Profile image of Marisa  La Piana
Vetted

Marisa La Piana(She/They)

(She/They)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
California
ADHD- Anxiety -Autism spectrum disorder- Depression- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics-Women's issues-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Welcome! Marisa identifies as a queer white, neurodivergent, intersex, femme clinician with Jewish and Italian ancestry and uses she/they pronouns. Their practice was created with the needs of women, young adults, queer, polyamorous, kinky, transgender, disabled and neurodivergent folks at the center. It is deeply influenced and inspired by the inherent strengths, resilience and wisdom of these communities. She takes into account systemic, historical and intergenerational traumas that often create challenges for those holding these identities. Many queer, trans and disabled clients come to therapy with body-related trauma and or feeling disconnected from or overwhelmed by their bodies as a survival response to homophobia, transphobia and ableism. A somatic trauma based healing approach can help you start to build a deeper connection with your body so that you can live as authentically as possible. They believe that therapy is political. It is important for Marisa to create space for all of our intersectional human identities and the ways in which both our privileged and marginalized identities impact our lives and shape our relationships and interactions, including in the therapeutic space.

Marisa takes a feminist, queer and anti-oppressive approach to therapeutic work. She has specialized training in a wide array of therapeutic approaches including: somatic trauma based healing approaches: Attachment Focused EMDR for healing relational trauma, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as utilizing a neurodiversity affirming model of care. She incorporates solution-focused and person-centered approaches and offer longer-term insight oriented therapy as needed. We will work together to find the approach that would work best for you!

She bring the following values to her clinical work:

anti-racism

de-colonization

health at every size

queer and trans affirming

polyamory affirming

neurodiversity affirming

anti-oppressive

feminist

consent-centered

survivor centered

sex positive

pro-sex work

kink affirming


Message to clients

Life is stressful for everyone these days and disconnection from ourselves and others can lead to increased emotional distress and trauma . I believe connection is central to healing and I approach the work with an open mind and heart. As a therapist my approach is warm, open and friendly. I believe that a trusting, safe relationship is essential to all therapeutic work. I will offer tools including; acceptance, compassion, inner child healing and body based somatic exercises to help you become “unstuck” in old patterns and move towards a rich and meaningful life. Together we will work to gain awareness of unhelpful patterns, towards achieving clarity and building greater connection to those around you. I often use mindfulness to build self-awareness, work towards accountability with yourself and others, and move forward in a more compassionate, embodied way. I will support you with navigating your nervous system's reactions to promote wellness and achieve your highest self. You are not alone, I will act as a witness, sounding board and mirror to attune to your particular struggles and unique gifts as we collaborate on how to move forward navigating this journey called life. Together, we will move towards confidence, empowerment, and healthy successful relationships.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 9 years

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center , School Social Worker/Clinician
UCSF Children's Hospital Oakland , School Social Worker/Clinician
Lincoln , School Social Worker/Clinician
Adaptive Learning Center , Clinical Director

Parnell Institute , Attachment Focused EMDR Training , 2023
BBS, LCSW , 2018
University of CA, Berkeley Social Welfare, MSW , 2015

Licensure

California: 85194

Languages

English

Specialties

ADHD - Skill-building and support around organizational challenges, distracted attention, procrastination; building and maintaining healthy routines and structure

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Autism spectrum disorder - Support understanding the diagnosis and related challenges and strengths; skill-building in areas of daily routine, transitions, coping with overwhelming sensory experiences, social skills, and emotion identification and regulation

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Women's issues - Therapy tailored to common concerns among women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges, stressors, and questions around identity as a woman




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Children (<12)
  • Families
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

Marisa La Piana is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$180 (55min)
  • Sliding scale:$150 - $180
  • Initial session:$180 (55min)
  • EMDR $220 (90min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • IvyPay
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly