Registered Associate Therapist Program
We are committed to mental wellness for all. Master’s level Associates are qualified and trained ethical professionals who are accumulating hours to become independently licensed. Our Associates work with individuals, couples, and families to broaden their training through an immersed whole-person approach within the private practice setting. Associates looking to emphasize specific therapeutic skills work closely with our team of supportive Licensed Supervisors as they treat a variety of psychological issues.
The psychotherapy fee is $140 per session. Associates may offer a sliding scale for those in need and will provide a Superbill for insurance reimbursement when requested. All Associates are Out of Network providers and do not accept insurance plans, Medicare, Medi-Cal, or CalVCB.
The Silver Fern Associate Therapist Program offers a supportive internship program for pre-licensed clinicians comprising of Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapists, Registered Associate Social Workers, and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselors.
We value compassion, collaboration, and connection as core values that contribute to mental wellness. We believe well-rounded therapists who have a solid foundation of clinical education and diverse experience create for optimal growth and healing.
We are proud to highlight local professionals looking to expand their therapeutic experience.
The Associate Program offers a limited number of sliding scale slots to allow more members of our community to access mental health care.
All Associate Therapists have obtained a Master's Degree, are registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and supervised by a licensed psychotherapist.
Sara Appelbaum, ACSW 91202
Supervised by Emily Kent, LCSW 72974
Breakthroughs in therapy are first and foremost the result of the therapist/client relationship. I strive to offer therapy that feels like coffee with a dedicated friend. Blending wisdom from my own experiences as a peer who has “been there” with clinically based methods, I’ll meet you halfway with reflection, kindness, and honest feedback. No judgement - just healing.
Every person has different motivations for pursuing therapy. Sometimes friends and loved ones help us understand that we may need additional and professional support. Sometimes a life-altering event occurs that forces a new, uncomfortable perspective or reality. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin especially if every day discomfort or stress has slowly increased.
Part of my therapeutic method is dedicated to clarifying, normalizing, and containing overwhelming feelings associated with anxiety, depression, lowered self esteem and worth, suicidal ideation, emotional and physical self harm, and repeated harmful, challenging or confusing patterns in all relationships.
I also offer therapeutic support in these specific areas:
- processing trauma by exploring and processing symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD (cPTSD) and the effects they have on our relationships
- navigating biracial identity in the context of biological and adoptive families
- navigating boundaries and communications in challenging adult and parent/child relationships
-balancing perfectionism, Type - A, and achievement-based behavior with personal fulfillment and and everyday joy
-providing safe harbor for single and/or child-free women to explore identity, self worth, and the unique challenges of living independently
- individual white privilege self work sessions for those seeking to begin a practice of racial self awareness.
Direct confidential line: (510) 519-1530
Jeane (Jeanie) Keppel, AMFT 132548
Supervised by Lora Groppetti, LMFT 43369
I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of good therapy. I strive to create a supportive and empathetic environment where you can feel safe exploring the areas of your life that feel overwhelming and difficult. With my relaxed, collaborative style, I aim to help you utilize your inherent strengths to overcome challenges and reach your goals.
I have an extensive background in Early Childhood Education and Child Development and love to work with children, teens, and their families. I have experience helping children and teens manage the challenges of depression, anxiety, school issues, and navigating social dynamics.
In my work with adults I have a passion for helping women who have experienced pregnancy loss and issues surrounding the transition to parenting.
I look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have.
Direct confidential line: (510) 224-3778
Heather Scott, AMFT 135895
Supervised by Elise Braganza, LMFT 90702
Are you looking to improve your relationships and mental and emotional health? Do you feel stuck in unhealthy patterns of anxiety or depression? Is your child struggling to cope with life’s stressors? Working together, we can take a therapeutic walk through these difficulties and find hope, strength, and healing along the way.
My hope through therapy is to create a safe and sacred space where you can address your mental health needs without judgement.
My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy that will empower you to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, please give me a call.
Direct Confidential Line: (925) 338-1209
Christine Theis, AMFT 137210
Supervised by Lora Groppetti, LMFT 43369
"Finding the right therapist can be a challenging process. When working with clients I believe in being patient and free of judgment. Taking the step to go to therapy can be a big one and I wish to create a safe, comfortable environment for you to explore what is currently causing distress in your life. I believe in the process of change, and I know that each of us is capable of finding our happiness, reaching our goals, and achieving our full potential.
I enjoy working with children and adolescents, adults, as well as the family unit as a whole. I appreciate the differences in working with children and adults and adjust my style accordingly. I believe in meeting the client where they are and using the best scientifically proven modalities to work with each individual I engage with. We will create a collaborative treatment plan that you are comfortable with.
For families and children, I use play as a means of therapy as it is the best way to communicate. I also trust exposure and response therapy for the treatment of OCD, phobias, and other types of anxiety disorders. I believe we can all attain a higher quality of life by working together in a good therapeutic relationship. "
Direct Confidential Line: (925) 378-5129
Email: CTheisTherapy@gmail.com
Direct Confidential Line: (510) 575-0071
Email: LindaOzarowTherapy@gmail.com
Linda Ozarow, AMFT 141731
Supervised by Elise Braganza, LMFT 90702
It is my goal to support my clients as they seek self-knowledge, compassion, healing, and growth. I practice from a place of deep curiosity, humility, and respect as I collaborate with clients to create a therapeutic relationship and provide a space where they feel safe, valued, heard, and understood.
I base my work on an attachment-based perspective due to my deep belief in the healing power of relationships. I have an unflappable commitment to what I call “thereness”; that consistent and empathic presence which allows healing to occur. Every session, I aim to increase my attunement to clients to better provide them with the attention and understanding they need and deserve.
I have had the privilege to support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families as they confront both internal and external obstacles which complicate and cause suffering in their lives. I aim to support people in addressing these obstacles to promote healing, agency, nurturing relationships, and resilience.
I assist clients in facing several challenges, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, gender-identity issues, existential concerns, marital conflict, grief and loss, borderline personality disorder, and those on the obsessive-compulsive and bipolar spectrums. I also work with clients in addressing issues around social injustice, abuse, and generational trauma resulting from racism, sexism, and oppression due to sexual orientation, gender-identity, and transphobia. (Please note other areas of emphasis and main theoretical orientations below.)
Thank you for reading this summary. Please contact me to learn more and discuss how therapy with me can best support you. Warm regards and hope to speak with you soon.
Areas of EmphasisAddictionsAdult ADHDAttachment issuesCodependencyCouples counselingExistential therapyGrief and loss Post-traumatic stressSelf-esteemStress and anger management
Main Theoretical OrientationsAttachment/relational therapyBuddhist PerspectiveCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)Family SystemsHumanistic / ExistentialPsychodynamicRelationalSomaticTrauma-informed perspective