Maria Aldaco
About me
I am a licensed therapist with specialized training in evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build coping skills, and improve their quality of life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment. We will begin by discussing what brings you to therapy and any goals or concerns you have. I will ask about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve, but you are always welcome to share at your own pace. Together, we’ll talk about how the therapy process works and address any questions you might have. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, supported, and with a clear sense of our next steps moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my commitment to combining evidence-based practices with genuine compassion and collaboration. I draw primarily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring these methods to each client’s unique needs and goals. My sessions emphasize practical skill-building, self-awareness, and real-world application, so clients leave with tools they can immediately incorporate into daily life. Clients often share that they appreciate the balance I strike between acceptance and change, as well as the structured yet flexible nature of our work together. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered and supported. As a result, many experience greater emotional resilience, improved relationships, and a clearer path toward their personal goals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives, even if they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. My approach is especially well-suited for clients experiencing challenges such as emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, difficulties with relationships, or patterns of self-defeating behavior. I work effectively with those who may struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or a history of self-harm. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking practical tools to manage stress, improve their coping skills, and build healthier relationships. I also work well with individuals who are open to learning evidence-based strategies, such as those found in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and who value a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether clients are working toward specific goals—such as reducing anxiety, improving mood, or developing better communication skills—or are seeking broader personal growth and self-understanding, I provide a structured yet flexible environment tailored to their unique needs. I am committed to helping clients build insight, resilience, and lasting positive change.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Other specialties
Self Esteem
Identifies as
Hispanic / Latinx
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $95 per session
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my clinical practice. Over the years, I have completed advanced training in CBT and have applied its principles to support clients with a variety of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related issues. In my work, I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to their emotional distress. Together, we work on developing practical strategies and coping skills, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving techniques. I also incorporate homework assignments and real-life exercises to reinforce the skills learned during sessions and promote long-term change. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that interventions are relevant and meaningful. I regularly monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for my clients. Overall, CBT has proven to be an effective and evidence-based approach in my practice, empowering clients to take an active role in their own mental health and well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have extensive experience utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in my clinical practice. I have completed formal training in DBT and have applied its principles in both individual and group therapy settings. My work has included clients presenting with a range of concerns, including emotional dysregulation, mood disorders, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder. In my practice, I integrate the core components of DBT, which include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I work collaboratively with clients to teach and reinforce these skills, tailoring interventions to their unique needs. This often involves the use of DBT worksheets, behavioral chain analyses, and diary cards to help clients track progress and practice skills between sessions. I also emphasize the importance of validation and a nonjudgmental therapeutic stance, which are central to DBT. By balancing acceptance and change strategies, I support clients in building greater emotional resilience, improving relationships, and achieving their personal goals. DBT has proven to be a highly effective framework in my work, and I am committed to ongoing professional development in this modality to best serve my clients.