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Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
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Kelsey Laird

Psychologist, PhD (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
10 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (415) 903-6364
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Available online only
Berkeley, CA 94708
Do you overthink, people-please, or strive for perfection — and wonder why, despite how much you've accomplished, it never feels like enough? Do you look successful on the outside but feel anxious, exhausted, or harder on yourself than you'd ever be on anyone else? Many of my clients are high-achieving women — in tech, medicine, academia, entrepreneurship, or leadership — who are ready for something more than productivity. Together we'll quiet the mental noise, build practical skills, and cultivate a gentler, more fulfilling relationship with yourself and others.
I blend warmth with scientific rigor. We'll explore the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns keeping you stuck — and replace them with evidence-based tools for lasting change. You'll gain practical strategies to shift how you relate to stress, yourself, and others, and move toward a more meaningful, values-driven life.
If you're ready to be less hard on yourself and live with greater ease and meaning, I'd be honored to support you. I offer a free 30-minute consultation to explore whether we're a good fit — visit my website to learn more and book your call.
Call or Kelsey Laird now for a free 15 minute consultation - (415) 903-6364

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Berkeley, CA 94708

(415) 903-6364

San Francisco, CA 94131

My website
I help high-achieving women quiet their inner critic, be less hard on themselves, and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
I specialize in Anxiety, Stress and Life Transitions 
$400 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I combine an evidence-based, solution-focused approach with compassion, validation, and support.
Kelsey Laird
Let's Connect (415) 903-6364
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Berkeley, CA 94708

(415) 903-6364

San Francisco, CA 94131

My website
I help high-achieving women quiet their inner critic, be less hard on themselves, and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
I specialize in Anxiety, Stress and Life Transitions 
$400 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I combine an evidence-based, solution-focused approach with compassion, validation, and support.
Kelsey Laird

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $400
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Apple Cash, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo, Visa, Wire, Zelle

Insurance

  • Out of Network
"
Fee-reduced services are available on a case-by-case basis depending on availability and need. Please inquire if the stated fees are a concern for you. My practice is private-pay. I am not in-network with insurance panels but provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364
"
Fee-reduced services are available on a case-by-case basis depending on availability and need. Please inquire if the stated fees are a concern for you. My practice is private-pay. I am not in-network with insurance panels but provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 31854 Kelsey Laird
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 7 years
  • Attended Vanderbilt University, Ph.D., Graduated 2017
  • Additional Credentials

  • Membership with California Psychological Association 63638442 / 2025
"
I hold a PhD in Clinical Science and draw on over 20 years of experience in psychology and neuroscience. I stay current with clinical research through my ongoing work as a behavioral scientist.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364
"
I hold a PhD in Clinical Science and draw on over 20 years of experience in psychology and neuroscience. I stay current with clinical research through my ongoing work as a behavioral scientist.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Life Transitions

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Chronic Illness
  • Coping Skills
  • Family Conflict
  • Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • LGBTQ+
  • Parenting
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Women's Issues
"
I specialize in working with high-achieving women who are outwardly successful but inwardly exhausted — struggling with overthinking, anxiety, perfectionism, and harsh self-criticism. I help them find clarity, calm, and reconnect with what matters most to them.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364
"
I specialize in working with high-achieving women who are outwardly successful but inwardly exhausted — struggling with overthinking, anxiety, perfectionism, and harsh self-criticism. I help them find clarity, calm, and reconnect with what matters most to them.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364

10 Endorsements

Andrea Brard
Andrea Brard
Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Laird is a highly perceptive and effective clinician specializing in CBT and evidence-based therapies. She excels at empowering high-performing individuals to gain clarity and take concrete steps to transform their personal and professional lives.
Sita G Patel
Sita G Patel
Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Laird is an experienced, empathetic, creative, and highly attuned therapist. Her keen insights consistently inspire trust and growth in her clients. She has a remarkable ability to help clients navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
Saskia Lucas
Saskia Lucas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dr. Laird is an excellent clinician and behavioral scientist with deep expertise in evidence-based therapies, including CBT. Her unique blend of empathy and precision makes her uniquely qualified to help clients break free from entrenched patterns.
Alicia Santiago
Alicia Santiago
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Dr. Laird is an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable therapist. Her evidence-based, empathetic-yet-practical approach helps clients overcome old patterns, develop more effective coping strategies, and take concrete steps to transform their lives.
Dr. Yakov Barton
Dr. Yakov Barton
Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Kelsey Laird is a skilled and compassionate clinician who provides evidence-based therapy. Specializing in anxiety, perfectionism, and chronic health challenges, she helps clients build confidence and resilience using CBT and mindfulness-based tools.
Cristeta Rillera
Cristeta Rillera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Kelsey provides a warm, person-centered, and integrative approach rooted in evidence-based methods. Her compassionate and supportive guidance helps clients navigate challenges, feel understood, and achieve meaningful growth in a safe nurturing environment.
Scott Giacomucci
Scott Giacomucci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, BCD, FAAETS, TEP
Kelsey is an incredibly compassionate, thoughtful, and attuned therapist. I highly recommend her to anyone considering therapy and looking for someone who can provide a wealth of experience, presence, and insight.
Ellis Kim
Ellis Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Dr. Laird skillfully creates a therapeutic environment that allows high achieving, perfectionistic, often "inner critic" led individuals to re-orient their lives to their internal compasses and communicate to achieve balance in their relationships.
Heath A Schechinger
Heath A Schechinger
Psychologist, PhD
I have known Dr. Laird for many years and have consistently been impressed by her intelligence, integrity, and dedication to her clients. She combines a strong foundation in evidence-based practice with warmth and compassion. I highly recommend her.
Kennesha Rodgers
Kennesha Rodgers
Pre-Licensed Professional
Kelsey brings a kind, curious, and calming presence to any room she enters. She understands the unique challenges experienced by high achieving women. I highly recommend her for anyone who wants to live with more ease and alignment in their lives.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Religion

Buddhist

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Religion

Buddhist

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Integrative
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Positive Psychology
"
Originally trained as a neuroscientist, I bring an evidence-based approach to therapy that's active, collaborative, and tailored to your goals. I blend CBT, mindfulness, experiential approaches, and behavioral strategies to shift patterns and support meaningful and enduring change.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364
"
Originally trained as a neuroscientist, I bring an evidence-based approach to therapy that's active, collaborative, and tailored to your goals. I blend CBT, mindfulness, experiential approaches, and behavioral strategies to shift patterns and support meaningful and enduring change.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (415) 903-6364

Location

Primary Location

Berkeley, CA 94708

(415) 903-6364

Additional Location

San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 903-6364
"
I help high-achieving women quiet their inner critic, be less hard on themselves, and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call for a free consultation now - (415) 903-6364
"
I help high-achieving women quiet their inner critic, be less hard on themselves, and build a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Photo of Kelsey Laird, Psychologist, PhD
Kelsey Laird
Psychologist, PhD
Call for a free consultation now - (415) 903-6364