mother, wife, feminist, Indian-American, spiritual, progressive, BIPOC and LGBTQ-ally, immigrant, multi-lingual, and nature-loving. I hope this gives you a sense of me.
Finding the right therapist is a crucial first step, and the choice often comes down to a mix of practical fit—like schedule and fees—and personal connection, such as shared values or a specific clinical focus.
To help you decide if we might be a good match, I’ve organized my bio into three clear sections: Approach, Background, and Education.
Beyond my professional training, my perspective is shaped by my lived experiences. I identify as an Indian-American immigrant, mother, wife, feminist, multi-lingual, spiritual, progressive, nature-lover, and an active BIPOC and LGBTQ+ ally.
I invite you to Request an appointment or reach out for a free consultation call so we can discuss your needs and explore working together—either directly with me or with one of the skilled therapists in our practice.
In August 2025, I retired from San Diego State University (SDSU) where I taught undergrads and grad students for 11 years in the Counseling & School Psychology Dept. My time as an educator and mentor to emerging helping professionals and aspiring therapists has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional life.
Alongside my roles at Avani & SDSU, I also served as Co-Director and Board Member of NISD Counseling, a non-profit, social-justice-oriented counseling center, for over 10 years. Our team served hundreds of low income clients and trained dozens of emerging therapists in strength-based therapy practices. I retired from NISD Counseling in May 2026.
‘I hope to be an ally and advocate for you, one who will recognize
your skills and resiliencies.’
– Mona Klausing