Our mission is to expand the availability and quality of social, emotional and psychological services for adolescents and young adults through an integrated, youth- friendly, community-oriented approach.     WHO WE ARE MISSON & VALUES At EMERGE , we provide a safe, supportive space where young people can heal, grow, and build the skills they need to thrive. To expand the availability of quality social, emotional, and psychological services for adolescents and young adults through a relational, youth-friendly, family-centered approach A world where young people are valued and afforded the resources they need to become healthy, happy and resilent MISSION VISION OUR VALUES EMPOWERMENT We empower youth to build confidence and believe in themselves COLLABORATION We work together with families, clients, and our community. INNOVATION We embrace new ideas to better support and inspire growth QUALITY We are committed to providing exceptional, evidence-based care INCLUSION We celebrate diversity and create a space where everyone belongs

Meet Ann Le, Administrative Assistant at Emerge Center. Ann Le Marketing Specialist Ann (she/her) is a student at UC Davis majoring in Managerial Economics with a minor in Computer Science. She is deeply committed to supporting mental health and uplifting young people, and she brings that dedication to her role at EMERGE. As Marketing Specialist, Ann focuses on building the structure and organization that allows therapists to do what they do best: care for the youth and families. She helps with systems that keep outreach and communication effective, ensuring the practice runs with clarity and purpose. What Ann values most about EMERGE is its mission to nurture the next generation. As a student, she feels connected to the importance of fostering growth and resilience in young people, and she is inspired knowing her work helps create a space where they feel understood, supported, and empowered. View More Profiles "I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." John Muir CONTACT NOW 我最喜歡的 音樂 -Kendrick Lamar，Alicia Keys 電影 -狗的目的，天堂電影院 表演 -變黑，陌生的事物 運動 -籃球，滑雪，騎自行車 遊戲 -皇家大對決，NBA2K 食物 -辛辣和檸檬味 有罪的樂趣 -波巴茶

Explore therapy fees at Emerge for individual, family, and couples sessions, as well as group therapy options. We offer affordable rates, accept Medi-Cal for adolescent groups, and provide payment flexibility through check or credit card. Learn more about EAP and insurance and/or superbilling options. INSURANCE At the present time, we do not accept any insurance directly. If you would like a statement to send to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, please let your therapist know. You are responsible for checking your insurance to see if it covers your therapist and therapy. Please be aware that associate therapists are often not covered by insurance. Why We Don’t Accept Health Insurance While we understand it can be difficult to find a mental health provider through insurance, we are sadly unable to accept it. There are many reasons for this, and we have attempted to explain them below: 1. Administrative Burdens Accepting insurance involves a significant amount of time on administrative work rather than on patient care. Navigating pre-authorization requirements, handling claims, and dealing with reimbursement delays require extensive documentation and frequent communication with insurance companies. Opting out of insurance networks reduces these administrative demands, allowing us to allocate more time and focus to client care. 2. Control Over Treatment In-network insurance companies often dictate certain aspects of care, including types of treatment covered, frequency of sessions, and duration of coverage. This can limit our ability to fully customize treatment plans to each clients needs. Opting out of insurance networks allows us more flexibilty in choosing the treatment approach that best suits each patient’s goals and timelines, leading to a more personalized and effective care experience. 3. Sustainable Economics Insurance reimbursement rates for mental health providers tend to be significantly lower compared to other medical specialties. Many therapists find that the rates offered by insurance companies do not align with the overhead and resources necessary to maintain a high-quality practice. Operating outside of insurance networks can create a more sustainable business model, allowing us to provide a high standard of care without the financial strain. 4. Improved Quality of Care Seeing fewer patients and spending more time with each one often leads to higher quality interactions. By not accepting insurance, we can schedule fewer clients and improve our focus on our clients. We can also schedule longer or more frequent sessions without being restricted by insurance billing codes or pressured to meet high quotas. 5. Transparency in Pricing Insurance billing can sometimes be complex and opaque, leading to unexpected costs or “surprise bills” for patients. Opting out of insurance networks allows us to offer straightforward, transparent pricing where patients know exactly what they’re paying for. This upfront pricing can foster a stronger, trust-based relationship, as both parties are clear on financial terms from the beginning. 6. Privacy Concerns Privacy concerns are particularly relevant in mental health care. When using insurance, mental health treatment often requires a formal diagnosis that goes on the patient’s medical record. Insurance companies may review records and demand changes to treatment based on limited information. Opting out of insurance allows us to maintain a higher level of privacy for patients who may be uncomfortable sharing details of their treatment with insurers. Conclusion: A Patient-Centered Approach, Not a Public Health Solution While there are many reasons we don’t accept insurance, we realize it can create barriers to care for many patients. The initial out-of-pocket costs may be prohibitive, limiting access for individuals who cannot afford private pay services. This can exacerbate disparities in mental health care, as those without financial resources or adequate insurance coverage may struggle to receive necessary treatment. Additionally, navigating reimbursement through out-of-network benefits can be complex and burdensome for patients. While our hope is for a broad based, public health solution to this issue, it is unfortunately too complex and difficult for us to take on as a small mental health practice. However, we have attempted to make therapy more affordable through the following: • Hiring therapists at varying experience levels that charge different rates. • Offered reduced fee services whenever possible. • Accepting payments through the EAP program for DJUSD and YCOE. • Providing a variety of therapy and support groups. • Providing pro-bono group therapy to adolescent Medi-Cal recipients. • Offer free workshops and groups at various times throughout the year. • Providing reduced fees for group therapy. If you are interested in learning more about this issue, here is a story on NPR of why some therapists have left insurance as they face many of the same issues as we do. Contact Now

EMERGE provides resources for mental health professionals, offering access to organizations, materials, and our Yolo-Solano Therapists Listserv. We are members of several national and international associations, including the American Group Psychotherapy Association and the International OCD Foundation. Sacramento Group Psychotherapy Society We are forming a local group psychotherapy society for the Sacramento Region. The group will be a local affiliate of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. If you would like to get involved in start up activities, please contact us . EMERGE is also highly active in the American Group Psychotherapy Association. If you would like to learn more, please visit www.AGPA.org

Lawrence Shweky, MA, LCSW, CGP has over 30 years of experience as a therapist, supervisor, and administrator. Specializes in: Groups, families, anxiety, OCD, depression, perfectionism, parenting concerns, autism, BIPOC issues, ethical non-monogamy, Neurodiversty-Affirming and LGBTQ+ Affirming Lawrence Shweky, LCSW Director, EMERGE Teen Therapy Center Licensed Clinical Social Worker #19212 & Certified Group Psychotherapist Individual, Family and Group Therapist Adolescents and Adults Current Group Offerings: 10th-11th Grade High School Seniors Young Adults: 18-21 Young Adults: 21-24 Emerging Adults: 24-29 Men's Group Interpersonal Process Group (with Martha Gilmore, Ph.D.) Davis High School Parent Group Specializations Groups, families, anxiety, OCD, depression, perfectionism, parenting concerns, autism, BIPOC issues, ethical non-monogamy Neurodiversty-Affirming and LGBTQ+ Affirming Additional Certifications & Training Licensure & Certification Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of California Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), American Group Psychotherapy Association Education Master of Arts, Social Work / Clinical Psychology Clinical Experience & Training Over 30 years of experience as a therapist, supervisor, and administrator Former therapist and administrator with Sacramento City Unified School District View More Profiles CONTACT NOW FEES & INSURANCE Do you ever feel alone even when you’re surrounded by people? If that question hits close to home, you’re not the only one. I work with teens who feel lonely, disconnected, or like they don’t quite fit in, sometimes even with friends or family around them. In our work together, my goal is to give you a space where you don’t have to pretend, perform, or explain yourself. We take things at your pace and focus on helping you understand what you’re feeling, why it shows up the way it does, and how to feel more connected, to yourself and to the people around you. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. About Lawre nce CONTACT NOW 我最喜歡的 音樂 -Kendrick Lamar，Alicia Keys 電影 -狗的目的，天堂電影院 表演 -變黑，陌生的事物 運動 -籃球，滑雪，騎自行車 遊戲 -皇家大對決，NBA2K 食物 -辛辣和檸檬味 有罪的樂趣 -波巴茶 Lawrence Shweky (he/him), MA, LCSW, CGP, has over 30 years of experience as a therapist, supervisor and administrator focused on youth and families. Lawrence has training and experience in a wide range of psychotherapeutic approaches and uses an integrated clinical model to find the best fit for each client. These include relational/interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, emotionally-focused, creative arts and sport/performance psychology. Lawrence is a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) with the American Group Psychotherapy Association and has extensive training in family and couples therapy. Lawrence is highly committed to issues of social justice and spent most of his career working in public schools and communities of diverse backgrounds. For ten years, Lawrence worked for the Sacramento City Unified School District where he was responsible for coordinating student support services and providing district leadership in the areas of mental health, school climate and social and emotional learning. Prior to this, Lawrence served as the clinical director for Huckleberry Youth Programs in San Francisco, the nation’s first homeless and runaway youth shelter. Lawrence was also involved in the early start-up and management of community schools in New York City and San Francisco. He has won awards for his work around bullying prevention, support for LGBTQ youth and for the development of school resource centers. Lawrence has a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, a Master’s in Education from San Francisco State University and a postgraduate diploma in supervision and training from Hunter College School of Social Work. As a Syrian-American and first-generation college student, Lawrence is passionate about supporting young people in their educational and career goals. "The only real revolution happens right inside of you" - J. Cole

