About The Therapy Innovation

Welcome Inn

Standard 45-55 minute sessions are offered for individuals, children, couples and families.

Many insurances and self pay options are accepted and select "low fee slots" may be available.

You Are Not Alone

The Therapy Innovation began with a simple idea: people heal best when they feel seen, heard, and unhurried. We created a space where you can pause, exhale, and move at a pace that respects where you are.

Based in El Cajon, California, we serve individuals, couples, and families in person and through secure telehealth across California.

Founder & Clinical Supervisor

Samantha Lopez, LMFT

Samantha Lopez is the founder of Therapy Innovation, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a lifelong advocate for care that meets people where they are—with respect, empathy, and clinical integrity.

Her path began early. A twin born prematurely and weighing less than two pounds, Samantha’s earliest years shaped her deep sensitivity to how trauma, health, and attachment ripple through life. By age eight, she knew she wanted to teach. She began as a Head Start parent, then became a Head Start teacher, consultant, and mental health liaison—serving families from the ground up for over seventeen years.

That work taught her that meaningful support isn’t about diagnosis or compliance—it’s about relationship, pacing, and trust. Samantha returned to graduate school to become a licensed therapist, with the goal of building a practice that honored these values. What began as a private practice has grown into Therapy Innovation: a calm, integrative clinical space designed around whole-person care.

Samantha's approach centers emotional safety, respect for neurodiversity, and a belief that therapy should never be rushed. She works with families, teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, grief, spectrum-related challenges, relational conflict, and more—all through a lens that blends evidence-based treatment with a strong respect for each individual’s readiness and rhythm.

Therapy Innovation is not just a practice—it is a model. It exists to bridge the gap between system limitations and community needs. Today, the organization holds 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and continues to grow through partnerships, clinical training, and a commitment to accessibility.

“We don’t see clients. We see people.”

That belief guides Samantha’s work every day—and it defines what Therapy Innovation stands for.

 What Makes Therapy Innovation Different

Therapy Innovation was created to offer something different—a calm, client-centered space where care is thoughtful, regulated, and never rushed. In this video, you'll hear directly from our founder about what we stand for, what we reject, and what makes our approach unique.

We are a Local 501(c)3 San Diego Non-Profit

At The Therapy Innovation, our mission is to make mental health support accessible, compassionate, and centered on the real lived experiences of the people we serve. As a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit, we work closely with our community to create safe, affirming spaces where healing is supported and each person feels seen and valued.

We are committed to lowering barriers to care, honoring cultural and personal identities, and meeting people with respect, empathy, and genuine human connection. Our goal is simple: to ensure that emotional well-being is something everyone can access — not a privilege reserved for a few.

How We Work

• Client-centered, trauma-informed care
• Culturally responsive and LGBTQIA+ affirming
• Collaborative: we set goals together and revisit them as you grow
• Flexible access: in-person and telehealth appointments, with select evening/weekend availability

The Therapy Innovation is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donor support helps us:

• keep therapy within reach through sliding-scale options,
• expand telehealth for clients across the state, and
• invest in clinician training so care remains steady and reliable.

Donations are tax-deductible.

Who We Serve

• Adults, teens, and families
• Individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity, and life transitions
• Couples seeking better communication, repair, or clarity

A calm start: we’ll learn what you’re carrying and what you want to change

A clear plan: you’ll know your next steps and how we’ll measure progress

A respectful pace: no pressure, no lectures—just steady support

The Therapy Innovation team members

We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. Upon request, we’ll provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Sliding-scale spots are supported by community donations.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re in El Cajon or anywhere in California, we’re here to help you find steadiness and momentum.

Access & Safety

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7 resources for San Diego County: (888) 724-7240 | 988lifeline.org | Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741.