Savannah Varela, LCSW, CA | Psychotherapist

About Savannah Varela

Focus areas

Anxiety

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Racism Issues

Coping Mechanism Development

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling

Women's Issues Therapy

Cultural Diversity Issues

Psychological Trauma

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

EMDR

Culturally Sensitive

Feminist

Dialectical (DBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Savannah Varela

Hi there, I'm Savannah! As a queer, bi-ethnic EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) clinician, I broadly apply a social justice, sex-positive, feminist, and psychodynamic approach to help my clients get “unstuck” by moving through trauma and finding clarity and empowerment within the context of the world we live in today. I received my Master’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I have extensive experience working in mental health crisis response, community-based mental health, substance use treatment, and with individuals involved in the criminal justice system throughout the state of California. My current work is informed by my years of experience as a public servant in the public mental health sphere. My approach I broadly apply a feminist and social justice lens to my work, as I believe that acknowledging and challenging systemic barriers that impact clients' lives is integral to the therapeutic process. Feminist therapy is broadly about creating a therapeutic environment that honors clients' autonomy, agency, and unique experiences within a broader sociopolitical context. Additionally, I became an EMDR-trained clinician in 2021 through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach I use to help clients process and heal from trauma. It is a structured and evidence-based approach that leverages bilateral stimulation to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, alleviate distressing symptoms, and foster healing and resilience. Lastly, I was trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a therapeutic approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems, emphasizing clients' strengths and resources, in 2020 at UC Berkeley School of Social Work. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify achievable goals which then guide the therapy process and provide a framework for assessing progress.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

Enter your insurance carrier and plan

choose insurance

In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

200+ more in-network plans

Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Postpartum Depression

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Racism Issues

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Postpartum Depression

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - L.A. West

Education and training

University of California, Berkeley, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1780208850

Patient reviews

Help Savannah Varela, LCSW build an online reputation by being the first to leave a review after having an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Savannah Varela?

Generally, Savannah Varela has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Savannah Varela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Savannah Varela accepting new patients?

Savannah Varela generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Savannah Varela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Savannah Varela accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Savannah Varela is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Savannah Varela online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Savannah Varela using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Savannah Varela work with?

Savannah Varela works with Rula Health - L.A. West.

What are common reasons for patients to see Savannah Varela?

Savannah Varela frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Savannah Varela on their profile.