Malak Awwad, AMFT

She/Her

Background and Approach

Copy of IMG_7679 - Malak Awwad_edited.jpg

CA Associate Registration #156661

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples across school-based and community settings. My path into this work has been shaped by supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, identity development, and life transitions, with a particular focus on the role of culture, faith, and family systems in shaping mental health.

My clinical experience in school settings has given me a firsthand understanding of how cultural influences, access to resources, and community environments impact emotional wellbeing. This work has strengthened my ability to meet clients where they are, while remaining attentive to the ways identity, upbringing, and generational experiences influence how individuals understand themselves and seek support.

My approach is holistic, relational, and client-centered. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, attachment-based and family systems approaches, while integrating faith-informed and culturally responsive care when desired. I tailor each session to the individual, recognizing that meaningful change happens when therapy aligns with a client’s values, experiences, and goals.

In my work, I support individuals and couples navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief, and challenges related to identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also offer faith-informed couples and premarital counseling, supporting partners in strengthening communication, navigating conflict, and building connection in a way that honors their shared values. Across all settings, I prioritize creating a space that feels supportive, nonjudgmental, and grounded in genuine understanding, where clients feel empowered to explore, grow, and move toward lasting change.

Practice Areas

Focus Areas
and Expertise

Muslim Mental Health (Islamically-Integrated Psychotherapy)

ERP for OCD

My work centers on individuals, couples, and families navigating challenges related to anxiety, OCD, trauma, identity, relationships, and life transitions, particularly where culture, faith, and lived experience intersect.

I draw from evidence-based and relational approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), attachment-based and family systems work, while integrating culturally responsive and faith-informed care when meaningful to the client. I tailor each approach to support clients in building insight, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Pre-Marital/Marital/Couples Counseling

Trauma Recovery

Immigrant Identity Struggles

Children (over 6) & Teens

Career Stress & Burnout

Grief & Bereavement

Early Career Adults

Parenting & Life Stressors

College Students/Young Adults

Mental Health Assessment/Immigration Court Evaluations (Beginning Summer '26)

D268E7C2-A6FE-48D6-9C96-C1C36D32D9D1 - Malak Awwad.jpeg

Credentials

My work centers on individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, identity, and relational challenges, particularly where culture, faith, and lived experience intersect.

I draw from evidence-based and relational approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and attachment-based and family systems work, adapting interventions to meet each client’s unique needs and pace.

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

CA Registration #156661

Education:

MS Marriage & Family Therapy

CSU East Bay

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development

CSU East Bay

Trained in Muslim Mental Health

Certified in ERP for OCD

My Philosophy

My philosophy of care is grounded in intentionality, cultural humility, and trust. I believe that healing happens when individuals feel truly seen, heard, and understood within a space that honors their full identity, including their cultural, spiritual, and lived experiences.

I approach therapy with a holistic lens, recognizing the deep connection between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. I am especially mindful of the role that culture, faith, and family systems play in shaping how individuals understand themselves and navigate challenges. My work prioritizes creating a space where these aspects are not set aside, but thoughtfully integrated into the therapeutic process when meaningful to the client.

I am committed to providing care that is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences openly, while also supporting them in building insight, developing coping skills, and moving toward growth that feels authentic and sustainable.

Ultimately, my work is guided by a deep respect for each person’s story and a belief in their capacity for healing. I aim to walk alongside clients with care and intention, supporting them in discovering what wellbeing means for them and how to move toward it in a way that feels aligned with who they are.

-Malak Awwad