EMERGE provides resources for mental health professionals, offering access to organizations, materials, and our Yolo-Solano Therapists Listserv. We are members of several national and international associations, including the American Group Psychotherapy Association and the International OCD Foundation. Join Our Team We're hiring an Associate Therapist in Davis Work with young people, grow professionally, and be part of a collaborative, supportive team that makes a difference every day. Apply Now View Job Description Position Overview About the Role Associate Therapist (June start) Office-based in Davis, CA Flexible schedule Individual and group supervision We are looking to hire one associate therapist to join our growing team in Davis. Must be motivated to work with young people, excited to collaborate with others, and committed to personal and professional growth. See the full job description for more information. Competitive pay: $54-$63 per hour Why Join Emerge? Hourly position, no benefits Collaborative and supportive team culture Work with children, teens, and young adults Ongoing mentorship and professional growth Evidence-based, client-centered approach View full Job Description (PDF) Ready to make an impact? We'd love to hear from you. Apply Now Questions? Contact us ->

OUR PURPOSE Supporting teens and young adults in building meaningful resilient lives. OUR MISSION To expand access to quality emotional and psychological care for adolescents and young adults through a rational, youth friendly, family-centered approach. OUR VISION A world where young people feel valued, supported, and equipped with the resources they need to grow into healthy and resilient adults. OUR VALUES

Join EMERGE’s Emerging Adult Groups for young adults (18-29) navigating life transitions. Build coping skills, explore new identities, and connect with others in a supportive space guided by licensed therapists. Navigate school, work, relationships, and more with confidence. EMERGING ADULT GROUPS Emerging adulthood is a stage of life between the ages of 18 and 29 that is characterized by the exploration of new identities in the shift from adolescence to adulthood. Within a sense of great possibilities ahead, it can also be a time of increasing responsibility, pressure and uncertainty. Young Adult Therapy Groups A supportive space to navigate big life changes, from school and work to relationships and identity. Connect with others your age, build coping skills, and grow with guidance from a licensed therapist. Fees vary. Reduced fees are available. Medi-Cal accepted JOIN NOW Meet the group therapist, Lawrence Shweky View his full profile here GROUP AGREEMENT The Group Agreement is an important part of the therapeutic work. Members must agree to a few conditions in order to work effectively together and benefit from the group. The full agreement is below: DOWNLOAD GROUP THERAPY INFORMATION What is Group Psychotherapy? https://www.agpa.org/home/developing-healthy-communities/what-is-group-psychotherapy- Group Therapy is as Effective as Individual Therapy, and More Efficient https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy Why Group Therapy Worked https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/11/why-group-therapy-worked/ Keys to Great Group Therapy https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/04/group-therapy

At EMERGE, we provide compassionate child therapy to support emotional growth. Through play-based techniques, we help children express themselves, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional resilience. Whether facing anxiety, social struggles, or transitions, our therapy helps children thrive. Child Therapy Helping children grow through play, trust, and emotional support. Childhood comes with big emotions, rapid growth, and new challenges. Sometimes kids need extra support to feel safe, understood, and confident. At Emerge, child therapy is designed to help children express themselves, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional resilience in a way that feels natural and will help them thrive. Contact Now Who This Is For Child therapy may be helpful for children experiencing: Anxiety or frequent worries Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings Behavioral challenges at home or school Social struggles or friendship difficulties Transitions such as divorce, grief, or moving Low self-esteem or withdrawal Trauma or stressful life events Our Approach We use developmentally informed, compassionate care that meets children where they are. Sessions may include: Play-based therapy techniques Emotional skill-building and regulation tools Support for communication and confidence Collaboration with parents and caregivers when appropriate Our goal is not just to reduce symptoms, but to help children thrive emotionally and socially. Contact Now Child Therapy FAQ What ages do you work with? We provide therapy for children across early childhood through pre-adolescence, with care tailored to developmental needs. What if my child has trouble talking about feelings? That’s completely normal; play and creative expression are often the most effective ways for children to communicate.

