Licensed clinical social worker recordCalifornia
Michelle Santana, LCSW
California
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - stress and relationships
Continue with MichelleCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in California
- LCSW, licence 74694
- NPI
- 1306271283
- Experience
- 10 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
These details come from information Michelle supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem work
About Michelle
Michelle Santana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California with ten years of clinical experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life changes. Sessions focus on practical steps that reduce daily strain and improve how people feel and act.
Michelle uses straightforward talk therapy to address mood and relationship issues. She helps people name their stressors, notice unhelpful patterns, and try small changes that can make a day easier. When someone feels isolated or stuck, she works with them to build clearer communication and more reliable routines.
Her approach includes attention to motivation and confidence. Michelle supports people in identifying values and goals, then breaking them into manageable actions. She also works on social anxiety and phobia by helping people practice skills for real situations and reflect on what did or did not work.
Michelle pays attention to the practical parts of life that affect mental health - work, money, family responsibilities, and daily habits. She offers a steady, problem-focused style aimed at making coping more effective. Sessions are conversational and task-oriented, with take-home steps when helpful.
People looking for help with communication problems, low self-love, or finding life purpose will find her approach goal-focused and concrete. To begin, a short questionnaire and an initial session help clarify priorities and next steps.
BHow sessions work
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Michelle works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach is problem-focused cognitive work, which helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test different responses in daily life. This approach is useful for anxiety, mood challenges, and managing stressful reactions.Another frequently used approach centers on skills practice for social situations and communication. That method involves rehearsing specific phrases or behaviors and reviewing what helped, which can reduce social anxiety and improve relationship interactions. Both approaches are action-oriented and emphasize small, repeated steps.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michelle collaborates with each person to decide what fits best based on their goals, current struggles, and what feels practical for day-to-day life. She adjusts techniques over time as needs change and progress becomes clearer.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as they are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises to the online setting so skills are practiced between sessions and discussed at the next meeting.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include communication problems, isolation, life purpose, and social anxiety.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and conversational, focused on identifying patterns and trying specific steps. Sessions often include skills practice and goal setting tailored to everyday life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of clinical experience. That work includes helping people with mood and relationship concerns.
Where is she licensed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Confirm pricing details during the intake process.
What are the steps to get started?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. The initial steps help clarify goals and session structure.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers