Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 16 ratings

Kristine San Mateo-Virgen

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Empowering
Authentic
Warm

About me

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals and couples overcome anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Licensed in California, Washington, Hawaii, and Nevada, I utilize evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Gottman Method to empower clients to heal, grow, and thrive. My culturally sensitive and client-centered approach fosters resilience and equips clients with the tools to build stronger connections, improve emotional well-being, and achieve lasting change. Whether navigating life transitions or deepening relational bonds, I aim to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their goals. Please note: I do not provide letters or documentation for disability claims, emotional support animals, FMLA or work accommodations, custody evaluations, legal proceedings, or immigration cases.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In the first session, clients can expect a supportive, empathetic, and judgment-free environment where they feel safe to share their story. I begin by creating a warm and welcoming space, introducing myself and explaining the therapeutic process. We’ll explore what brings them to therapy, discuss their goals, and identify any immediate concerns or challenges they may have. Together, we’ll review their personal and family history, as well as other relevant background information, to gain a clear understanding of their experiences and context. I also outline my approach to therapy, including evidence-based techniques such as CBT, DBT, or culturally sensitive methods, depending on their needs. I encourage clients to ask questions and voice any concerns about the therapeutic process so that we establish a strong sense of collaboration and trust. By the end of the session, we’ll co-create a plan tailored to their goals, giving them a clear sense of direction and purpose. My aim is to ensure they leave the session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the journey ahead.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring a unique blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise to my practice. My ability to deeply understand and connect with clients allows me to meet them where they are, creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship. This foundation enables clients to feel safe and empowered as we work together toward their goals. One of my core strengths is my versatility in utilizing evidence-based approaches. I have honed my skills through years of working with diverse clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. This variety of experience has equipped me to tailor interventions that resonate with each client’s unique needs, fostering meaningful and sustainable growth. My work is also deeply informed by a culturally sensitive lens. I am passionate about honoring the unique cultural and personal backgrounds of my clients, helping them explore how these factors shape their experiences and relationships. This approach allows me to create an inclusive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and respected. What makes me great at the work I do is my ability to balance structure with flexibility. I guide clients through clear, goal-oriented processes while allowing space for self-discovery and emotional exploration. Over the years, I’ve developed strong intuition and clinical judgment, enabling me to identify underlying patterns and help clients uncover new insights about themselves. Through my commitment to fostering resilience, enhancing communication, and building coping strategies, I empower clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. My dedication to ongoing growth as a therapist ensures that I continue to bring the highest level of care to each person I serve.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve clients who are motivated to enhance their emotional well-being and relationships, particularly those navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions. My clients often share a desire to develop self-awareness, improve communication, and build healthier coping strategies. Many of them are seeking tools to manage emotional regulation, overcome challenges in their personal or professional lives, and strengthen their connections with loved ones. I work well with individuals and couples who value a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to therapy, as well as those open to evidence-based interventions like CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method. My clients are often diverse in background, but they share a readiness to embrace personal growth and achieve lasting, meaningful change in their lives.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Coping Skills
Grief
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
Women's Issues

I identify as

Asian / Asian American
Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. By teaching clients practical skills for changing unhelpful behaviors and thought processes, I work to empower them to develop healthier coping strategies and enhance their emotional well-being.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

In my practice, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients with emotional regulation and relational difficulties. DBT emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, equipping clients with skills to navigate intense emotions and build more stable, fulfilling relationships.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I specialize in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly those dealing with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This evidence-based approach combines cognitive restructuring with trauma-sensitive techniques, helping clients process and heal from traumatic experiences while building coping skills to manage distress and improve their overall well-being.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

As a culturally sensitive therapist, I prioritize understanding each client’s unique cultural background and how it shapes their worldview, values, and experiences. I integrate culturally relevant practices and frameworks into therapy to ensure clients feel respected, understood, and validated in their therapeutic journey, addressing cultural stressors such as discrimination, acculturation, and systemic barriers.

Gottman method

I use The Gottman Method in couples therapy to strengthen relationships through evidence-based interventions focused on improving communication, emotional connection, and conflict resolution. By guiding couples through structured exercises, I help them build trust, enhance intimacy, and create healthier patterns of interaction that promote long-term relational satisfaction.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

California
Hawaii
Nevada
Washington

Accepts cash

$150/session
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 16 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

May 17, 2025

After a few sessions with Kristine, I'm so grateful to have her in my journey. She's great at helping me reflect on both the positive and negative and still leaves room for the neutral. I appreciate that she takes notes and references them in future sessions! It's helped me realize some thought patterns and how much I've changed even over 2 months. An amazing listener who's easy to share with. Excellent at navigating all the information I give her--recognizing all the emotions that coexist.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 4 with Kristine

April 26, 2025

Kristine is a true gem. Hands down the best therapist I have had. She is super attentive, direct, and funny. Her insight and knowledge is amazing.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 9 with Kristine

February 1, 2025

She is absolutely amazing and is really helping me to discover who I am as an individual person outside of my “roles” in life.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 2 with Kristine

Kristine San Mateo-Virgen is fully booked.