Hi, I’m Alyssa Sontag, M.S., AMFT.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in TV advertising. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized I needed to do work that felt more meaningful, so I made the leap into mental health—and I've never looked back.

Drawing from more than 10 years of personal and professional experience in substance use recovery, I bring both clinical knowledge and genuine empathy to my work with clients navigating addiction, life transitions, anxiety, and emotional challenges.

I've had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, and families across school-based and private practice settings. My experience includes individual therapy, crisis intervention, group facilitation, risk assessment, and collaborating closely with families, psychiatrists, schools, and other providers to support clients.

Outside of the therapy room, I am a dedicated yogi, longtime Marin resident, and believe that healing happens through authenticity and connection.


My Approach

My clinical approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized to each client's unique needs and goals. I integrate Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and attachment-based approaches to help clients build insight, develop practical coping skills, and change.

Education

Masters of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology. Dominican University of California, 2024.

Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Communication and Culture with a Minor in Psychology New York University, 2014.

Prior Clinical Experience

Tam High School, Mill Valley:  School-based therapist

SPARC Medical Group, Bay Area, Psychotherapist for adults with chronic pain, depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders. 

Lynwood Elementary, Novato: School-based therapist

San Ramon Elementary, Novato: School-based therapist