Sharp Health Plan Therapists in Sacramento, CA

I am a licensed psychotherapist. I believe that therapy can assist people in achieving a life worth living; an authentic life with increased self-worth, self-efficacy, awareness, and gratitude. My passion is to help others heal so that they can thrive. I have provided therapy to adolescent and adult clients in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient treatment programs, and community centers. I have experience helping people who are encountering anxiety, depression, anger, grief/bereavement, anticipatory grief/terminal illness, substance use, and traumas related to sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Welcome! I'm LaRae, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I'm glad you chose YOU! You've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work full time with veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I see clients in the evenings or weekends. I enjoy helping clients to navigate life changes, process feelings, and learn healthy coping strategies. Sessions with me will be comfortable, relaxed and productive. I see California clients only. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinician in California, with over three decades of clinical experience. I specialize in culturally competent, Christian-integrated, strength-based therapy. My approach combines Biblical principles, Christian values, wisdom, and clinical expertise to support those seeking healing through a holistic and compassionate framework. I offer culturally competent therapeutic interventions, respecting all cultures and emphasizing the client's strengths as the foundation for overcoming challenges.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a relational, trauma-informed approach to therapy. I believe in creating a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, deepen self-understanding, and move toward meaningful change. My work is grounded in psychodynamic and attachment-based theories, while also incorporating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools, and a strengths-based lens. I specialize in working with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, identity exploration, and the long-term impact of trauma. Whether you’re processing past experiences or working through present challenges, I offer a steady, compassionate presence and a thoughtful space to support your growth and healing.

Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life filled with purpose, success, satisfying relationships and continuous growth but sometimes we need help and guidance to get there. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have over 7 years of experience working with individuals of all ages to overcome psychological and emotional barriers to accomplish their goals, find peace of mind and reach optimal health. Specifically, in my practice I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, mood instability, anger, divorce, relationship issues, family conflict, and work related stress. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I strongly believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, dignity and compassion. My approach combines mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, schema therapy, psychodynamic, dialectical behavior therapy, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our counseling sessions to your unique and specific needs. ​I look forward to working with you!

Hello I'm Jessica! I am a therapist with a passion for supporting maternal/paternal and prenatal mental mental health, I understand the unique challenges and joys that come with starting a family and raising children, as well as those with special needs such as ADHD and autism. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for moms and parents to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to develop the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. With a compassionate and strengths-based approach, we will work collaboratively to identify your goals and priorities, and develop a personalized plan for achieving them. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, or simply looking for a supportive and understanding ally on your journey, I am here to help. With years of experience and training in various therapeutic modalities, I am committed to providing evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual client. My ultimate goal is to help moms and parents feel empowered, resilient, and confident in their ability to care for themselves and their families.

Hello and Welcome! I have been working in the mental health field since completing my Undergraduate degree at Sacramento State University in 2018 and have helping people across a wide variety of places ever since (from in-patient hospitals, to residential treatment facilities, to outpatient clinics). I graduated with my Master's in Psychology from Brandman University back in December of 2021 and have been providing therapeutic services to clients of all backgrounds since then as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I acquired my full license in May of 2024 and now hope to provide even more help to those suffering from life's battles as a fresh LMFT no matter where they are in their life journey. Youth or adult; individual or couple; first-timer or returner; I wish to help in anyway I can through your specific struggles.

Hello and Welcome. I commend you for taking the time to identify the right therapist for you, and I would be delighted to have the opportunity to serve you through your journey to either heal, grow, or build. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist; I aim to help individuals strengthen their sense of self and relationships. I have over ten years of experience working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds who have experienced various mental health challenges.

