Introduction

Life: the only game where the rules keep changing and the tutorial never ends.

Hi I’m Oona Belich, LCSW. I provide 1 on1 therapy for adults and adolescents, specializing in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, self esteem, relationship dynamics and life transitions. My approach blends evidence-based techniques—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and Strengths based therapy—with relational, strengths-based work to help you build insight, develop practical coping skills, and create sustainable change.

I aim to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where your experience is respected and prioritized. Together we’ll clarify goals, assess patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and identify interventions that fit your needs and values. Therapy may include symptom management (emotion regulation, distress tolerance, grounding), processing traumatic memories, rebuilding healthy relationships, and practical skills for daily functioning.

I accept clients who prefer tele-health sessions. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right now or what model will help best, we can use an initial session to explore fit and outline a plan. The initial session may be created through the link provided below. I welcome questions about insurance, sliding scale options, and scheduling.

The name of the practice, Istina Therapy, carries a deep meaning to me.

Istina means "truth" in Serbian.

The word carries both literal and moral/ethical connotations depending on context — from simple factual accuracy to deeper notions of honesty, authenticity, and integrity.

The name was chosen as a way to pay homage to my ethnic background and highlight the bridge between my upbringing to my role as a therapist.

Honesty and truth in therapy is both a practice and a skill: it means naming thoughts, feelings, and behaviors truthfully while also noticing the fear, shame, or protection that often surrounds those truths. As a therapist, I hold honesty with curiosity and nonjudgment, helping clients experiment with small truths, tolerate the discomfort that follows, and gradually build a clearer sense of self and agency.

I became a therapist because I wanted to do something that worked with the complexity of being human—one that listens closely to pain and curiosity without rushing to fix it—and because I saw how compassionate, attuned presence could change the course of someone's life. I value helping clients find clarity in their stories, build skills to tolerate difficult emotions, and reclaim agency over choices that feel stuck or overwhelming. Ultimately, I became a therapist to partner with others in creating change: to offer consistent support, reflect perspectives they may not yet see, and celebrate the gradual shifts that lead to a more manageable, meaningful life.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I schedule my first online session?

Do you accept insurance?

Aetna, BCBS, Horizon BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, Carelon, Quest, Optum

Self Pay- $150 per session

What technology do I need for virtual therapy?

Any computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection, camera, and microphone will work. Zoom, a HIPAA compliant platform, will be the platform for all sessions.

Let's Work Together

Every journey starts with a single step. Reach out today for a complimentary 15-minute consultation.