Skip to main content
Headway
Headshot of Estela Salgado-Cohen, LMFT

Dr. Estela Salgado-Cohen

Therapist(She/Her)
18 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy, Couples therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

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 that 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 and Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience helping individuals, couples, first responders, veterans, and families navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and stress. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I recognize that healing looks different for everyone, and I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs, values, and goals.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking to better understand yourself, my goal is to help you build insight, develop practical coping skills, strengthen your relationships, and move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

My approach to therapy

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.

What you can expect from me

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.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Hispanic, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Solution Oriented, Empowering, Affirming

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    18 years of experience
  • Training
    PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) at Alliant International University, MS (Master of Science) at San Diego State University
  • License type
    LMFT (Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna

Care details

  • Top specialties
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues
  • Therapy methods
    Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Attachment Based, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, Prolonged Exposure (PE), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Solution Focused Couples Therapy, Humanistic, Art Therapy, Seeking Safety, Relational, Trauma Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Bowen Family Systems
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Couples therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
  • Languages
    English, Spanish
  • Location
    680 East Colorado Boulevard Ste 180
    Pasadena, CA 91101
Next available