Claudia Santiago, LCSW

Claudia Santiago is a California-based licensed clinician with more than twelve years of experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. She practices with a culturally responsive perspective as a therapist of color, attending to cultural context while centering each person’s individual strengths and goals. Claudia holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - a professional qualification indicating advanced training in mental health assessment and social work treatment.

Her clinical work addresses a broad spectrum of concerns, including stress, self-esteem, relationship and family challenges, addictions, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting, coping with chronic illness, and adjustment to life changes. Claudia’s approach is collaborative and affirming; she partners with clients to explore patterns, build insight, and develop practical strategies that support growth and resilience. Drawing on evidence-based methods, she helps clients cultivate self-compassion and practical skills to move toward more balanced, fulfilling lives.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Claudia brings an accessible, strengths-oriented style to her practice in California, working with individuals to create a therapeutic plan that reflects their needs, values, and goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Claudia Santiago integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Therapy into her online practice. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a collaborative relationship in which the therapist listens closely and supports clients in identifying their own goals and strengths - this approach is useful for building self-esteem, improving communication, and navigating identity concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on recognizing and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is often applied to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and coping with stress. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical techniques for managing intense emotions and everyday stressors, supporting greater emotional regulation and resilience.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Claudia works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts treatment as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps ensure care fits the individual's circumstances.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. These options allow clients to connect with licensed professionals and therapists from home or other convenient locations, making consistent care more accessible while accommodating diverse communication preferences.