Cherrise Elijah

(she/her)

LCSW, 11 years of experience
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
VirtualAvailable

Mental health is more than just managing symptoms. It’s about fostering overall well-being, inner peace, and resilience. I have ten years of practice using a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, offering you personalized care that honors your unique experiences, culture, and values. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health services that empower individuals to achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. Through a client-centered approach, I create a safe, supportive environment where each person is treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. My goal is to help individuals and families overcome life’s challenges, foster resilience, and promote long-lasting mental health and wellness.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In the first session, we will focus on getting to know each other and discussing what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your concerns, goals, and history, and we’ll begin identifying what you’d like to work toward. You can expect a supportive, collaborative, and confidential space where we set a plan for future sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring a strong ability to build genuine rapport with clients by creating a therapeutic environment grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration. Drawing from person-centered therapy, I prioritize clients’ lived experiences and foster a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard and valued. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, while using mindfulness-based interventions to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and present-moment focus. Through solution-focused techniques, I help clients recognize their strengths, clarify goals, and develop practical strategies for change. My integrative approach allows me to tailor interventions to each client’s needs, strengthening the therapeutic alliance and supporting meaningful, sustainable progress.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

The client best suited for my practice is someone open to self-reflection and motivated to make positive changes in their life. I work best with individuals who are willing to engage collaboratively in therapy and practice new skills outside of sessions. Clients who value growth, insight, and practical strategies tend to benefit most from my approach.

Specialties

Top specialties

ADHD

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

Life Transitions

Older Adults

Spirituality

I identify as

Black / African American

Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)

Elders (65 and above)

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

California

Accepts

Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We work together to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping strategies. CBT is goal-oriented and skills-based, supporting clients in making meaningful, lasting changes in their daily lives.

Motivational Interviewing

In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. I focus on strengthening clients’ own motivation by eliciting their values, goals, and reasons for change. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make changes that align with what matters most to them.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

In my practice, I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I support clients in balancing acceptance and change while developing practical tools to manage intense emotions. DBT is used to promote stability, resilience, and healthier relationships.

Psychoeducation

In my practice, I use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their mental health, symptoms, and treatment process. I provide clear, accessible information that empowers clients to make informed decisions and build insight into their experiences. Psychoeducation supports skill development, reduces stigma, and enhances collaboration in therapy.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

In my practice, I use Brief Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify strengths, resources, and past successes that can support change. We focus on clear, achievable goals and practical steps rather than on problems alone. This approach promotes efficiency, hope, and forward-focused progress.

, 16 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

March 17, 2026

Cherrise is an incredible person to work with. I appreciate how patient, validating, and uplifting she is. Her approach was immensely helpful, and I received great results while working with her. I now have new skills, tools, and a more positive mindset.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 9 with Cherrise

March 3, 2026

With just the intake session, Cherrise presented so much authenticity in her words. It did not feel like I was being interrogated whatsoever, but more so felt like I was having a genuine conversation. She was very sweet and made me feel comfortable!

Verified client, age 18-24
Review shared after session 1 with Cherrise

February 17, 2026

Cherise is very authentic, warm, empowering and soultion-oriented. I feel that I made the right choice by selecting her and I am happy to have a safe place like grow therapy to connect with someone to share my feelings and diagnosis with. I am excited to work through my goals and issues with the guidance of Cherise. She has a very soft, non-judgemental tone, easy to talk to and makes me feel comfortable which is very important for me.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Cherrise