Welcome

Starting therapy can be as daunting as starting any new relationship. It’s hard to know what to expect, and you hope the time, money, and vulnerability you put into it will pay off. 

With me, therapy is a collaboration—I have expertise in evidence-supported treatments, and you have expertise in yourself. We’ll work together to clarify what’s actually most important to you, as opposed to what “should be” most important to you.

During our sessions, there is no topic that is off limits. I approach my work with warmth, creativity, transparency, and the knowledge that successful treatment is based on building a trusting relationship. I’ll help you become gentler with your feelings and braver with your actions. We’ll build insight, increase self-compassion, and change your behaviors in accordance with your values.

Curious to hear more? Let's talk!

A conversation is the best way for us to get a sense of whether we’re a good fit. Schedule a free consultation, and say hello.

My goal is for you to become your own therapist.

My approach is grounded in behaviorism and mindfulness, and I integrate a variety of evidence-based treatments, especially ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help my clients grow. Because you are a unique individual, we’ll work flexibly to co-create a treatment that fits your needs, strengths, and identity. Therapy occurs within the context of our individual backgrounds and sociocultural factors, and this understanding is integrated into every stage of our work. 

Starting Therapy

Before scheduling an intake appointment, we’ll speak on the phone for 15-20 minutes for an initial consultation. This is 100% free—it’s a chance for you to ask me any questions to have, and for me to get to know more about what you’re looking for in a therapist.

If you decide to move forward after the initial consultation, we’ll schedule an intake appointment to begin therapy together. This first therapy session, like all following therapy sessions, is conducted via a secure video conferencing platform. Sessions are 50 minutes long (with a few exceptions) and cost $250. I don’t take insurance at this time, but I can provide a superbill (an itemized invoice of services from an out-of-network provider) for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. I reserve a number of spaces for clients to pay reduced fees based on financial need.

If I’m not the right therapist for you, for whatever reason, I can always provide referrals to other clinicians. The most important thing is that you connect with the right therapist for you.

Schedule a free consultation

Want to learn more? To set up a free 20-minute phone consultation to talk about the possibility of starting therapy, you can call me, email me, or fill out the form below. I hope to hear from you! 

Phone Number: (925) 232-1286
Email Address: hello@drkatepetersen.com

About me

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area and providing teletherapy to individuals across California, who specializes in treating anxiety, panic, OCD, sleep, grief, trauma, and the experience of feeling “stuck.” I’ve worked with people in mental health clinics, university counseling centers, and in the community treating anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. 

Outside of my role as a therapist, I live with my family in the East Bay. I love gardening with native and drought-tolerant plants, and backyard composting in a freeform way that includes—but is not limited to—throwing apples cores and veggies scraps straight onto the ground. I’m also into thrifting of all kinds. I love to read illustrated memoirs (two of my recent favorites are Fun Home by Alison Bechdel and The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui). I didn’t always know I would end up being a therapist. When I was little, I wanted to be a translator. In college, I wanted to work in art and artifact conservation in museums. I found psychology through a series of volunteer positions, and I’m very glad I did. I find my work deeply meaningful and challenging in the best way.

Specialty Areas

  • Anxiety

  • Panic attacks

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  • Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (skin-picking, hair pulling, etc.)

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Relationship Issues

  • Relational Diversity (LGBTQ+, nonmanogamy, polyamory, and more)

  • Phobias

  • Grief

  • Sleep issues

  • Pregnancy and postpartum

Education & Credentials

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY 33036

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA (Accredited by the American Psychological Association) (2020)

Pre-Doctoral Internship: University of San Francisco – Counseling and Psychological Services, San Francisco, CA (Accredited by the American Psychological Association) (2020)

Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Santa Clara University – Counseling and Psychological Services, Santa Clara, CA (2021)