Karissa Lopez, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Karissa!

I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I believe that therapy is a space to process, build insight, and learn skills to move forward and live a life that feels good to you. I love supporting children, young adults, and families in making effective changes in their lives.

My focus

I typically work with children, adolescents, young adults, and parents. I'm most comfortable treating behavioral problems such as self-harming and suicidal ideation, communication problems, depression and anxiety, as well as Autism and ADHD.

My approach

Although I use a lot of DBT, I'm relational, emotionally validating, trauma-informed, and strength-based in my foundation. I also enjoy family systems work, where we take a peek at your family of origin and see how this might play into your behavioral patterns you're presenting with, as well as mindfulness and art.

My communication style

Sessions aim to be a space of regulation. Setting the environment and tone is important, and we will discuss how to make your environment feel safest for processing. When humans feel regulated and safe, they find room to grow and learn about themselves and the world. My communication is validating, direct, and supportive.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have a natural drive to help others. I've seen individuals struggle throughout my life and been the person they go to for support. I took my first psychology course and found studying the brain and human behavior fascinating. What drives me to continue is being able to help people make meaning.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting by looking at areas where you would like to change your behaviors, thoughts, or emotions, and working together to build a goal that feels appropriate for you and reasonable to you.

Our first session

During our first session, expect information gathering. I want to know about you and what makes you, you! I want to know your hope in coming to counseling so we can work together. I want to know if there's anything I should know about past therapy experiences to make this relationship as helpful as possible for you.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White, Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Motivational Interviewing

Object Relations

Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)

Play Therapy

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Children
Minors
Preteens
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Karissa Lopez