Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 294 ratings

Samantha Sarwar

LCSW, 10 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Virtual
Next available on

About me

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

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)Self EsteemTrauma and PTSD

I identify as

Asian / Asian American

Serves ages

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.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $100 per sessionAetnaAetna - WebTPAAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue CrossBlue ShieldBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanBlue Shield of California - Medi-CalBlue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaCommunity Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)EAP:CignaEAP:EvernorthEAP:UnitedHealthcare/OptumEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Net (Medi-Cal)Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalL.A. Care CoveredL.A. Care Covered DirectL.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)L.A. Care PASC-SEIUOptumOptumHealth Complex Medical ConditionsOscarOxfordPartnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-CalScripps Health PlanSharp Health PlanSurest (formerly Bind)Tufts Health/CignaUnited Medical ResourcesUnitedHealthcare Life InsuranceUnitedHealthcare Shared ServicesUnitedHealthcare StudentResourcesUnitedHealthcare/Optum
Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 294 ratings

12 ratings with written reviews

August 18, 2025

The provider was very supportive in helping me realize how I should feel in the short term. Our session's directions were up to me which was challenging for me as I have trouble opening up to new people about my traumas. I think it was challenging to set up that rapport and get comfortable enough to become vulnerable. I also felt like there was no overall goal and I had trouble imagining what my new normal could be or what a successful session looked like. I didn't feel like I was healing.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 9 with Samantha

July 31, 2025

Great first meeting enjoyed it

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Samantha

July 30, 2025

She helped to point me in the direction.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Samantha