Laura Shames

LCSW (she/her)30 years of experienceNext available
4.8 (68)
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent

I’m here to honor you and your life, listen with my heart, guide with my wisdom, and support you as you need. As a team, we will create a life filled with happiness, joy, love, and purpose for you.

I’m here to honor you and your life, listen with my heart, guide with my wisdom, and support you as you need.

Throughout my 30 years of therapy, I have helped hundreds of clients and have learned many ways of helping you make the changes you have been hoping for.

First session

Many clients have told me that I put them at ease right away and that they feel safe with me. I will ask questions that will help me begin to know you and your life’s story at your pace. Together, we will start to define your hopes and goals.

Strengths

Clients have shared with me that I’m an incredible listener. They feel authentically cared about and are so grateful that I helped them change their lives.

Ideal clients

I am deeply passionate about working with clients aged 18 to 100 who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Many of my clients have dedicated their lives to nurturing and supporting others, often at the expense of their own well-being. Now is your time to embrace self-care and reclaim your personal narrative. I provide comprehensive tools and unwavering support to help guide you toward a vibrant and fulfilling life. Together, we can unlock your potential for transformation and foster a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

Treatment methods

Compassion Focused

We all face challenges as we navigate life’s journey. Compassion-focused therapy is a valuable approach for individuals dealing with feelings of shame and self-criticism. It has become one of the most effective tools I’ve used to alleviate emotional pain, develop better mood regulation strategies, and foster healthier relationships. I have seen hundreds of my clients grow and progress on their paths.

Strength-Based

I believe in highlighting a client’s incredible qualities, which are often overlooked due to years of poor treatment from both chosen and unchosen companions.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

We need to move from simply reacting to being curious and aware of our surroundings, which allows us to decide whether or not to respond.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

  • White

  • Woman

Top specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Grief

Other specialties

  • Career Counseling

  • Coping Skills

  • Family Conflict

  • Life Transitions

  • Older Adults

  • Peer Relationships

  • School Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Women's Issues

Serves

  • Adults (18 to 64)

  • Elders (65 and above)

Licensed in

  • CaliforniaLicense 18066

Accepted insurance

  • Aetna

  • Aetna - ASR Health Benefits

  • Aetna - Allied Benefits

  • Aetna - Lucent Health

  • Aetna - Luminare

  • Aetna - Medicare

  • Aetna - Moda

  • Aetna - WebTPA

  • Aetna – HealthEZ

  • All Savers

  • AvMed

  • Cash - $200 per session

  • Golden Rule

  • Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare

  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum

  • Optum

  • OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions

  • Oscar

  • Oxford

  • Surest (formerly Bind)

  • Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)

  • Sutter Health Plan

  • IHSS Healthy Workers

  • United Medical Resources

  • UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance

  • UnitedHealthcare Shared Services

  • UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

Reviews and ratings

4.8 rating (68)8 reviews
July 29, 2026

I'm very happy with Laura Shames as my therapist. I have several medical providers and she's in the Top 3.

Verified client, age 55-64Review shared after session 5 with Laura
February 24, 2026

Laura is a "no nonsense" therapist. I appreciate her style of therapy for the challenges which my husband and I are trying to overcome. She is empathetic yet hold each partner accountable. I have recommended friends to Laura for counseling.

Verified client, age 65+Review shared after session 15 with Laura
July 16, 2025

She has been successful in empowering me to look deeper into myself and acknowledging the truth to the questions that have "haunted" me, of sorts, and allowing me to understand those questions and fears have stunted my growth because I have given them so much power over my life and ... poof ... in speaking with Laura, I am able, through HER questionings, to discover how really powerless they are in and to my life. Thank you, Laura.

Verified client, age 65+Review shared after session 17 with Laura
Schedule 60 min