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Therapists answer…

What is therapy like? What does a typical session with you look like?

Alexander MalekzadehA

Alexander Malekzadeh

D.O.
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
Therapy sessions with me are collaborative and compassionate. We begin by discussing your concerns, your experiences, and the challenges you’re facing. I take a patient-centered approach, ensuring that your goals and unique needs guide our work together. I utilize a combination of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, to help you gain insight and develop practical coping strategies. Throughout our sessions, I create a safe, open environment where you can express yourself without judgment. I focus on empowering you by helping you build resilience, manage emotions, and work through any obstacles to your mental well-being. Whether we're discussing specific symptoms or working through larger life issues, my goal is to support you on your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Hi, I am Dr. Alexander Malekzadeh, and I bring a wealth of experience and deep compassion to my practice, specializing in adult outpatient psychiatry. I am truly passionate about caring for mental health and dedicated to helping individuals achieve wellness. With years of service at respected institutions like Mindful Health Solutions and Kaiser Permanente, I’ve honed my skills in treating depression, anxiety, and more. My extensive experience with various therapeutic approaches allows me to guide patients toward the best possible care. I believe in considering the whole person, acknowledging the impact of psychosocial stressors and the mind-body connection. This holistic approach ensures that every assessment and treatment plan is tailored to meet your unique needs. I am committed to making mental health care accessible and effective for everyone. Mentoring future healthcare providers at UCSF has been a privilege, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for psychiatry. My training spans from intensive care to telemedicine, equipping me to address a wide range of psychiatric conditions. With empathy and expertise, I strive to empower you on your journey to mental well-being. Discover compassionate and personalized care with me, and let’s work together toward a brighter, healthier future.
Gavin ShafronG

Gavin Shafron

Clinical Psychologist
Online & In-Person
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
The work I do is multifaceted in nature. I begin sessions with a discussion aimed at understanding who the client is and what is bringing them into therapy, whether it is about healing, empowerment, personal growth, or something else. Then I work with the client to develop a plan of action, outlining their goals, their hopes for what they want to get out of therapy as they move through the process, and where they would like to be by the end of the process. Once we agree on these important benchmarks, the next steps begin. I identify the strengths that you bring to the table. These are so important because we all bring unique skills and talents into any dynamic, and it’s important that you know how to use these to accomplish your goals. Keeping those in mind, I work with my clients to address the issues as they have come up in the past, and importantly, how they manifest in the here-in-now. This allows us to map out together, how the past informs the present, and how to approach alleviating distress. I do this by helping you become more resilient in the face of future challenges, and achieve a new sense of freedom and control over your life and well-being.
Especially for some of the most successful among us, we can hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance in all areas. Sometimes we may feel that we're supposed to have all the answers to the challenges life throws our way, even when that isn’t always possible. For so many, an achievement focus can come at the expense of other areas of our lives. I see therapy as a collaborative experience. I work with my clients to help unlock what holds them back to gain an understanding of how our histories shape our present, while building a foundation of skills in the here-in-now to promote healing and a future that is self-defined. My approach is solution-focused and uses elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to identify and build on your strengths. As a Substance Abuse Specialist, I help individuals including young adults transform their relationships with substances and behaviors that feel out of control. Therapy should be a process that makes us feel free to be fully ourselves. To heal and enliven us to be authentically, beautifully, and powerfully exactly who we are, unbound by what has in the past, held us back. Let's work together to find strength, meaning, healing, and freedom so you can define your own path. It's time to be free and come alive again. Let’s do it together.

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

Mihaela BornM

Mihaela Born

Mihaela Born, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
In therapy sessions with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. Each session is tailored to your individual needs and goals, ensuring that we focus on what matters most to you. Typically, we start by discussing any immediate concerns or feelings you might be experiencing. I encourage open dialogue, so you can express yourself freely. Depending on your preferences and goals, we might explore specific issues, delve into past experiences, or work on coping strategies for current challenges. I incorporate various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and change negative thought patterns, and culturally sensitive practices to ensure that your unique background and experiences are considered in our work together.
I am Mihaela Born, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping patients achieve wellness and a better quality of life. With certifications from the American Heart Association and the National Stroke Association, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. I hold nursing licenses in Texas, Colorado, Idaho, and New Mexico, and have a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. I thrive on building positive relationships with patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals. My background includes advanced knowledge of insurance processes, ensuring smooth inpatient admissions. With a multilingual proficiency in English, Romanian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, I can communicate effectively with a diverse group of patients. My computer and fast-typing skills ensure efficient use of electronic medical records. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my dedication and leadership. I was nominated for Nurse of the Year in 2015 and have held key roles in prestigious hospitals. As a transformational leader, I believe in empowering patients through compassionate care. I look forward to continuing my journey in providing culturally informed mental health care to individuals across the lifespan, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported.
Janise BaxterJ

