About Dr. Marilu Romero
Focus areas
Abandonment issues
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Women's Mental Health Issues
Attachment Disorder
Relationship Struggles
Betrayal Trauma
Self Esteem Issues
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Coaching
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Strength-Based
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Dr. Marilu Romero
If you’re feeling stuck in love—exhausted by patterns you can’t seem to break, wondering why you keep attracting the same kind of partner, or questioning your own worth after another painful ending—you’re not alone. You may have done the work, read the books, and tried to “choose better,” but something deeper still pulls you back into familiar pain. I’m here to help you change that.
My practice is a safe space for women who are tired of surviving in love and ready to start thriving. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, betrayal, anxious attachment, or the shame of repeating old dynamics, our work together will help you understand why these patterns exist—and how to break free from them for good.
We’ll slow things down, connect the dots between your past and present, and help you build the emotional safety, clarity, and confidence you need to create the kind of love you’ve always wanted—but never fully believed was possible. Not a perfect relationship, but a healthy, nourishing one that reflects your truth.
You won’t be met with judgment or clinical detachment. I’ll show up with warmth, consistency, and honesty. We’ll laugh, cry, and untangle the parts of your story that have felt too heavy to hold alone.
Therapy is offered virtually across California, and sessions are tailored to your needs—whether you’re seeking deep long-term healing or focused support to shift a specific pattern. If you’re ready to finally understand yourself in love and write a new chapter, I’d be honored to walk with you.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Working with me is a space where you don’t have to hold it all together.
You don’t have to show up perfect, over-explain your pain, or pretend your romantic struggles “aren’t that bad.” If you’ve been stuck in the same cycles in love—whether that looks like dating unavailable partners, staying too long in relationships that drain you, or swinging between hope and heartbreak—I want you to know that you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.
So many women carry shame for the way they show up in love. They believe they’re “too much,” “too sensitive,” or “not enough.” My job is to help you unlearn those stories and connect back to the woman you were before the patterns, before the heartbreaks, before the self-doubt.
Therapy with me is honest, warm, and collaborative. I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience into the room. I will hold space for your pain, but I’ll also gently challenge the beliefs and behaviors that keep you stuck. We’ll explore how your early experiences shaped the way you relate to love, and together we’ll build the tools—emotional, relational, and practical—that allow you to feel safe, empowered, and deeply seen in intimacy.
You’ll never be treated like a case or a diagnosis. You’ll be treated like a whole human being—with strengths, wisdom, and a deep capacity for transformation.
This isn’t quick-fix therapy, but it is deeply effective for women who are ready to do the work of change. We go at your pace. We name what hurts. We find your power again.
If you’ve felt like no one really gets what you’re going through in love, I want you to know—I do. And I’d be honored to walk with you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our work begins with understanding you—not just what’s happening in your relationships, but how it feels in your body, where it began, and what it’s costing you to stay stuck. Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, betrayal, emotional unavailability, or years of self-abandonment in love, we’ll start by creating a space where you feel safe enough to be honest—maybe for the first time.
In the early sessions, we explore your relationship history, attachment style, and any patterns that keep repeating in love. We’ll look at how your upbringing, past partners, and even intergenerational trauma may be impacting your ability to trust, feel secure, or know what you truly want. We go deep—but never faster than you’re ready for.
Once we’ve built a clear picture of what’s happening and why, we move into active healing. That includes developing emotional regulation tools, setting boundaries rooted in self-worth, and learning how to stay connected to your truth even when old patterns try to pull you back. I’ll support you in noticing your triggers without shame and responding in new ways that support the love and life you’re working toward.
I’m not a passive therapist. I’ll offer reflections, ask thoughtful questions, and sometimes gently challenge what no longer serves you. But I’ll always do it with care and collaboration. You can expect a balance of emotional depth, practical tools, and real transformation.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s freedom. Freedom from fear, self-doubt, and relationships that keep you small. My process is about helping you come home to yourself, so you can build love and a life that truly reflects who you are.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or in transition, we’ll work at your pace, with your truth at the center.
Dr. Marilu Romero is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $200 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
I am not accepting any insurance but offer superbills for clients to take to their insurance providers for out-of-network coverage.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Texas Wesleyan University, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
Professional memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, California Division
NPI number
1750038394
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Marilu Romero?
Generally, Dr. Marilu Romero has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Romero's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Marilu Romero accepting new patients?
Dr. Marilu Romero generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Romero's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Marilu Romero accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Romero is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Marilu Romero online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Romero using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Marilu Romero work with?
Dr. Marilu Romero works with Dr. Marilu.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Marilu Romero?
Dr. Marilu Romero frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Marilu Romero on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Marilu Romero speak?
Dr. Marilu Romero speaks English and Spanish.