Jay Okereke, MA
Children, Teen, Adult, Family Therapist
I help youth, adults, and families with intersectional identities navigate identity stress and trauma by exploring personal values that will foster an environment to be their true selves. As we discover our true selves, we can build flexibility in navigating life's challenges while celebrating what makes us unique.
Location: Burbank,California,Online
Language: English
Fee: $175
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Curative, & can provide superbill for PPO plans
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Populations:
- Adults
- Children
- Families
- Teen
Specialties:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Burnout
- Immigration/Acculturation
- QTBIPOC
- Trauma & PTSD
Hello! I’m Jay, and I’m here for you.
As a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent, second-generation immigrant, I understand how identity can shape how we experience the world, our relationships, and ourselves.
My father introduced me to psychology through his work as a behavior specialist, and he sparked my curiosity about human behavior and the brain from childhood. My own mental health journey made me realize that there were very few therapists in the field who had an adequate understanding of the challenges that the BIPOC community faces in the United States, especially those who are queer and neurodivergent. I wanted to expand my expertise to serve all ethnic minorities facing social discrimination and institutional racism, providing equitable, accessible care that celebrates their diversity.
I believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, equitable mental health care, regardless of their demographic. I combine advanced clinical training with my experience supporting youth and adults through crisis and emotionally challenging life transitions. My experience conducting psychological assessments across the lifespan helps me draw on research, objective data, and clinical insight to understand your unique strengths and tailor treatment to your goals.
My values are rooted in social justice and liberation. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens when people feel seen, respected, and empowered to live in alignment with their values. I recognize the impact that systemic oppression, discrimination, and institutional racism have on mental health, and I strive to create a space where these experiences can be explored openly and without judgment. I am committed to affirming the strength and wisdom within marginalized communities while supporting clients as they navigate the challenges they face.
Working With Me
I offer a warm, welcoming, and affirming space for neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and culturally diverse clients. Come to me for help with social and racial discrimination, identity stress, interpersonal conflict, and family trauma that often overlap across culture and neurodiversity. I use an intersectional, anti-oppressive approach to tailor treatment to your relational and cultural needs, teaching you coping skills, communication strategies, and boundary-setting to foster healing and resilience as you pursue meaningful change.
I’ll help you build practical skills, deepen self-understanding, strengthen connections, and access community resources. Together, we’ll explore how identity and systemic stressors influence your well-being and sense of self. Through affirming, culturally responsive care, you’ll gain practical tools to manage stress, strengthen communication, and set healthy boundaries. My goal is to \ help you deepen self-understanding and build confidence in your ability to face life’s challenges.
Therapy for the QTBIPOC Community
Queer and ethnic identities can bring both joy and challenges as we navigate the current sociopolitical battlefield. In therapy, we’ll explore the messages you’ve received about yourself from family, culture, relationships, and society, while making space for a more compassionate and authentic understanding of who you are. My goal is to help you develop a sense of self-worth rooted in pride and self-acceptance, so your true self can always persevere.
Therapy for Immigration/Acculturation
As a second-generation immigrant, I understand the challenges of balancing different cultures, expectations, and identities. Living between cultures can bring unique challenges, such as balancing family expectations, accommodating different values, feeling caught between communities, or struggling with belonging. My goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of identity and navigate family and relationship dynamics to build a life that aligns with both your values and your lived experience.
Therapy for Trauma
Trauma changes the way your brain functions. The feelings you may be carrying, whether it’s anxiety, numbness, exhaustion, sadness, or always feeling on guard, are often your mind and body’s way of trying to protect you after traumatic experiences. Your story is also shaped by who you are, and experiences with discrimination or marginalization can influence how trauma manifests as well as your coping mechanisms. In therapy, we will make space for all of those parts of you. We will work to write your narrative with compassion, build tools to help you feel more grounded and supported, and move toward healing in a way that honors your unique story. You don’t have to carry this alone.
Therapy for Neurodiversity
Neurodivergence comes with strengths that make you unique. However, navigating a world that does not accommodate your needs will likely leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and misunderstood. Although these experiences can hurt your self-esteem and affect your confidence in social situations, they do not reflect a personal deficit. In therapy, you deserve to be understood and respected for your unique way of experiencing the world around you. We will build on your strengths and practice coping strategies so that you may learn to accept yourself and build resilience in the face of adversity.
If you’re ready to reconnect with your strength and move toward meaningful change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Registered California Board of Psychology Number: PSB 94029734
Supervised by Sudheera Ranaweera, LP 35035