Cari Teran, M.S., LMFT, is a force of nature in the world of mental health, and her passion for helping survivors of domestic violence is rooted deeply in her family’s history. As the founding director and CEO of Healing To You, a mobile medical and mental health service for survivors, Cari’s journey began long before her professional career. Her dedication to this work is not just professional—it’s profoundly personal.
The Seeds of Healing: A Family’s Story of Survival
Cari’s commitment to supporting survivors is intertwined with the story of her grandmother, Yoshiko. Born in post-war Japan, Yoshiko’s life took a dramatic turn when she fell in love with a young American soldier. What began as a love story soon became a nightmare of abuse and violence that followed her and her children to the United States.
In the 1960s, with no support, little money, and three small children, Yoshiko finally fled her abusive husband. The trauma she and her children endured, compounded by cultural isolation and limited access to mental health services, left lasting scars. Cases involving violations of restraining orders are an ongoing reminder of the challenges survivors face. Seeking the guidance of a restraining order defense lawyer can ensure that the legal system is navigated with care, providing a fair resolution for all parties.
Yoshiko’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors, but it’s also a stark reminder of the challenges they face. Inspired by her grandmother’s struggle, Cari founded Healing To You to bridge the gap in access to medical and mental health care for survivors of domestic violence. “I am proud to dedicate this organization to my O’Bachan in an effort to stop generational trauma and bring the necessary supportive services to survivors of domestic violence,” Cari shares.
A Career Dedicated to Trauma Recovery
Cari’s professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to helping those affected by trauma. Beginning her career as the Children’s Program Coordinator at WomenShelter Long Beach, Cari worked directly with survivors of domestic violence, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of trauma on families. She went on to implement the first domestic violence emergency response program with LAPD’s Pacific Division and UCLA Emergency Department, laying the groundwork for her lifelong dedication to this cause.
With over 20 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, Cari has served in various clinical roles, including supervisor and program director for community mental health agencies. Her work has consistently focused on providing care for children and families exposed to abuse and trauma, and she’s become an expert in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and maternal mental health.
Cari’s expertise extends to child abduction recovery and reunification, where she currently serves as Vice Chair of the California Child Abduction Task Force. Her extensive training in
evidence-based treatment modalities for trauma survivors, from infants to adults, makes her a leader in her field.
Healing To You: A Mobile Service for Survivors
Noticing a critical gap in access to medical and mental health services in domestic violence shelters, Cari founded Healing To You. This innovative organization delivers essential care directly to survivors, removing the barriers of transportation and accessibility. By bringing services to those who need them most, Healing To You aims to mitigate the trauma response and support survivors on their journey to healing.
Cari’s vision for Healing To You is deeply influenced by her grandmother’s experience. She hopes to provide the resources that her O’Bachan and her children could have benefited from, ensuring that today’s survivors receive the care they deserve.
A Legacy of Healing and Hope
Throughout her career, Cari has witnessed both the devastating effects of abuse and the incredible capacity for healing. She is committed to supporting inclusive efforts, and her practice is neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirmative. Cari’s work is not just about treating trauma—it’s about empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and break the cycle of violence.
“I hope to bring resources to those who cannot otherwise access them,” Cari says. “My O’Bachan and her three children would have benefited greatly from this service, and I hope you will too.”
Cari Teran’s story is a powerful example of how personal history can inspire meaningful change. Through Healing To You, she honors her grandmother’s legacy by providing a lifeline to survivors, ensuring that they have the support they need to heal and thrive.
To learn more about Healing To You, visit www.healingtoyou.org
Cari Teran is a licensed marriage and family therapist who started her career with survivors of domestic violence as the Children’s Program Coordinator of WomenShelter Long Beach. For over 20 years Cari has worked in a clinical capacity as supervisor and program director for community mental health agencies serving children and their families exposed to abuse and trauma. Noticing the gap in access to medical and mental health services in domestic violence shelters, Cari founded Healing To You. She now brings the medical and mental health services to survivors in hopes of mitigating their trauma response so they can begin to heal. Cari has a thriving private practice treating infants, children and adults for trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD and maternal mental health. Cari supports anti-racism efforts, and is neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirmative. Throughout her career, Cari has seen the damage abuse can cause, along with the amazing ability people have to heal from trauma. You can follow Healing To You on Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook, and subscribe to their Youtube channel.
