Business Details
Expert Clinical Psychology Services in San Francisco
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to fostering therapeutic relationships grounded in respect, compassion, and empathy. My practice focuses on helping individuals and families navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, utilizing evidence-based approaches like Child-Parent Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. My clinical expertise has been honed through work in medical settings, community organizations, and professional sports teams, including nine seasons as the primary mental health clinician for the Oakland Raiders.I specialize in trauma-informed care for young children and their caregivers, while also supporting athletes and families through crisis intervention and psychotherapy. My approach integrates psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral strategies within culturally responsive frameworks, emphasizing the importance of understanding how our past shapes our present. I have supervised psychology interns at UCSF for 20 years and remain committed to professional development for emerging clinicians. Outside of practice, I maintain a passion for outdoor activities and community engagement.
Services
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Sports Psychology
Family Therapy
Play Therapy
Psychological Assessments
Crisis Intervention
Parenting Support
Life Transitions Counseling
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of clinical experience in trauma-informed care
- Our team provides specialized Child-Parent Psychotherapy for young children
- We combine psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral strategies effectively
- Our practice includes mental health support for professional athletes
- We emphasize culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment frameworks
Services
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
Specialized trauma-informed treatment for children aged 0-6 and caregivers. Utilizes attachment relationships to heal after traumatic events. Combines play therapy with caregiver involvement to address emotional regulation and relationship challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Evidence-based approach addressing depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. Focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns while developing practical coping strategies. Effective for clients across multiple age groups and presenting concerns.
Sports Psychology
Mental health support for professional athletes and coaching staff. Includes performance enhancement strategies, crisis intervention, and life skills training. Addresses unique challenges faced by athletes during and after their careers.
Trauma Counseling
Comprehensive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and complex trauma. Utilizes both psychodynamic and evidence-based approaches to address trauma's impact on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.
Family Therapy
Treatment addressing family conflict, attachment disorders, and relationship issues. Focuses on improving communication patterns and resolving intergenerational trauma. Supports families navigating divorce, parenting challenges, and life transitions.
People
Laura M. Castro
Owner
Licensed clinical psychologist with 20+ years of experience in trauma-informed care. Specializes in Child-Parent Psychotherapy and sports psychology. Holds doctorate from Wright Institute and supervises UCSF interns. Combines psychodynamic and CBT approaches in culturally responsive frameworks.
Questions
What age groups do you work with?
I treat clients from toddlers (0-6) through adults, with specialized training in early childhood mental health and sports psychology for professional athletes.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
My practice integrates Child-Parent Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and psychodynamic approaches tailored to each client's specific needs.
Do you work with professional athletes?
Yes, I currently serve on the clinical team for the San Francisco 49ers, providing mental health services to athletes, coaching staff, and their families.
Are services available in Spanish?
Yes, I offer services in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse client needs.
What types of insurance do you accept?
As a private practice psychologist, I provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. Please contact your provider for specific coverage details.
