Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Fresno, CA covered by United Healthcare

Is your cup feeling empty?

I'm Shahna Duerksen, M.A., LMFT, a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy exclusively to women 18+ through California telehealth and in-person sessions in Fresno.

I work with women who spend much of their lives pouring into others and may eventually feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, disconnected, or unsure of who they are beyond their responsibilities. Sometimes everyone else is receiving our time, energy, and care while our own cups are running low.

I especially enjoy helping women navigate adult ADHD symptoms, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, boundaries, relationship distress, betrayal trauma related to infidelity or problematic sexual behaviors in a partner, identity and life transitions, and family or cultural expectations.

I also support therapists and mental health professionals—from those in training to experienced clinicians—who are navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, professional boundaries, self-care, and the emotional demands of caring for others.

Another meaningful part of my work is supporting women navigating life between cultures, including South Asian and Indian women balancing their own needs and identity with family, cultural, spiritual, or relational expectations. Finding room for yourself doesn't have to mean abandoning the people or values that matter to you.

I earned my M.A. in Intercultural Studies and M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University. My education and professional experience inform my interest in culturally responsive care and the ways culture, family, relationships, and life experiences shape how we understand ourselves.

And yes—funny, polite sarcasm and humor are fluently spoken. I also speak very basic conversational Hindi.

I’ve helped people work through trauma, burnout, ADHD, Bipolar mood concerns, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and others, in ways that honor their pace and their story. Our work together is grounded in honesty, humor, and compassion.

As a therapist in Fresno and online in CA, I help people whose minds and bodies are tired of being on high alert. You might notice every possible threat around you, feel constantly on edge, or struggle to relax even in moments that should feel safe. You may carry guilt or shame from the ways you react when overwhelmed.

As therapy continues, you begin to notice small but real shifts. The mornings feel a bit lighter. You catch yourself laughing without effort. You start to sleep better. You find it easier to connect with family or friends, to be present, to breathe. These small moments build into something bigger

— a sense of belonging in your own life again.

Hi there, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose practice is rooted in one foundational belief: every person deserves compassionate, individualized mental health care — regardless of background, circumstance, or the barriers and challenges they've faced along the way.

I focus on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and life's traumas, with a particular dedication to individuals from underserved and marginalized communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to quality mental health care.

All care is grounded in evidence-based practice, blending the most current clinical research with individualized judgment and patient-centered values. As a lifelong learner, I actively pursue continuing education and emerging best practices in psychiatric care — because excellence in medicine requires ongoing growth, humility, and a willingness to be taught by both science and the patients who make this work meaningful.

I welcome patients of all backgrounds and identities, and I am honored to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing, wholeness, and hope.

Welcome! As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist, I have 10 years of experience helping individual clients and couples reach their goals and overcome challenges that are holding them back in their lives and relationships.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has been practicing since 2009. I specialize in men's mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I look forward to serving you on your healing journey and helping you find peace and balance in your life.