I believe in facilitating patients’ understanding of themselves while using a strength based approach. I am both a mental health provider and an advocate for raising awareness about mental health. My approach to therapy is naturally warm and compassionate. I believe that inclusivity, cultural competency and patient’s empowerment are integral aspects of psychotherapy.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I am bilingual in English and Farsi. I have a PhD in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. I enjoy working with adults, adolescents, couples and older adults. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA community addressing issues related to gender and sexual identity. I have an emphasis in working with the transgender community. I am a member of World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and provide gender affirmative psychotherapy and assessment to transgender, gender non conforming and non binary folks.

I have expansive experience in treating borderline personality disorder and mood disorders such as depressive, anxiety and bipolar disorders.  My other interests are addressing grief, acculturation issues, life transitions and identity development. 

I have been in mental health field for over 12 years providing mental health services in different clinical settings including nonprofit organizations, college counseling and Department of Mental health contracted agencies. In my practice I use an integrative psychotherapy model. My approach is an individualized, flexible approach which draws from different perspectives of psychotherapy based on each person’s needs. I provide multicultural counseling and utilize psychodynamic, interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy in my work. However, I emphasize to understand individuals’ early experiences and their interactions with others to understand their presenting concerns.

I have been trained and certified in various Evidenced-Based Practices (EBP’s) including Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Associations

• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
• American Psychological Association
• Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity APA division 44
• Division 35 Section 4 – Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
• Iranian Psychological Association of America (IPAA)