Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 4 ratings

Christine Ryan

LCSW, 7 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hi! I am currently registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (#114772) and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (#CSW.09929663) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social work with a concentration in Mental Health. As a supportive guide, my goal is to walk alongside clients with empathy and curiosity as they navigate life’s challenges. I take a collaborative approach, working together with clients to explore the roots of their stressors and identify practical, empowering solutions that align with their goals and values.

Get to know me

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

In our first session together, I will take time to introduce myself and share my approach to therapy. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in successful outcomes, so it’s essential to me that you feel heard, respected, and safe—and that our connection feels like a good fit. Building trust is a key part of our work together. We’ll begin by exploring your symptoms and stressors, how they may be impacting your daily life, and start identifying your goals. From there, we’ll begin developing a personalized plan to help you move toward meaningful change.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I have experience working with a diverse range of populations and addressing a variety of concerns, which makes me adaptable to different needs. I approach each client with openness, non-judgment, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. I am adaptable and skilled at tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each person, whether they are navigating challenging life transitions, managing stress or anxiety, or working through deep-seated emotional concerns. I also bring a strong commitment to fostering growth and empowerment, helping clients uncover their inner strengths and develop practical tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I bring extensive experience supporting both adolescents and adults as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. In addition, I have a strong background in recovery work and a deep, compassionate understanding of addiction. I approach each client with empathy and strive to empower them in discovering their own path to healing.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Anger ManagementChild or Adolescent

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve been using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice for several years and have found it to be effective for helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT is rooted in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. When a person learns to identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thinking, they can change emotional responses and behaviors in a positive way. I integrate CBT in sessions by utilizing interventions such as, thought records, behavioral activation, and cognitive restructuring. CBT is especially helpful for clients who appreciate having therapy "homework" or visual, tangible tools to work on between sessions, as it offers structured exercises, worksheets, and practical strategies that reinforce progress and build skills in real-world situations.

Family Therapy

I have experience working with families in a variety of settings, and I deeply value the impact that family therapy can have on strengthening relationships, improving communication, and addressing patterns that contribute to conflict or distress. I aim to create a supportive space where each family member can feel heard and respected. I help families identify unhelpful patterns, develop healthier ways of relating to one another, and build practical skills like problem-solving, conflict resolution, active listening, and emotional regulation.

Couples Counseling

I have experience working with couples across a range of relationship stages and challenges, including communication issues, trust and intimacy concerns, life transitions, and conflict resolution. I approach couples therapy from a nonjudgmental, strengths-based perspective, with the goal of helping both partners feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their relationship. In family therapy, I integrate attachment theory and family systems theory to help families understand how early relational patterns and current family dynamics shape behaviors and emotional responses, fostering greater empathy, connection, and healthier ways of relating to one another.

Psychoeducation

I regularly incorporate psychoeducation to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By providing clear, accessible information about topics like anxiety, trauma responses, or communication patterns, I empower clients to make informed choices and feel more in control of their mental health. Psychoeducation also serves as a foundation for many of the tools and strategies we use in therapy, supporting clients in applying what they learn both in and outside of sessions.

Attachment-based

Attachment theory plays a foundational role in how I understand and support clients in therapy. This approach helps me explore how early relational experiences—particularly with caregivers—can influence a person’s sense of safety, trust, and connection in current relationships. I use attachment theory to help clients identify patterns rooted in their attachment style, whether that involves anxiety in relationships, difficulty with vulnerability, or struggles with boundaries and emotional regulation. By creating a supportive and responsive therapeutic relationship, I aim to provide a corrective emotional experience that helps clients develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Location

Virtual

Accepts

Cash - $120 per sessionAetnaAetna - LuminareAetna - WebTPAAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue CrossBlue ShieldBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanBlue Shield of California - MedicareCarelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaEAP:CignaEAP:EvernorthEAP:UnitedHealthcare/OptumEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalHumana - MedicareHumana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)Kaiser PermanenteKaiser Permanente - MedicareL.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)Scripps 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, 4 ratings
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.