CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

KS Portrait of Kirsten Suarez

Kirsten Suarez

Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes

LMFT California

Experience
3 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Kirsten

About Kirsten

Kirsten Suarez is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who focuses on stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, anger, depression, LGBT issues, relationship and family dynamics, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and ADHD.

Background and approach

She also brings extensive background in behavioral work with autism and related developmental differences, along with experience addressing caregiver stress, codependency, intellectual disability, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and panic symptoms. With three years of licensed clinical practice, she combines that work with a longer history in behavior analysis to inform practical, goal-oriented care.

Her therapeutic manner is described as warm, collaborative, and supportive, emphasizing respect, sensitivity, and compassion without stigmatizing labels. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused strategies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness practices to tailor conversations and treatment plans to each person’s needs.

Sessions emphasize present-focused problem solving and skill-building to improve everyday functioning and life satisfaction. Kirsten frames therapy as a team effort, offering encouragement and guidance for those ready to make changes.

She welcomes clients who are prepared to take steps toward clearer goals and improved coping, and she structures work to match individual preferences and practical objectives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options



Kirsten uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, and ADHD-related challenges. She also employs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values, build psychological flexibility, and develop acceptance-based skills for coping with difficult emotions and life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used when emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness are central concerns, providing concrete tools for managing intense feelings and improving relationships.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative; the therapist works with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and current needs. Over the first sessions she will tailor techniques and a plan, adjusting as progress and priorities become clearer to ensure the work remains relevant and practical.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it possible to access licensed professionals from different locations in California, fit sessions into busy routines, and continue work between appointments through messaging when appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, anger, depression, LGBT concerns, relationship and family difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and ADHD, as well as related areas like autism, caregiver stress, codependency, intellectual disability, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and panic symptoms.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is warm, collaborative, and supportive, emphasizing respect and sensitivity. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused methods, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to tailor care.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist and additional background in behavioral work with autism and developmental differences prior to licensure.
Where is she licensed and what are her credentials?
She holds the title LMFT and is licensed in California with the license number CA LMFT 106536.
Does she offer services in languages other than English or to international clients?
Services are provided in English only and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for remote work?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are sessions paid for and what does therapy cost?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyIntellectual disabilityObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacks

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English