Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA covered by Aetna

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!

I’m a licensed therapist trained in somatic psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. I work with individuals, couples, and men, supporting clients with anxiety (including social anxiety), depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions. I also help people navigating loneliness, work-related stress, and cultural or identity-related experiences, including multiracial relationships. My goal is to help people better understand themselves, their patterns, and how they relate to others. I tend to be warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, while also being direct when it’s helpful.

Taking the step to seek out therapy can feel scary. You may even be wondering, "how can therapy help?" But feeling alone and overwhelmed with trying to "do it alone" simply isn't working. Welcome...I am so glad you're here. I offer a safe, warm, empathic space to explore what's going on in your life. I help people feel less alone and more able to move through their challenges by bringing curiosity, care and compassion to the work of therapy.

Life is a lot right now. Work stress, family stress, parenting stress, political stress, economic stress. Together, we will chart the path forward to help you feel more like yourself.

I have been a therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for 11 years and am constantly amazed at the resilience of the human spirit.

I am also an ICF-credentialed Associate Certified Coach (ACC). When appropriate, I'll integrate certain coaching frameworks with clients to support them towards their goals.

As a mature therapist with more than 35 years of experience, I bring both professional expertise and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of helping people navigate life's challenges. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

I believe that every person has the capacity to heal and grow. I work comfortably with people from diverse cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic backgrounds and strive to create a warm, respectful environment where clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. I love my work and consider it a privilege to walk alongside people as they create healthier, more meaningful lives.

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.

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 am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT 123208. I worked as a teacher and decided to go back to school and continue my education, to enable me to work with families, couples and individuals in a therapeutic setting. My focus is family, marriage and couples counseling. I have experience working with families that have unconventional lifestyles. In addition, I have experience working with couples, teens, groups and children. I have worked with the school district as a mental health counselor, as well as conducted group therapy in all settings. I am trained in Gottman Method for Couples and Bariatric Assessment certified.

•Couples Counseling •Specialization in Gottman Method and Sex Therapy. Individual Adult, Tween & Teen Counseling •Anger Management, ADHD, ADD. Certified Bariatric Assessments. Supervision for Interns. Family Therapy, and court appointed therapist for Reunification Therapy.

I believe that each individual has a purpose and that sometimes we need assistance in finding our purpose. Let me help you find your own purpose or regain focus on your life's path to feeling satisfied in the life you are living. I am available via online or in person and licensed in California and Arizona.

Thank you for navigating to my page

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.

Healing happens in relationships, and I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach, focusing on the whole family system. When one person struggles, it affects everyone. My approach is collaborative, relational, and strengths-based, prioritizing a safe space, unconditional positive regard, and a strong therapeutic alliance. I work with toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, parents, couples, and families. I help families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges and individuals seeking growth, connection, and healing.

I treat ADHD, OCD, Anxiety & Depression, Emotional Dysregulation & Adjustment Issues. I offer Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy for Goal-Oriented Change, Parent Support, & Family Therapy.

Every child deserves to feel seen, every parent deserves support, and every person deserves a space of hope and growth. Let’s work together to create lasting change.

Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.

I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgemental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.

I’m Lucia Acosta, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor passionate about helping adolescents and adults navigate the challenges of anxiety, anger, and life’s complexities. I am bilingual in Spanish and provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, share your experiences, and work toward meaningful change. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck, I’m here to help you find clarity and confidence as we navigate your healing journey together.