Gabriela Ortuno, M.S.W. ASW

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

Psalm 51:17

Supervised by Chrissy Kortenhoeven, CA LMFT119289

Currently accepting new patients in Murrieta, Temecula, and for telehealth.

Gabriela Ortuno is a board-registered Associate Clinical Social Worker with a bachelor’s degree in social work from La Sierra University and a master’s degree in social work from California State University San Marcos. Gabriela’s clinical experience includes working with individuals navigating student life, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, trauma, and life transitions. She is also passionate about helping clients process their cultural experiences and explore how culture and race shape their identities and mental health.

In her therapeutic work, Gabriela draws from several evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She integrates these approaches to meet each client where they are, tailoring therapy to their unique strengths and needs.

I view therapy as a collaborative space for identifying and nurturing your natural strengths and experiences. I believe everyone already carries within them a foundation for healing, which may just need the support, guidance, and space to grow. Therapy provides the opportunity to practice and strengthen these abilities within an evidence-based framework, supported by a compassionate and understanding environment.

I am passionate about creating a safe, understanding, and inclusive space where each person feels seen and valued. I recognize that we all come with unique experiences, cultural backgrounds, and ways of understanding the world. Through the lens of cultural humility, I acknowledge how our environments and lived experiences shape the way we view ourselves, relate to others, and cope with life’s challenges. By honoring each client’s cultural identity and personal story, I support healing that feels authentic and sustainable.

I believe therapy is not about “fixing” you but about guiding you through a process of healing that will help you rediscover and build upon your own God-given strengths. This is your space, a place where you can explore, reflect, and grow. My goal is to walk alongside you as you learn how.