Punit Mahendru, CA Psychologist 16043

Punit Mahendru is a California psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. She also supports those facing major life changes and relationship concerns.

Her approach is practical and straightforward. She listens first, then works with each person to set clear, doable goals. Conversations are tailored to what a person needs right now rather than a one-size plan.

Punit uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. She also draws on existential ideas to help clients consider meaning and direction when life feels confusing.

She pays attention to issues such as attachment and abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, communication breakdowns, and separation or divorce. She also supports people dealing with isolation, seasonal mood shifts, and questions about life purpose.

Punit works in English and Hindi. Her practice is grounded in respectful, sensitive care. She aims to make the first steps into therapy feel manageable and hopeful, guiding each person to practical changes that fit their daily life.

Online approaches that focus on thoughts, values, and meaning

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is practical and goal-oriented, useful when someone wants clear steps to try between sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches acceptance of difficult feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action. It can help when people want to focus on what matters most even when emotions are hard to bear.

Existential therapy invites conversations about meaning, choice, and direction in life. It can be helpful when someone is facing life transitions, questions of purpose, or a midlife turning point.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then blend methods as needed. This is a collaborative process that adapts over time based on what proves helpful.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care flexible. Video is helpful for face-to-face conversation, phone works when bandwidth is limited, chat and text suit quick check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to connect from different locations.