About Maria
Maria Montano is a licensed clinical social worker in California with 20 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma and abuse. Maria aims to support people who are struggling with self-esteem, motivation, and relationship difficulties.
She approaches care with a belief that each person knows their own story best. Maria helps clients build on their strengths and take practical steps toward change.
Background and approach
She encourages small, achievable goals so progress feels real and steady. In sessions she works through communication problems, issues around forgiveness, and feelings of guilt or shame. Maria also addresses isolation, social anxiety, and questions about life purpose and self-love.
Conversations are straightforward and geared to everyday problems people face. Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people learn new ways of thinking and behaving. She aims to create a supportive space where clients can practice skills and test different responses to difficult situations.
The focus is on what will make life feel more manageable and meaningful. Her work is practical and collaborative. Maria helps clients weigh options, try new strategies, and notice what works.
She supports steady progress rather than quick fixes.
Approaches and online care that fit your life
Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts so they feel less anxious and more in control; it is useful for stress, anxiety, and low mood. Another approach focuses on building skills for healthier relationships and clearer communication, which helps with conflict, connection, and social anxiety. A third technique she may use involves processing painful experiences gradually so they have less power over daily life and relationships.Finding the right method is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their needs, goals, and comfort level. She reviews progress and adjusts the plan so the therapy stays useful and relevant.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when deeper interaction is helpful. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging let people send shorter updates, keep momentum between sessions, or work through issues in smaller steps. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while still working toward meaningful change.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
What is her background and experience?
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
What session formats are available?
How are fees and billing handled?
How do I begin working with her?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
Also works with
- Experience
- 20 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English