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Dr. Ryan Yam

Psychological Associate at Pivot Counseling

Psychological Associate at Pivot Counseling

In-Person (Walnut Creek) & Telehealth

Dr. Ryan Yam

Your better life starts here.

I am here to provide the mental health support you need. As a Chinese American male who immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong during my adolescence, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that diverse youth and adults face in their personal growth and well-being journeys.

Life can be challenging at any age, but you don’t have to face it alone. I am dedicated to offering you a therapy experience that fosters connection, comfort, and a sense of value. My approach is centered on building strong emotional bonds and establishing harmony to create lasting and meaningful changes. I understand how cultural backgrounds influence stress, anxiety, and depression, and I’m here to help you explore issues related to childhood experiences, ethnicity/race, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as these factors shape how you see yourself and the world. 

With certifications in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, neuropsychotherapy, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), I bring specialized care to those navigating ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive challenges. I also offer comprehensive psychological and educational assessments to help clarify cognitive strengths and areas for growth, empowering you or your child to thrive. 

As a father of three children, I understand the complexities of communication and guiding children through their educational and career journeys. Drawing from my background as a licensed educational psychologist and a certified Cogmed Training Coach, I offer support in developing effective strategies to tackle challenges both at home and in school. Working with me, you can expect a professional and friendly approach that puts your needs first.

Specialties

At-risk school-aged youth

Working professionals

Depression

Anxiety

ADHD

Executive functions

Disruptive behavioral problems

Autism Spectrum Disorder/Neurodiversity

Children psychopathology

Issues

Academic stressors

Work-related stressors

Trauma-related issues

Anger management/Children's disruptive behavioral issues

Family communication

Coping and emotional regulation strategies

Gadget addiction in children

Treatment Approaches

Multicultural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Therapy

Addiction counseling

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Supportive Therapy

Professional Background

Ryan Yam, Psy.D., LEP, NPT-C (PSB 94026536) is a registered psychological associate with the California Board of Psychology, operating under the direct supervision of Dr. Timothy Yen (PSY 27745). Ryan is also a Licensed Educational Psychologist (Lic: 4497) from the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

He holds a Doctorate of Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology from Alliant International University. Throughout his career, Ryan has been dedicated to serving diverse youth and families in educational and clinical settings, addressing their mental health needs with compassion and expertise. Ryan’s unique skill set includes providing crucial support to clients with callous-unemotional (CU) traits and those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). By understanding and addressing their specific challenges, he is able to effectively meet the educational and mental health requirements of diverse youth and families.

Certifications and Other Training

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