Dr. Diana Samardzic

In my effort to help people find relief from suffering, I help them gain clarity, balance, and peace in a warm and compassionate space. I use evidenced-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and dialectical-behavioral interventions. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, interpersonal/relationship issues, grief, and complex trauma.

I also work with teens and couples and have a strong background in providing culturally responsive care. I focus on addressing the complexity of intersectional identities and celebrate individuals’ differences. I have experience working with those from the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants or children of immigrants, and others from various oppressed groups. I strive to help people free themselves from the confines of oppression and discrimination.

I earned my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, an APA accredited program, in Pleasant Hill, CA, as well as, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of California in Santa Cruz.

Since 2005, I have worked with a variety of diverse populations from children and families to severely persistently mentally ill adults to those from marginalized backgrounds who suffer from mild to moderate mental health symptoms. As a supervisor at a primary care clinic and a clinical administrator at a residential program, I served as a guide and teacher to both the clients I was treating and the interns I was mentoring.
I have extensive experience working with all age groups with anxiety, depression, and stress management. Other areas of experience include: family & relational conflict, self-esteem & body image, trauma & PTSD, substance use, intellectual disabilities, school & behavioral issues, grief, and identity development (e.g. sexuality, culture, spirituality).