Dr. Shabnam Sasha Kassai, PsyD, CA | Psychologist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

5.00

Average wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

About Dr. Shabnam Sasha Kassai

Focus areas

Analytical Therapy / Psychoanalysis

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Relationship Struggles

Anxiety Disorder

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Clientele seen

Adults (25-64)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Coaching

Adlerian

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Attachment-based

Compassion Focused

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English, Farsi

Getting to know Dr. Shabnam Sasha Kassai

Dr. Kassai (Dr. K) is a licensed psychologist in California (33101) with a specialization in treating and evaluating adults with co-occurring cognitive and psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), body image issues, grief, and perfectionism. Dr. Kassai earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and her doctorate from Alliant University (CSPP). She thereafter completed her training at an APA-Accredited internship treating individuals diagnosed with severe mental health issues. Dr. Kassai uses an integrative approach to therapy and has helped many individuals reinvent themselves and regain their power over their lives. Lastly, please note that the appointments available through Zocdoc are intended for the intake and initial evaluation. During your first meeting with Dr. Kassai, you will discuss whether it’s a good fit and if Dr. Kassai can meet your needs. If so, you will collaboratively establish the frequency and schedule of follow-up sessions tailored to your needs. After the initial appointment, you are more than welcome to book your following appointments either directly through Dr. Kassai or via Zocdoc.

What should a new client know about working with you?

We live in a culture obsessed with certainty and perfection. Both are illusions, yet many of us lose ourselves in their pursuit. I view therapy as a partnership rooted in curiosity, where we work together to make sense of what has been difficult to understand alone. I value growth over perfection. I don't believe we become ourselves through change. I believe we become ourselves through discovery. Much of life is not about acquiring something new, but remembering, reclaiming, and integrating what has been hidden beneath fear, doubt, expectation, and habit. Therapy is not about becoming someone else; it is about becoming more fully yourself. I specialize in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and OCPD. My clients are intelligent, thoughtful, and capable, yet exhausted from carrying responsibilities that were never theirs to carry and waiting for certainty that never seems to arrive. Whether you are struggling with intrusive thoughts, anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, or life's inevitable challenges, our work together creates space for greater understanding, self-trust, and freedom. I define success not as the absence of struggle, but as helping my clients shift from asking, “How do I get rid of this?” to “How do I stop abandoning myself because of it?” That's where we come home to ourselves.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

I view therapy as a collaborative process of discovery. We begin by getting curious about what brings you to therapy, what feels stuck, and what you hope will be different. Rather than rushing to find solutions, we take time to understand the patterns, fears, beliefs, and experiences that may be shaping your current struggles. As our work unfolds, we explore not only symptoms but the deeper questions beneath them. Together, we make sense of what has been difficult to understand alone, identify what may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools for navigating life's challenges. Depending on your needs, our work may incorporate evidence-based approaches such as ERP, CBT, ACT, I-CBT, and mindfulness. I don't view therapy as a process of fixing what is broken. More often, it is a process of understanding what has been difficult to understand, making room for what has been pushed aside, and discovering new ways of relating to yourself. The first session is about understanding your story and what brings you here. Together, we'll explore your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether this feels like the right fit. I view therapy not simply as a series of sessions, but as a relationship built on trust, understanding, and support that can remain a meaningful resource through different seasons of life. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where insight deepens into understanding, understanding deepens into self-trust, and life gradually becomes larger than fear.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

UnitedHealthcare

50+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $200 for 45 minutes

Ongoing session: $200 for 55 minutes

More information on payments and coverage

At this time, our practice accepts Aetna, Allied Benefit Systems, Christian Brothers Services, Health Scope, Meritain, Nippon, Trustmark, Trustmark Small Business Benefits, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (virtual visits only). We also offer out-of-pocket/self-pay options.

Popular visit reasons

Anxiety Disorder

Boundary Issues

Depression

New Patient Visit

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Women's Mental Health Issues

Anxiety Disorder

Boundary Issues

Depression

New Patient Visit

Education and background

Practice names

Sasha Kassai - Perfectly Imperfect Self

Education and training

Alliant International University, San Diego Campus, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Professional memberships

American Psychological Association
Los Angeles County Psychological Association

NPI number

1457887895

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

5.00

Wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

29 reviews

Most relevant

Dr. Kassai is fantastic to work with! Very knowledgeable and kind. 10/10

September 7, 2023Initials hiddenVideo visit

Very helpful and communicative

October 7, 2025Francesca P.Verified patientVideo visit

Super personable and easy to talk to