Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Clara, CA

You may be someone who looks capable on the outside but inside feels anxious, overwhelmed, self-critical, or stuck in patterns you understand but can’t seem to change. Maybe you’ve gotten very good at holding things together, taking care of others, or pushing through—even when something inside you is asking for a different way.

For more than a decade, I’ve helped adults navigate anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, relationship and attachment difficulties, people-pleasing, boundaries, and the lasting effects of experiences that continue to shape how they feel about themselves and relate to others. I also have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and understand how important it is to have a space where your identity and relationships don’t need to be explained, defended, or translated.

I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, with specialized training in LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy. I’m an EMDR Certified therapist and have advanced training in mindfulness and trauma-focused care. My professional background includes both private practice and treatment settings, giving me experience working with a wide range of concerns and levels of distress.

My style is warm, engaged, curious, and down-to-earth. I won’t just sit back and nod. I’ll listen closely, ask questions, offer observations, and help you look at things from different angles. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood and supported, while also having someone willing to gently challenge the patterns that may no longer be serving you.

Welcome to my practice. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I am a licensed psychologist in the state of California. I have many years of experience working with a variety of clients including: children, veterans, hospital inpatients and outpatients, mental health clinics, and individuals in private practice. My orientation is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and I received my year-long training and became a consultant at the Atlanta Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I also believe that trust is a central part of therapy and it is my responsibility to earn your trust. It is incredibly important that I have an accurate understanding of you, your situation and any problems you may be facing currently. I will rely on your guidance to ensure my understanding of you is accurate.

Hello, I'm Dr. Lori! Thank you for trusting in me to join in on your journey. It takes courage to start the process of therapy, and you are already taking the first step. I look forward to being your ally and to offer a warm and safe place free of judgement.

I work with adults, children, teens, couples, and families. I have 15 years experience. I have a BA in Psychology from UCLA, a MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and a Psy.D in Marriage & Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

I look forward to meeting you!

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

If you've been managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a mood that just won't cooperate, you're probably looking for more than a quick prescription. I'm Sydney, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in California, and I take time to understand your full picture before making any recommendations.