Culturally Competent. Relationship-Centered.
You deserve a space where you can bring your whole self — without explanation, apology, or performance. I'm Jennifer, a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience and a deep commitment to affirming, relationship-centered care. My work is built on a simple belief: that understanding yourself more deeply is the foundation for building the relationships and the life you actually want.
Therapeutic Approach
I utilize an interpersonal & humanistic approach, layered with a multicultural lens, understanding that who we are as individuals will interact with the world around us in very distinct and meaningful ways that affects our overall mental health.
Therapy begins by getting to know you—your identities, history, challenges, and strengths. Together, we will develop a shared understanding of what brings you to therapy and what you hope to change or develop in the process. Whether you are seeking support for a current concern or exploring experiences from your past, treatment goals and a plan are developed collaboratively and revisited over time to ensure therapy remains responsive to your needs.
I bring my personal values of authenticity, kindness and respect to all social connections, including my work as a therapist. You can expect to be greeted and held with warmth, empathy, and compassion for the duration of our time working together.
Experience
I specialize in helping people understand and transform the patterns that show up across their relationships — with partners, family, friends, and colleagues. I use a unique interpersonal assessment tool to rapidly build awareness of your relational style, so we can target areas for growth from the start.
I have 25+ years of allyship and advocacy with the LGBTQ+ community, am a PFLAG Ally Award recipient, and served as a Safespace trainer at the university level. I frequently work with LGBTQ+ adults with multiple minority identities looking for a space where all of who they are is welcome. I work with gender diverse individuals and their family members needing space to process their own reactions and feelings. I work with young adults navigating identity and life transitions, healthcare professionals facing burnout, immigrants navigating cross-cultural challenges, and people healing from trauma, abuse, and sexual assault. I also offer perinatal support and work with parenting concerns.
About Me
Working as a psychologist is a calling for me. Helping others in their healing and growth is meaningful and I invest my heart into the work that I do. You will see me tear up with you, and you will see me angry at the systems and people that have caused you harm. You will feel cared for and respected in our work together, and if you don't, I invite that discussion to see what needs to change in our relationship so you can feel cared for in the way that you need. I bring my values of authenticity, kindness, and genuine curiosity to every session.
I earned my doctorate from Wright State University School of Professional Psychology and have been licensed in California since 2016. Prior to private practice, I worked with foster youth and in university counseling centers. I hold a TeleMental Health certification from the Zur Institute, authored the Focused Brief Group Therapy Treatment Manual used globally, and currently serve as President of the Redwood Psychological Association. I have volunteered with Hospice, the AIDS Resource Center, Safespace, and the SoCo Pride Parade.
Treatment Options
Individual Therapy (accepting new patients): available in-person and remote through secure video platform.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): I am contracted with several EAP programs to offer time-limited services to covered individuals. Check your benefits for coverage.
Group Therapy: Provides the opportunity to develop and practice new skills at connecting with others while deepening personal insights in a safe environment. All groups meet for 1.5 hours weekly in Santa Rosa, CA. New members are required to meet once individually prior to joining to evaluate if group is an appropriate fit. Please schedule a FREE Phone Consultation appointment to discuss if group may be the right fit for your needs.
Groups Currently accepting new members:
*New Mama Therapy Group: Isolation, depression, and anxiety are common in the postpartum period and motherhood can also trigger patterns developed in childhood. This supportive psychotherapy group will allow members to share their birth stories, the challenges that come from a significant life transition as well as process their experiences from their families of origin. Mothers may bring infants to the group.
*Understanding Self & Others: This is an introductory interpersonal process group that includes a pre-group screening, eight group meetings, and an individual de-briefing. Members gain rapid awareness of interpersonal patterns, and goals are developed to increase interpersonal flexibility in order to increase interpersonal effectiveness. Group sessions provide opportunities to further gain awareness of self and practice new ways of connecting to others, receiving feedback throughout the process.
Health Insurance Coverage and Fees
I am not currently contracted with any insurance companies and would be considered an "out-of-network" provider for reimbursement purposes. I provide superbills, which may be submitted for out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please contact your insurance for more information on out-of-network benefits and the process to submit claims for reimbursement. Clients are frequently surprised that they can reclaim much of their out-of-pocket expense and this can make sessions quite affordable.
You may request a sliding scale fee during the initial consultation or at any time if your financial circumstances change. Full payment is due at time of service.
Dr. Jennifer Lotz, PsyD (she/her)
Psychologist