What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
“Savannah is an amazing therapist who is queer affirming, supportive and respectful. I truly value working with her and cannot recommend her enough!”
Less than 1 month ago
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
FemaleLanguages 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.
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In-network insurances
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Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of California, Berkeley, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1780208850
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
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1 review
Most relevant
Savannah is an amazing therapist who is queer affirming, supportive and respectful. I truly value working with her and cannot recommend her enough!
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
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.
What languages does Savannah Varela speak?
Savannah Varela speaks English.