I am a licensed clinical social worker who has clinical experience in medical social work, home health, geriatrics, and end of life care. I am looking forward to building my clinical practice with Grow. I am trained in CBT techniques and use a strengths and system based approach to my work. My full time work is managing a team of social workers and support staff in Hospice. I bring a caring, client-centered and practical approach to my work.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I will want to get to know you and more about what brings you to pursuing therapy. I will ask for a basic psychosocial history, mental health history and previous therapy experiences. I will ask about the clients goals and what they are looking for in a therapy and how we can work together to achieve your clinical goals and expectations.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am very patient centered and do not come with an agenda of my own. I support patients with their goals and bring a strengths based approach to clinical work. I am trained as a social worker - we meet patients where they are at and work from there. I am a practical thinker and will hope to support you with developing simple day to day needs to support your mental health needs.
About Leah Hellerstein
Leah Hellerstein offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Kern Family Health Care - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have completed various trainings in CBT and use this practice to inform my interventions. I am focused on practical approaches to therapy and CBT is in line with my favorite modalities given its versatility and ability to help patients in all areas. I use homework and daily coping strategies as part of this intervention.
Strength-Based
Focusing on one's strengths can boost their self-esteem and confidence. I use strength based interventions in every session to help clients see what they sometimes can not see in themselves and to help them become more aware of their 'superpowers.'
Grief Therapy
I have experience as a clinical social worker in grief therapy and bereavement support groups, in oncology and hospice settings. I have worked with bereaved clients and help them cope and adjust after death.
Group Therapy
I have facilitated oncology and bereavement support groups, as well as facilitating groups and meetings in a professional context. I value the group setting and see a lot of value in getting support from others and/or going to therapy with someone else to sort out problems.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma affects all part of ones coping and we can't treat any form of mental health need without recognizing trauma. I always take a trauma informed approach to care and incorporate coping and breathing exercises as needed to support therapeutic interventions.