Dr. Athena Yoneda (she/her) is a clinical psychologist licensed to practice psychology in California, Hawaii, and Oregon. Cultivating a warm, accepting, collaborative, and safe environment is of the utmost importance to Dr. Yoneda, as she believes a strong therapeutic relationship is necessary for therapy to be effective. Dr. Yoneda also views evidence-based practice—a process that involves using scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and client values to guide therapy decisions—as central to providing excellent care. She has expertise working with older adolescents, individual adults, and couples.

Typically, therapy with Dr. Yoneda involves three phases:  initial, middle, and completion. During the initial phase, Dr. Yoneda will gather a comprehensive history of the client, including background, symptoms, cultural influences and identities, values, strengths, and other relevant information. Dr. Yoneda will then work with the client collaboratively to identify therapy goals, and then offer suggestions for evidence-based therapies, working with the client to help decide the most applicable tools to learn. The middle phase of treatment is where Dr. Yoneda and her clients spend the bulk of their time together, actively engaged in evidence-based therapy and working towards the client’s goals. Interventions vary, but often involve tools to help identify thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns that may benefit from changing, as well as the skills to change them, and processing difficult experiences and emotions. Throughout the course of therapy, Dr. Yoneda checks-in regularly with her clients and monitors their progress to ensure that therapy is on track and what changes, if any, should be made. The completion phase typically involves reviewing the client’s progress and the skills they have acquired, planning and problem-solving for the future, and processing various emotions that may arise. Upon completion of therapy, many of Dr. Yoneda’s clients report significant improvements to their mood, relationships, communication, as well as increased insight and emotional awareness.

As a biracial person of the global majority who has lived and worked in numerous cities throughout the country, Dr. Yoneda’s personal experiences have contributed to her interest in multiculturalism and commitment to provide culturally-responsive care. She utilizes an intersectional lens, mindful of each client’s identities and the interactions of such identities, while also considering the systemic and sociocultural factors. Dr. Yoneda strives to approach each session with humility, empathy, and respect, as well as gratitude to her client for their trust and vulnerability. 

In her personal time, Dr. Yoneda enjoys spending time with family (including her dog, Ube) and friends, volunteering at local dog rescues and farm animal sanctuaries, reading, and being outdoors. Originally from Hawai’i, she is always in search of good local food on the mainland.