Clare Friedlander is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 30 years of experience as a mental health provider. Using client centered and evidence-based techniques, her approach to treatment involves exploring mental health & emotional well-being through the lenses of identity and lived experiences.

Over her career, Clare has worked with individuals facing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic health conditions, and phase-of-life transitions. She has worked with bilingual (English & Spanish) children and parents, providing support for strengthening families. She has also worked as counselor & clinical director in rural health clinics providing integrated behavioral healthcare in an addiction recovery program, as well as a psychotherapist in a community clinic.

For the last several years, Clare has been serving our Nation’s Veterans, working initially as the Director of Mental Health for a rural VA Clinic in Eureka and then transitioning to the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Throughout most of her career Clare has also maintained a small private practice in which she works with adults and children, while simultaneously provided clinical training, guidance and supervision to new therapists.

In her role at Pura Vida, Clare provides trauma-informed individual and group therapy, helping our clients address the mental health issues that stand in the way of their recovery goals. Her goal is to support people in improving both their relationships and quality of life so they may achieve lasting change toward a better quality of life.

Outside of work, Clare finds joy in the outdoors – whether she’s hiking, biking through scenic routes, swimming, or attending to her garden. She’s also a basketball fan who cheers on the Warriors with passion and pride.