David Hay, MSW/LLMSW

I received my MSW in Interpersonal Practice and Global Social Work from the University of Michigan and an MBA in finance from the University of San Francisco. My training across a wide range of clinical settings has deepened my passion for ensuring that clients from all backgrounds receive excellent care. I find my work most rewarding when I can support individuals representing a broad spectrum of racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, and disability identities, including the transgender and LGBTQIA+ community.

I’m known for my direct and honest approach, which I balance with deep compassion and nonjudgmental support. I center therapy on each person’s unique values, helping them navigate life’s inevitable challenges while moving toward a more meaningful life.

Collaboration is key in my therapeutic relationships, and I always remain open to feedback to ensure my clients feel truly heard. With a touch of humor, I aim to create a warm and engaging environment where clients can fully explore their experiences. I am committed to providing therapy that is grounded in evidence-based practices, which I thoughtfully integrate to create a deeply personalized and effective therapeutic experience tailored to the complexities of each individual’s life.

I completed my field placement at the University of Michigan, Dearborn's Counseling and Psychological Services, where I counseled undergraduate and graduate students. My practicum took me to Berry Street’s Take Two program in Melbourne, Australia, where I worked with children and family systems. In addition to my clinical work, I offer Buddhist faith-based counseling to members of my Buddhist community.

My career has spanned various industries, including the performing arts, fashion, branding, technology, and the non-profit sector. I have been deeply involved in activism, serving as a director and now an advisor with V-Day, a movement dedicated to ending violence against women and transgender females. I also helped launch the global campaign One Billion Rising.

Drawing on my diverse background, I bring a unique perspective to my therapeutic work, blending these experiences to support personal growth and transformation for my clients.

Age range served: Children, adolescents, adults

Specialties: Anxiety, coping skills, depression, grief, career challenges, cultural identity, life transitions, relationship issues, gender identity, spirituality, sex therapy, trauma, and PTSD.

Therapeutic Orientation: Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and Family Systems.

Therapeutic Modality: Individuals, couples, families, and groups.