Licensed to practice in California and accepts 7 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders and 10 more.

Maria Garcia

(she/her)

LCSW, 6 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I have a background in criminal justice, criminology, law, and society, and I have worked in a variety of intensive settings, including group homes, psychiatric hospitals and community mental health programs. I bring about six years of experience providing therapy services in both community mental health and school settings. I work with diverse populations, including DCFS-involved clients and justice-involved individuals, supporting people with a wide range of life experiences and needs. I also work with a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, and grief. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am a licensed clinician. I also have a PPSC credential, which allows me to provide mental health services within school districts. My experience has shaped a strong foundation in supporting individuals through complex life challenges across different environments.

Get to know me

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

In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, background, and goals so I can better understand your needs and how to support you. We’ll also go over important information about therapy, answer any questions you may have, and begin identifying what you would like to focus on moving forward. The first session is about building comfort, creating a safe space, and starting to develop a plan that feels right for you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach is grounded in real-world experience across a wide range of settings, including schools, community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, and group homes. This allows me to understand and support clients facing complex and high-stress life circumstances. I take a practical, compassionate, and collaborative approach, meeting clients where they are and helping them build on their strengths while developing tools they can use in everyday life. I also work with diverse populations and a wide range of concerns, which allows me to tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs and experiences.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to support teenagers, young adults, and adults who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, low self-confidence, or difficulty managing emotions. Many of my clients are motivated to better understand themselves, build coping skills, and create healthier patterns in their lives. I work well with individuals who are seeking a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore their concerns, gain insight, and make meaningful changes. Whether someone is facing a specific challenge or simply wants to improve their overall well-being, I help clients build on their strengths, develop practical tools, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

ADHD

Anger Management

Bipolar Disorder

Child or Adolescent

Grief

Postpartum

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use CBT to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. We work together to identify unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges. Once these patterns are recognized, we explore more balanced and realistic ways of thinking and develop practical strategies for responding to difficult situations. Sessions often include discussing current concerns, setting achievable goals, and practicing skills that can be used in everyday life. I may encourage clients to try specific exercises between sessions, such as tracking thoughts, testing new coping strategies, or gradually facing situations they have been avoiding.

Psychoeducation

In my practice, I use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their emotions, behaviors, symptoms, and life experiences. I provide clear, practical information about mental health concerns, coping skills, stress responses, relationships, and other topics that are relevant to each client’s goals and challenges. By increasing understanding and awareness, clients can make more informed decisions about their well-being and feel more confident in managing difficulties.

Strength-Based

I help clients identify and build on their existing strengths, skills, and personal resources. By focusing on what is working well and recognizing past successes, clients can increase confidence, develop resilience, and use their strengths to overcome current challenges and achieve their goals.

Narrative

I help clients explore the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. Together, we identify patterns that may be limiting their growth and work to develop more empowering perspectives that reflect their strengths, values, and goals.

Compassion Focused

I help clients develop a kinder and more understanding relationship with themselves. This approach encourages self-acceptance, reduces self-criticism, and supports emotional well-being by helping clients respond to challenges with greater compassion and balance.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.