Licensed to practice in California and accepts 38 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Grief and 10 more.
(she/her)
Often rebooked
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with near three decades of experience. I specialize in working with individuals facing depressive disorders, bereavement and grief, self-esteem issues, anxiety and those navigating life transitions. I have a genuine curiosity about people and deeply appreciate their uniqueness. My open mindedness and empathy allows me to connect with clients, creating a supportive environment that respects and honors the distinct experiences of each individual. When you feel sad, isolated, misunderstood, and you struggle with issues related to self worth, experience excessive worry, or when you experience losses in your life, therapy can offer you support so that you could find meaning in those experiences, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.
In our first session, I aim to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing what brought you to therapy. We will also discuss your background and history so that I can get to know you better. Together, we will identify your treatment goals and plans to achive them. While building rapport is an ongoing process, our first session will lay the foundation for a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship.
My clinical experience is diverse. I have worked in various community mental health centers and forensic settings. This background has equipped me to effectively support individuals across a wide spectrum of needs, from those who are highly vulnerable to those who are more high-functioning. I genuinely care about people and I am deeply committed to helping people lead fulfilling lives. I recognize that each individual brings a unique life story, and I aim to support you in your journey of self discovery and personal growth.
I tend to work best with clients who are motivated for treatment, open to personal growth, and willing to actively engage in the therapeutic process. I adopt a collaborative approach, working alongside my clients to explore deeper emotional patterns and life experiences that contribute to their present challenges. Together, we aim for improving insight, emotional growth, resilience and emotional healing.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $250 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
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
Psychodynamic
I have extensive experience working with various therapeutic approaches, with a particular focus on psychodynamic therapy. In our sessions, we will work together to uncover your conflicting thoughts and feelings and hidden reasons that trigger them. We will explore how your past experiences shape your current emotions and behaviors. This approach has been particularly helpful for those experiencing early traumas, self-esteem issues and depression. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps you gain deeper insight into your thoughts and actions, fostering healing and growth.
Humanistic
In a nurturing and supportive environment, we will work collaboratively to understand the challenges you are facing. Using an existential approach, we will explore what makes you unique- your values, your beliefs, and experiences- to help you discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your life. This approach can be particularly helpful when navigating depression, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, or the emotional impact of cancer diagnosis.
Eclectic
Depending on the presenting problems, I am able to adapt my orientation to your needs. I have used CBT techniques in treatment of depression and anxiety. I have also incorporated strength-based and mindfulness approaches to address various challenges during sessions.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 15, 2025
I immediately felt vey comfortable with Dr. Sharifha-she talked with you like someone who is truly interested in her client, and didn't use "jargon". She is goal-oriented without being "clinical".
April 11, 2025
wonderful,Excellent, Thankyou very much.
March 21, 2025
Finally someone that hears me!