Meet California Licensed Therapist: Samara Stone

Samara Stone (she/her)

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #51367) with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. My path into this work began with my own experiences of loss and healing, which taught me the profound impact of feeling truly seen and supported.

Before opening my practice, I worked in Bay Area nonprofits, coached employees at a tech company, and supervised other therapists. Across all of these roles, I’ve witnessed the strength people carry, even when they feel stuck, overloaded, or depleted.

I studied psychology at San Jose State University and continue to deepen my skills through ongoing professional training. I also practice what I share with clients (mindfulness, artistic expression, time in nature, and physical activity) to stay grounded and connected. Doing these things help me show up fully in our work together, not just as a therapist, but as a person with warmth, curiosity, humor, and genuine care for your story.

Today I run a private practice in Santa Clara, CA, specializing in anxiety therapy, OCD treatment using ERP, and walk-and-talk therapy for clients who thrive outside the traditional office setting. I work with adults throughout the Bay Area and across California via telehealth — including many professionals and high achievers navigating the particular pressures of life and work in Silicon Valley. My clients often tell me they were looking for a therapist who is warm but also direct, someone who actually engages rather than just nods along. That's what I aim to be.

Want to know what therapy with me looks like?

You can learn more about how I show up in sessions and what to expect on My Approach page.

Or head over to my blog to get a sense of me. (Where you’ll also see more examples of one of my favorite pastimes: photography.)