Licensed to practice in California and accepts 50 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
Hello there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I graduated with both a BSW and MSW from San Diego State University and received my formal trauma training at Rady's Children's Hospital. Throughout my experience, I have worked in many capacities including private psychotherapy practice, teaching social work courses at SDSU, medical social work, home health, managed care and with a full range of treatment specialties. I appreciate using a strengths-based approach within a cultural context to best understand the unique needs of my clients.
During our first session together, I need to get to know my client and the problem that triggered the need for therapy. I do this by obtaining a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, through relational engagement and completing a risk assessment, if this is required.
My greatest strength is my capacity to understand my clients and the interconnection of systems and relationships that have impacted their life. I offer genuine empathy and authenticity. I have a firm appreciate of my professions ethics strive to create a safe environment for anyone I work with.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. I feel that I always learn something new from my clients and appreciate the opportunity to be exposed to the wide spectrum of individuals I am fortunate to help.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 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 of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
IHSS Healthy Workers
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)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
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
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma. The ability to connect our thoughts to behaviors allows a person a sense of understanding and control over difficult circumstances in their life.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma. The ability to connect our thoughts to behaviors with a culturally sensitive dynamic allows a person a sense of understanding and control over difficult circumstances in their life.
Interpersonal
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma. The ability to connect our thoughts to behaviors within an interpersonal context allows a person a sense of understanding and control over difficult circumstances in their life.
Strength-Based
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma. The ability to connect our thoughts to behaviors allows a person a sense of understanding and control over difficult circumstances in their life.
Trauma Informed Care
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma. The ability to connect our thoughts to behaviors allows a person a sense of understanding and control over difficult circumstances in their life.
10 ratings with written reviews
February 11, 2026
Great session. I think I found my person - finally!!!
November 3, 2025
Cheryl has been a great therapist. She is kind but direct, easy to talk to, and full of practical, solution-oriented ideas to help you with whatever you're going through.
October 2, 2025
Cheryl James was wonderfully warm and empathetic. She listened without judgment and helped me feel genuinely understood. I left our conversation feeling calmer and more supported. Thank you, Cheryl!