Samantha Keiser

LCSW, 3 years of experience

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

Hello, I'm Samantha a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy to adolescents and adults throughout California and Oregon. I specialize in supporting clients who are managing stress, navigating life transitions, and coping with anxiety. Life can feel overwhelming at times—whether you’re adjusting to a new role, facing uncertainty, or dealing with persistent worry. You don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer a supportive space where you can slow down, reflect, and begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing. My approach is client-centered and collaborative. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—one where your voice is valued and your experiences are respected. Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing on you and identify practical, realistic tools that align with your lifestyle and personal goals. Because no two individuals experience stress or anxiety in the same way, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs. I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where you can show up as your authentic self. My goal is to help you gain clarity, strengthen coping skills, and build the confidence needed to move forward with intention. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space to grow, heal, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want.

Get to know me

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

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin identifying the goals you’d like to work toward in therapy. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about your first appointment, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Therapy is a process, and meaningful change takes time. We’ll take it one step at a time, building a strong foundation and deepening our work as we go. My role is to support and guide you through each stage of that journey. You can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe, respected, and free to openly share your thoughts, emotions, and concerns.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach to therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. I believe that every person’s story, challenges, and strengths are different, and our work together should reflect that. My goal is to help you build healthier thought patterns and effective coping strategies so you feel empowered to manage your mental health with confidence. Through structured, personalized sessions, we will collaborate to identify meaningful goals and create lasting, positive change in your life. As a client-centered therapist, I believe you already have the capacity for self-understanding and growth. My role is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I offer active listening, empathy, and guidance while encouraging open exploration of your thoughts and emotions. Together, we will identify your strengths, build on them, and move toward the goals that matter most to you.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Support for Young Adults Who Feel Stuck and Unsure How to Move Forward Does it feel like everyone else got an "adulthood manual" that you missed out on? If you’re spending more time at home, avoiding social plans, or feeling a bit "behind" while your peers move forward, you’re not alone. That feeling of being stuck isn't because you lack potential or aren't trying hard enough. Usually, it’s just that this stage of life is incredibly loud and overwhelming. When the world feels like too much, it’s natural to withdraw—but that often leaves you feeling disconnected from the person you want to be. You deserve to feel confident in your own skin, not just "on par" with everyone else. I specialize in working with young adults who are tired of feeling paralyzed by "what’s next." My goal isn't to push you into a life you don't want, but to help you find the one you do. In our sessions, we’ll move away from the pressure of "shoulds" and focus on what actually lights you up. Using a mix of values-based work and collaborative goal setting, we’ll work on: Turning down the volume on self-doubt: Learning to trust your own instincts again. Small, real-world wins: Breaking down big, scary life goals into steps that actually feel doable. Rediscovering your voice: Moving from social withdrawal back into meaningful connection. We’ll work at a pace that feels sustainable for you. There’s no "right" way to grow, and therapy is a safe, judgment-free space to figure out what your specific version of success looks like. Let’s start where you are. You don't need to be "ready" or have a perfect plan to reach out. Many of my clients start right where you are: feeling a little uncertain but knowing they want something to change.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

California

Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT helps us understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and actions, and how these patterns may be impacting your well-being. By working together to develop healthier ways of thinking and more effective coping strategies, my goal is to empower you with practical tools to better manage your mental health and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.

Humanistic

The humanistic approach emphasizes each individual’s inherent worth and recognizes the creative, active nature of human beings. It is grounded in the belief that people possess the capacity for growth, self-awareness, and meaningful change. This perspective is inherently optimistic, focusing on a person’s ability to overcome hardship, pain, and despair while moving toward greater fulfillment and authenticity.

Psychoeducation

When clients are provided with accurate information and meaningful insight, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care. Empowering clients to take an active role in this process fosters confidence, autonomy, and self-trust. By developing these skills in therapy, clients are better prepared to advocate for themselves and continue making thoughtful, informed decisions long after therapy has ended.

Feminist

The feminist approach is grounded in equality and collaboration between therapist and client, emphasizing the importance of an authentic and empowering therapeutic relationship. It recognizes the impact of social, cultural, and systemic factors on mental health and helps clients explore how these influences may contribute to their concerns. Through this lens, clients are supported in discovering and embracing their unique identities, while identifying and building upon their personal strengths. The goal is to foster empowerment—not only to create meaningful change in their own lives, but also to positively impact the world around them.

, 25 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

August 12, 2025

Everything felt very comfortable and safe :) I look forward to being able to work through things here

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Samantha