Margaret Garcia

I've spent nearly 30 years working with people carrying more than they should have to — trauma survivors, people in recovery, adults navigating grief, anxiety, depression, and the particular kind of exhaustion that comes from living between cultures. I work in both English and Spanish because I know that language isn't just about communication — it's about feeling truly understood. My practice is fully online and available to anyone in California, which means geography doesn't have to be a barrier to getting good help.

I also hold a Master's in Gerontology alongside my clinical social work training, so if you're an older adult — or if you're supporting an aging parent and carrying the weight of that — I understand that experience in a way most therapists don't. I accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Carelon, and offer a sliding scale for those who need flexibility.

Therapy with me is collaborative and honest — I won't give you a checklist of instructions and call it healing. I draw from evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT, trauma-focused therapy, CPT, and psychodynamic work, but the tools always serve the person, not the other way around. If you need structured strategies to get through the week, we'll work on that. If you need space to finally talk about something you've never said out loud, we'll go there too. Most of my clients have tried to handle things on their own for a long time — part of my job is showing you a different way.

Expect a real conversation — not an intake form with a face on it. We'll talk about what brought you here, what's been getting in the way, and what you're hoping for. I'll ask questions, and I want you to ask yours too. By the end of our first session, you'll have a clear sense of how I work and whether this feels right. There's no pressure to have it all figured out before we start — that's what the work is for.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation before your first full session so you can get a feel for the fit. Reach out anytime — mornings, evenings, and weekend slots are available.