About Mona Sterling
Focus areas
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Relationship Counseling
Confidence Issues
Depression
Stress Management
Couples Conflict Resolution
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Compassion Focused
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotionally Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English, German
Getting to know Mona Sterling
At Sterling Connection Therapy, I believe healing happens through connection. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right fit matters. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported from the very beginning.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with high-achieving individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, depression, self-doubt, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients appear “put together” on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, stuck in overthinking, or unsure of how to slow down and feel more grounded.
I also work with individuals and couples navigating modern dating and relationship patterns, such as anxious or avoidant attachment, communication challenges, and difficulty building or maintaining meaningful connection. My work is rooted in a relational, trauma-informed, and attachment-based lens, helping you understand how past experiences shape your current emotional patterns and relationships.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented. I integrate evidence-based practices including CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy, while tailoring our work to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll build self-awareness, develop practical tools, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I’m passionate about helping you feel more grounded in yourself, more confident in your decisions, and more secure in your relationships.
What should a new client know about working with you?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as you are, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for something to shift.
My style is collaborative and engaged. I’m not a blank-slate therapist. I offer reflections, insights, and tools, while also creating space for deeper exploration. I help you understand both what you’re feeling and why, so that change feels more clear, intentional, and sustainable.
I often work with clients who struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, or feeling “in their head,” especially in relationships. Together, we gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck, while building self-trust and more aligned ways of relating to yourself and others.
I’m LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally responsive, and I consider how your identity, relationships, and environment shape your experiences. Our work will move at a pace that feels supportive, while still creating meaningful momentum.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In the first few sessions, we’ll focus on getting to know you; your story, what’s bringing you in, and the patterns you’ve been noticing in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. We’ll identify goals together so therapy feels focused, relevant, and meaningful.
Ongoing sessions are a balance of insight and action. We may explore current stressors, past experiences, or relational patterns, while also building tools to help you manage anxiety, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and communicate more effectively.
For clients navigating anxiety and overthinking, we’ll work on helping you feel more grounded, reduce mental spiraling, and build a stronger sense of internal clarity and confidence. For relationship-focused work, we’ll explore attachment patterns, improve communication, and develop more secure ways of connecting.
For couples, sessions focus on identifying patterns of conflict, strengthening emotional connection, and improving communication. I also work with couples navigating mismatched desire or challenges with physical intimacy, helping partners better understand each other’s needs and build a more satisfying, connected relationship. I incorporate elements of the Gottman Method to support healthier, more secure relationships.
Throughout the process, I check in regularly to ensure therapy feels helpful and aligned with your goals. My focus is helping you feel supported, meaningfully challenged, and moving toward change guided by your values.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $195 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- California Polytechnic State University, Master's in Psychology
- University of California, Berkeley (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Awards and publications
- Afulani et al. (2021), PLOS ONE – Burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana and its impact on well-being. https://doi.org/10.12688/gatesopenres.13490.1
- “Building a Resilient Pandemic Workforce: Implementing Mental Health Programs to Support Contact Tracers,” presented at San Francisco International AIDS Conference COVID-19 Conference, 2021 (Virtual).
- Afulani et al. (2020), Global Health Sciences – Preparedness of Ghanaian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://doi.org/10.35500/jghs.2020.2.e24
NPI number
1134825516
How soon can I make an appointment with Mona Sterling?
Generally, Mona Sterling has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Mona Sterling's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Mona Sterling accepting new patients?
Mona Sterling generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Mona Sterling's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Mona Sterling accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Mona Sterling is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Mona Sterling online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Mona Sterling using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Mona Sterling work with?
Mona Sterling works with Sterling Connection Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Mona Sterling?
Mona Sterling frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Mona Sterling on their profile.
What languages does Mona Sterling speak?
Mona Sterling speaks English and German.