction (in all forms, not just substance-based addiction). She believes clients feel improvement when they gain both the insight and tools necessary to break free of their bothersome thoughts and behaviors. She enjoys comedies, traveling, and the arts.

(Dr. Shamtoub is an independent contractor at Framework specialized in addiction treatment.)

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Shamtoub can help with.

K. Loette Snead, Psy.D.

Psychological associate (94028007), LMFT (147290)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Locations: North Hollywood, CA & Online (for CA residents)

Dr. Snead earned her Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy from Alliant International University-Irvine. She provides individual and couples therapy at Framework. Dr. Snead treats many presenting concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She utilizes an integration of Humanistic, Collaborative Language Systems, and Mindful Self-Compassion in her work. Dr. Snead has a passion for providing care to culturally diverse clients with a special focus on intersectionality and identity development. She is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. She is currently an post-doctoral psychological associate (94028007) supervised by Dr. Leal (28330).

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Snead can help with.

Isabelle Speers, M.S.

LMFT (150434)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA residents)

Ms. Speers attended California State University Chico and provides individual therapy. Before joining Framework, Ms. Speers worked with a wide variety of clients at Westside Community Services of San Francisco as well as LGBTQIA+ clientele through the Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico. She approaches therapy from Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Interpersonal perspectives. She creates a safe space for clients to be seen and understood while encouraging awareness, self-compassion, and positive change. In her free time, Ms. Speers loves to sample local coffee shops, lounge on the couch with her cat, Olive, and attend slow flow yoga classes.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Ms. Speers can help with.

Catherine Teotico, Psy.D.

Psychologist (CA-34001; WA-61415931)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Appointment Location: Online (for CA or WA residents)

Dr. Teotico is a Filipino-American, bilingual (Tagalog), first-generation immigrant, cisgender, heterosexual woman. She received her Psy.D. from William James College and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA. Prior to joining Framework, she worked in a variety of college counseling centers, private practices and special education programs. Originally from the Philippines, Dr. Teotico is passionate about working with individuals from underserved communities, including but not limited to undocumented individuals, immigrants, international residents, Asian-Americans, and people of color. She is dedicated to social and racial justice and emphasizes therapy that examines her client’s experiences through a multicultural lens. Through her collaborative approach to therapy, Dr. Teotico aims to have her clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. She utilizes psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral interventions to help clients process a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, identity development, life transitions and ADHD.  Past clients have described her as genuine, kind, and empathetic. In her free time, she loves to dance, swim, craft, and travel with friends and family.

Click here to learn more the concerns that Dr. Teotico can help with.

***Para humiling ng therapy sa Tagalog, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa amin.