does my child need therapy?
therapeutic support for children, young adults and their families
therapy for teens and young adults
and support for their families
does my teen or young adult need therapy?
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unusually sad, anxious, or irritable
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self destructive behaviors
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trauma, grief, or major loss
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learning struggles
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transition or adjustment difficulties
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social challenges
how i can help
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Getting Started
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Complimentary phone consultation
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Intake session with parent(s) and child (as needed)
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Collaboration with teachers, doctors, and other professionals
Specialties
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Anxiety & Depression (including OCD)
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ADHD & Learning Differences
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Stress, Anger & Behavior Challenges
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Grief, Loss & Major Life Changes
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Adoption & Family Transitions
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Fears, Phobias & Social Difficulties
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Eating Concerns
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Treatment Approaches
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Play Therapy – Helping children express feelings and build coping skills through play and art.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT/ERP) – Teaching how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect, and building healthier patterns.
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Family Systems Therapy – Strengthening family communication and support.
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Psychodynamic Therapy – Exploring inner conflicts and emotions through age-appropriate play and talk.
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Mindfulness Therapy – Using meditation, visualization, and guided imagery to manage stress and emotions.
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Session Options
I offer flexible session formats tailored to each family’s needs:
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Individual sessions with teens or young adults to build self-awareness and healthy coping skills
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Parent sessions for guidance and support (when appropriate)
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Combined parent–child sessions to share progress and practice strategies at home and school
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Parent groups that provide support and connection around key treatment issues
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I may refer families for additional support. This may include, and is not limited to:
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medication evaluations
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psychoeducational evaluations
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occupational therapists
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learning and educational specialists
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addiction counselors
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psychiatric consultations
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speech and language specialists
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other therapists with specializations
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individual or family therapy
ABOUT ME
I began my MSW studies in Washington, D.C. in 1993 and have dedicated my career to supporting children and families. Alongside my work as a professor and researcher—where I focus on lifting up the voices of marginalized and silenced communities—I have spent the last nine years providing therapy through my private practice in San Rafael.
My clinical work builds on more than a decade in child welfare, where I supported foster and adoptive families, developed foster adoption programs across California, and served as Clinical Director of a child welfare agency. I have also worked in bilingual, multicultural, and LGBTQ-affirming settings, bringing cultural humility and inclusivity into my practice. In 2024, I completed my Doctor of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, further strengthening the integration of research and clinical practice.
As a therapist, I bring professional and lived experience as a parent of three. I meet clients with compassion, honesty, and practical tools for growth. When I’m not in session, I love hiking with my family and our dog.
professional affiliations include:
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National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
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Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
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Association for Play Therapy
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Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation
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Society for Social Work Research (SSWR)
Fees 2025
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Free 30-minute initial phone consult
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Initial 80-minute assessment session, $400
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Individual 50-minute sessions, $250
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School meetings or meetings with other professionals, one hour fee (plus drive time)
Cash, check, or credit card payment due each session, and online pay is available. While I do not accept insurance, many PPOs provide mental health coverage, and I will provide a monthly superbill, upon request, to submit to your insurance company.