Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 13 ratings

Kelly Thompson

LCSW, 15 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

About me

Hi! Thank you for visiting my page. My name is Kelly and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Northern California. I have over 20 years of experience serving people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and focus issues that present barriers to achieving their goals. If you are feeling stuck, experiencing grief, or working through past trauma, I offer a safe space for self-exploration, growth, and meaningful change. Taking this step forward takes a lot of courage and I am here to support you along the way. I am here to empower you!

Get to know me

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

In the first session, we will focus on what prompted you to seek therapy and what you want to get out of it. I always tell people that I feel honored to hear my clients’ personal story and get to collaborate with them on their life goals. You can expect to feel a genuine interest from me that is non-judgmental. As we get to know each other we will start mapping out a plan for our work together. I encourage my clients to ask me any questions they have.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I have always been someone who people seek out and open up to when they feel overwhelmed. This inspired me to pursue education in psychology and clinical social work and work as a therapist for youth and families for 20 + years. I have experienced life struggles, losses, and transitions at different times in my life. The combination of my life experiences and clinical background allows me to meet my clients where they are at, helping them take steps towards meaningful changes in their lives. My communication style is empathetic, authentic, and non-judgmental. My clients often describe me as warm and easy to talk to. My clients can expect clear and direct communication from me to ensure we are focused on meeting their goals. I am open to and encourage any questions my clients have about me or my practice so that they can feel as comfortable as possible.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My passion is serving clients of all ages who are in transitional periods of their lives. My clients often find me when they are feeling stuck and want support moving forward. I see all my clients as the unique humans that they are and I tailor the therapeutic experience to fit their needs. My approach is client centered, collaborative, and strength based. I typically use cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness practices to help my clients build tools to manage difficult situations. I am also passionate about all things health and wellness and incorporate this into my practice if it makes sense for my clients.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

ADHDAnger ManagementGriefHealth/Medical IssuesTrauma and PTSD

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT supports clients in identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, challenging self-defeating beliefs, and building healthy coping strategies. I guide clients in exploring how their thoughts may be impacting their mood and choices - and making intentional shifts in their thinking and behavior can lead to meaningful growth. CBT is especially effective for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression and I strive to create a space where my clients feel empowered to challenge unhelpful patterns, build resilience, and take practical steps toward the life they want to live.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I use mindfulness based strategies to support my clients with increased awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment to help them be grounded and connected to themselves and world around them. Mindfulness helps us observe our thoughts and emotions without judgement, creating space to respond more intentionally rather than be reactive. I use mindfulness based practices to help my clients build greater awareness of how stress, anxiety, and other emotions show up in the mind and body. These skills are helpful tools for managing when feeling overwhelmed, reducing reactivity, and increasing self-compassion.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my work to help my clients move through emotional pain and discomfort while creating a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with who they truly are. I use ACT interventions to help my clients learn to relate differently to difficult emotions and experiences- not by trying to eliminate them, but by building skills to respond with more openness, compassion, and clarity. My experience with ACT has shown me how powerful this approach can be, particularly for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $150 per sessionAetnaAll 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-CalL.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, 13 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

August 13, 2025

Kelly's communication feels gentle and kind. She is very perceptive and has a profound ability to make others comfortable.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Kelly

July 9, 2025

Ms. Kelly is amazing. She gives me skills to practice to help me with my healing process. She's warm, empathetic, and she listens. I feel comfortable talking about my issues with her.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 5 with Kelly

April 9, 2025

Kelly seemed to truly listen to me and be present to my needs and concerns. I'm happy she is interested in working with me further.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 1 with Kelly