Janise Baxter

Licensed Professional Counselor Assoicate
Online Therapy
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
Our sessions will be completely laid back. You will laugh, cry, yell, curse and I will be right there to accept it all. I find humor therapeutic so don't be surprised if I break a tense moment with a smile. I want my clients to feel safe to just simply be. I believe in structured sessions, but I also believe in attuning to you in the moment. My goal is for you to leave my sessions feeling prepared to conquer the world.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Assoicate under the clinical supervision of Awa Jangha, PhD, LPC-S, ATR-BC. My clinical journey has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including residential treatment, child development centers, psychiatric research, child welfare, PHP, IOP and private practice. I have enjoyed working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients that present with depression, anxiety, PTSD/C-PTSD, dissociative identity disorder, and complex trauma. I have a holistic approach to therapy. I firmly believe that including the mind, body, and spirit will produce optimal results. I help encourage clients to include the whole body in their healing process. I believe that every client is different, so I pride myself on being an eclectic therapist. There is not a "one size fits all" therapeutic orientation so in our work together, I will work to individualize your experience.
Yolanda CardonaY

Yolanda Cardona

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
Initial Visit (Telehealth) - 45 minutes An initial visit involves a medical history review, an assessment of your specific symptoms and concerns, and possible diagnostic tests to evaluate a patient's health, identify issues, and develop and discuss treatment options. Follow-up Visit (Telehealth) - 15 minutes A follow-up visit involves checking the progress of the patient's treatment plan, assessing any new symptoms or concerns, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal health outcomes. Medication Refill (Telehealth) - 15 minutes A medication refill appointment typically involves a brief review of his/her existing patient's medical history, confirming the need for the medication refill, and issuing a new prescription. It may also involve evaluating any side effects or concerns related to the medication and ensuring that the treatment plan is still appropriate for the patient's needs.
Welcome! I'm Yolanda Cardona, a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). With a heart for serving those who've served us, I currently provide psychiatric mental health services to veterans in Florida. My journey in healthcare began in 1997, and since then, I've gained extensive experience across various settings including intensive care, emergency departments, private practice, labor and delivery, and home care. At Optum since 2015, I've been making house calls and managing complex care for chronic conditions, ensuring medication management is seamless and collaborating closely with treatment teams to create comprehensive care plans. My goal is always to enhance my professional knowledge to align with the unique needs of each client. I take pride in my ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients, breaking down language barriers to provide inclusive care. Education is also a cornerstone of my career; I achieved my post-master's certification as a PMHNP-BC from Liberty University with honors and hold an MSN from Barry University, where I graduated at the top of my class. Outside of my clinical roles, leadership has always been a part of my life—whether it was managing a team or leading projects that make a difference. I believe in holistic care that addresses every aspect of a patient's wellbeing, and I'm here to support you on your journey to better health. Let's collaborate for your brighter tomorrow.
Emily CassidyE

Emily Cassidy

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
Initial Visit (Telehealth) - 55 minutes An initial visit with a provider involves a medical history review, an assessment of your specific symptoms and concerns, and possible diagnostic tests to evaluate a patient's health, identify issues, and develop and discuss treatment options. Follow-up Visit (Telehealth) - 55 minutes A follow-up visit with a provider involves checking the progress of the patient's treatment plan, assessing any new symptoms or concerns, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal health outcomes.
Welcome! I'm a passionate healthcare professional dedicated to providing compassionate and effective telehealth therapy. With a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, I offer supportive counseling services for adults and older adolescents. My experience in counseling and case management has equipped me with the skills to provide impactful mental health therapy, ensuring my clients receive the care and support they deserve. I see clients almost exclusively during morning hours, up until noon (CST) and can easily accommodate people with non-traditional schedules, since I have appointments as early (or late!) as 1am CST. Just like a good workout, a therapy session first thing in the morning can help you start your day off right. In addition to counseling, I've been instrumental in developing innovative strategies for Medicaid Special Needs programs, emphasizing quality assurance and improvement in Illinois. My cross-functional leadership has enabled me to work collaboratively with community partners, optimizing program outcomes and enhancing quality of care. I hold certifications as a Case Manager (CCM) and Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which reflect my commitment to providing holistic care. I'm dedicated to meeting my clients where they are at, and helping them to achieve their mental health goals, without judgement. My goal is to help you navigate your health journey with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Let's work together towards your well-being.
Jerleen SinkesJ

