ACT para la salud mental

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

Ken Parker is the Program Manager at ACT and began with the agency in April 2017. He is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. He earned his Master’s & Doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Major area of study was Clinical Psychology with a minor in Community Psychology. Career highlights include Coordinator of The Adolescents & Families Project, a 5-yr treatment research study at UCSF as funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Primary professional activities have included program development, management, and evaluation. He has had grant proposals funded at all governmental levels as well as foundations and corporations. Clinical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within a family/community systems perspective. Duties at ACT have included contract development/management, clinical supervision, and therapy. He was responsible for a major Project as funded by the El Camino Hospital Foundation. Project aimed to identify, obtain referrals, and provide counseling for Latinx clients who were unable to access behavioral health services due to lack of health care coverage. Results of pre/post analyses found significant reduction in stress as reported by counseling-participants. At ACT he provides counseling for individuals, couples & families. Lastly, he still loves dinosaurs, SF Giants, and PB&J.

Asminda A. Sousa has been working at ACT since 2007 as MHRC. She has over 35 years of experience in clinical psychology working with the Spanish speaking community, victims of domestic violence, court cases, co-parenting classes, parenting classes, anger management for children, working with children, adolescents, adults, and LGBT community as victims of homophobia.

Anjana is a licensed clinical social worker. She started her journey with ACT in 2015 when she volunteered with the Fireside Friendship Club, and with reunification therapy. She has a Masters in Psychological Counseling from Bangalore University (India) and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychology, Education and Community from Northeastern University (Boston, MA). She completed her MSW from Simmons University in 2020. Having grown up in India, Anjana is interested in understanding cultural diversity and the role that it plays in therapy. Anjana has worked with different populations in India and the US ranging from children as young as 4 to adults. She takes on an eclectic approach drawing on multiple techniques and approaches as fits the client and situation. She believes in "meeting the client where they are"; and has a strengths based supportive orientation.

After working in the tech industry for over 20 years as an advertising creative and raising three kids, Dave wanted to shift his life to focus on making a collaborative impact for others through mental health and social justice. Dave has been working with ACT since 2021 as an intern while attending University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and was hired on after graduation with an MSW as a credentialed Associate Clinical Social Worker. Dave has an eclectic therapeutic approach to best meet clients where they are at with a particular attention to trauma informed modalities within a harm reduction framework. His training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, recovery and complex mental health issues in group settings and through individual therapy. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” – Brené Brown

I am a licensed clinical social worker native to the Bay Area. My clinical background includes supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, individuals with complex mental health needs and co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities and their systems of support, and general crisis work. I am passionate about a holistic approach to well-being and therapy and believe that with increased insight and the right building blocks, people can take healing into their own hands and reclaim parts of themselves while navigating the complexities of their inner and outer worlds. Modalities I enjoy drawing on include Jungian, Internal Family Systems, and process-oriented therapy.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I am a second-year counseling master’s student at Palo Alto University with a PharmD from UCSF, focusing on holistic mental health. I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health and believe every individual has an inner light and innate abilities to heal, grow, and transform. Drawing on my experience in intuitive energy healing, meditation, and yoga, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when appropriate. With a warm, attuned presence, I create an empowering space where clients feel seen, heard, and validated. My approach emphasizes gentle curiosity, self-compassion, somatic awareness, and spaciousness, holding space for clients as they move through life’s challenges and toward their values.

I am a Clinical Counseling intern at ACT for Mental Health and a master’s student in Counseling. My work focuses on supporting clients as they navigate emotional challenges, personal growth, and periods of transition. Originally from Brazil, I bring a culturally informed and empathetic perspective to my clinical work. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic environment that honors each client’s unique experiences and values. My goal is to support clients in developing self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful strategies for emotional well-being and personal growth. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, which I believe plays an important role in balance, reflection, and overall well-being.

Pallavi Kumar was born and raised in India and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. With over a decade of experience in healthcare - spanning both patient experience and direct client care, she brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy. Pallavi is especially interested in supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. She joined ACT for Mental Health in 2025, where she is committed to creating a safe, judgment-free, and empathetic space for healing and growth. Her work is grounded in cultural sensitivity, emotional insight, and a deep belief in the power of human resilience.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.