Dr. Gabriela Castaneda

Hello! I am Dr. Gabriela Castaneda, a bilingual and bicultural psychologist who specializes in working with first responders — including law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, and their families — who often face unique stressors related to trauma exposure, high-pressure work environments, critical incidents, burnout, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship strain. I understand the first responder culture and the language and as such, understand the emotional impact that this work can have not only on the individual, but also on the family system. I am committed to helping clients strengthen resilience, process difficult experiences, and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.

I am committed to providing compassionate, individualized care in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Trust, honesty, and open communication are crucial to establish a therapeutic relationship and to work collaboratively with each client to support their unique goals and needs. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and integrate evidence-based treatments, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and client-centered therapies to support individuals facing concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship difficulties.

My goal is to create an emotionally safe environment where you feel comfortable being yourself and sharing at your own pace. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building on trust and open communication. During this initial meeting, we will discuss what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, personal history, and the goals you hope to achieve through treatment. It is also a space for you to ask questions, share what you are looking for in therapy, and determine whether the therapeutic approach feels like the right fit for your needs.