The Gateway Institute
940 South Coast Dr. Suite 235
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 549-1030
Or
(800) 223-6148
Serving Orange County and Southern California
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 … REA 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

Brandon Mason
PsyD | LCSW Lic. #33029 | Teletherapy
Brandon Mason, PsyD, LCSW has been practicing therapy for over 20 years. He is a licensed Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work at San Diego State University, he worked in intensive outpatient … 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

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

Selena Stafford
Client Relations
Selena earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, with a minor in Law and Society, from the University of California, San Diego. Additionally, Selena received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Certified … READ MORE