Welcome!
I’m Dr. Yelena “Elaine” Blank, a clinical psychologist providing therapy in Mountain View, CA, as well as online to clients in CA, IL, NY, MA, and TX. I use evidence-based practices combined with a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach to help you with sleep concerns, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, and identity exploration.
I am committed to inclusive practice. I welcome clients of all identities, especially those who may feel less welcome or accepted in other settings. I am LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink-positive, and knowledgeable in non-traditional relationship structures including non-monogamy and polyamory. I do not assume that any part of your intersecting identities is the cause of your current difficulties; nor do I ignore the potential influences of discrimination and oppression on your mental health.
I believe in science. I utilize practices and techniques that have been shown by scientific research to help with your specific symptoms and concerns. In areas where the science is still developing, I extrapolate from the available knowledge to bring you the best possible treatment options.
I speak geek. I am a self-identified geek/nerd and I understand how fandom can be a force in our lives, often for the good. I adore reading sci-fi/fantasy, building complicated Lego sets, and cosplaying as obscure characters.
I received my PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a clinical internship at the University of Maryland, where I specialized in using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to treat people with PTSD. I then completed my postdoctoral work at the Stanford University School of Medicine. During my fellowship, I developed expertise in treating sleep difficulties including insomnia, nightmares, and sleep phase difficulties using evidence based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT).
Everyone comes to therapy with their own past experiences and hopes for the future. I work collaboratively with you to decide on treatment goals, identify your inherent strengths, and develop a plan to help you overcome your current difficulties. We check in throughout treatment to make sure you are on your desired path and make adjustments as necessary.