I am a licensed clinical social worker in California. I hold a master's degree in Social Work and a master's degree in Psychology. I am currently a doctoral candidate completing my PhD in Media Psychology, where I focus on the latest research regarding the impact of social media on mental health. With over 16 years of professional experience, I have worked with individuals of all ages with diverse cultural backgrounds. My career is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, domestic violence, and sexual assault. I collaborate with the District Attorney/Victim Witness program to support those navigating legal challenges within the court system. Throughout my career, I have worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, a Native American charter high school with at-risk youth, and as a school-based therapist in a non-profit organization. I provide guidance to individuals seeking change, focusing on self-empowerment, self-esteem, and self-confidence techniques. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I customize sessions and treatment goals to address the unique and specific needs of each individual. It takes courage to embark on a journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life, and the initial steps toward change may seem daunting. I am here to facilitate your exploration of that journey and empower you through self-discovery and awareness.
The first session is an opportunity to see if this will be a good fit for you. This will be a time for exploring how I can help you and what goals we can develop for reaching your understanding of "better".
Some of the strengths that I bring to the therapeutic relationship are, active listening, positive communication and empathy. My background in social work and psychology has given me a broad base for understanding mental health and the resources necessary to educate and the tools for success.
Throughout my years working in the mental health field along with my continued education, I bring a diverse knowledge and understanding of the young adult stages of development and the older adult's life challenges. My clients are eager to improve, and seek the tools needed to make their goals a reality for a happier future. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their path to getting there, I am .
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $100 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
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
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
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
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
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This is process of growing a therapeutic relationship building on trust & rapport to understand patterns in communication and triggers that blocked the authentic development.
Attachment-based
While growing the therapeutic relationship (trust & rapport) the attachment model allows for the personal development and understanding of Self (Self esteem, Self worth, Self awareness).
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care is a model of patience, empathy, compassion, understanding of the neuro-biological impact of trauma on the brain and ultimate result of human behaviors.
Narrative
In the therapeutic relation where communication is transferred between client and therapist becomes the language or narrative used to tell the story. The story that language can be used to oppress or inspire, is explored for self empowerment and self determination.
Positive Psychology
By using multiple perspectives to re-frame and create a more positive story that encourages and motivates positive growth
18 ratings with written reviews
March 29, 2026
Nice, just not the right fit for me.
December 12, 2025
Open minded; fearless, succinct, and kind, as well as highly intelligent
November 10, 2025
I felt extremely comfortable with Valerie and I look forward to the growth I will get through our sessions.