Vivian Tamkin, LCP — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Vivian!

I’m Dr. Tamkin. I’m a licensed psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and families to support emotional well-being and strengthen relationships. My approach is warm, reflective, and collaborative, helping you feel understood, build insight, and move toward meaningful, lasting change in your daily life and relationships.

My focus

I work with children (5+), adolescents, and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. I support caregivers who want to better understand their child, strengthen connections, and feel more confident responding to big feelings and everyday struggles at home and school, especially during times of stress or transition.

My approach

My approach is relationship-based and collaborative, focused on understanding the meaning behind behavior. I help children and families build connections, make sense of emotions, and strengthen regulation. Together, we work toward practical, meaningful changes that support growth in everyday relationships and routines.

My communication style

My communication style is warm, calm, and thoughtful. I listen closely, ask reflective questions, and create space for you to feel understood. I’m collaborative and clear, offering gentle guidance and practical insight to help you make sense of your experiences and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was drawn to this work through early experiences supporting young children and families. Over time, I saw how powerful relationships are in shaping emotional well-being. This led me to become a psychologist, where I could support individuals and families in feeling understood, connected, and supported through life’s challenges.

My goals for you

I help clients reach their goals by slowing down and making sense of their experiences together. We focus on building insight, strengthening relationships, and understanding patterns over time. As clarity grows, we work toward meaningful changes that feel authentic, manageable, and lasting in daily life.

Our first session

In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and what brings you in. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your experiences, relationships, and goals. We’ll move at a comfortable pace, creating a supportive space to begin making sense of things and identifying next steps that feel right for you and your family.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American
Interfaith, Non-denominational

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Somatic

Trauma Focused

+ 12 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Educators

Single Mother

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

Intersex

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Queer

Racial Justice

Sex-Positive/Kink

Transgender

+ 14 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Children
Minors
Preteens
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo
Ascension-SmartHealth

+ 22 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Counseling Psychology, minor in Child Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Vivian Tamkin