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

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

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

Katharine Shiota
LCSW
Katharine Shiota is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. She earned her Master of Social Work from California State University… Katharine utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the foundation… READ MORE
Join Our Intensive Outpatient Program at The Gateway Institute!
We understand that finding the right anxiety and OCD treatment can be a difficult process, but our OCD-specialized team is here to help every step of the way. If you would like more information or are interested in getting started, please contact our office; we will be happy to assist you.
We look forward to having you and beginning your journey towards OCD recovery! For more information, email us or contact our office at 714-549-1030.
How to Find Our OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center in Costa Mesa
The Gateway Institute is located in the city of Costa Mesa, in Orange County, California. There are three airports within one hour of our OCD and anxiety treatment center. John Wayne (SNA) is located just 10 minutes from The Gateway Institute.
Local Airports and Their Distance from The Gateway Institute:
John Wayne Airport: 4.4 miles
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is Orange County, California’s only commercial service airport. It is located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, in Costa Mesa.
Long Beach Airport: 18.8
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a city-owned public airport located three miles from downtown Long Beach. It has fewer flights than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but is a convenient option due to its location.
Los Angeles Airport: 37.9 miles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport in California, where millions of passengers travel every year. As one of the world’s busiest airports, thousands of flights take off and land annually from LAX.
Attractions & Accommodations During Treatment
While staying in Orange County during anxiety and OCD treatment, our clients and their families have access to several nearby attractions, nature trails, and so much more, many of which are within walking distance. Traveling from out of state should never be a limiting factor in receiving treatment. Instead, we believe that traveling to The Gateway Institute should be a pleasant and memorable experience.
Since our clients put in a significant amount of effort towards their treatment, many of them choose to take some downtime to explore what Costa Mesa has to offer during their treatment process.
Accommodation Suggestion
The Residence Inn, Costa Mesa, Hotel is located in the heart of Orange County near the beautiful Newport Beach. The hotel is located just blocks from the South Coast Plaza shopping center and The Gateway Institute. Our clients receive a 15% discounted rate as well as complimentary parking.
Distance from The Gateway Institute: 1.1 miles
Residence Inn Costa Mesa
Address: 881 West Baker St | Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 | Phone: 714-241-8800 | Website: www.marriott.com