Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in San Rafael, CA

For the past ten years (mostly in private practice) I've helped adults and teens manage the inevitable difficulties of life and make choices (in life and in relationship) which honor their true needs and desires.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Sonoma County with six years of clinical experience working with young people and families. I've worked across a range of settings including intensive residential treatment, county behavioral health, and outpatient care, and I bring that breadth of experience into my private practice. I specialize in working with preteens, teens, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, family conflict, and life transitions. I also work with couples on a private pay basis.

Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

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.

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

Hi, I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who believes everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and treated with kindness. I create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, and other mental health concerns. Along with medication management, I also use supportive therapy techniques, including CBT and motivational interviewing, to help clients build healthy coping skills and feel more confident in their daily lives.

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

Participating in therapy is a process of showing up for yourself on a path of self discovery where you can find the places in yourself that are best suited for who you are today and the goals and visions you wish to achieve. Each session should be a collaborative journey with a therapist holding safe space for you guiding you toward becoming the person you have always had it within yourself to become. As a therapist I believe in meeting every individual where they are and where they are ready to start. Doing this I am given a chance to help people achieve the life they have envisioned and desired for themselves.