Nina Arroyo Santiago

(she/her)

LICSW, 4 years of experience
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Authentic

Hi! I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical social worker from Puerto Rico specializing in supporting children, teens, young adults, and adults. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, or recovering from trauma, my goal is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths and rediscover hope. I offer a compassionate, collaborative, and culturally sensitive space where you can express yourself in whichever language feels most natural. Drawing from evidence-based approaches like CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and ACT, I tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Together, we will build the practical tools you need to heal, grow, and move forward at your own pace.

Get to know me

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

Our first session is all about building comfort, trust, and connection. It will feel like a meaningful, relaxed conversation rather than an interview. Prior to this, we will connect for a brief 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit. During our initial meeting, I will ask questions to understand your history, what brings you to therapy, and your goals. It’s completely okay if you don't have all the answers yet; we will figure that out together. I will also share my therapeutic approach, answer any questions you have about me, and ensure you leave feeling truly heard, supported, and free of judgment. By the end of the session, we will collaborate on a personalized plan, setting goals and a meeting pace that feels right for you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength is creating a warm, judgment-free space where you can be entirely yourself. I practice deep, empathetic listening to ensure you feel truly seen and understood, adapting my collaborative approach to meet your unique needs and pace. As a bilingual therapist from Puerto Rico, I bring a culturally sensitive perspective to my practice. I welcome you to express yourself in English, Spanish, or Spanglish—whichever feels most natural to you. I specialize in evidence-based methods, including CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate anxiety, anger, depression, identity-related stress, and trauma. Whether we are utilizing CBT for practical coping strategies or safely processing deep-rooted trauma through TF-CBT, my goal is to help you understand your triggers, reclaim your sense of peace, and build lasting change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work with children (10 and up), teens, and young adults who might be struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or worry that seem to take over your thoughts. Maybe you’ve experienced trauma or loss, and you’re tired of carrying the weight of it alone. You might be feeling disconnected from friends, uncertain about your identity, or frustrated with family dynamics that leave you feeling unseen or misunderstood. Some days you might feel okay, while other days it feels hard to get out of bed, stay motivated, or believe that things can get better.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Anger Management

Child or Adolescent

Depression

I identify as

Serves ages

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my work in middle and high schools, I’ve used CBT to help students struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. Together, we work on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new ways of coping. I use CBT techniques and skills throughout my sessions regardless of the modality that I am using.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

DBT has been a great tool for helping teens manage strong emotions and build healthier relationships. In school settings, I’ve used DBT skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance to help students calm their minds and respond to challenges in more balanced ways. I have also used these same tools in a clinical setting to support emotional stability and communication with patients.

Strength-Based

I believe every person has strengths, even when life feels overwhelming. In my work with both students and patients (parenting teens), I focus on helping them recognize their resilience, skills, and personal power. This approach encourages growth, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope — especially for those coping with depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Trauma-Focused CBT

TF-CBT has been especially helpful for students and parenting teens who have experienced trauma. I use this approach to provide a safe space for processing painful experiences while building healthy coping and grounding skills. It’s rewarding to see clients gain confidence and begin to heal from the effects of trauma over time.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I love using SFBT because it helps clients focus on what’s working and what’s possible. In schools, it’s been a great way to help students find hope and direction when they feel stuck. With parenting teens, this approach allows us to set achievable goals and celebrate small steps toward lasting change.

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