Sarai Arana, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Sarai!

I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help adults and teens navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you can heal, grow, and build lasting resilience.

My focus

I work with adults, young adults, and teens navigating relationship challenges, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, or major life changes. Whether you're exploring faith as part of your healing or prefer a non-faith perspective, I provide evidence-based support to help you process the past, strengthen coping skills, and move forward.

My approach

My approach is warm and collaborative. We'll work together to set goals that matter to you and use practical, evidence-based tools like EMDR, CBT, and DBT to help you process the past, build coping skills, and feel more balanced. I create a welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged to grow at your own pace.

My communication style

I offer a space where you can talk openly and feel at ease. Sessions are constructive and goal-focused, but the conversation stays natural so you're talking with someone who genuinely listens and cares. I balance empathy with guidance, helping you explore challenges, build practical coping tools, and move toward your goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I wanted to support people through their darkest times. Along the way, I realized how much about mental health isn't often talked about or taught. That inspired me to learn all I could and to become someone who can share that knowledge and walk alongside others as they navigate their challenges.

My goals for you

I start by getting to know where you're coming from and what's most important to you. Together, we decide what to focus on first and break bigger goals into manageable steps. Throughout therapy, we check in often, celebrate progress, and adjust as needed. I offer steady encouragement and feedback to keep you motivated and confident.

Our first session

In our first session, we'll get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I'll ask about your goals, what's been challenging, and what you hope to change. Together, we'll outline a plan and discuss approaches that might help. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, supported, and confident about the path ahead.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx
Christian

Expertise

Specialties

Borderline Personality

Child Abuse or Neglect

+ 12 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 7 more

Focus populations

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Sarai Arana