Sandy  Muraoka
Zencare Vetted

Sandy Muraoka

She/Her/Hers

Psychologist, PhD Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
Rhode Island, Florida Accepting Online
Providence Not Accepting In-person
Updated September 7, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Multicultural issues
  • International students mental health
  • Life transitions
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Women’s issues

Professional statement

Dr. Sandy Martinez Muraoka is a Clinical Psychologist at PVD Psychological Associates in Providence, RI. She provides therapy in English and Spanish to college students and adults of all ages. Although she is a generalist, her areas of interest and specialization include cultural identity concerns, minority stress, depression, anxiety, aging, women’s issues, and general stress management.

As a first-generation Cuban-American, political refugee, and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Muraoka enjoys working with members of marginalized and oppressed groups to explore the intersection of ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic class. Dr. Muraoka is also personally familiar with the unique challenges of assimilation to a new country. She welcomes clients who have either undergone or are currently in the middle of such a cultural transition themselves. As a parent to biracial children she is also sensitive to the challenges faced by mixed race individuals.

Her clients describe her as a warm and supportive person who provides a validating, compassionate space for them to explore their lives. She integrates techniques from CBT, ACT and narrative therapies, depending on need, in her work with clients.


Message to clients

I am a culturally sensitive practitioner and incorporate techniques from various type of therapy including Mindfulness, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to fulfill the needs of my clients. I recognize that therapy is a time and financial commitment so my primary goal is to help clients accomplish what they are searching for at this time, whether that be long- or short-time work, symptom-focused, or insight oriented. I use a strengths-based approach to help clients discover their own abilities and to create a healthy balance in their lives. I believe that the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship thus I focus on making clients feel comfortable so they can discuss the changes they want to make. Let’s collaborate to build a safe and brave space for you to explore your unique challenges and stressors. I am excited to work with you!


Specialties

Multicultural issues - Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity

International students mental health - Working with international students on topics such as transitioning from another country; managing symptoms of depression and anxiety; academic pressures, and others

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

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

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

Women’s issues - Expertise in working with adult women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges and promote physical and mental health




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island BCBS RI (in-network in RI, FL)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network in RI, FL)
  • Brown University Employee Health Insurance (BCBS RI) (in-network in RI)
  • Florida Blue (in-network in RI, FL)
  • Independence Blue Cross (in-network in RI, FL)
  • Johnson & Wales University Employee Health Insurance (BCBS RI) (in-network in RI)
  • RISD Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare) (in-network in RI)
  • Rhode Island College Employee Health Insurance (BCBS RI) (in-network in RI)
  • Rhode Island School of Design Employee Health Insurance (BCBS RI) (in-network in RI)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $225 (45min)
  • Initial session: $275 (50min)

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
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
  • Multiple times a week
  • As needed

Location(s)

Providence practice
382 Thayer St, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Tue 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Wed 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Thu 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Fri 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Tue 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Wed 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Thu 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Fri 7:00am-6:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Florida)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9am-5pm
  • Tue 9am-5pm
  • Wed 9am-5pm
  • Thu 9am-5pm
  • Fri 9am-4pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 27 years

PVD Psychological Associates, Licensed Psychologist, 2020 - Present
Inner You Counseling, Licensed Psychologist, 2017 - Present

University of Nebraska, PhD, 1996


Licensure

Rhode Island: PS01537

Florida: TPPY518


Languages

English

Spanish