Hi, I’m Vanda Kim, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. My experience includes working in medical, school, and private practice settings, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through many of life’s challenges. I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds and deeply value the unique stories and perspectives each person brings to therapy.
I invite you to come to our first session with an open mind and to let go of any expectations about what therapy “should” look like. This initial meeting is a chance for us to see how we connect and for you to share what brings you to counseling. You’re welcome to ask questions about me or the therapeutic process, and I’ll ask questions to better understand your experiences and goals. Together, we’ll begin creating a plan tailored to your needs and what will support you best.
I believe healing begins with genuine connection and understanding. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration, creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel truly seen and heard. Using a strength-based perspective, I help clients identify and build upon their natural resilience and inner wisdom. My goal is to offer a compassionate, flexible environment that empowers you to grow, heal, and make meaningful, lasting changes in your life.
I primarily work with adults (18+) from diverse backgrounds and life experiences who are seeking individual therapy and meaningful personal growth. Many of my clients are navigating challenges such as depression, grief, anxiety, stress, relationship or family difficulties, trauma, low motivation, or concerns related to self-esteem. I also support individuals who feel a desire for greater purpose and direction in their lives, helping them cultivate deeper self-understanding, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $110 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
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
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
Eclectic
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and centered around you. I draw from a variety of approaches—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, person-centered care, humanistic and psychodynamic theories, and processing therapy—so I can tailor our work to best fit your unique needs and goals. I believe each person has an innate ability to heal and grow, and my role is to help you tap into that inner strength. Together, we’ll explore your experiences with empathy and curiosity, deepening self-awareness and cultivating mindfulness along the way. My goal is to help you build a more compassionate relationship with yourself and to recognize the resilience and resources you already have within you.
6 ratings with written reviews
April 23, 2026
She seemed very caring
March 14, 2026
Spiritual practical caring calm and engaging. Excellent.
February 9, 2026
Vanda Kim is amazing at helping me discover my coping mechanisms and understanding the core root of my anxieties and instructing me on how to sit with my thoughts rather than push them away.