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
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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
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how i can help
assess
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.
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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.
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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.