Ilene Diamond, Psychologist in San Francisco, 94104

Ilene Diamond, J.D., Psy.D.

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Psychology - 21575
Secondary License:
Law - 172779

My Approach to Helping

Feeling challenged by work, relationship, finances, family issues? Concerned about your teen's mood, judgment, behavior? Struggling with grief, depression, or self-defeating behaviors? Dissertation procrastination? General overwhelm?

Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being. Psychotherapy has also been shown to have important benefits over time, such as solutions to specific problems, insight into one's own behavior, feelings and motivations, better relationships and relationship skills, improved coping skills, improved distress tolerance and significant reductions in feelings of distress and overall improvement in health and well-being. This can manifest in increased self-confidence, productivity and a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.

My work is informed by psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and family systems theory. Although theory helps me understand and respond to your treatment needs, I view the therapeutic relationship as the most important aspect of therapy. My style is warm, collaborative and engaged, with a sense of humor.

After several years of coursework and pre-doctoral internships at the Wright Institute, I completed two full-time post-doctoral residencies in Psychiatry and Chemical Dependency at Kaiser in San Rafael, where I did individual, family, marital and group therapy with adults and adolescents. My training also includes two years at WestCoast Children's Clinic and a year-long post-graduate course in the treatment of adolescents at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.

I enjoy working with adolescents, gifted teens, couples, families, recent graduates, doctors, lawyers & students. Attorneys and physicians have high rates of psychological distress and substance abuse. Appropriate self-care, including therapy, can make your work in these demanding professions more sustainable and rewarding.

If you are thinking about changing your relationship to drugs and alcohol, are struggling with codependency issues, or are actively engaged in a recovery program, you will need support, understanding, a sounding board, and new skills. Therapy can be a crucial part of your success in making positive changes in your life. Our work can help you develop your strengths and self-confidence and feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Before becoming a psychologist, I had a career as an attorney. I have also worked in public schools as a counselor and educator. I currently work as a mediator in addition to my psychotherapy practice. Some clients find that my familiarity with business, law, public education and conflict resolution enhances our work together.

Years of psychological research and my own clinical experience show that both long term and short term therapy has positive effects. It is not unusual for therapy to last anywhere from a few months to several years. Often, a client will have specific goals at the beginning, and when those goals are met, they find they would like to continue the work. If we decide to work together, we will evaluate our work together from time to time, to see that your goals are being met, and how your needs may have changed. As the client, you have the right to decide how long you would like to continue your therapy. It is my hope that we will agree in advance on when to complete our work together, so that there is time to reflect on the process and say our goodbyes.

Specialties: kids over 10, teens, gifted adolescents, doctors, attorneys, law students, medical students, graduate students, college students, parents, family and marital/couples counseling, helping divorcing parents negotiate parenting issues, recovery from substance abuse, codependency issues, recovery from traumatic experiences, grief and loss. LGBT friendly.

More Info About My Practice

Fees: My fee is $165.00 per 50 minute session. Extended sessions may be available for couples or family therapy for an additional fee. Please inquire.

Insurance: IN-NETWORK: I am an in-network psychologist with Anthem Blue Cross. Depending on your coverage, you may be responsible for a co-pay and/or co-insurance portion of the fee. You may decided not to use your insurance for privacy or other reasons. This therapist's status as an in-network provider is not a guarantee of payment by the insurance company; client is respnsible for payment of session fees if insurance does not pay.

OUT-OF-NETWORK: I can provide a cumulative statement for you to present to any other insurance company or for your HSA or FSA for reimbursement as an "out of network provider." Alternatively, I may be able to submit the claims for you electronically. Check with your insurance plan for further information regarding your mental health benefits.

Mediation: As a mediator, I specialize in conflicts or situations with relational or emotional components. Examples: Family businesses, adult siblings, elder care issues, estate planning and probate issues, special needs trusts, trustee-beneficiary issues, employment, artists and musicians, personal injury, disability, partnership disputes.

Collaborative divorce: I am available to work with a collaborative divorce team as a coach or child specialist.