About Ivan Belyaev

A man with short brown hair, wearing a striped shirt and a gold watch, resting his chin on his clasped hands, looking at the camera, against a plain white background.

Introduction

My name is Ivan Belyaev, LMFT #161085, and I provide multicultural, bilingual (Russian–English) psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups in California.

I work with clients who are navigating:

  • anxiety and depression

  • relationship and family challenges

  • cultural transitions and identity

  • trauma and emotional overwhelm

My goal is to create a structured, respectful, and supportive therapeutic space where you can explore your experiences, gain clarity, and develop more sustainable ways of relating to yourself and others.

Professional Background

My Journey as a Therapist

I was born and raised in Russia, which gives me a deep understanding of the cultural and emotional experiences of Russian-speaking individuals and immigrants.

After earning my Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Marriage and Family Therapy, I developed my clinical work in multicultural and relational settings, supporting clients through:

  • immigration and cultural adjustment

  • identity and belonging

  • relationship and family dynamics

  • emotional regulation and stress

Credentials and Clinical Training

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #161085, California)

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Marriage and Family Therapy

Clinical experience includes:

  • over 5,000 hours of supervised clinical experience required for licensure

    • advanced training in:

      • psychopathology

      • trauma and post-traumatic stress

      • family systems

      • multicultural counseling

      • group therapy

    • ongoing professional consultation and development

Clinical Approach

How I Work

Therapy is a collaborative process where you remain the expert of your own life.

My role is to provide:

  • clinical structure

  • psychological insight

  • focused attention

  • support in understanding patterns and developing new ways of relating

My work is informed by:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • mindfulness-based approaches

  • somatic awareness

Each session is adapted to your individual needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.

Areas of Focus

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Relationship and communication challenges

  • Family dynamics and conflict

  • Trauma and significant life experiences

  • Cultural identity and adjustment

  • Emotional regulation and stress

Multicultural & Bilingual Therapy

I provide therapy in both Russian and English, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.

My work is especially focused on Russian-speaking and post-Soviet communities, where cultural understanding plays an important role in the therapeutic process.

Values and Professional Orientation

My practice is grounded in:

  • respect for each client’s autonomy

  • cultural awareness and sensitivity

  • a non-judgmental environment

  • a focus on long-term, meaningful change

Practical Information

  • In-person sessions: San Francisco, California

  • Serving areas including Downtown San Francisco, Financial District, and nearby neighborhoods

  • Telehealth: available throughout California

Telehealth services are available only to clients located in California.

Considering Therapy?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting.

We can begin with a short consultation to explore your needs and see if working together feels like the right fit.

Let’s Work Together

If you are considering therapy, I invite you to reach out.

Request a Consultation