About Dr. Vaughn

Welcome to my private practice! I am delighted to embark on a journey of healing and growth alongside you. My name is Dr. Jennifer Medina Vaughn and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and developmental psychologist. With over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to guiding you towards emotional resilience, mental well-being, and professional fulfillment.

My therapeutic approach is deeply influenced by my identity as a Latina child of immigrants. This perspective infuses my practice with a commitment to understanding and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am dedicated to enhancing holistic well-being by fostering growth and self-discovery.

Our therapeutic journey begins with a thorough exploration of your concerns, aspirations, and personal history. Through a comprehensive assessment, we will gain valuable insights that lay the foundation for our collaborative work. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that aligns with your unique goals and adheres to the most effective therapeutic practices according to research in mental health treatment.

At the core of my practice is a specialization in addressing anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. I understand the profound impact these challenges can have on every facet of your life – from your relationships to your work and your overall sense of contentment. My ultimate aim is to empower you to not just overcome these hurdles, but to flourish emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

I invite you to take this courageous step towards a brighter future. It would be an honor to accompany you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

  • With over a decade of clinical experience, I have walked alongside individuals from all walks of life, offering tailored support to navigate their unique challenges. During this time, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals of all ages, spanning from young children to adolescents, adults, and couples. With each interaction, I have witnessed the incredible capacity for growth and transformation that resides within us all.

    As a community-based crisis response therapist, I provided crisis stabilization, linkage to community resources, and short-term therapy for people struggling with acute mental health concerns including thoughts of ending their lives. Likewise, I worked as a crisis counselor in the Emergency Department for several years. In this capacity, I conducted mental health assessments, coordinated substance use and detox treatment, and supported individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments. This background has equipped me with the insight and skill to help you navigate even the most challenging moments that can arise when coping with anxiety and depression.

    For several years, I provided in-home services for children, adolescents, and families in several different capacities including as a Wraparound therapist and through partnership with the Pasadena Police Department where I worked with first-time offending youth. In each of these roles, I met each person or family where they were and worked with them to develop and meet goals in a compassionate and non-intimidating manner. I deeply value the unique lived experience and perspective of each person and am committed to fostering a warm and nurturing space for growth and healing.

    As a private practitioner, I have worked extensively with couples facing communication struggles, infidelity, and core value conflicts. I am passionate about cultivating thriving relationships and draw upon the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that guides couples towards effective communication, understanding, and intimacy. My aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where couples can manage conflicts in a productive manner, rekindle their connection, and nurture a healthy, lasting relationship.

  • Approaching the study of young children of immigrants from a social determinants of health framework, my research reflects a commitment to studying issues of race, sociopolitical context, and immigration as they relate to preschool-aged children of immigrants’ health. I emphasize unpacking these multidimensional issues and translating findings into tangible and accessible recommendations to support children of immigrants’ development through prevention, early detection, and intervention efforts at the communal level. My current and ongoing projects include an analysis of the conditions contributing to health disparities among preschool-aged children of immigrants and an implementation study of a faith-based, trauma-informed intervention to increase faith leaders’ capacity to support congregants impacted by immigration enforcement and COVID-19. Learn more about my research.