Samantha Mendez

My name is Samantha Mendez and I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Livermore, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with youth and parents focusing primarily on anxiety, stress, and family building, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy as both approaches help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to build a path forward. My experience as a spouse and parent also inform my approach to clients.

My focus

I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for youth who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, family relationship issues, and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life. I also work with parents to help practice healthy communication and skill-building within the home.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always been interested in people and how individuals relate to one another. I used this curiosity to drive my career as a therapist. I believe everyone has the skills to better themselves and have always been drawn to helping others. I enjoy seeing individuals become better versions of themselves.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track your progress

My first session with you

The first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about how you’ve been feeling recently, and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward.