Licensed to practice in California and accepts 57 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Depression, LGBTQ and 6 more.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 40 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship challenges. I have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence, as well as individuals navigating complex life patterns shaped by past experiences. I specialize in working with adults, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and provide a supportive, affirming space where clients can show up as they are. I also work with couples on occasion. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I bring both professional and lived understanding to this work. My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. I believe therapy should be both supportive and effective—while you will always be heard and understood, I also actively engage in sessions to help you move forward. I won’t let you stay stuck. Together, we’ll break challenges down into manageable steps, build practical tools, and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. I often incorporate structured exercises and between-session practices to help you apply what we discuss in real life, while remaining flexible and responsive to your individual needs. Clients often appreciate that I am clear, consistent, and gently persistent—I will meet you where you are, while continuing to support and encourage your growth, even when things feel difficult or overwhelming. My goal is to help you build insight, resilience, and confidence so you can create a more stable, fulfilling, and peaceful life. I am committed to practicing with empathy, respect, and without judgment, honoring each person’s dignity and lived experience. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Option to insert (after paragraph 2):
The first session will mostly be history taking of things such as family history, substance use, and past therapy treatment. During the session we will discuss your current concern as time allows. Most importantly we will discover if we both feel a connection in order to begin the process of developing a therapeutic relationship.
Psychodynamic techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, person-centered techniques, and solution focused techniques.
I love working with clients who want to overcome addiction. I discovered that I was a great substance abuse counselor because I was compassionate and direct. I also think I work well with people who are suffering with depression because I have overcome my own depression.
Addiction
Depression
LGBTQ
Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Grief
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Jewish
LGBTQ
White
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
California
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
3 ratings with written reviews
July 29, 2026
Valerie is an exceptional therapist who is compassionate, insightful, and genuinely invested in her clients' growth. She helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my life with incredible compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support. She created a safe space where I felt heard while also challenging me to grow and heal. I'm incredibly grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her to anyone looking for meaningful, lasting change.
July 24, 2026
Valerie had quite a few suggestions that were great in order for for me moving forward in my life
June 28, 2026
Valerie's responses to me are the type of feedback that I need, to process how other people perceive me. Many of my problems come from how I come across to others, even if I am misunderstood. When she stops me and says, "ok, this is what I am hearing and this is what I think ... " her commentary reassured me that maybe there is a mismatch between my values and those of the folks who surround me (those weren't her words) but clarity did and will prevail with her. Not for self-centered clients.