A Child & Adolescent Psychologist Serving San Francisco Families

I am an experienced clinical psychologist with particular expertise in the emotional and mental health of children and adolescents. I work with young people from elementary school through high school, with a particular focus on middle and high school students in my current practice. I provide child and adolescent therapy and parent consultation, both in person and via telehealth.

Working with children and families for more than 25 years has given me an in-depth understanding of how children and teenagers think, learn and grow. My background in developmental psychology shapes how I understand each young person in the context of their developmental stage, individual strengths, relationships and family life, and experiences at school. These different parts of a young person's life often intersect and can be important to understanding both the difficulties they are experiencing and what may help.

My work with children and adolescents is collaborative. Depending on a young person's age and needs, I work with parents and, when helpful, other important adults in their lives to develop a fuller understanding of what is going on and how best to support them.

Common Concerns in Child & Adolescent Therapy

Are you concerned about your child or teenager? Young people come to therapy for many different reasons, often involving emotions, school, friendships, family relationships or significant changes in their lives. I frequently work with children and adolescents who:

  • Experience anxiety, persistent worry or stress that affects school, friendships, family life, confidence or their ability to enjoy everyday life

  • Feel sad, down or depressed, or struggle with low mood or loss of interest in things they usually enjoy

  • Struggle with perfectionism, academic pressure or stress related to school

  • Have learning differences or other challenges at school that affect their emotional well-being or self-confidence

  • Are navigating belonging, identity, and the experience of feeling different

  • Have difficulty with friendships, confidence, comparison to others, or managing and expressing emotions

  • Are adjusting to changes in family life, including separation or divorce

Supporting Self-Understanding and Emotional Development

Therapy can give children and teenagers a place to talk openly about what is on their minds with a trusted adult outside their family. My goal is to help young people better understand themselves, communicate and manage their feelings, strengthen relationships, and navigate challenges with greater confidence. I also pay attention to the strengths a young person brings to therapy and to the relationships and experiences that support their well-being. As children and adolescents grow, the challenges they face—and the ways they understand themselves and the world around them—change as well.

Parent Consultation in San Francisco

Parents sometimes want guidance about a child or teenager without seeking individual therapy for their child. I offer parent consultation as a stand-alone service for concerns related to emotional well-being, anxiety, behavior, school, friendships, family relationships, and developmental transitions. Parent consultation can also be helpful when families are navigating separation, divorce, or other significant changes.

Let's Get Started

Finding the right fit is important when choosing a psychologist for your child or teenager. I am glad to answer questions about my practice and whether I may be a good fit for your family. Contact me to set up an introductory video call.