About Vanessa

Vanessa Ramirez is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Leah Niehaus, LCSW. Vanessa received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. 

In the therapy room, Vanessa meets you where you are -- whether this is your first time in therapy or if you have had previous therapy experience. She understands that therapy can initially be nerve-wracking for some, so she uses a warm style to help kids and adults settle into the space. She utilizes a person-centered approach which enables clients to identify their own strengths while simultaneously challenging themselves to grow and make changes that might impact them positively.  Throughout the therapy process, Vanessa helps clients ease into learning the skills and tools needed to help them get “unstuck” and begin to feel relief from their struggles. She pulls from a multitude of evidence-based practices, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, to help clients struggling with anxiety, stress, panic disorders, behavioral problems, depression, attachment issues, and more. 

Before joining Leah’s practice, Vanessa provided counseling services to children, teens, and their families within a community-based crisis stabilization program. Vanessa’s clients faced numerous hardships – poverty, loss, trauma, domestic violence, and suicidality. In addition, she’s had prior experience providing counseling services to children, teens, adults, families, and couples, within school, clinic, and online settings.

Outside of the therapy room, you can find Vanessa walking her dogs, spending time with family, or spending time outside soaking up the sun. 

Vanessa works best with: 

  • Children

  • Teens

  • Adults

  • Families

Her Areas of Interest include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Adjustment

  • Parent/Child Relational Issues

  • Separation Anxiety

  • ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Perfectionism

  • Relationships and Attachment

  • Self-Esteem

  • Vanessa runs a weekly High School Girls’ Group Therapy

Contact Vanessa for a FREE initial phone consultation and see how she can help today!


FAQ’s

Insurance:

Vanessa is not on any Insurance panels and many insurance companies do not cover services provided by someone who is not yet licensed. You will be given a Good Faith Estimate at the start of work together so that you will know an estimate for the costs involved.

Fees:

Individual/Family Therapy $160

*Sliding Scale

Cancellation Policy:
If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the treatment as booked.

Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

  • Do I have mental health benefits?

  • How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?

  • Does my plan cover services for a provider who is unlicensed and under supervision?

  • If so, how do I submit a Superbill?