Lauren Stroud, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Lauren!

Hello and welcome! I know that reaching out for help is difficult, especially when life feels heavy or hopeless, but you don't have to face it alone. I believe healing starts with feeling seen and supported. Using DBT and CBT, I provide a safe, compassionate space to reduce distress, create a plan to remain safe between sessions, and rebuild hope.

My focus

I support teens and adults struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and intense emotions. Using DBT and CBT, I will help you focus on safety, stability, and provide practical coping skills to manage distress, tolerate pain, build hope, and create a life that feels worth living. Together, we will work on strengthening your self-worth.

My communication style

I strive to create a space where you can talk openly about your thoughts and feelings, even ones that feel too heavy or painful to say out loud. I listen carefully and respond with compassion to help you feel heard while also providing gentle structure and direction. I want to help you maintain safety and be met with understanding, not judgment.

My goals for you

My first priority is safety and stability. Together, we will create a plan that ensures immediate safety while also identifying what matters most to you - your values, strengths, and reasons for living. The goal of our work is not just survival, but creating a life that feels worth living - one built on stability, purpose, and renewed hope.

Our first session

Our first session will discuss what brought you to therapy and what you hope to get from our work together. I'll ask questions to better understand your experience, coping skills, and develop a plan to help you stay safe between sessions. Together, we'll start identifying triggers, emotional patterns, and small steps toward relief and stability.

I identify as...

Female
Biracial or Multiracial

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Trauma Focused

Behavioral Activation

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 6 more

Focus populations

Police/Fire/First Responders

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults
Preteens

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 57 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Monterey Bay.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Lauren Stroud