Susana Montanez, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Susana!

Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether you’re carrying the weight of anxiety, healing from trauma, navigating relationship challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself. I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as we work together.

My focus

I work with adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, stress, self-esteem challenges, and family conflict. Also, I have experience supporting individuals navigating cultural identity, immigration-related stress, caregiver fatigue, and major life changes.

My approach

I believe each person already possesses the inner wisdom and strength needed for healing. My role is to help you reconnect with those strengths, gain insight into the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools that allow you to move forward with greater confidence, peace, and purpose.

My communication style

My clients often describe me as relatable, genuine, and easy to talk to. I listen deeply without judgment while gently offering feedback, perspective, and practical tools that support your growth. I believe healing happens when people feel emotionally safe.

My journey to mental healthcare

My passion for becoming a therapist grew from a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. Healing is possible, even after life’s most difficult moments. It is a privilege to support people as they rediscover hope, reconnect with themselves, and create lives that feel more authentic and fulfilling.

My goals for you

Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve relationships, heal from past experiences, establish healthy boundaries, establish healthy boundaries, increase self-confidence, or simply feel more like yourself again, we’ll work collaboratively and adjust our plan as your needs evolve.

Our first session

Our first session is simply an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, explore your goals, and discuss what you’d like to be different in your life. There is no pressure to share everything at once. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you while building a therapeutic relationship.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 3 more

Focus populations

LGBTQIA+

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

BIPOC

Educators

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

Lesbian

Queer

Racial Justice

Sex Worker

Transgender

+ 12 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo
Ascension-SmartHealth

+ 17 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) in Psychology/Mental health/Policy from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master of Science Psychology (MSPSY) from California State University, Long Beach.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Susana Montanez