Kristen Vo, lCSW

Life has been challenging lately. You’re feeling overwhelmed with all the situations and transitions happening in your life. The high school and college years are a time of immense changes - changes to your body, brain, relationships, responsibilities, and sense of identity. Trying to navigate it all can be emotionally draining and confusing. There are times when you feel stuck, alone, and unsure about what to do. You want to feel better, but you’re not sure how to get there.

Or maybe you're a parent watching your teen or young adult child suffer. You see them withdrawing, their grades slipping, motivation dwindling, and joy for life fading away. They seem constantly anxious, irritable, and closed off. You've tried everything to understand and support them, but nothing seems to be working. It's an isolating and heartbreaking experience when your child is hurting, and you feel powerless to help.

You've tried different approaches, but the situation isn't improving - in fact, it may be getting worse. When we're in the midst of difficult transitions and life stressors, it can be enormously helpful to have professional guidance. Recognizing the need for outside support is a brave first step towards healing.

I know reaching out for help can feel daunting, but finding the right therapist can make all the difference. If you or your child are ready to work through the anxiety, confusion and overwhelm to find clarity, direction and hope for the future again,

I can help.

With specialized training in helping teens and young adults navigate life transitions, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space to explore struggles and work towards meaningful change.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with close to 10 years experience working with diverse populations in community mental health and hospital settings. I am passionate about providing compassionate, strengths-based, individual clinical care.

I know that choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting task, and reaching out is can be a major step. But, it just may be the most impactful thing you will do for you and your family.

I HELP…

Teens & Young Adults

I help teens and college students who are struggling with emotional, academic and social challenges to talk about their personal difficulties, improve their communication skills, identify their goals, and develop the necessary skills to be able to achieve those goals. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy strategies and a strengths-based, solution-focused approach in my work.

Elementary and Middle School Students

The childhood and pre-teen years are a complex time filled with changes that can trigger big feelings like worry, anger, sadness, and overwhelm. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to help kids make sense of their experiences and learn coping strategies to manage their emotions in healthy ways. Whether it's school stressors, friendship issues, family problems or just the general ups and downs of growing up, I'm here to help young students build resilience and confidence.

Parents & Families

As a mom of three, I know the role of parenting is one of the most rewarding and difficult jobs there is. From managing behavior issues, sibling conflicts, family transitions and more, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, guilty, and uncertain about the best way to respond. I provide parents and families with practical strategies and emotional support to nurture strong relationships, open communication, and connection even during the toughest times. My goal is to empower you as the parent while giving your child age-appropriate tools to thrive.

Group Therapy for Children, Teens, Young Adults & Parents

Group therapy offers a powerful space to recognize that you aren't alone in your struggles. Children, adolescents and young adults can benefit tremendously from connecting with peers going through similar experiences and challenges. Meanwhile, parents gain insights and tools by bonding with others on a parallel journey. My groups create an atmosphere of trust and belonging where members can share openly, learn from each other, and grow together through life's ups and downs. Whether it's managing anxiety, navigating relationships, improving communication or boosting self-confidence, group therapy provides a uniquely transformative experience.

 

Credentials:

  • CT Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #012200)

  • Master of Social Work - California State University (Los Angeles, CA)

  • B.A. in Psychology and Sociology - University of California (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed treatment.