Business Details
Psychotherapy Services for All Ages in San Mateo
Our practice is dedicated to empowering individuals, couples, and families to navigate life's challenges through compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy. With over two decades of experience since obtaining my LCSW license in 1999, I specialize in creating a collaborative therapeutic environment that honors each client's unique journey. My approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and family systems theories, tailored to address issues ranging from trauma and anxiety to family dynamics and life transitions. I hold a Master of Social Work from Boston University and have directed mental health programs while providing clinical supervision, ensuring a deep understanding of both individual and systemic needs.By combining play therapy for children, emotionally focused techniques for couples, and attachment-based strategies for families, I help clients uncover their inner strengths and foster meaningful growth. My commitment to accessibility includes offering teletherapy sessions and sliding fee options for those with financial constraints.
Services
Child Psychotherapy
Adolescent Therapy
Family Counseling
Couples Therapy
Teletherapy Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of clinical experience with a licensed LCSW since 1999.
- Our therapy integrates multiple evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs.
- We provide both teletherapy and in-person sessions for accessibility.
- Sliding fee options available based on financial need.
- We collaborate with schools and medical professionals for comprehensive care.
Services
Child Psychotherapy
Specialized therapy for children aged 3-12 using play and art therapy to address emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social skills. We help young clients process trauma, grief, and learning differences while providing parental guidance to strengthen family dynamics. Sessions incorporate evidence-based techniques to build coping skills and improve academic performance through collaborative care with schools.
Adolescent Therapy
Targeted support for tweens and teens navigating identity development, peer pressure, and mental health challenges. Our approach addresses substance abuse, self-harm, and academic stress while incorporating family systems theory to improve parent-child communication. We utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to develop coping strategies and enhance emotional resilience during critical developmental transitions.
Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to strengthen relationships through improved communication and conflict resolution. Based on Gottman's research, our sessions rebuild trust and intimacy while addressing specific challenges like infidelity or life transitions. We help partners reconnect with shared values and develop sustainable relationship patterns through structured therapeutic exercises.
Family Counseling
Structural family therapy addressing intergenerational patterns and household dynamics. We help families establish healthy boundaries, improve communication, and navigate transitions like divorce or loss. Sessions focus on enhancing sibling relationships and developing co-parenting strategies while addressing behavioral issues through a systemic lens that considers each member's unique perspective.
Teletherapy Services
Secure virtual sessions accessible via HIPAA-compliant platform for clients preferring remote therapy. This service maintains the same therapeutic quality as in-person visits while offering flexibility for busy schedules or mobility limitations. Teletherapy includes technical support and maintains strict confidentiality protocols to ensure effective treatment continuity across digital and physical modalities.
People
Debbie Diaz
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Debbie Diaz, LCSW has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families. She earned her Master of Social Work from Boston University and specializes in trauma recovery, anxiety disorders, and family systems therapy. Her practice combines evidence-based approaches with compassionate care to help clients achieve lasting personal growth.
Questions
What therapy formats are available?
We offer both teletherapy sessions via secure HIPAA-compliant platform and in-person appointments at our San Mateo office to accommodate client preferences and accessibility needs.
Do you accept insurance?
We are out-of-network providers but provide monthly statements for PPO insurance reimbursement. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA) can also be used to cover therapy expenses pre-tax.
What are your session rates?
Individual sessions cost $225 for 50 minutes, while couple/family sessions are $250. We offer limited sliding fee slots based on financial need and provide rate adjustments for extended sessions.
How long does therapy typically last?
Treatment duration varies based on client needs, ranging from brief solution-focused sessions to longer-term therapy. We regularly assess progress to ensure treatment remains effective and appropriately timed.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We integrate cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and family systems theories with specialized training in emotionally focused couples therapy and trauma-informed care to create personalized treatment plans.
How do you involve families in treatment?
For child and adolescent clients, we incorporate collateral parent sessions and collaborate with schools/medical providers (with client permission) to create comprehensive care networks that support therapeutic goals.
