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Gabriel 5-headshot.jpg

Gabriel Perfecto, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 143268

"The world that we live in sometimes reduces the way we feel or think, further impacting our relationships with ourselves and others.  With therapy, the ability to unlock a better version of ourselves awaits, and the process of self-improvement becomes that much more rewarding. I love to connect with my clients in the manner that sees the individual for who they are in their authentic form. It is in those moments where two humans can be real, and recognize the emotions that make us while working towards long-term success and stability in our lives and in our relationships.”

Gabriel is a San Jose native who received his B.A. in Psychology at San Jose State University and M.A in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco. Early in his career, he worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist supporting children and adolescence diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). After graduate school, he immediately worked with populations with severe mental illness and criminal justice history within the capacity of Full Service Partnership and Intensive Outpatient Programs in Santa Clara County. His experience covers a wide variety of clientele throughout the lifespan including clinical topics such as: mood disorders, trauma, substance use, relational/couples work, parenting skills, psychosis, high risk behaviors, suicidality, and crisis intervention. Gabriel primarily utilizes a person-centered/humanistic approach along with an eclectic background of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)/Trauma-Focused-CBT/CBT for psychosis, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Gottman Method in creating a connection with his clients and families.

Licensing and Education

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  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #143268

  • Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, San Jose State University

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Specialized Training

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Motivational Interviewing 

  • Family Systems

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Gottman Method (Level I and II in progress)

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​Clinical Background

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  • TherapyWorks, Los Gatos, CA

    • provided psychotherapy to adults, couples, adolescents and families

    • conducted individualized assessment and treatment planning with clients to ensure desired goals were identified 

    • processed various clinical topics with clients such as mood disorders (depression, anxiety), substance abuse, relationship conflicts/issues, infidelity, work/school-related concerns

    • collaborated with interdisciplinary providers for care coordination of clients

    • managed safety and suicidality concerns â€‹

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  • County of Santa Clara Health & Hospital Systems (Mobile Crisis Response Team)

    • provided initial screening of client referrals from community and law enforcement agencies to assess for emergency/crisis concerns

    • completed risk assessment of clients during crisis and emergency situations and conducted 5150 holds when clients met legal criteria

    • provided crisis intervention services and developed safety plans, including referrals for community-based services/resources to support them

    • collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure mental health advocacy and presence on scene

    • followed-up with non-urgent requests from law enforcement agencies for clients of concern that may present mental health and safety concerns

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  • Starlight Community Services, San Jose, CA

    • provided counseling services to children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, ADHD, Disruptive/Impulse-control disorders, trauma, Bipolar and other related disorders, and Substance-related disorders

    • conducted formal intake evaluation/assessments, determined mental health diagnoses, and developed treatment plans 

    • provided crisis intervention to ensure client safety through safety plans, and appropriate community resources when needed 

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  • Momentum for Mental Health, San Jose, CA

    • provided care for high acuity adult clients with severe mental illness and co-occurring diagnoses: Schizoaffective, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depression, PTSD, and Substance-related disorders

    • assessed and connected clients to programs such as Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs), and Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs) 

    • developed mental health assessments and transformational care planning documents to support client needs

    • care-coordinated with case managers and provided clinical feedback and progress

    • worked within interdisciplinary teams consisting of other therapists, and medical providers

    • ensured continuity of care for clients with local crisis residential programs and other mental health agencies 

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  • West Valley College, San Jose, CA

    • provided individual psychotherapy sessions with college-aged students struggling with ADHD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, school-related stress, sexuality issues, and suicidal ideation

    • utilized screening tools such as Patient Health Questionnaires and other assessment tools to better identify students' struggles

    • completed suicide risk assessments and provided follow-up referrals

    • monitored client progress and re-visited treatment plans/goals

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  • Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Santa Clara, CA

    • provided outpatient therapy with clients on the Autism Spectrum

    • worked with families as a behavioral analysis therapist to develop behavioral intervention plans to support child client's struggles

    • trained incoming therapists in the delivery of ABA to clients

    • collaborated and worked with parents, and other team members to create alignment and effectiveness in behavioral interventions  

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Associations & Memberships

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  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

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