Valerie Yoder, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Valerie!

I specialize in helping teens and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I connect with clients throughout California, working together to find growth using tools like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

My focus

I work with teens and young adults facing life changes, social pressures, identity questions, or finding ways to cope with day-to-day stress. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step, I create a safe space where you can be yourself and work through it all.

My approach

I take the time to truly get to know you. My goal is to make our sessions feel like a conversation with someone who gets you, with humor and heart. We work together to find clarity, build resilience, and foster personal growth. I tailor sessions to your needs, using ACT, DBT, and CBT to help you make progress.

My communication style

Therapy can feel like one big aha moment or a series of small ones. I'm here to help you figure things out in a way that makes sense for you. Whether it's turning your overthinking into a superpower or finding creative solutions to life's curveballs, I'm on your team. I keep our sessions engaging and focused on helping you move forward.

My journey to mental healthcare

Helping others has always been my passion. Since childhood, I've enjoyed listening to people's stories and finding ways to make things better, making therapy a perfect fit. I have the privilege of creating a safe, supportive space where clients can be their authentic selves and feel genuinely seen and heard.

My goals for you

Setting goals is a team effort. We start by figuring out what's going on and then find practical, meaningful steps to move forward. I keep things flexible and personalized, blending evidence-based tools with a touch of creativity and humor to make progress feel doable and rewarding.

Our first session

Meeting a therapist for the first time can feel overwhelming, and that's completely understandable. My main goal in our first session is to help you feel at ease. We'll talk about what brought you here, what you want out of therapy, and whatever else feels important to share.

I identify as...

Female, Cis
Hispanic or Latinx
Christian

Expertise

Specialties

+ 17 more

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Behavioral Activation

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 6 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, San Marcos.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Valerie Yoder