Heart at Home Counseling

Business Details

7 Years

experience

Anxiety Therapy Services in Walnut Creek, CA

Heart at Home Counseling was founded in 2019 by Valerie Hodgskiss, a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive clinical experience. Our practice specializes in evidence-based anxiety treatment for adults, teens, and families, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other proven modalities. Valerie brings over a decade of direct clinical experience from Kaiser Permanente and Head Start programs, combined with personal insights from navigating life's challenges.

We offer telehealth sessions across California, with plans to expand to Oregon, providing accessible mental health care that accommodates busy schedules. Our approach emphasizes building therapeutic relationships where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to make meaningful life changes through personalized treatment plans.

Services

Anxiety Treatment Telehealth Counseling Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Family Counseling Postpartum Support Depression Management Parenting Stress Support Relationship Counseling Virtual Therapy Sessions

Details

Year established: 2019

Highlights and features

We offer evidence-based anxiety treatment with proven therapeutic modalities
Our telehealth platform provides convenient access to mental health care
Therapist brings hospital and community mental health experience
Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
Focus on building safe, supportive therapeutic relationships

Website

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Services

Anxiety Treatment

Specialized anxiety treatment using evidence-based approaches including CBT and ACT. Our therapy helps clients understand anxiety patterns, develop coping strategies, and regain control over their lives. Sessions focus on identifying triggers, challenging negative thought patterns, and implementing practical solutions for managing anxiety symptoms in daily life.

Telehealth Counseling

Secure telehealth counseling sessions conducted through encrypted video platforms. This convenient service eliminates commute time while maintaining therapeutic connection. Clients access sessions from any location with internet access, making mental health care accessible for busy professionals, parents, and those with mobility challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Structured cognitive behavioral therapy addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors. This solution-focused approach helps clients identify irrational thoughts, develop healthier thinking habits, and implement behavioral changes. Sessions include practical exercises and homework to reinforce progress between appointments.

Family Counseling

Family counseling services addressing relationship dynamics and communication challenges. Therapy sessions help families navigate mental health impacts, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop supportive home environments. Focus areas include parenting stress, generational patterns, and supporting family members with anxiety disorders.

Postpartum Support

Specialized support for perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. Services address anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after childbirth, helping parents navigate emotional challenges while developing coping strategies. Therapy includes education about normal versus concerning symptoms and practical parenting support.

People

Valerie Hodgskiss

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Valerie Hodgskiss is a licensed marriage and family therapist with clinical experience from Kaiser Permanente and Head Start programs. She specializes in anxiety treatment using evidence-based therapies and brings personal insights from overcoming life's challenges to her practice.

Questions

What types of therapy do you offer?

We offer cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, and exposure therapy tailored to individual needs.

How do telehealth sessions work?

Sessions use secure video platforms accessed through computers, tablets, or phones. Clients join virtual waiting rooms and connect with their therapist at scheduled times.

What mental health issues do you treat?

We specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, relationship problems, perinatal mood disorders, parenting stress, and panic attacks.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Yes, all sessions use encrypted platforms and follow strict confidentiality protocols, with exceptions only for safety concerns.

How long does treatment typically last?

Most clients see improvement in 12-15 weekly sessions with regular homework practice between appointments.

Do you accept insurance?

We provide super bills for potential out-of-network reimbursement but do not bill insurance directly.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Jamie Hundley

Dec 02, 2019 Report

I have had the privilege of working with Valerie in a professional, large hospital setting. She is a committed and hard working therapist. She is able to truly see the unique person or family system in a variety of complex life circumstances. She is dedicated to creating a thoughtful and effective care plan, and has the therapy chops to see it through! I have seen people in her care experience relief, learning, and growth!
Jamie Hampton Hundley, LCSW

Women Veterans

Sep 09, 2019 Report

I had the pleasure of working with Valerie as part of an intensive outpatient clinical team for nearly 2 years. Valerie was very competent in rendering high level individual and group therapy treatment to a broad range of clients. She demonstrates a deep commitment to Dialectical, Behavioral & Narrative therapy models. She is very helpful in assisting clients with self care and self regulation skills. She offers compassionate and professional service with a palatable and humorous approach.

Kalista Hickman

Aug 21, 2019 Report

I had the opportunity to work with Valerie Hodgskiss MFT as part of a clinical team, prior to her opening her practice. In that setting, we collaborated on cases frequently and I had the opportunity to see firsthand the excellent care she provides to clients. Valerie excels at treating anxiety and at taking an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach, helping clients examine their goals and values and take steps toward them. I highly recommend her for adults, teens, couples and families.

Nancy Steenson

May 15, 2019 Report

Valerie has a wonderful gift of insight and understanding people and their interactions with each other. She is a gem to this profession!