The Gateway Institute
940 South Coast Dr. Suite 235
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office Phone: (714) 549-1030
Call to Schedule Assessment: (833) 432-5623
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8AM-6PM
Meet Our Costa Mesa, California Staff
Jim Sterner
LMFT | Clinical Supervisor Lic. # 46088
Jim Sterner, LMFT, founder of The Gateway Institute, discovered his passion and interest in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) while studying psychology at the University of Maryland and Antioch University. This passion and interest in the field of OCD drove him to further studies at Phillips Graduate Institute in … READ MORE
Chris Trondsen
LMFT | LIC. # 135118 | APCC Registration #6764
Chris Trondsen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He received his bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, Chris earned a Master’s of Science (M.S.) Degree in Counseling, … READ MORE
Ann-Margaret Mercier
AMFT | Registration#: 138078
Ann-Margaret Mercier, AMFT and APCC, completed her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. At The Gateway Institute, she specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) as well as anxiety disorders, utilizing evidence-based treatments such as exposure and response … READ MORE
Bahar Farzanmehr
ACSW | Registration #84051
Bahar Farzanmehr, MSW, is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work located in New York. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in the mental health and well-being of individuals, groups, and families. From a young age, Bahar took an interest in psychology and decided… READ MORE
Jacques Esses
MSW | Registration# ASW96605
Jacques Esses is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker. He earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree, with an emphasis on individual and group clinical work at Yeshiva University, New York City. Jacques’ graduate thesis focused on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from an Exposure … READ MORE
Anna Liljenwall
Client Relations
Anna Liljenwall is the Client Relations Manager at The Gateway Institute and has been with the company since November 2023. She has been working in the mental health field since 2012 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Additionally, she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work… READ MORE