Dr. Julia Kaluga

Practical therapy for life transitions and distress

LMFT California

Experience: 14 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English, Russian

About Julia

Dr. Julia Kaluga is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in California who brings 14 years of clinical experience to her practice.

Background and approach

She works with people facing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief and loss, substance use, low self-esteem, trauma and abuse, and LGBT related issues. Her training also supports work with challenges such as ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, parenting and career transitions, and compassion fatigue.

Her approach is informed by cognitive behavioral techniques alongside acceptance and commitment strategies and mindfulness practices to help clients develop practical skills and clearer values-driven goals. She also draws from dialectical behavior and existential perspectives when helpful, tailoring interventions to each person's situation and priorities.

Sessions can focus on symptom relief, coping strategies, behavior change, and meaning-making during life transitions. Dr.

Kaluga offers services in English and Russian and is available through multiple online formats. She encourages people who are ready to explore change to take the first step and begin the intake process, emphasizing a collaborative and respectful working relationship throughout care.

Approach-focused care delivered online

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns and offers concrete skills for managing challenging moments.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines mindfulness and values clarification to help people accept difficult internal experiences while committing to actions that align with what matters to them. This approach can support coping with grief, life transitions, and persistent emotional pain.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to understand goals, preferences, and life context and then recommend techniques or combinations of methods that best fit the person’s needs. This ongoing collaboration helps shape a plan that can be adjusted as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people balancing work, family, and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access therapy from different locations while preserving regular scheduling and therapeutic momentum.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, low self esteem, LGBT matters, and coping with life changes.

What is the general therapeutic style and approach?

The practice draws on cognitive behavioral methods alongside acceptance and commitment and mindfulness techniques, with dialectical and existential perspectives used as appropriate to support skills development and personal values work.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She has 14 years of professional experience providing mental health care in clinical settings and independent practice.

What are the therapist's credentials and where are they located?

The therapist is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the credential CA LMFT 93579 and practices out of California.

Which languages are offered for sessions and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English and Russian, and international clients are not currently accepted.

In what formats are sessions available?

Appointments can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.

How is cost handled for therapy with this provider?

Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What does the process look like to begin work together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaHoardingImmigration issuesInfidelityJealousyPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depression

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

14+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English, Russian