I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 33 years of experience, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy. My approach to therapy is rooted in understanding the context in which problems arise and the relationships between the individuals involved. I believe in a "wellness" approach to treatment, which focuses on helping clients tap into their existing strengths and resources. By encouraging self-reflection and growth, my goal is to support clients in creating lasting positive change and fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
During the first session, we will take the time to get to know each other. I'll begin by asking about your background, your current concerns, and what brought you to therapy. This session is an opportunity for you to share your goals, challenges, and any specific issues you’d like to address. My goal is to understand your unique situation, build a foundation of trust, and establish a safe space for open communication. While the first session is focused on gathering information, it’s also an opportunity to start identifying areas where change is desired. Together, we will outline a plan for treatment that aligns with your needs and goals.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my experience, empathy, and ability to create a safe and supportive space for clients. With 33 years of practice, I bring a wealth of knowledge in understanding complex relational dynamics and providing effective strategies for personal growth. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that helps clients feel heard, respected, and valued. I am skilled at helping clients explore their strengths and resources, empowering them to make positive changes. My ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds allows me to tailor my approach to fit each client’s unique needs. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, I focus on building trust and fostering a collaborative, solution-focused relationship to achieve meaningful results.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $175 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I use a therapy approach called Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) that focuses on finding solutions to your challenges rather than dwelling on problems. The idea is to work together to identify your strengths, resources, and the positive changes you want to make in your life. We’ll focus on where you want to go, rather than where you’ve been, and break your goals down into small, achievable steps. Through this approach, we’ll explore what’s already working well in your life, what strengths you’ve used in the past to overcome difficulties, and how you can apply them to the challenges you’re currently facing. You’ll be encouraged to think about your preferred future and what life would look like if your problem were resolved. Together, we’ll also track your progress using simple tools, like scale questions, where you rate how you feel or how much progress you’ve made. This helps you see even small steps forward and feel encouraged by your growth. The focus is always on solutions, and I’ll help guide you toward achieving them in a way that makes sense for your life. Overall, Solution-Focused Therapy is a brief and practical approach to therapy. It’s about helping you find your own answers, feel more confident, and create positive changes in your life in a way that feels right for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Sessions are collaborative, goal-oriented, and focused on building effective coping strategies that support meaningful, lasting change in daily life.
21 ratings with written reviews
June 11, 2026
Just had my initial session with Stephanie, and I feel she was very warm, open-minded, and solution oriented--in so much as there are "solutions" when it comes to some mental health issues. I feel optimistic about working with her, and like she was engaged and actually listening to what I was telling her. Looking forward to our next session.
May 20, 2026
Stephanie has been instrumental to pushing me to look at the positives that I can provide for the people around me. So I can gain confidence and inspiration to better myself as well.
May 5, 2026
Stephanie was warm and kind. I had a lot to unpack and she listened with care. It's hard to change therapists, but she made my 1st session a little softer and easier.