Sana Akhtar Ramay , LMFT

Sana Akhtar Ramay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who blends clinical training with practical experience to support individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology from the University of California, Davis and went on to complete a Master’s in Counseling at National University. Early in her career she worked with children diagnosed with autism, a role that expanded quickly into leadership and deepened her interest in therapeutic work with diverse populations.

Ramay has provided services across behavioral and community settings as well as specialized children’s programs, working with clients ranging from toddlers to adults, and including couples and families. One notable case involved a young client who had experienced long-term anxiety and medication management from early childhood; over approximately one year, Ramay provided individual counseling, family services, and consultation with the client’s psychiatrist, helping the family achieve meaningful progress and an eventual step-down from medication under coordinated care.

Her training includes certification as a Nurtured Heart Trainer, certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), completion of a 26-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training, and additional coursework in grief, trauma, and cognitive therapies. Ramay’s clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic methods, and she emphasizes a warm, interactive, and client-centered style that involves clients in treatment planning and tracking progress. She aims to empower clients with respect and dignity while guiding practical steps toward greater wellbeing.

Evidence-Informed Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Sana Akhtar Ramay draws on several evidence-based methods to guide online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, and related concerns by teaching practical coping skills and step-by-step strategies. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness; through skills training and coaching it can help clients manage overwhelming emotions and improve relationships. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) supports caregivers in strengthening attachment and improving child behavior through guided interaction techniques, and elements of this work can be adapted to support parents via coaching and remote observation when appropriate.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ramay works with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences, and she tailors therapeutic techniques so treatment feels like a shared plan rather than a one-size-fits-all program. This partnership helps determine which methods will be most useful and how to apply them in day-to-day life.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can access consistent support from licensed professionals without travel, making it easier to maintain momentum in treatment and integrate new skills into everyday routines.