Saarika Rao, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Saarika!

I am truly passionate about making therapy accessible for everyone! I firmly believe that there isn't one approach to helping individuals, and it is important to meet clients where they are.

My focus

I have worked with clients' concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger issues, grief, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, career challenges, race and identity issues, and life transitions. I firmly believe that there isn't one approach to helping individuals, and it is important to meet clients where they are.

My approach

I believe that clients are most successful when they can recognize their strengths and feel empowered to implement what they have learned in therapy independently. I feel that vulnerability and transparency between both client and therapist are key to building a therapeutic relationship.

My communication style

I am trained in various modalities and techniques to ensure that you have the proper tools and insight to reach your goals. I believe that it is important to challenge clients in a way that they can feel empowered and heard.

My journey to mental healthcare

My path to becoming a therapist was driven by a deep commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges. I believe in the power of connection and creating a space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and grow.

My goals for you

I believe that if clients truly want to work on themselves, they will do the work to achieve their goals. That being said, it can really be hard to get started and can be daunting. It's important to work from a place of compassion and understanding in developing realistic goals.

Our first session

In our first session, we'll focus on getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your goals and concerns, and I'll answer any questions you have. My aim is to create a comfortable space where you feel heard and supported from the start.

I identify as...

Female
South East Asian
Hindu

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Attachment-based

Behavioral Activation

Compassion Focused

Humanistic

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Schema Therapy

+ 12 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Racial Justice

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

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 and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Rutgers University College, New Brunswick.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Saarika Rao