Jerleen Sinkes

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
Therapy sessions with me are compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll create a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions, set meaningful goals, and work toward positive change. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT and mindfulness, I’ll help you develop practical tools and insights to navigate challenges. Our sessions will move at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you.
I am passionate about providing therapy as a safe and supportive environment where you can openly express yourself without the worry of being judged. My approach is characterized by warmth, compassion, and practical strategies. I am dedicated to helping you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, identify and break unhelpful patterns, and build self-confidence. Whether you are facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, or navigating significant life transitions, we will work closely together to create meaningful and lasting change. Remember, you do not have to navigate these difficulties alone—I'm here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. *Treatment philosophy I treat every patient with warmth, honesty, and a deep sense of respect for their unique journey. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, meaning we work together to find what works best for you. I value creating a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT, I focus on helping you build resilience, gain clarity, and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns to improve emotional well-being. •Client-Centered Therapy: Providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered. •Mindfulness Techniques: Teaching strategies to stay present, reduce stress, and manage overwhelming emotions. •Strength-Based Approach: Focusing on your strengths and resilience to build confidence and self-trust. •Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a safe environment for healing past experiences and emotional wounds. •Emotional Regulation Skills: Helping you develop healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and mood shifts. *Practice description At Blossom Counseling, we provide a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Our practice specializes in working with teens, young adults, and women facing challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions. We believe therapy should be collaborative, empowering, and tailored to your unique needs. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and client-centered therapy, we help clients develop practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help you heal, grow, and thrive.
Lucia MarquezL

Lucia Marquez

FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
60-Minute Initial Visit | $200 An initial visit with a provider involves a medical history review, an assessment of your specific symptoms and concerns, possible diagnostic tests to evaluate a patient's health, identify issues, develop and discuss treatment options. 30-Minute Follow-up Visit | $150 A follow-up visit with a provider involves checking the progress of the patient's treatment plan, assessing any new symptoms or concerns, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal health outcomes. Medication Refill | $50 A medication refill appointment with a provider typically involves a brief review of his/her existing patient's medical history, confirming the need for the medication refill, and issuing a new prescription. It may also involve evaluating any side effects or concerns related to the medication and ensuring that the treatment plan is still appropriate for the patient's needs. 15-Minute Consultation | $40 An opportunity for potential patients to discuss their concerns or needs with a provider, or therapist, to determine if their services are a good fit and to receive initial advice or guidance. Many providers offer free or very affordable consultation services with potential patient leads.
I'm Lucia Marquez, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in El Paso, TX. With a heart for service and over two decades of diverse medical experience, I bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to mental health care. My journey began in Mexico as a medical doctor, which laid the foundation for my deep-seated passion for patient care. Transitioning to nursing, I graduated with high honors from the University of Texas at El Paso and have since been recognized with the prestigious Nurse Excellence Award. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I bridge language barriers to provide inclusive care. My background includes mentoring over 100 RNs, leading emergency medicine teams, and offering compassionate family practice services. I've also contributed to humanitarian efforts along the southern border, demonstrating my commitment to accessible healthcare for all. In my current role, I diagnose and manage various mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia. From conducting thorough assessments to prescribing tailored treatments, my goal is always to support each patient's journey toward better mental and physical health. I'm proud to hold multiple board certifications and licenses across several states, ensuring that I meet you with the highest standards of care whether in-person or through telemedicine. My approach is holistic; I consider your complete health picture to craft personalized care plans that fit your life. Thank you for entrusting me with your health needs. Together, we'll work towards achieving your best possible mental and physical well-being.