Nicole Macias, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Nicole!

I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy with experience in crisis and acute care. As a veteran who served and worked closely with the veteran population, I understand firsthand the impact of crisis and trauma on those who serve. I'm also a mother and wife juggling it all, so I get how hard life can be.

My focus

I'm passionate about working with veterans, active service members, mothers, people dealing with real life, individuals navigating faith, those feeling stuck, and anyone facing depression or anxiety. There's nothing better than watching a person grow, and I'm here for all of it.

My approach

I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and reshape unhelpful thought patterns so you feel more in control. For emotion regulation struggles, dialectical behavioral therapy offers mindfulness, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance tools. I also use somatic therapy to help you understand how emotions appear in your body.

My communication style

I'm not a buttoned-down therapist. Come as you are—cuss if you need to, cry if you need to. I want to be in the trenches with you, guiding you to a more meaningful life. I value honesty and being direct. You'll always have encouragement, kindness, and truth, even when it's hard to hear.

My journey to mental healthcare

During my time working with veterans, I found deep purpose in helping people who struggle with their mental health. I didn't always have someone, and I know how daunting it can be to face challenges alone. When I became a mother, everything changed, and I learned so much that I wish I'd known sooner.

My goals for you

I listen, teach, and stay patient. I understand setbacks and push you to keep trying. We'll set attainable, measurable goals, identify why they matter to you, and work together every session so you feel extra supported. This is a partnership, and giving up is not an option.

Our first session

The first session is me getting to know you, why you're seeking therapy, and your life experience. I may ask hard questions, but I don't expect your life story in a day. All relationships take time to build, therapy included. I'll do my best to ease your worry.

I identify as...

Female
Prefer Not to Respond
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Art Therapy

Attachment-based

Dialectical (DBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

Psychoanalytic

+ 8 more

Focus populations

Military/Veterans

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Centivo
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 40 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Northridge.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Nicole Macias