When it comes to your mental health, you deserve the best care possible. I often tell my clients that therapy is like addressing a leaky roof: if you notice the problem early and take action, you can prevent it from getting worse. But too often, people wait until their emotional or mental health is in crisis before seeking help. Just as you wouldn’t wait for a major hole in your roof to call for repairs, you shouldn’t wait for your mental health to deteriorate before seeking therapy.
Addressing your mental health early—whether it's stress, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions—can make a significant difference in how you manage your well-being. Therapy is about prevention, healing, and growth, and finding a therapist with the right experience and training can give you the support you need to navigate life’s challenges.
My Background: Bringing Expertise to Your Care
I’ve had the privilege of working in some of the most reputable and selective mental health settings in the country, which has shaped my approach to therapy. These experiences have not only enhanced my clinical skills but have also reinforced my commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for my clients.
I worked at UCLA Health’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, a world-renowned facility known for its cutting-edge mental health care. UCLA’s program is highly selective, and only the top candidates are chosen to work there. At Resnick, I provided group therapy and case management for patients in the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). This experience allowed me to work with individuals facing severe mental health challenges, providing them with the structure and support they needed to stabilize and heal.
My time working for the California state government in the prison system was another valuable chapter in my career. The hiring process for state government positions, particularly in mental health, is arduous and selective. Only the most qualified candidates are chosen to work in these challenging environments. During my time in the prison system, I handled some of the most difficult and high-risk cases, including life-saving interventions with inmates. This experience gave me the skills to manage crises, develop strong therapeutic rapport in even the most complex situations, and help people turn their lives around despite immense challenges.
Another cornerstone of my career was my internship with the University of Southern California (USC), one of the top-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in the country. It was an honor to be selected as an intern at USC’s Mental Health Clinic at the USC Village, where I delivered Telehealth therapy to clients across the state. The selection process was highly competitive, and being chosen to intern directly at USC provided me with unparalleled training. I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the field—MDs, PhDs, LCSWs, and MBAs from Ivy League universities and USC itself. This rigorous training deepened my clinical knowledge and enhanced my ability to deliver effective therapy through both in-person and virtual settings.
Why Experience Matters
What does this all mean for you as a client? It means that when you work with me, you’re receiving therapy from someone who has been trained and vetted by some of the most prestigious mental health institutions in the country. I bring a wealth of experience from working with diverse populations, including individuals facing severe mental health crises, trauma, and life transitions. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or complex life changes, I have the expertise to help you navigate through it.
My private practice isn’t just a business—it’s a space where you can feel supported and heard by someone who has spent years honing their craft in high-pressure, selective environments. My rate of $225 per session, or through select insurance carriers, reflects the quality of care and the experience I bring to each session. Therapy is an investment in yourself, your well-being, and your future.
Why Therapy Shouldn’t Wait
Therapy is about more than solving immediate problems—it's about developing the tools you need to manage future challenges, build resilience, and maintain your emotional health over time. By starting therapy before things feel unmanageable, you give yourself the best chance to heal and grow.
I’ve seen the value of early intervention firsthand, whether in a high-stakes environment like a prison or in the comfort of my private practice. When we address mental health issues early, the outcome is better, the healing is deeper, and the journey is more manageable. Therapy allows you to work through your concerns before they become overwhelming and equips you with strategies to handle life’s stressors as they come.
The Importance of Realistic Expectations
In therapy, one of the most common patterns I see is the impact of perfectionism, often rooted in anxiety. Many people, especially parents, feel the pressure to be perfect—whether it’s providing a perfect life for their children or living up to unrealistic personal standards. This kind of perfectionism sets you up for failure, leading to chronic dissatisfaction, burnout, and increased stress. In therapy, we work together to break these patterns, learning how to set more realistic expectations and embrace imperfection as part of life.
In my work with parents, I often share a simple analogy: striving for a solid C is much healthier than aiming for a perfect A+. When you aim for perfection, you create anxiety and pressure not just for yourself, but also for your children. Trying to give them a perfect, conflict-free life doesn’t prepare them for the real world. In therapy, we explore how to model healthy conflict resolution, accountability, and emotional resilience for your family. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, engaged, and realistic.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been considering therapy, now is the time to take the first step. Just like you wouldn’t wait for a leaky roof to collapse, you don’t have to wait for your mental health to reach a breaking point. Therapy is here to support you in navigating life’s challenges before they become overwhelming.
With my extensive background and training from UCLA, USC, and the California prison system, I bring a high level of expertise and care to each session. I’m committed to helping you build resilience, find clarity, and achieve your goals. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take control of your mental health, I’m here to guide you on that journey.
Let’s work together to ensure your mental health doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
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