Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Palo Alto, CA covered by Aetna

I enjoy being part of a client's process of learning ways to make their life work and help them feel good about themselves. I have psychiatric, educational, and life experience of 20 years in the field. This is dynamic counseling involving new tool and ways to look at situations. The 60 minutes session will give you at least one tool to help you do your life in a different way. Then we refine tools the next week. Goal setting and review will be part of your therapy work.

Hello,

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your journey to regain trust in your unique strengths and overcome life's challenging situations, and help you make your life happier and more meaningful. My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive.

I have been in practice for over a decade, and work with a wide range of conditions including trauma, depression and complex life transitions.

Welcome! I specialize in medication management (psychopharmacology) of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and ADHD of adult patients. I graduated from the Stanford Psychiatry Residency Program in 2004 where I served as chief resident and have been in private practice since 2005. You may learn more about my practice at https://sfpsychiatrylaw.com. Please note that the first appointment is done in my office in Belmont. I talk to prospective clients on the phone before booking the inital intake appointment. I am not able to take all the patients who wish to schedule.

I'm Deidre, and for over two decades I've helped people move through some of life's most painful and disorienting transitions — loss, illness, divorce, relationship struggles, aging, and the quiet fears that come with facing mortality. My clients often tell me that what they needed most wasn't advice — it was someone who truly listened, who could help them make sense of what they were feeling and find a path forward. That's what I'm here to do!

Being a therapist and helping people overcome feelings of isolation and conflict is one of my life's greatest joys. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples work through depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. I also provide critical assistance through domestic violence and rape counselling. It is important to me to help patients along on their journey through professional, evidence based counselling.

I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, double majoring in business administration and psychology. I then continued my education and graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my traineeship through the YWCA, working at a middle school and at YWCA sexual assault/ domestic violence clinic. Post graduation I started my job with LGTC and spent two years in the adult and teen mental health IOP and PHP program as a group and individual therapist . I recently transitioned to working at the outpatient level of care, and I am so excited about this new chapter

Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

I am an experienced, board-certified marriage family therapist. My multi-cultural life experience equipped me to guide you through your unique life challenges. During the first visit, I will identify how therapy can best help your own unique life situation.

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My Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.

My Approach to Therapy

My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

I have a deep commitment to seeing people flourish in relationship to themselves, and to others. For many of us, we have some sense of what makes relationships great and what makes them terrible. Knowing and experiencing what makes great relationships stronger, and what turns terrible relationships around, is where I can work alongside you. As someone who has been stepped in Attachment science, I love allowing for people to make more coherent sense of their internal world, to build or restore bonds with others.

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

My passion is to help others find more joy and meaning in their lives. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. I have experience working in the schools, with a team at a counseling clinic, and in private practice. I specialize with teenagers and their families and moving into couples work as well.