Calm has teamed up with Grow Therapy to connect you with a mental health therapist who accepts your health insurance.
Salman Baruti, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Salman Baruti

Salman Baruti

(he/him)

LCSW
40 years of experience
Virtual

Hi, I'm Salman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with four decades of transformative experience in California. Since earning my MSW from UC Berkeley, I've dedicated my career to empowering individuals across all life stages. My journey has led me from directing programs for at-risk youth in carceral settings to supporting marginalized families, adults, and seniors through life's most challenging moments. I specialize in nurturing children's self-discovery, equipping parents with effective skills, and helping clients of all ages manage anger, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Whether it's crisis counseling or long-term therapy, I bring a wealth of expertise to each unique situation. My approach blends evidence-based techniques with deep empathy, fostering resilience and positive change. If you're struggling with life's challenges or seeking personal growth, I'm here to guide you towards a more fulfilling life, drawing on my extensive experience in conflict resolution, mental health support, and personal development.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our initial session, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental environment where we begin to build a foundation of trust. I'll start by actively listening to your concerns and goals, allowing you to share your story at your own pace. We'll discuss your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. I'll ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of your unique situation, but you're always in control of what you choose to share. Together, we'll explore potential approaches tailored to your needs and cultural background. I'll explain how I work and answer any questions you have about the therapeutic process. By the end of our first session, we'll collaboratively outline a preliminary plan for moving forward. This may include identifying key areas to focus on, discussing the frequency of sessions, and setting initial goals. My aim is for you to leave feeling heard, respected, and hopeful about the journey ahead. Remember, this first meeting is also an opportunity for you to determine if we're a good fit. I encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns or expectations you may have about therapy.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my four decades of diverse experience and my ability to adapt to each client's unique needs. I bring a rare blend of versatility and depth, having worked across all age groups and in various settings, from youth in carceral environments to seniors facing health challenges. My approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, honed through years of supporting marginalized communities. I excel in crisis management while also guiding long-term personal growth. By integrating various therapeutic modalities, including ACT, narrative therapy, and compassion-focused techniques, I tailor treatment to each individual. My empathetic listening and non-judgmental stance create a safe space for clients to explore their challenges freely. Ultimately, my strength lies in helping clients build resilience, discover their inner resources, and navigate life's complexities with greater confidence and self-awareness.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am well-equipped to support a diverse range of clients, drawing from my extensive experience across various age groups and life situations. My practice is particularly suited for: Adolescents and young adults navigating identity issues and life transitions Parents seeking to improve their parenting skills and family dynamics Adults grappling with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges Individuals from marginalized communities facing systemic barriers Seniors coping with health issues and life changes Those dealing with anger management and conflict resolution Clients seeking both short-term crisis intervention and long-term personal growth My culturally sensitive approach and experience with diverse populations allow me to effectively serve clients from various backgrounds. Whether you're facing acute challenges or seeking ongoing support for personal development, my four decades of experience provide a strong foundation for our work together.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT has been a core part of my practice for over 40 years, helping clients accept difficult emotions while pursuing meaningful goals. In our sessions, we use mindfulness techniques to increase psychological flexibility and develop strategies for living a more fulfilling life. This approach has been particularly effective for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and life transitions, enabling them to align their actions with personal values.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity, recognizing the profound impact of cultural background on an individual's experiences and perspectives. In practice, this means actively listening to and validating clients' cultural narratives, while remaining aware of my own biases. I tailor therapeutic techniques to align with each client's cultural values and beliefs, ensuring interventions are relevant and respectful. This culturally informed approach has been particularly effective in building trust and fostering meaningful change across diverse client populations.

Compassion Focused

Compassion-focused therapy is central to my practice, helping clients cultivate self-kindness and emotional resilience. This approach focuses on developing compassionate mind skills to address shame, self-criticism, and difficult emotions. In sessions, we use mindfulness, imagery, and behavioral techniques to activate the soothing system and foster self-compassion. Clients learn to respond to challenges with understanding rather than harsh self-judgment, leading to improved emotional well-being and stronger relationships.

Motivational Interviewing

Narrative therapy is a key component of my practice, empowering clients to reframe their life stories and personal identities. This approach views people as separate from their problems, encouraging them to externalize issues and recognize their capacity for change. In our sessions, we explore dominant narratives, uncover unique outcomes, and co-author new, preferred stories. By helping clients identify their values and strengths, narrative therapy enables them to challenge limiting beliefs and envision more fulfilling life paths.