Licensed to practice in California and accepts 58 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Depression and 9 more.
Samantha Sarwar
(she/her)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience assisting clients from many different backgrounds from eating disorders to anxiety/depression to trauma. Through my education and my experience, I have been able to implement different therapeutic modalities that have assisted my clients on their treatment journeys.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, my clients can expect to start with brief introductions, then we’ll dive into the specific challenges that they are facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in our follow up sessions. This plan will be created with the client’s involvement and will be goal centered.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My past clients and patients in treatment settings have described me as warm, nurturing, empathetic, fair, and compassionate. I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I also have many years of experience in working with a wide range of individuals that have allowed me to be prepared to assist anyone with their struggles.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Many individuals are struggling with day to day stressors whether it be specific or more generalized. From stressors related to school, work, family, friends, intimate relationships, alcohol and substance use, to managing depression and anxiety. I am able to help build therapeutic relationships to help guide and support you on your journey. I have experience in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Exposure Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. Some of my other specialty areas are within developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders through my experience with ABA and understanding learning differences. I have experience working with sexual assault victims as well when I worked at a sexual assault hotline. My past clients and patients in treatment settings have described me as warm, nurturing, empathetic, fair, and compassionate. I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
Other specialties
Eating Disorders
LGBTQ
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Personality Disorders
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
I identify as
Asian / Asian American
Muslim
Person of Color (POC)
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $100 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)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
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 implement CBT treatment methods in my practice by introducing clients to the CBT triangle to assisting with thought redirection with the use of coping skills. I utilize many different worksheets and exercises to challenge my clients with their thoughts.
Motivational Interviewing
I implement motivational interviewing in my practice by making my sessions a person-centered, non-confrontational approach in which the I listen reflectively and demonstrate empathy to engage with the patient and develop rapport, help the patient to identify a goal for change (a “select behavior”), and evoke and reinforce the patient's internal motivation to change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize a solution focused brief treatment by using a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.
Trauma Informed Care
I use trauma-informed care in my practice as it recognizes and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to better support the health needs of patients who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress.
27 ratings with written reviews
June 22, 2026
I did not receive the guidance I was looking for with Samantha. She did not provide much in terms of support, insights, or perspective, and at times it felt like she was waiting for me to lead the conversation. There were also moments of extended silence where I expected more input or direction, but it did not happen. I left the session feeling like I had to process and guide everything myself, rather than receiving support.
Verified client, age 25-34
June 2, 2026
Samantha has been a great person to talk to and has given me helpful feedback and advice. This is my first time ever receiving therapy and I am very happy with my experience. She has made me feel comfortable and safe.
Verified client, age 35-44
May 7, 2026
This provider would not give me their undivided attention. She would start sessions late and end early with no communication. There was no confirmation of understanding what I was expressing, it was always met with "mmm" or "oh" but no verbal confirmation. She would ask me directly what I wanted to talk about rather than guiding me through the session after I had mentioned previously that this was my first time in therapy and did not know what to expect.