Maryann Foster, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Maryann!

I help individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate a wide range of mental health needs. My approach is warm, empathic, and person-centered, drawing on advanced training in modern psychodynamic theory. I welcome humor, individuality, and creativity in our work together.

My focus

I am open to working with individuals from age 13 to 99+, my preferred population is professionals from 23 to 45. I have worked effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and identities, and have not found it a barrier in my practice. I am comfortable treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and many more.

My approach

I have advanced clinical training in Intersubjective Self Psychology, a modern psychodynamic theory that focuses on self-esteem and awareness, and our relationships to others and whatever holds importance to us. My approach is person-centered, down-to-earth, conversational, warm, empathic, and welcomes humor, individuality, and creativity.

My communication style

I create an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and empathic. You should feel known by me and experience unconditional positive regard, flexibility, and acceptance.

My journey to mental healthcare

I started out in undergraduate school as a music education major, quickly gravitating to special needs children. This interest led me to my first graduate degree in Creative Arts Therapy, and I worked in that field for a number of years, working with both children and adults. I then added my MSW degree and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

My goals for you

During intake and periodically throughout treatment, I help you formulate goals, summarize progress, and identify where things feel stuck and why.

Our first session

I complete the initial intake in an informal way, using an intake outline, but encouraging a conversational flow to the session. I also like to talk about goals, my approach, what has helped or not helped in treatment in the past, expectations for therapy, including "why at this time in your life?" I like to leave clients with a sense of hope.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

+ 17 more

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Expressive Arts

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Psychoanalytic

+ 5 more

Focus populations

HIV/AIDS

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Body Positivity

Educators

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

Lesbian

Queer

Single Mother

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Aetna - Medicare Advantage
Alignment Health Plan - Medicare Advantage
All Savers
Allegiance

+ 73 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work at New York University (1990) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Maryann Foster