Areas of Clinical Expertise

Adolescent Mental Health & Development
Family Systems Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Program Development & Curriculum Design
Risk Assessment & Crisis Management
Clinical Supervision & Team Leadership
Legal-System-Involved Youth

“It’s the little things—showing up consistently, listening deeply, and holding teens accountable with care—that open the door for real transformation.” — Yolanda Vazquez

Experience

Yolanda’s clinical work is rooted in Family Systems Therapy, and her philosophy centers on relational repair as the key to lasting change. She believes that adolescents thrive when given structure, consistent expectations, and compassionate accountability. Her therapeutic approach integrates CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and active listening, with a constant focus on safety, rapport, and personal responsibility.

Education

Yolanda holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling, both from Sonoma State University. She also received Master of Laws and Juris Doctor degrees from Empire School of Law. Her interdisciplinary educational background gives her a unique foundation for supporting teens in crisis.

Role at Muir Wood

As Clinical Director, Yolanda supports Muir Wood’s mission by fostering a culture of accountability, warmth, and integrity. She ensures that clinical decisions are made with the well-being of adolescents and families at the center.

She holds high expectations for herself and her team, while maintaining an open-door policy that encourages communication and collaboration. She fosters a culture where staff feel empowered to grow, ask questions, and solve problems collaboratively.

Personal Interests

Yolanda finds joy in spending time with her family, especially her baby niece. Her wellness practices include regular exercise; travel; and prioritizing deep, restorative sleep. She is also a believer in meaningful self-expression and honors important life moments through symbolic body art—each piece representing a story or value she holds close.

About Muir Wood Teen Treatment

Muir Wood is a leader in adolescent mental and behavioral health that offers both outpatient and residential treatment programs in the state of California. Our programs are guided by clinical teams that specialize in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. We believe that treating the whole person—both their behavioral health and underlying mental state—leads to better outcomes for life-long healing. Meet our staff of therapists and psychiatrists for teens.

Learn more about what we treat and explore our treatment programs for teen boys and teen girls.