Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Citrus Heights, CA covered by Aetna

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

Clients working with me can expect a therapeutic experience rooted in restorative care, cultural authenticity, and deep respect for their lived story. At Cultivating A Better Me, healing is not defined solely by symptom reduction—it is a process of rebuilding inner safety, strengthening emotional resilience, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

My clinical foundation began at Sacramento Head Start, where I learned the profound impact of compassion, early intervention, and family‐centered support. With advanced training in Early Childhood Development and Counseling Psychology, I bring specialized expertise in disruptive behaviors, trauma‐responsive care, and expressive‐arts‐based healing.

Within my practice, clients are invited into a space where they can slow down, breathe, and explore their experiences without judgment. I integrate evidence‐based practices with creativity, narrative work, and culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, community, and personal agency.

Most importantly, clients should know that I show up with presence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping them cultivate meaningful, sustainable change. Healing is a collaborative journey—and I walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and support.

Hi! I'm Kalene. I help those who find it easy to be compassionate toward others but struggle with self-compassion. I work with perfectionists, people-pleasers, and overthinkers who feel burnt out from always being "on" and trying to meet impossible expectations. These expectations may be self-inflicted, or come from an overload of responsibilities, such as being a caregiver, parent, help professional, public figure, or family leader. I have specialized training and experience in supporting survivors of sexual trauma and those in the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) community. I help people build a greater sense of self-compassion through traditional 1:1 therapy, and reset their overactive nervous system through integrative neurofeedback/biofeedback.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, my educational experiences includes an MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Psychology. Along with my psychological background, I bring over 30 years of experience and education helping individuals in various school and ministry settings which includes a Certificate in Women's ministry. With this experience, I've gained valuable insights and understanding that has greatly impacted my ability to support clients on their therapeutic journey.

Hello! My name is Jeffrey Steer, and I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 17 years. My education and training have given me experience in working with a variety of issues related to mental health, and I especially enjoy working with clients who struggle with stress, anxiety, and challenges of daily life. I also have an interest in working with men's issues and clients who identify as LGBTQIA+.