Claudia Santiago , LCSW

Claudia Santiago, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), is a California-based therapist with over twelve years of experience supporting people through complex emotional challenges. Her practice is grounded in helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions with a blend of professional skill and empathetic care.

As a therapist of color, she integrates a culturally responsive perspective into her work, attending to how culture and identity shape each person's experience. She focuses on areas such as self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, workplace stress, and interpersonal dynamics, tailoring support to the specific needs of each client.

Claudia employs a collaborative and affirming approach, partnering with clients to explore personal history, develop meaningful insights, and create practical strategies for growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, she helps clients build resilience and foster greater self-compassion as they move toward more fulfilling lives. Her practice honors each individual's unique path and strengths, and she is committed to maintaining a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and change.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Client-centered therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens deeply and follows the client's lead. This approach helps people who want a reflective space to explore identity, self-esteem, and interpersonal patterns while building confidence and self-understanding.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a structured approach that identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns and helps clients develop tools to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Mindfulness therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of difficult emotions, offering techniques that can reduce reactivity and support stress management and emotional regulation. It can be especially useful for anxiety, trauma recovery, and coping with life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to select and adapt methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls or phone sessions, and therapists may also provide live chat or text-based messaging for additional support between meetings. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from home, work, or other convenient locations while fitting therapy into a busy life.