At Emerge, we provide supportive therapy for teens facing anxiety, depression, school stress, family conflict, and more. Our compassionate approach helps adolescents build coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. Adult Therapy Who This Is For Adult therapy may be helpful for individuals experiencing: Anxiety, stress, or chronic overwhelm Depression or mood concerns Burnout, fatigue, or work-related pressure Trauma or difficult past experiences Grief and loss Relationship or family challenges Self-esteem and identity concerns Major life transitions or uncertainty Desire for personal growth and emotional balance Supporting adults through healing, growth, and emotional well-being. At Emerge, we offer individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and personal challenges. Our therapists provide a supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with clarity and resilience. Contact Now Our Approach At Emerge, we recognize that adulthood often comes with complex responsibilities, expectations, and emotional stress. Many adults find themselves balancing work, relationships, family roles, and personal goals, sometimes while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. Our therapists provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, reflect, and begin to understand what you need. Therapy is a collaborative process focused on healing, growth, and building the tools to navigate life with greater resilience. In adult therapy, we may work on: Developing healthy coping strategies for anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation Exploring patterns in relationships, communication, and boundaries Processing trauma, grief, or difficult life experiences Strengthening self-esteem, confidence, and sense of identity Creating meaningful change aligned with your values and goals Whether you are seeking support through a challenging season or hoping to deepen self-understanding, we are here to walk alongside you. Contact Now Adult Therapy FAQ How do I find the right therapist? We’ll help match you with a therapist based on your needs, preferences, and goals during an initial consultation. How long does therapy typically last? Therapy length varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients benefit from short-term support, while others choose longer-term work for deeper growth. Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy? Not at all. Many people begin therapy to gain clarity, improve well-being, and build support before things become overwhelming.

At Emerge, we provide supportive therapy for teens facing anxiety, depression, school stress, family conflict, and more. Our compassionate approach helps adolescents build coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. Emerging Adult Therapy A supportive space for young adults navigating change, stress, and self-discovery. At Emerge, we offer therapy for young adults navigating the challenges of early adulthood, including anxiety, stress, relationship changes, life direction, and personal growth. Our therapists create a supportive space where emerging adults feel understood, grounded, and empowered Contact Now Who This Is For Emerging adult therapy may be helpful for young adults experiencing: Anxiety, overwhelm, or chronic stress Depression or mood changes College or career pressure Major life transitions or uncertainty Relationship challenges or breakups Identity exploration and self-esteem concerns Family dynamics and independence Trauma, grief, or difficult experiences Our Approach At Emerge, we understand that emerging adulthood is a time of rapid change, balancing independence, responsibility, relationships, and questions about the future. Many young adults feel pressure to have everything figured out, while also managing anxiety, uncertainty, or emotional burnout. Our therapists provide a supportive, collaborative space where emerging adults can explore what they’re feeling, clarify their values, and develop tools for navigating life with greater confidence. Therapy may include: Building coping strategies for anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation Strengthening self-esteem and identity development Improving communication and relationship patterns Processing past experiences and current challenges Developing healthier routines, boundaries, and support systems We work alongside clients to foster growth, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction during this important life stage. Contact Now Emerging Adult Therapy FAQ What is considered an “emerging adult”? Emerging adulthood typically refers to the late teens through twenties, a stage marked by independence, exploration, and major life transitions. What concerns bring young adults to therapy? Many emerging adults seek therapy for anxiety, burnout, depression, relationship struggles, identity questions, career uncertainty, or difficulty adjusting to new responsibilities. What if I’m not sure what I need help with? That’s completely normal. Therapy is a space to explore what feels off, gain clarity, and build tools over time.

EMERGE offers individual, couples, family, & group therapy. Our theoretical orientation is integrative, meaning we value and utilize many different approaches including relational, cognitive-behavioral, family systems. We match our work to the client's needs and don't try to fit everyone into the same box. THERAPY & COUNSELING At Emerge, therapy is personalized to meet you where you are in life. Explore support options by age, stage, or relationship needs, and take the next step toward care that feels right for you. Teen Therapy Helping teens manage stress, identity, relationships, school pressure, and mental health challenges. Learn More Child Therapy Support for emotional growth, behavior challenges, anxiety, and family transitions in young children. Learn More Young Adult Therapy Therapy for young adults navigating independence, relationships, anxiety, career pressure, and life transitions. Learn More Adult Therapy Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, life changes, and personal growth. Learn More Couples Therapy Strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection through couples therapy. Learn More Family Therapy Family therapy to improve communication, resolve conflict, and support healthier relationships at home. Learn More 出現 / əˈmərj / 動詞 浮出水面，從表面浮現