Opening Your Mind To A Better Life
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 215-4200
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Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
By Appointment
Finding the right clinician is an important first step toward achieving your mental health and wellness goals. At Mind Opener Psychological Services, our team of compassionate, experienced clinicians is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Each clinician brings unique expertise, therapeutic approaches, and areas of focus, allowing us to match you with the professional best suited to your individual needs. We invite you to learn more about our clinicians and discover the right fit for your journey toward healing, growth, and lasting well-being.
Dr. Julie Wilnier, PhD
Dr. Julie Wilnier, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in Orange County, California, specializing in comprehensive therapeutic services and psychological assessments for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Since founding her private practice in 2006, she has been recognized as a leading child psychologist in the area, known for her empathetic approach and commitment to addressing the root causes of behavioral and social-emotional challenges. Her expertise includes supporting neurodivergence, ADHD, anxiety, depression, student-life adjustments, family stress, and emotional regulation difficulties through evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy. Dr. Wilnier also offers teacher/school consultations, behavior plans, parenting consultations, social skills training, and in-home discipline consultations. She employs a family-based, multi-system approach, collaborating closely with families, school personnel, and other professionals to ensure consistent and comprehensive care to build clarity, resilience, and actionable strategies for everyday life.
In addition to therapy, Dr. Wilnier conducts detailed neuropsychological, psycho-educational, developmental, gifted, and 2e evaluations to facilitate proper care, school accommodations, and targeted support and interventions, for both children and adults. Her assessments encompass academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning, including neurodivergent considerations like Autism and ADHD. Her goal is to provide clarity and practical strategies for thriving, rather than merely applying labels, ensuring achievable paths toward lasting well-being. I can be reached at 949-391-4791.
Marcene Marcus, LCSW, MSSW, BA
Verified by Psychology Today
“My ideal client is anyone who is feeling stressed, confused, depressed, anxious, or stuck in a particular situation (or in life, in general). If you are looking for a non-judgmental, warm, experienced therapist with an Ivy League graduate school (Columbia University) background and a caring heart, I would be open to meeting you! My work customizes itself to the person, couple or family and incorporates humor as appropriate as well as evidenced based techniques for your optimal comfort and success. ” – Marcene
As a clinical supervisor on the side, training others to become licensed therapists, Marcene is well-versed in a variety of techniques to serve a diverse population. While everything begins with the relationship, the building of trust and the therapeutic alliance, the following evidenced based techniques are drawn from: CBT, DBT, EFT, EMDR, ERP, IFS, Narrative therapy, directive and non-directive play therapies, somatic experience, psychodynamic projective art, music enhanced, superhero and depth lenses. Marcene begins by listening to understand the specific areas you identify with as well as your values and hopes for successful therapy. The work starts where you are in the present moment, evolves into goal focused work that identifies obstacles, carves a path walking with you and leads to unique healing and growth.
“I know what it’s like to be where you are – looking for someone new to talk with and wondering if they can really help and if they are trustworthy. You are interviewing me as much as I am learning about you. Whether or not you are comfortable and if you feel it is a good fit is of utmost importance! The therapeutic relationship/alliance is essential. I am honored to walk with you and guide your healing.” – Marcene
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the clinician who best meets your needs. We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families throughout Orange County with compassionate, personalized mental health care. To schedule an appointment, please visit our contact page, or call us at (949) 215-4200.