(he/him)
Hi, I've practiced therapy overseas in Tokyo, Japan, and in the United States in a variety of settings, including here at my office. I graduated from UC Berkeley (MSW degree) and became licensed to practice in California LCSW lic #22756. The modality of therapy I use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My open and authentic demeanor is useful in therapeutic relationships. With cultural humility, if it seems to be helpful, we may incorporate Eastern and Native American perspectives.
In our first appointment, we'll discuss what's going on in your life, strengths, and concerns. I'll ask questions and gather information to determine if I can helpful to you, and if so, how. By the end of the first appointment, you should have a pretty good sense if I'm a good therapist / match for you at this time in your life.
If we decide to work together, I often group appointments into blocks of eight (8). At the end of eight appointments we will pause and decide together if you should continue in therapy, i.e. renew for another eight appointments. When I’m not at the office, I love mountain biking, the ocean, lucid dreaming, and spending time in community with family and friends from around the world.
Many people are (wisely) skeptical before starting therapy. People who come to my office (virtually or in person) almost always find that their lives change for the better. I believe strongly that mental health services should be available to everyone. I provide therapy for people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $200 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT provides the foundation for effective individual therapy. I combine CBT with Eastern approaches for lasting positive change. I have studied and practiced CBT with well-known psychologists, professors, and authors, i.e. Aaron Beck, Martin Seligman at University of Pennsylvania, and others.
Family Therapy
I am experienced child and family therapist with background in both structural family therapy and experiential therapy. Couples and families shift relationships in the areas where they get stuck into healthy ways of listening and relating with each other.
1 rating with written reviews
February 5, 2026
In addition to being warm and empowering, James is also humorous, authentic, openminded, holistic, direct, intelligent, solution orienting, and challenging in a way that promotes growth. I am very lucky to be his patient.