ABOUT CARISSA

                       

Hi, I am Carissa, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have worked with youth in Sitka, Alaska, as a mental health therapist and interned with LA County Mental Health in both an outpatient clinic and a public teaching hospital in Los Angeles, California. When I was living in Alaska, I had the privilege of working as a therapist for youths and their families from the local community. It was perhaps one of my most rewarding and life-changing experiences which confirmed my passion for working with and connecting authentically with others in a therapy setting. While I grew professionally from the experience, what I remember most were the lessons my kids (clients) and their families taught me. My approach to therapy centers on not only what brings you into therapy, but also in exploring and uncovering your unique potential, so that you can start living more boldly and authentically. Our sessions together are designed to meet you where you are at, and at the tempo and rhythm that is comfortable and feels right for you. I am fortunate to have met and worked with people of a variety of backgrounds, histories, and personalities, therefore am confident that I can receive you with the support and guidance that best honors what you need. I believe that everyone is entitled to live life on their own terms, and that therapy has the potential to provide that safe, nurturing space for you to grow into. The goal isn’t to defy others’ expectations, but to exceed your own.

​

​

WORK EXPERIENCE​

​

 I am experienced in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, solution- focused brief therapy, family therapy, strengths-based, and trauma-focused modalities.

​

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

​​​

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, History (Rice University)Master of Social Welfare (MSW) (UCLA University of California, Los Angeles).

 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE 

 

I enjoy reading (maps and books!), geography, biking, cooking and would like to spend more
time writing and drawing. I chose a career in the social work field with the goal of becoming a therapist. Inspired by the values and mission of the social work profession—advocacy, service, justice, dignity and worth of the individual—my goal is to honor each client’s unique potential in the work we do together.

 

WHAT IS A LCSW? 

​

An LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LCSWs are authorized to provide mental health counseling and psychotherapy.

 

To become an LCSW, a candidate must first complete a Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program. They must then accrue supervised clinical hours. After meeting the state's licensure requirements, they must pass a clinical exam to demonstrate competence.

​

LCSW's follow the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and pursue cultural competence. LCSWs engage in ongoing education and supervision even after licensing to further develop their therapy skills.

​

​