Dr. Syma Ralston, CA Psychologist 18281
Experienced psychologist specializing in trauma and relationships
- 30 years clinical experience
- Couples and family therapy
- Trauma focused care
About Dr. Syma Ralston
Dr. Syma Ralston is a licensed psychologist in California, practicing with the credential CA Psychologist 18281 and bringing 30 years of clinical experience to her work. She has supported adults across the lifespan as an individual therapist and has extensive experience with couples and family therapy, maintaining a private practice throughout her career.
Her background includes roles in training and leadership - she has been a director of training, taught and mentored doctoral-level interns, and supervised other mental health professionals. Her clinical leadership has included serving as director of the Counseling Center at the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, Chief Clinician at Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, and Supervising Psychologist at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Dr. Ralston has a particular interest in couples counseling and in treating people who have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood, whether civilian or military. She welcomes clients of all cultures, religions, races, and sexual orientations, and tailors treatment to each person or family. She selects therapeutic approaches based on what best helps clients reach their goals, adapting methods to meet individual needs.
Her background includes roles in training and leadership - she has been a director of training, taught and mentored doctoral-level interns, and supervised other mental health professionals. Her clinical leadership has included serving as director of the Counseling Center at the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, Chief Clinician at Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, and Supervising Psychologist at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Dr. Ralston has a particular interest in couples counseling and in treating people who have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood, whether civilian or military. She welcomes clients of all cultures, religions, races, and sexual orientations, and tailors treatment to each person or family. She selects therapeutic approaches based on what best helps clients reach their goals, adapting methods to meet individual needs.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Existential Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Syma Ralston have?
Dr. Syma Ralston has 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, working with individuals, couples, and families.
Is Dr. Syma Ralston a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a licensed psychologist in California and holds the credential CA Psychologist 18281.
In which languages does Dr. Syma Ralston provide therapy?
Dr. Ralston provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Syma Ralston located?
Dr. Ralston is located in California.
How can I work with Dr. Syma Ralston as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Ralston through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Syma Ralston work with international clients?
Yes, Dr. Ralston works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Syma Ralston cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Dr. Ralston often integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused approaches depending on a person’s needs. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping individuals and couples explore their values and build stronger relationships through a respectful, nonjudgmental stance. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Trauma-focused therapy addresses the effects of traumatic experiences with targeted strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning for those who have experienced abuse, military trauma, or other traumatic events.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Ralston works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She adapts treatment over time as needs change and as progress is made.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect with licensed professionals and therapists. Video calls and phone sessions allow for conversational depth similar to in-person visits, while live chat and text-based messaging provide accessible options for shorter check-ins or when scheduling or mobility are concerns. This flexibility helps people maintain continuity of care while fitting therapy into busy lives.