Dr. Estela Salgado-Cohen

Seeking therapy is a courageous step, and my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. I believe every person has a unique story, and together we can make sense of the experiences that have shaped who you are today.

I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and 18 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. My background includes community mental health, behavioral health treatment, and clinical leadership, allowing me to support clients through a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship concerns, grief, stress, and life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with first responders, veterans, military families, healthcare professionals, and individuals who have experienced traumatic events. I am passionate about providing culturally responsive care and have dedicated much of my career to serving underserved and underrepresented communities because I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected. Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to. Therapy is a collaborative process where you can safely explore challenges while building on your strengths. You don't have to wait until you've "hit rock bottom" to ask for help. My goal is to help you move beyond simply managing symptoms by gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, building resilience and confidence, strengthening your relationships, and creating meaningful, lasting change that extends beyond the therapy room.

I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. Rather than telling you what to do, I work alongside you to understand the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you from living the life you want. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-focused approaches including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Trauma-Focused CBT when appropriate. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop practical coping skills, increase psychological flexibility, and create meaningful, lasting change. I believe healing happens by building on your existing strengths, not simply focusing on problems. Together, we'll identify practical tools you can begin using right away while also exploring the deeper experiences that contribute to lasting change. My goal is to help you feel empowered, resilient, and confident in your ability to navigate life's challenges.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. I'll spend time learning about what brings you to therapy, your personal history, your current challenges, and what you hope to accomplish. We'll also discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the therapy process. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of direction. Together, we'll begin identifying meaningful goals and create a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and priorities. Depending on your concerns, I may also introduce practical strategies or coping skills that you can begin using between sessions. Most importantly, our first appointment is about building trust. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe, respected, and understood, and I strive to create that environment from the very beginning.