"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl
About Dr. Barek Sharif, Psy.D, LMFT
I’m Dr. Barek Sharif, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I work with driven professionals and couples in South Orange County who are navigating the unique pressures that come with a demanding life.
Many of the individuals I see are used to "doing it all," yet they often find themselves struggling with a quiet sense of burnout, anxiety, or disconnection beneath the surface. I provide a grounded space to explore the weight of these responsibilities, helping you move past perfectionism and emotional exhaustion toward a more balanced and authentic way of living.
In my work with couples, I help partners who have slowly drifted apart amidst the busyness of their careers and daily lives. Disconnection rarely happens overnight; it often builds through unspoken expectations and the demands of a high-pressure lifestyle. Together, we work to uncover these patterns, rebuild trust, and re-establish a secure, compassionate bond. Whether you are navigating conflict, distance, or a loss of intimacy, our goal is to help you rediscover empathy and create a relationship that feels supportive and alive.
This journey doesn’t have to be faced alone, and I would be honored to walk alongside you. I offer sessions both in person in Mission Viejo and via telehealth to accommodate busy schedules. You’re welcome to reach out for a brief consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Dr. Barek’s Focus
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Relational health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Couple’s therapy aids in moving beyond surface-level conflict to address deeper patterns of disconnection, rebuilding a secure and compassionate bond rooted in trust, empathy, and clear communication.
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Individual therapy is a transformative space designed to address the root causes of burnout, stress, and internal negativity. By fostering self-compassion and resilience, we work to navigate life’s complexities to rediscover a sense of authentic balance and purpose.
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Quality clinical supervision is the foundation of growth, offering a secure space to cultivate mastery and refine your therapeutic voice. It fosters ethical excellence and resilience, ensuring you have the support needed to provide high-impact care.
Dr. Barek’s Education
Doctor of Psychology (Alliant University)
Master of Science (Vanguard University)
Bachelor of Arts (Vanguard University)
Approved Supervisor (AAMFT)
Services
Individual Therapy
$225 (50 minute session)
Driven professionals often experience a specific intersection of perfectionism, chronic stress, and personal disconnection as a result of high-pressure environments. Therapy provides a structured framework to address the root causes of burnout and emotional exhaustion, facilitating a shift toward sustainable performance and authentic personal well-being.
Couple’s Therapy
$275 (50 minute session)
$400 (90 minute session)
For driven couples, communication challenges are frequently a byproduct of high-pressure lifestyles and gradual disconnection. Couples therapy focuses on moving beyond surface interactions, to navigate the unique stressors of demanding careers, while re-establishing a partnership of trust love.
Clinical Supervision
$150 (Individual & Triadic)
As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of therapists as they cultivate their unique clinical identities. Our work together goes beyond case consultation; we explore the intersection of your professional evolution and the stories you hold as a clinician. Whether in one-on-one, triadic, or group settings, my goal is to provide a secure, reflective space where you can build the confidence and competence necessary to thrive in this field.
FAQs
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There are pros and cons to therapy. If you are seeking support to address your personal or relational challenges, and determine if therapy is a good fit for you, please feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute consultation.
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Individual and couples sessions typically last 50 minutes. If more time is needed 90-minute sessions can be scheduled for couples. I can also accommodate additional time, which can be discussed in advance.
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Dr. Barek provides monthly superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many PPO and POS plans offer out-of-network benefits that reimburse a significant portion of the session cost once your deductible is met.
The Benefit: Choosing an out-of-network provider allows you the freedom to work with a specialist specifically suited to your needs, rather than being limited to a pre-set list. It also ensures greater privacy and allows Dr. Barek to tailor the frequency and duration of your care without insurance-mandated restrictions.
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Individual Therapy: Standard rate is $225 per 50-minute session.
Couples Therapy: Standard rate is $275 per 50-minute session, or $400 per 90-minute session.
Clinical Supervision: Standard rate is $150 per 1 unit of supervision.
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Cash, check, major credit cards (Amex, Mastercard, Discover, and Visa), and HSA/FSA are accepted forms of payment.
”Good Faith” Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under California law, health care providers are required to give patients who don’t have insurance (or who are not using insurance) an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
Blog Posts
Resources
What is Depression?
Depression is a clinical term that is used to describe intense negative thoughts and/or feelings.
For more information about depressive disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is Anxiety?
Characterized by intense worry or fear that negatively impacts functioning in various areas of life.
For more info about anxiety disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is ADHD?
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is both an attention difficulty and over/under-stimulation difficulty.
For more information about ADHD visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is Bipolar?
Bipolar disorders can be experienced as unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
For more information about bipolar disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is PTSD?
PTSD can be the result of unresolved (and emotionally intense) experiences. This oftentimes results in intrusive thoughts and unavoidable/unwanted emotional experiences.
For more information about PTSD visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is BPD?
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions.
For more information about borderline personality disorder visit the National Institute of Mental Health
Contact Dr. Barek
If you’re interested in collaborating, please provide your information, and you will be contacted soon.
Location
26010 Acero
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hours (Appointment Only)
Monday–Thursday
4pm–9pm
Phone
(949) 354-3736