LGBT therapists in Pleasanton, CA

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

I work with adults and couples who feel stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn't changed. Specializing in anxiety, depression, gender affirming care, and Veteran care, I will provide a focused, grounded, and effective approach to therapy. My practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is centered on helping clients clarify what is maintaining their difficulties and develop practical and sustainable ways of shifting them.

I use she/her pronouns. I am a child of refugees. I have a Master of Social Work and did my Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies with a Minor in Global Health. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a range of challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol and substance use/abuse, chronic health challenges such as HIV and diabetes, as well as gender affirming care. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of video games, going to live shows, grabbing a bite to eat with loved ones, exploring new areas, and riding my motorcycle.

*Currently not accepting couples* Welcome! I provide support to individuals, couples, kink, and various polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous relational structures to guide them toward sexual wellness and health with an emphasis on communication, pleasure, and intimacy. I am also an avid advocate for combatting stigma in regard to STI/STDs, providing education on safe disclosures, and anxiety surrounding initial diagnoses. I've worked with folks with disabilities and chronic illness/pain, sex workers, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, LGBTQIA+, reproductive and perinatal issues, and those struggling with cultural identity and religious trauma.

My modalities include a sex positive approach that is non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathetic. I use different interventions such as CBT, motivational interviewing, bereavement and grief support, mindfulness, meditation, and harm reduction strategies. I include literature, art, and somatic practices into the therapeutic space as well.

My background is in medical social work (currently have worked over 8 years in the hospital setting). I have worked at UCLA, the Los Angeles Sex Therapy Collective, and I've presented at many sexual health conferences and workshops. I have my Masters in Social Work and Public Administration from USC and my undergraduate degree in Political Science from Macalester College, MN.

I genuinely like people, have always love to help ,

Will take my clients through the therapeutic process, with empathy and care for their experience in therapy to be a positive one.

I believe therapy should feel like a collaboration, an honest, safe space where you don’t have to have everything figured out before you walk in the door. My goal is to help you find clarity, strength, and connection in the places that matter most: within yourself and in your relationships.