Celestine Serna

I'm Celestine, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with experience supporting teens, adults, and seniors through some of life's most challenging moments — anxiety that feels unmanageable, depression that makes everything feel heavy, ADHD that disrupts daily functioning, family conflict, identity questions, and the kind of stress that just doesn't go away on its own.

I work via telehealth, which means you can access support from wherever you are in California. My practice is covered by Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, BCBS, and Cigna — so you can focus on your wellbeing without worrying about cost being a barrier.

What matters most to me is that you feel genuinely heard from the first session. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach — I tailor everything to your specific situation, background, and goals.

My approach is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in evidence-based methods. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed practices — choosing the tools that best fit what you're working through.

Rather than pushing a single framework, I pay attention to what's actually helping and adjust as we go. Some clients need practical coping strategies and structure; others need space to process deeper experiences. Most need both at different times. I meet you where you are and we build from there.

I'm especially experienced helping clients work through anxiety and depression, navigate major life transitions, strengthen relationships, build self-esteem, and understand patterns that may have developed from past experiences.

The first session is really about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's been going on, what you're hoping to get out of therapy, and a bit about your history — but only at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There's no pressure to share everything at once.

By the end of our first meeting, you'll have a clearer sense of how I work, what our sessions might look like, and whether you feel comfortable moving forward together. I want you to leave feeling like you made a good decision coming — not overwhelmed or unsure.

Most importantly: you don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. Uncertainty is welcome here.