Dr. Kassai ("Dr. K") is a licensed psychologist in California with a specialization in treating and evaluating adults with co-occurring cognitive and psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), body image issues, and perfectionism. Dr. K earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and her doctorate from Alliant University (CSPP). She thereafter completed her training at an APA-accredited internship treating individuals diagnosed with severe mental health issues. Additionally, she has experience in forensic settings, evaluating and treating individuals with a dual diagnosis who are committed at the Orange County Juvenile Recovery Court. Dr. K employs an integrative approach to therapy, helping many individuals reinvent themselves and regain control over their lives. Dr. Kassai is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. Dr. K provides therapy in both English and Farsi, offering a culturally sensitive and bilingual space for clients to explore their experiences with comfort and ease.
In our first session together, we’ll take some time to get to know each other and talk about what brings you in. I’ll ask questions to better understand your background, current struggles, and what you hope to gain from therapy. By the end of our session, we’ll begin to outline a direction for our work together, allowing you to start feeling a sense of clarity and support moving forward.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and understood. With years of experience supporting adults through ADHD, anxiety, OCD, grief, and life transitions, I’m skilled at helping clients untangle what’s underneath their struggles and build practical, compassionate strategies for change. I bring a blend of structure and empathy to each session, meeting you where you are while gently guiding you toward lasting growth.
I love working with adults who are doing their best to hold everything together while facing challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, grief, or big life changes. My clients are often caring, insightful people who have a lot on their plates and feel stretched thin. They want to feel more grounded, more focused, and better able to cope, but they’re not sure where to start. Together, we work on building clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for lasting emotional balance.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT supports clients with ADHD by increasing psychological flexibility and reducing impulsive reactivity through mindfulness and values-based action. For anxiety and OCD, ACT teaches clients to accept discomfort, defuse from intrusive thoughts, and stay committed to meaningful goals even in the presence of fear or uncertainty. This approach shifts the focus from symptom control to living a purposeful life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients with ADHD develop practical skills for time management, emotional regulation, and reframing negative self-talk. For anxiety, CBT targets distorted thinking and avoidance through structured tools like thought records and behavioral experiments. With OCD, I use CBT to help clients understand the link between obsessions and compulsions, laying the foundation for ERP.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT provides clients with ADHD, anxiety, and OCD the tools to regulate intense emotions, improve distress tolerance, and strengthen interpersonal effectiveness. I integrate mindfulness skills to increase attention and reduce reactivity across these conditions. The structured nature of DBT is especially helpful for clients who feel emotionally overwhelmed or out of control.
Psychoanalytic
I use psychodynamic therapy to explore how unconscious beliefs and early relational experiences shape current struggles with focus, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. For ADHD, we often unpack internalized shame or self-criticism; with anxiety and OCD, we explore underlying fears, guilt, or unresolved conflict. This deeper insight enables clients to develop a long-term emotional understanding and healing.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is central to my work with OCD, helping clients face feared thoughts or situations without engaging in compulsions. I also use exposure strategies with clients facing anxiety or task-avoidant patterns related to ADHD to build distress tolerance and reduce avoidance. The process strengthens resilience by teaching clients that they can tolerate discomfort without needing to escape it.