Dr. Katherine Ortega

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work, specializing in trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in helping you feel genuinely understood.

I have extensive experience working in crisis intervention and community mental health, supporting individuals facing overwhelming emotions, life transitions, and high-stress situations.

Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply ready to better understand yourself, therapy with me is a space where we work together at your pace. I believe healing happens through safety, insight, and healthy relationships.

I am committed to supporting survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, as well as other mental health professionals seeking clarity, encouragement, and a safe space to explore.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and centered on creating a space where you feel genuinely safe and understood. I view therapy as a partnership—we work together to explore what’s bringing you in while moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

I integrate trauma-informed care with evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, interpersonal psychotherapy, and nervous-system informed techniques. This allows us to not only explore thoughts and emotions, but also understand how stress and past experiences may be impacting your body, reactions, and relationships.

I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and practical tools they can apply in everyday life. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, resilient, and aligned with the life you want to create.

In our first session, we focus on building comfort, clarity, and connection. I’ll spend time understanding what brings you in, exploring relevant background information, and discussing what you hope to gain from therapy.

This session is not about pressure or immediate deep dives — it’s about creating a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. I approach the conversation with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your pace.

Together, we’ll begin identifying priorities, patterns, or goals that can guide our work. Clients often leave the first session feeling more at ease, with a clearer sense of next steps and how therapy can support their needs.