Perri Kruse

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC. I provide psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

I currently work with the Integrative Digestive Health team at UCLA Health and also provide therapy through Lyra Health. I bring extensive experience across medical and mental health settings, including six years as a liver transplant social worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, work on the first COVID unit at George Washington University Hospital, and leadership roles in community mental health organizations in Washington, DC.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered, grounded in trauma-informed care. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies while tailoring treatment to each individual. I have particular expertise in trauma, the intersection of physical and mental health, and interpersonal relationships. I offer both short- and long-term therapy and believe meaningful change happens in a space that feels safe, supportive, and authentic.

I am happy to provide a free 15-minute consultation (upon request) to ensure a good fit. To request a consultation, please email: [email protected].

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Los Angeles mountains, kayaking, and spending time with my rescue dog, Sophia.

I view therapy as an active and collaborative process where we work together to better understand patterns, build insight, and create meaningful change. I tend to be both supportive and direct—offering space to process while also helping you develop practical tools you can use in your day-to-day life.

While I often draw from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches, I tailor my work to each person. Some clients come in wanting structure and concrete strategies, while others need space to slow down and process more deeply—most need a mix of both at different times.

My work is especially informed by experience in trauma and medical settings, so I’m mindful of how past experiences, stress, and physical health can all intersect. Above all, I aim to create a space where you feel understood, challenged in a helpful way, and supported in making lasting, realistic changes.

In our first session, my goal is to get to know you; what brings you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you are hoping to get out of the process. We’ll talk through your history at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and you are always in control of what you choose to share.

I also like to leave space for any questions you may have about therapy or my approach, so you can get a sense of whether this feels like a good fit. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and next steps, while focusing on creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental.