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Headshot of Elma Samantha Quintero, LCSW

Elma Samantha Quintero

Therapist
16 years of experience
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues
  • Family therapy, Individual therapy, Couples therapy

Great to meet you!

Culturally Aware, Compassionate Care

I understand how family, culture, and language shape our lives, and I strive to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and valued. With 16 years of experience, I’ve helped clients through relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, and stress. I believe you are the expert of your own story—my role is to walk alongside you with compassion, encouragement, and respect.

My approach to therapy

My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally attuned. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, respected, and fully heard, so I focus on building a supportive relationship where you can explore challenges at your own pace. I see you as the expert of your own story, and I strive to walk alongside you—offering compassion, encouragement, and tools to help you move toward the changes you want to see.

In my work, I often draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based practices. I also integrate mindfulness, self-compassion, and culturally responsive perspectives, tailoring my approach to fit your unique needs.

My areas of focus include life transitions, relationship challenges, grief and loss, stress, self-esteem, and navigating cultural or family dynamics. Whether you are coping with a major change or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you uncover your strengths and create a path toward growth and healing.

What you can expect from me

Clients often leave sessions feeling heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools they can apply in their daily lives. Together, we’ll work on building insight into patterns, strengthening coping skills, and uncovering personal strengths that can guide you forward. I hope that you walk away with a greater sense of clarity, confidence, and resilience, as well as the reassurance that you don’t have to face challenges alone.

About me

  • I identify as
    Other Racial or Ethnic Background, Hispanic, Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Creative, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    16 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Southern California, MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Southern California
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues
  • More specialties
    Depression, Family issues, Stress management, End of life care, Identity issues, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Attachment Based Family Therapy, Attachment Based, Structural Family, Narrative Therapy, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Care types
    Family therapy, Individual therapy, Couples therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English, Spanish
  • Location
    450 West California Avenue 212
    Vista, CA 92083