Therapist for Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, & Addiction in California

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths."
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

You are not your diagnosis; you are your strengths.

Many people seeking therapy for bipolar disorder, psychosis, and addiction have been reduced to labels - some diagnostic, some hurtful insults.

Yet those who struggle have strengths and potential beyond most people. The tragedy is that they often don’t see it themselves.

I have seen what happens when people are put in a box: their diagnosis, label, or what people tell them.

And on the flip side, I've seen the success of people who learn to see themselves as far more than their condition.

As Kubler-Ross continues:

"These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

"Setbacks are stepping stones."
-Jefferson Fisher

Many people I work with are struggling with:

• bipolar lows and highs you can't control

• destructive manic episodes

• hearing or seeing things others can't

• fear that something bad is going to happen to you

• feeling scared, misunderstood, lost, and confused

• want to use alcohol or drugs again

• thoughts of not wanting to live

• awful reminders of the past

• transitioning back into regular life after an inpatient stay

And also, stigma: the shame, alienation, and sometimes judgment from others. I know it is painful to face stigma, on both a professional and personal level.

Please know: you are not alone in this struggle.

Note: If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate support.

My approach

I help individuals with serious mental illness, addiction, and trauma:

1. work through the past

2. address obstacles in the present

3. and build a future to look forward to

We address trauma, negative thinking, addiction, and symptoms - and also build the skills that help you outside the therapy room.

My philosophy is to approach treatment collaboratively, using science-backed therapies with high success rates.

I've been trained by some of the world's best clinicians, including Dr. Deborah Silveria, a leading EMDR expert. I also have a science background, and graduated from one of the best engineering colleges in the U.S.

5+

14

Years of experience

Awards

Conditions Treated

My clients frequently have these diagnoses:

• Bipolar Disorder (including Bipolar I and Bipolar II)

• Schizophrenia

• Schizoaffective Disorder

• Psychosis

• Substance Use, Alcoholism, Addiction

• Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and addiction conditions)

• PTSD & Complex Trauma

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Suicidal Ideation and high-risk mental health concerns

Client Populations

My clients are also often:

• Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD)

• Gifted / twice-exceptional individuals

• LGBTQIA+ individuals

• People of color

• First- and second-generation immigrants

• South Asian, Asian, Middle Eastern, and/or Muslim

• Professionals in tech, medical, and high-stress fields

Note: If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, you are not alone. Please call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate support.

Why I became a therapist

For 12+ years, I have helped the folks who struggle with symptoms, stigma, and shame.

I've advocated for programs to accept clients they initially thought were too severe (who were ultimately very successful);

I convinced the clinic I worked at to train me in EMDR because 100% of the clients had trauma;

I've been told that I could never graduate from college, work, or live independently (spoiler alert: I'll be starting my second Master's degree soon, I've had great outcomes as both a therapist and a program director, and I have two precious kittens).

And I'm an award-winning, 2-time viral TEDx speaker, consultant, public speaking & confidence coach, and touring stand-up comedian (and I almost wrote for Stephen Colbert!).

My followers and I are called "Stigma Smashers!"

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

I provide one-on-one therapy for adults. I have specialized training and/or certifications in treating serious mental illness, substance use & addiction, and PTSD/complex PTSD.

I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, certification pending) as my primary modality for treating trauma. It's an evidence-based technique known for addressing trauma typically at a faster pace than other modalities.

I use additional, science-backed therapies, including:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) (with certification). I am a huge fan of this therapy. It can dramatically improve your ability to manage painful emotions and have truly healthy relationships. It's about understanding that two things can be true at the same time: it is not your fault, and it is your problem that you can work on.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Most people have heard of CBT, but it is sometimes misunderstood as being invalidating or harmful for trauma. Actually, this therapy helps you understand and manage your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. And since we are thinking, acting, and feeling all day, it's great to have a therapy that gives you more control over those things in your life.

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Often, people are on autopilot, especially if they're in survival mode. Mindfulness helps you stay more in the present moment and develop a more neutral, non-judgmental perspective. This can make people feel happier and live more intentionally.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS), or parts work. We all have different parts: the critical one, the anxious one, the Imposter Syndrome one, etc. None of these parts are trying to hurt you (though they may be doing a bad job of that). We work towards having them "help" without causing harm.

Do you take insurance, and how much does it cost if my insurance isn't accepted?

I accept these HMO insurances:

• Aetna

• Anthem

• Blue Cross

• Carelon Behavioral Health

• Quest Behavioral Health

If you have a PPO or out-of-network plan, I can provide a receipt of services (known as a superbill) that you submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Otherwise, I offer a private-pay rate of $250 per 50-minute session (the intake session is $295).

Do you offer video therapy/telehealth or in-person?

Currently, I offer video therapy. I hope to open an office in Orange County, CA, soon.

Telehealth therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy, and it's a matter of preference. Some people enjoy in-person sessions because they feel more connected, while others prefer the convenience of online therapy.

Do you offer EMDR intensives?

Yes. Typically, the more frequent EMDR sessions you have, the faster you can complete your the treatment plan you developed with your EMDR therapist.

Therefore, EMDR intensives are multi-hour, multi-day sessions that help people complete EMDR treatment in a few days.

Prior to beginning an EMDR intensive, the therapist must have a preparation session with you to determine whether it's a good fit. Not everyone is a good candidate for EMDR intensives.

The cost is $350 per hour, and payment plans are available.

How can I contact you?

You can schedule a free phone consultation or use the contact form below to reach me. You may also call me at 951-523-0564; please leave a voicemail if I miss you.

Get in touch with Hufsa

Please use this form to reach me with any additional questions.

You may also call me at:

951-523-0564

Or book a free consultation call.

© 2026 Hufsa Ahmad, LCSW #127204. All Rights Reserved.

Hufsa Ahmad, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #127204), is a licensed psychotherapist in California. Disclaimer: Content on this website is for educational and speaking purposes only and does not constitute a therapist-client relationship or medical advice.

If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, you are not alone. Please contact emergency services in your country. Here are U.S.-based crisis resources:

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Focus): Call 1-866-488-7386

• Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.