Hello. I am a licensed social worker in California. I began practicing in the mental health/behavioral health field in 2011. I originally was licensed in Maryland in 2015 but then returned to California in 2016. Since starting in the field, I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 4 years old to 75 years old; most experience working with individuals between the ages of 10 and 35. I have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, and relationship issues. My experience also involves working with individuals in the foster care, child welfare, and probation systems. My approach to providing counseling is starting where the client is at. It is important for me to make my clients feel as though they are being heard and not talked at. This approach allows for me to individualize your counseling based upon your current needs as well as your future desires. It allows me to identify a treatment goal that is realistic for where you are currently at. With that said, my goal in being a counselor, is to assist my clients in meeting their identified treatment needs. I am flexible and willing to do whatever I need to do to assist you and help you in any way that I can. Per Terms and Conditions of Better Help, I am unable to write letters of any form or perform any formal evaluations/assessments. The following is from the Terms and Conditions: “The platform is not intended for the provisions of clinical diagnosis requiring an in-person evaluation and you should not use it if you need any official documentation or approvals for purposes such as, but not limited to, court-ordered counseling or emotional service dog certification. It is also not intended for any information regarding which drugs or medical treatment may be appropriate for you, and you should disregard any such advice if delivered through the platform.” If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Ellen