Sana Akhtar Ramay

Sana Akhtar Ramay is a California-based licensed marriage and family therapist with six years of clinical experience. She combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on work across age groups and settings.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology from the University of California, Davis, and later completed a master’s degree in Counseling at National University. Early in her career she worked with children diagnosed with autism, a role that was both demanding and deeply rewarding. A promotion to a leadership position early on highlighted her aptitude for that work and helped shape her decision to pursue graduate training.

Sana began her clinical practice in an agency setting, serving in both the Behavioral and Community Services Department and the Children’s Department. In those roles she provided care for adults as well as couples, families, and children. Her work with young people ranged from ages 2 through 21.

One notable success involved a young client who had struggled with anxiety from a very early age and had been on multiple medications beginning at age 3. Over the course of about a year Sana provided individual counseling, family services, collaboration with separated parents, and consultation with the client’s psychiatrist. With coordinated support, the client was able to be gradually taken off medication and ultimately graduate from counseling. A card the client made, bearing the quote “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor,” remains on Sana’s wall as a reminder of the growth that comes from facing challenges.

Sana has completed specialized trainings and certifications relevant to working with children and families. She is a Certified Nurtured Heart Trainer, certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), completed a 26-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training, and has pursued additional training in grief, trauma, and cognitive therapy.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive, grounded in respect and dignity. Sana aims to empower clients and build confidence through a compassionate approach. Her therapeutic practice draws from cognitive behavioral, narrative, humanistic, and psychodynamic traditions, among others, with a client-centered focus that actively involves clients in treatment planning and monitoring progress.

She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, which reflects specialized training in working with individuals, couples, and families (CA LMFT 98917). Sana welcomes those ready to take the first step toward change and offers guidance, support, and encouragement along the way.