Sara Hartley, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Sara!

I am a clinical social worker licensed in California, Hawaii, Missouri, and Ohio. My experience comes from providing professional social work services in maximum security mental health facilities, state and federal prisons, outpatient community mental health centers, federal medical and law enforcement agencies, and private practice via telehealth.

My focus

I typically work with adult clients experiencing depression and anxiety, loneliness, grief, phobias, life transitions, career uncertainties, crime victimization, and individuals trying to cope with serious mental illness.

My approach

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques.

My communication style

I enjoy a work environment where each person can feel safe in honest, non-judgmental discussions while feeling heard and understood. But I like to have fun with our conversations too as we get to know each other!

My journey to mental healthcare

As a young child, I seemed to be surrounded by adults with mental disorders, including a few family members. Before I graduated from high school I realized I had a responsibility to learn how to help people and their families who were struggling.

My goals for you

I start with having the client identify one or more problems and have them decide which they are prepared to concentrate on. Together we develop achievable and measurable objectives for each goal. I provide regular check-ins and offer feedback. I like to be flexible with goals as sometimes issues crop up that need more urgent attention.

Our first session

During our first session, I will explore why you sought or were referred for treatment, conduct a review of medical and behavioral treatment history, and have a discussion about your support system. Mostly, I want to get to know all the dimensions of your life that make you unique!

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Agnostic

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma Focused

Compassion Focused

Interpersonal

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 5 more

Focus populations

Police/Fire/First Responders

Single Mother

Transgender

Educators

Gay

Lesbian

Military/Veterans

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Racial Justice

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Luminare Health (formerly Trustmark)
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Missouri - Columbia.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Sara Hartley