I am licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) originally from the central coast of California. I now live in the Greater Sacramento California Area and have experience in working with adolescents/teens and adults who struggle with various issues including depression or the intricacies of being part of the LGBT community. I have three years of experience in education supporting adolescents as a Therapist ages 11-15.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with six years of experience in the mental health field. My journey as a therapist is fueled by a deep passion for personal growth, empathy, and professional dedication. I am committed to supporting individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate challenges—big or small—and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

Hi, possible client! You may be going through a stressful moment in your life. You may have had some complex trauma occur in your past. Or you may have a teen who is experiencing some mental health difficulties. Maybe you're looking for someone who may have more in common with you to help you through your challenges. Whether you are looking for a space to feel supported and discuss your trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship, life goals, or to simply feel seen, I may be the therapist for you.

I come to my practice with life experience and have lived in Europe and know the challenges of making life transitions. I use a laid back approach and focus on meeting the clients where they are to really understand the changes they wish to make. I firmly believe in the therapeutic allegiance and the client therapist working together for the optimum outcome.

My name is J.P. De Oliveira Estevão, and I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (L.P.C.C.). I provide a supportive, collaborative space where clients can explore challenges, build insight, and work toward meaningful change. I use proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic approaches, and Adlerian ideas to customize treatment just for you. My goal is to help you understand yourself better, find ways to cope with challenges and build a happier life.

Hi, I’m Melat, and I’m passionate about helping people discover their strengths and create meaningful change in their lives. I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so I work hard to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and supported. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and strength-based approaches to tailor our work to your unique needs. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, or just feeling stuck, my goal is to help you find clarity, build confidence, and move toward the life you want

Do you want a better day tomorrow than you had yesterday? Do you worry about things you have no control over? Do you ask, “Is this all there is to my life?” What happened to your dreams, your goals, your “someday I’ll be…I’ll do…, I’ll have…”? Hello, please call me Stephanie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years in the helping profession. I love the Martial Arts for it’s discipline of the body, mind, and spirit. I believe everyone should learn some Self-Protection techniques for all aspects of life; Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial etc. Wellbeing is my personal ambition. My two favorite words are Peace and Hope. I also have a faithful trust in God. I am not in charge.

Greetings! My name is Leslie Bartholomew and I am excited to get to know you and help support your road to healing and change. Although I have achieved licensure fairly recently, I have about 14 years of therapeutic experience in a vast array of populations (individuals, teens, children, young adults, couples, foster youth, unaccompanied minors and migrant families). My passion derives from providing a safe and accepting environment to prepare clients to undergo healing and achieve a full and balanced life. I particularly enjoy giving back to the Latino community which I am a part of and an advocate for equality and a world free from discrimination and abundance of acceptance. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach your personal goals.

Hi there, I'm Jonathan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Congratulations on taking your first step toward wellness and recovery! I specialize in helping people with issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, marital/pre-marital issues, and more. It is my personal and professional commitment to assist and support you in any way possible on this journey of change. I have been practicing therapy since 2005 and completed my Bachelor's degree at Appalchian State University in Boone NC (class of 2003). I completed my Master's in MFT Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute of Psychology in Chatsworth, CA (class of 2005).

Hi, I'm Casandra, and I'm glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a master's degree from the University of Southern California. I decided to become a therapist because I love being able to help others. One of my favorite things is getting to know others and helping them to discover (or re-discover) who they are. Getting to help others realize their potential and overall improve their mental and emotional well-being is something I enjoy doing and consider it such a privilege.

As a LMFT, it’s important for me to hold space and meet clients where they are. I will walk with you along your journey, while also making sure we do not avoid the hard stuff. I blend evidence-based tools with deep empathy. I will ask questions that will encourage you to explore and process feelings, while also helping you to reframe and rewrite the stories that no longer serve you.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I bring a warm, steady presence and take a thoughtful, thorough interest in who you are—like a trusted and wise friend who’s here to listen without judgment and help you see things more clearly. I believe therapy should be a safe, affirming space for everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based methods, I tailor each session to your unique needs. Together, we can explore meaning, shift unhelpful narratives, and build skills for a more grounded and fulfilling future.

Are you down on yourself, beating yourself up with thoughts like "I'm not good enough, I'm a failure, I should work harder than I do or I'll never get what I want out of life?" Do you focus on your flaws rather than your strengths and maybe have even forgotten what your strengths are? I can help you identify, challenge and change those distorted, negative, self defeating ideas to give you a more realistic, compassionate and affirming sense of yourself. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I can help you focus on your strengths, many of which you may not have even been aware of, build your self esteem and begin to love yourself again. Having been a psychotherapist for 27 years, I start where you are, help you figure out what you want in your life and give the you the tools to get there so that you can have the joy and excitement you deserve. I look forward to assisting you on your journey.

Welcome to my practice! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with more than 20 years of experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, anger issues, and self-harm behaviors. I want to get to know you and what might be happening with you that you are seeking counseling for. Most people come to therapy when they are in some type of distress. Sometimes this is conscious and sometimes not. If you are feeling powerless or distressed for some reason or grieving a loss in life, I would like to see how we can work in therapy. The way we work will depend on the issues you bring to therapy. I have experience with different approaches to therapy including but not limited to HUMANISTIC THERAPY (includes the importance of personal responsibility, and a positive, non-judgmental approach), STRUCTURAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (includes the importance of family structure and healthy boundaries), GOTTMAN (includes helping couples communicate better, resolve conflicts constructively, and create a shared sense of meaning), CBT (generally includes a short-term approach that helps you identify and change negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior to improve your mood and overall well-being). All the above types of counseling styles point towards change or growth. Many times, there is a creative element to counseling and many times the counseling can give you more of a sense of purpose for yourself in life. Please see my calendar with Grow to sign up for an appointment today.

I am a Psychologist licensed in California and have provided psychotherapy to individuals for over 30 years. I am also a lifelong artist and I am interested in how the creative process functions in our lives. I help people connect with their true potential that may have been ignored or forgotten in their search for meaning and purpose in their lives.

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

Hello, my name is Abram Andersen. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the field for 12 years. I strongly believe healthy relationships are the foundation for a happy healthy life. Relationships really matter! Sometimes things like depression, anxiety, and trauma can get in the way of experiencing relationships to their fullest. I am a holistic therapist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With the CBT approach, we say, “Thoughts create feelings and feelings create behaviors or actions. We can work together to help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and why you might behave as you do.

I have been working in the area of behavioral health since 1990, have various degrees from educational institutions, worked several internships for required training, helped move clients from a Developmental Center into homes to live and be a part of the community, have a love of working with older adults, and feel I am a compassionate, kind, person who is client centered and wants to help others to become empowered, if wanted. I have been a social worker for several entities and before that I was a Licensed Psychiatric Technician working on a crisis unit for Sonoma county.

Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."

I enjoy meeting new people. Each client I have is a new story. My objective is to listen and work collaboratively with you. Everybody gets challenged in this life. I would like to hear your needs and help you find your way through them. Life is short. If I can help you discover a happier life, that will be outstanding. I have a sense of humor. I thinks that's necessary in this life. Please feel free to call me Jen.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering compassionate, client-centered therapy to pregnant women, adolescents, adults, and immigrant families. I’ve supported clients adjusting to HIV diagnoses and navigating parent-child dynamics. My approach is soft, grounding, and collaborative. I hold space for emotions while offering practical tools for growth, with the goal of supporting your healing until you feel ready to thrive independently.

Hi there, I'm Gut (Goot)! Thanks for looking at my profile, "the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step". I am a Veteran looking to assist others with their own "1000" mile journey. My approach I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals on their perspective journeys. I utilize Solution Focused Brief Therapy primarily with couples. My focus I have found that my style and approach work well with individuals who prefer a straightforward, assertive approach. My communication style is assertive, direct, with a curious undertone to solicit perspective. My journey in mental healthcare I wanted to assist with preventing Veteran suicides. My goals for you My goal is not that of a pastor; I do not want you to keep coming back, but to take what we have learned and continue the journey.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with athletes, couples, and individuals navigating life transitions and intimacy concerns. My approach blends evidence-based strategies with a supportive, down-to-earth style, helping clients feel understood while making real, lasting change. Whether you’re aiming for peak performance, stronger relationships, or personal growth, I’m here to help you reach your goals with clarity and confidence.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor dedicated to promoting healing and growth through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach. Understanding that each individual is unique, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the specific needs of my clients, recognizing that what works for one may not apply to all. I place a strong emphasis on building a trusting rapport and establishing a collaborative therapeutic alliance, where we work together to create lasting change. I firmly believe that every person has the potential to shape and develop the life they envision, and my role is to guide and support them in this process.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life’s everyday challenges. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach and primarily use Mindfulness-Based Therapy to help you build awareness, reduce stress, and develop healthier coping skills. In our work together, you can expect a safe, supportive space where you’ll learn to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, stay grounded in the present moment, and reconnect with what matters most to you. Whether you're seeking relief from overwhelming feelings or looking to strengthen your emotional resilience, I'm here to walk alongside you on that journey.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Irvine, California, and I work with clients throughout the state via tele-health. I work with Adults and specialize in anxiety and stress disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help my clients explore their triggers, emotions, develop coping skills, and achieve positive life changes.

Hello there, I'm Alma. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with elementary-age children and young adults. I can help you manage anxiety to avoid burnout, and in children to avoid losing control of their emotions. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I integrate mindfulness to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with being overwhelmed, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety, I'm here to help. You deserve a safe space to be heard, heal and grow.

PLEASE NOTE: I am a Gerontological Counselor. I believe in empowering older adults by fostering independence, resilience and sense of identity. Aging is a journey that should be met with dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth. By actively listening, providing tailored support, and encouraging self-determination, I can help older adults maintain their autonomy and confidence. Resilience is nurtured through meaningful connections, purposeful activities, and a focus on strengths rather than limitations. I am committed to honoring an individual's experiences, celebrating their uniqueness, and creating environments where people feel valued and capable. I challenge stereotypes about aging and promote a vision of later life filled with possibility and fulfillment.

Hi I'm Natalya Kuzmicheva, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from California State University of Los Angeles. I have been practicing for 14 years helping clients, young and mature, to balance their emotions, to explore obstacles and challenges, and to find a unique way to overcome them. I also have an experience of being trained and working with clients suffering with consequences of trauma.

My name is Dave Doerken, a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I have worked extensively within the queer community, addressing issues ranging from childhood/adult trauma, substance use & recovery, shame/perfectionism, emotional regulation and coping strategies, to societal and internalized oppression. My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I work from a trauma-informed, attachment-centered lens and believe in the resilience of the human spirit. My goal is to help you better understand your story, heal from past traumas, and reevaluate painful patterns that do not serve you in ways they might have in the past. I hope to support you build meaningful, connected relationships—with others and with yourself.

With a faith-based perspective, I provide solution-focused & mindfulness-based cognitive therapy strategies to promote individual care for client growth. I communicate with compassion, directness, and an emphasis on problem solving strategies. My faith-based perspective informs my supportive and pragmatic approach to helping you develop greater coping skills towards personal growth and healing. Over the past 20+ years, I have partnered with Federal, County, and Private Agencies in meeting the needs of diverse clientele populations.

Hello, I'm David. Do you have a change you are facing and are unsure about which direction to go? Are you questioning your identity or aspects of who you are? Are you facing struggles that feel too large to conquer? Are stressors weighing you down? I help clients navigate these tough questions and work together to understand how to face these challenges. Exploring the choices together and discovering a path that resonates with you. I use a whole-person approach to unlock who you want to be and I will walk alongside as your journey unfolds. The challenges of today can become the strengths of tomorrow! Let’s work together to find that peace of mind you are looking for.

