Dr. Malliga Battar, LMFT

Practical support for addiction and trauma recovery

About Malliga

Dr. Malliga Battar is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California.

Background and approach

She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and brings two decades of experience to her work. She focuses on practical help for people facing addiction, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, and depression.

Her approach centers on clear conversation and steady support. Sessions are a place to talk through painful memories, addictive patterns, and the day-to-day feelings that hold people back.

She aims to make room for direct discussion without judgment and to build steps toward coping that fit each person's life. Clients can expect a calm, straightforward style.

Dr. Battar uses techniques drawn from evidence-based therapeutic methods to address post-traumatic stress, process addictions like gambling or exercise, sex and porn addiction, and sexual assault recovery.

She also attends to multicultural concerns when they affect recovery and identity. Over her career she has worked in a range of clinical settings and with diverse people, shaping a practical way of helping.

Her background in clinical psychology informs clinical thinking and treatment planning while her LMFT credential reflects her work in relational and individual issues. Starting therapy with her usually means setting manageable goals, practicing new coping skills, and tracking what helps.

The focus is on gradual change and on tools people can use between sessions to reduce distress and build confidence.

Evidence-based approaches and online access

Dr. Battar uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address trauma and addiction in clear, practical ways. One common approach focuses on trauma processing that helps people work through upsetting memories and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress by learning new ways to respond to triggers and reminders. Another approach targets addictive behaviors through structured skills and habit-focused work that looks at triggers, patterns, and healthier coping strategies for process and sex-related addictions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. She discusses goals, symptoms, and preferences with each person and then adapts methods to fit their situation. That collaborative planning helps identify which techniques will be most useful and how to pace the work.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit a break at work. Live chat and text-based messaging let people check in between sessions or share shorter updates when that is easier. These formats make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy lives.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?

She helps people with addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem struggles, and depression. Additional focus areas include post-traumatic stress and process or sex-related addictions.

How would you describe her style in therapy?

Her style is calm and direct, aiming for clear conversation and practical steps. She works to create a nonjudgmental space where people can talk through difficult memories and behaviors.

What is her professional background?

She has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and about 20 years of experience in clinical work. That experience informs her treatment planning and clinical judgment.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, listed as LMFT, and practices in California.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients within the stated practice region.

What session formats are available?

She provides therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.

How does billing and getting started work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience: 20 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English