Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Palo Alto
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, I provide psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, and families navigating mental health challenges. My practice focuses on relational and psychodynamic approaches, drawing from over two decades of clinical experience. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, substance use, self-harm behaviors, and complex family dynamics through personalized treatment plans. With a Master's degree in Social Welfare from UCLA and advanced training in family systems, I work collaboratively with clients to understand historical patterns, identify barriers to growth, and develop sustainable coping strategies.My training includes supporting LGBTQ+ youth and guiding caregivers in recovery, while maintaining active membership in professional organizations like the National Society of Clinical Social Work. Sessions are primarily conducted through secure telehealth platforms, with limited in-person availability for Palo Alto residents.
Services
Adolescent Therapy
Family Counseling
Anxiety Treatment
Couples Therapy
Substance Abuse Counseling
Gender Identity Support
Depression Management
Parenting Guidance
Trauma Recovery
Online Therapy
Highlights and features
- Specialized expertise in adolescent mental health and crisis intervention
- Trained in gender identity and sexual orientation support services
- Comprehensive family systems approach to relationship challenges
- Secure telehealth sessions available for California residents
- Licensed practitioner in good standing with California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Services
Adolescent Therapy
Specialized therapy for teenagers navigating anxiety, behavioral issues, and identity exploration. Combines psychodynamic approaches with practical coping strategies to address academic stress, peer pressure, and emotional regulation challenges. Services include individual sessions and family involvement when appropriate.
Family Counseling
Systemic therapy addressing family dynamics and relationship patterns. Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and supporting caregivers in recovery. Effective for parent-child conflicts, divorce transitions, and enhancing household emotional well-being through structured intervention.
Anxiety Treatment
Evidence-based interventions for anxiety disorders using psychodynamic frameworks. Teaches coping mechanisms for generalized anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks while exploring root causes through personalized therapy sessions tailored to individual progress.
Gender Identity Support
Affirmative therapy specializing in sexual orientation exploration and gender identity development. Provides safe space for self-expression while addressing societal pressures and family dynamics through both individual and systemic therapeutic approaches.
Online Therapy
Secure virtual counseling available for California residents across multiple service areas. Maintains HIPAA-compliant confidentiality while offering convenient access to adolescent, adult, and family therapy services through encrypted video platforms.
People
Genevieve Johansen
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
California-licensed therapist with over 20 years experience in adolescent and family mental health. Prior clinical supervisor in school-based mental health programs. Specializes in trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and psychodynamic therapy approaches for diverse client populations.
Questions
What therapy approaches do you use for adolescent clients?
I combine psychodynamic exploration with practical coping skills, using play/art therapy for younger children and verbal processing for teens. Focuses on emotional regulation, identity exploration, and addressing behavioral patterns.
Do you offer family therapy sessions for complex dynamics?
Yes, I specialize in family systems work addressing parent-child conflicts, divorce transitions, and multigenerational patterns. Sessions focus on improving communication and establishing healthier relational boundaries.
How do you handle insurance billing for therapy services?
I operate as an out-of-network provider. Clients receive monthly statements for potential insurance reimbursement. Contact your provider directly to confirm out-of-network mental health coverage details.
What telehealth options are available for remote therapy?
Secure HIPAA-compliant video sessions available for California residents. Technical support provided for platform access. Virtual appointments maintain the same therapeutic depth as in-person meetings.
How does therapy address substance use concerns?
I provide non-judgmental support for substance use issues through psychodynamic exploration of underlying causes combined with evidence-based relapse prevention strategies tailored to individual recovery goals.
What makes your approach effective for LGBTQ+ youth?
My training focuses on affirming gender identity exploration while addressing societal pressures. Therapy creates safe spaces for self-expression, addressing bullying or family acceptance issues through both individual and systemic approaches.