I am a licensed psychotherapist that specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of counseling used to help clients with a variety of issues including addiction, marital problems, anger, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or any other life problem that is stressful. I have been practicing as a licensed clinical social worker since 1997.

I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us—sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.

I’m Steven Frank. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), licensed in California and living in Seattle, Washington. The way the law works is that if I have a California license, I can live outside of California, but can only work with California residents. For that reason, all my work is perforyemed online through telehealth. I see primarily adults and seniors in my practice and while I work mostly withindividuals, I will also see couples when needed. I’ve been licensed since 1983 but actually began to “grow” a private practice beginning in 1990. While most of my experience has been with clients dealing with depression and anxiety, over the last 4-5 years I’ve been more focused on the treatment for symptoms of trauma and abuse. I’ve been trained in EMDR (a specific treatment for trauma), and will use that method as needed, when appropriate, and with your understanding of the process, and consent. By the way, my first job experience (before beginning my schooling for the MFT license), was in the California State Hospital system as a psychiatric technician. I was a member of a hospital inpatient treatment team that treated people with severe mental disorders. This was excellent training for working with clients who are seeking help, but on an outpatient basis.

Hello, my name is Tina Salazar, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. Are you struggling with isolation, stress, depression, or anxiety? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Know that you are not alone. Asking for support is an act of strength and courage and is the first step in making positive changes. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and the things that give your life happiness and meaning. You can overcome life’s challenges so you can experience personal growth and live a full and authentic life. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, learn, grow, and change by combining Coaching and therapy to suit your needs.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated with my Masters from the University of Southern California in 2014. I work with people who are struggling with their self identity due to anxiety and depression. I lead with understanding and commitment toward seeing the fullness of my clients. I enjoy working with clients to see the dualities that exist within our world in order to help them meet their goals.

Welcome to your first step at receiving the care you need. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master of Science degree from California State University, Los Angeles. I have experience helping clients with a wide range of challenges, and I believe you have the strength within you to overcome what you're facing. I was drawn to the field of mental healthcare through my own personal experiences and a deep desire to help others. Pursuing my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University, Los Angeles, provided me with the knowledge and skills to support individuals in their healing journeys. My goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or personal growth, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will work to identify and overcome obstacles, build resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with licensure in California, Oregon and Washington. I received my Masters in 2012 and have been practicing for 13 years across multiple settings. I help adults with a wide range of issues that include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship conflict, and low self-esteem. I work with people to reclaim the direction of their lives in the face of these problems, helping them take decisive action.

I’ve been a psychotherapist for over 30 years, providing individual therapy to adults and older adults. I specialize in working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the long term effects of trauma and grief. My approach to therapy is flexible and responsive to each client’s unique needs. I focus on understanding how past experiences and unresolved conflicts impact the present, with the ultimate focus of making life more satisfying and meaningful in the here and now. I focus on providing a supportive and safe space to explore your concerns and how they are affecting your life. I draw from psychodynamic, relational, and trauma-informed frameworks, in addition to problem solving, always aiming to help clients feel seen, understood, and empowered. In addition, I am the grandmother of a child with Autism. I have first hand knowledge of navigating a complicated system, and the grief and fear that can come from a diagnosis of Autism, as families work through their own feelings and learn to accept and love their child.

If you’re a client who works with me, you can trust that you have a therapist with the highest level of education and training (B.A from Princeton; Ph.D. from UCLA), extensive experience working with individuals and couples, and a record of professional accomplishment (University Professor, Director of a Graduate Program in Counseling, author of multiple books and articles in the areas of Clinical Psychology and Human Development.) In addition to my work in psychology, I have a background in the creative arts as a Grammy award-winning songwriter and a published novelist. Because of this added dimension, some of my clients have welcomed suggestions for excellent stories, novels, movies, or television shows that depict characters who face similar challenges to their own and our discussions of these works and characters have provided these clients with another valuable source of understanding and growth. On a personal note, I grew up on the East Coast before relocating to California and I’m the father of two daughters.