Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 10 ratings

Shaina Nicholson

LCSW, 9 years of experience

Warm
Empowering
Intelligent

About me

I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals and therapists/associates to heal and live their best, most authentic lives. I strongly believe that each and every individual, regardless of background, ability, or beliefs, should have a safe space where they can feel comfortable being their true self. I know that sitting across from someone with similar experiences can help to build trust and promote connection, and am therefore deeply committed to holding space for womxn and people of color.

Get to know me

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

You can expect me to be open and willing to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. You can also expect me to collaborate with you to create a safe, supportive and nonjudgemental environment that meets your needs. I always encourage clients to let me know what works and doesn't work for you. Lastly, you can expect that I will never work harder than you at your therapy goals.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I deeply value the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist and pride myself on fostering a safe, judgement-free environment for all clients to share their truths. I would love the opportunity to work with and help you move away from that which is plaguing you; toward a life of healing and thriving.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I serve individuals, adults, older adults & teens/TAY (13-26yrs). While I am open to helping as many as I can, my areas of specialty include: life transitions, depression, anxiety, challenges with identity and self-esteem, chronic illness, coping with trauma & adverse experiences, relationships & intimacy, women's empowerment, cultural challenges, grief & loss, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

Specialties

Top specialties

Chronic Illness

Other specialties

I identify as

Black / African American

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Eclectic

I prefer to meet clients where they are so I'm willing to use any and every tool in my toolkit needed (or requested) to support my clients.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I pride myself on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can show up authentically and don't have to over explain their experience to be understood or validated.

Brainspotting

"Where you look affects how you feel." Brainspotting is a psycho-somatic treatment modality that uses eye positioning to access areas of the brain where traumatic and distressing memories are stored.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a treatment approach I utilize most frequently due to its being an appropriate approach to treat a multitude of symptoms and and mental health conditions while being easily understood and implemented.

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma Informed care is a necessity in this line of work. I have no intentions of doing more harm or retraumatizing any of my clients. I insist on prioritizing clients' safety through transparency, empowerment, collaboration and cultural competency.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $150 per sessionAetnaAetna - Allied BenefitsAetna - LuminareAetna - MedicareAetna - WebTPAAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanCalViva Health (Medi-Cal)Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaCommunity Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)EAP:CignaEAP:EvernorthEAP:UnitedHealthcare/OptumEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Net (Medi-Cal)Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalHumana - MedicareHumana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)L.A. Care CoveredL.A. Care Covered DirectL.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)L.A. Care PASC-SEIUOptumOptumHealth Complex Medical ConditionsOscarOxfordPartnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-CalScripps Health PlanSharp Health PlanSurest (formerly Bind)Tufts Health/CignaUnited Medical ResourcesUnitedHealthcare Life InsuranceUnitedHealthcare Shared ServicesUnitedHealthcare StudentResourcesUnitedHealthcare/OptumUnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 10 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

May 27, 2025

Shaina is supportive and understanding. She can put a name to an experience and find solutions that work best with your personality. Very authentic and adaptable.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 15 with Shaina

May 14, 2025

I LOVE SHAINA!!!!! she is such a light. she is compassionate and every session feels like a warm hug. she's also quick witted and hilarious, which makes even the toughest sessions a little easier. I started seeing her during one of the hardest times in my life and without her support I don't know where I would be. I always feel seen, heard, and safe when meeting with her, and whenever things get hard I know I can handle it because I have her in my corner. I'm so thankful for her.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 24 with Shaina

March 3, 2025

She is kind and thoughtful, and she provokes interesting but basic questions that allow me to think deeper. understanding and nonjudgmental. Allows me to trail off in any directions and helps me find my way back to the root of some of my challenges

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 5 with Shaina