Claudia Santiago

Experienced LCSW offering practical, collaborative therapy

LCSW California

Experience: 12 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English, Spanish

About Claudia

Claudia Santiago is a licensed clinical social worker who centers her practice on practical, collaborative psychotherapy informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based approaches.

Background and approach

With 12 years of experience, she helps people untangle symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, and burnout by combining thoughtful listening with concrete skills for coping and change. Claudia emphasizes culturally responsive care and respects each person's background while tailoring strategies to their situation.

Her work spans common concerns such as self-esteem challenges, grief, relationship and communication problems, sleep difficulties, and substance-related struggles, along with more specific areas like attachment or abandonment issues, chronic illness and pain, and co-occurring conditions. Sessions focus on building insight, increasing emotional regulation, and developing practical tools to manage day-to-day stressors and life transitions.

Claudia offers therapy in both English and Spanish and brings a supportive, affirming presence to the therapeutic process.

Approaches That Guide Online Treatment

Claudia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and addictive patterns. She also practices Client-Centered Therapy, offering empathic listening and validation to help people feel heard and to support self-directed growth. When relationship dynamics are central, principles from the Gottman Method inform her focus on communication, trust, and problem-solving skills.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to clarify goals, try methods that fit their preferences, and adjust plans over time so therapy stays relevant to changing needs. Clients take an active role in shaping what techniques are emphasized and how progress is measured.

Online therapy with Claudia is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue care across distances within California, and use shorter or longer interactions depending on what the client needs at the moment.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and family concerns, sleep problems, parenting challenges, anger, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

Her style is collaborative and affirming, blending client-centered techniques with structured approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients gain insight and practice new skills.

How long has she been practicing?

She has 12 years of professional experience providing mental health services in clinical settings.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a licensed clinical social worker in California holding the credential CA LCSW 109498.

Which languages does she offer therapy in?

Therapy is available in both English and Spanish to accommodate bilingual clients.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and scheduling.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English, Spanish