Sheetal Rao, AMFT
Hello, my name is Sheetal Rao and you can call me Stella. I am a registered associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT # 157273) working under the supervision of a licensed clinician. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. I’ve worked in a range of settings, crisis lines, community mental health, residential care, and one thing has stayed consistent: people are often carrying way more than anyone can see. Whether I’m supporting someone through a crisis, facilitating a DBT coping skills group, or just sitting with someone in a really hard moment, my goal is the same: to create a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re “fine.”
I use approaches like DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care, but more importantly, I focus on meeting you where you are. Therapy with me isn’t about being perfect or having the “right” words; it’s about showing up as you are, even if that looks messy, overwhelmed, or unsure.I’ve worked a lot with individuals navigating intense emotions, life transitions, and co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. I also have experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation, which means I’m comfortable sitting with the hard stuff, without rushing you out of it.
Outside of the therapy room, I care a lot about making mental health feel more accessible and less intimidating. I’ve found ways to pair creativity with psychoeducation because, honestly, sometimes a conversation about mental health feels a little easier over something sweet.
I really believe this: you don’t have to hit rock bottom to deserve support. Therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s emotional maintenance. It’s a space to understand yourself, build tools, and create change that actually feels sustainable. Healing isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to show up, and I’d be honored to support you in that.