​Lauren Plotkin is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) in California, trained and supervised by Tejal Jakatdar. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Binghamton University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, from the University of San Francisco. She strives to meet her clients with a warm, down-to-Earth approach that aims to make therapy an inviting place for all. She takes a collaborative approach with child and teen clients, and their parents. She strives for active involvement in setting goals and identifying opportunities for growth. She is excited to utilize evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), in her work with children and teens experiencing OCD and anxiety-related disorders.

Prior to joining the Willow team, Lauren worked closely with youth in a variety of settings, such as schools, camps, urban farms, and non-profit organizations. Most recently, she worked as a therapist for the County of San Mateo Behavioral Health Services, where she treated clients dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, body image issues, and mood disorders. This range of experiences working closely with children and families made clear to her the immense need for mental health professionals focused on supporting child and teen clients. Outside of work, she enjoys being active, reading fiction, exploring antique shops, and soaking up the California sun.