Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Rock.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small town in New Mexico and earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University. After graduation, I worked as a program coordinator at a shelter for abused women and their children. That experience deeply inspired me to pursue work on a more profound level, which led me to apply to graduate school. I was accepted into the doctorate program at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, where I earned both my Master’s degree and PsyD.
Throughout my training, I gained diverse experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospitals, school systems, prisons, and even a matchmaking company. I also facilitated brain tumor support groups, which was an especially meaningful part of my journey. While these experiences shaped me, I always knew I ultimately wanted to build a private practice.
In 2006, after completing my licensure, I opened my practice in La Jolla, CA. Since then, I have built a thriving full-time practice specializing in anxiety disorders, with a strong emphasis on helping adolescents and young adults. Beyond my clinical work, I remain actively involved in community engagement and am excited to be launching a parent coaching program in the near future to further support families navigating the challenges of anxiety.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not necessarily a smooth road. In my final year of graduate school, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which completely derailed the completion of my dissertation. For years leading up to that point, I had been experiencing symptoms, but they were dismissed as “stress” from being a busy graduate student. It wasn’t until I had a grand mal seizure that I finally received the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
I underwent surgery almost immediately, and fortunately, the tumor was successfully resected with minimal complications. Still, recovery from such a major surgery brought extreme exhaustion and significant cognitive challenges, making it difficult to complete tasks—especially something as demanding as a clinical dissertation.
At that point, I had to decide how I would respond to this setback. I chose to focus on resilience. I set my sights firmly on the finish line and became more determined than ever not only to finish, but to finish strong. Six months later, I defended my dissertation and proudly walked across the stage at graduation.
That experience gave me a deeper sense of empathy for people facing serious challenges or setbacks. It also inspired me to become involved with the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, where I had the privilege of running support groups for individuals facing even greater struggles. That chapter of my journey was both humbling and profoundly impactful, and it continues to shape how I show up for my clients today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in private practice. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and families across all age groups, but my true passion and specialty lie in helping teenagers and young adults, especially high-achieving teens who struggle with anxiety and mood-related challenges.
My practice is known for providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment with a particular focus on anxiety. I understand how deeply anxiety can affect not only the teen themselves but also their parents and the entire family dynamic. I work closely with both teenagers and their parents to help them better understand what’s happening, provide practical tools, and create lasting change. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge that gap between high performance and emotional wellbeing—helping young people learn that they don’t have to sacrifice their mental health to succeed.
Beyond my practice, I’m very active in the community with my own two teenage sons. I also give talks in the community with the goal of increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and providing real strategies for managing anxiety and mood challenges.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being known as a trusted resource for families who want more than just short-term solutions. My services extend beyond one-on-one therapy—I also provide parent coaching and educational resources designed to empower families to navigate these challenges with confidence. At the heart of my brand is this message: anxiety is treatable, and with the right support, young people can thrive. I want readers to know that they don’t have to face these challenges alone—help is available, and change is absolutely possible.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about professional milestones, it’s about impact. After more than 20 years in private practice, I define success by the changes I see in the lives of the teenagers, young adults, and families I work with. Success is when a high-achieving teen who once felt overwhelmed by anxiety learns to manage it and discovers they can thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing. It’s when parents feel less exhausted and more empowered, knowing they have the tools to support their child.
Success also means creating ripple effects in the community through word of mouth referrals and outreach, so that more families understand that anxiety and mood disorders are treatable. I measure success in those moments when people feel less alone, more hopeful, and more capable of navigating life’s challenges. At the core, success for me is helping families move from struggle to strength, and hearing updates from former clients and/or their parents reporting they have grown into confident, resilient adults.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drvalerierock.com
