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MC Portrait of Dr. Maura Castellanos

Dr. Maura Castellanos

Experienced psychologist blending empathy and practical strategies

CA Psychologist 32123 California

Experience
12 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Maura

Dr. Maura Castellanos began her professional journey in addiction treatment and built on that foundation with graduate training in clinical psychology, culminating in a doctorate.

Background and approach

She has practiced across personal clinics, community settings, hospitals, and correctional facilities, accumulating 12 years of experience addressing a broad range of mental health concerns. Licensed in California as CA Psychologist 32123, she brings clinical assessment and intervention skills to work with children, adolescents, and adults.

Her style blends client-centered listening with practical, goal-oriented methods. Dr.

Castellanos values collaboration and seeks to understand each person's life context before tailoring an approach, often drawing on cognitive behavioral strategies along with existential and solution-focused techniques. She works with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and family problems, ADHD, caregiving stress, and other mood and life-transition concerns.

In online formats she offers flexible session options to fit varied schedules and needs, helping clients explore coping tools, rebuild routines, and identify actionable steps toward their goals. Prospective clients in California can begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Dr. Castellanos commonly uses cognitive behavioral approaches and client-centered methods in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaching practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and problematic coping. Client-Centered Therapy centers on empathic listening and collaboration, allowing clients to explore values, relationships, and personal meaning while guiding the pace and focus of sessions.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the collaborative process. The therapist assesses each person’s concerns, goals, and preferences and then recommends or blends methods to match those needs, adjusting as progress and priorities evolve over time.

Online formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it easier to access consistent care from California-based licensed professionals. These options offer flexibility for busy schedules, allow continuity across life changes, and provide different communication styles so clients can choose the format that feels most comfortable for working on issues like stress, relationships, recovery, or mood management.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this practice address?
Dr. Castellanos works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, ADHD, relationship and family problems, and related mood or life-transition concerns.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
She follows a client-centered framework that emphasizes empathy and collaboration, and integrates cognitive behavioral, existential, and solution-focused techniques to tailor care to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 12 years of clinical experience across settings such as independent practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
What are the therapist's credentials and where is she located?
She is licensed in California as CA Psychologist 32123 and practices with clients located in California.
Can nonlocal or international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time and provides services to clients within California in English.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Sessions may be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is pricing handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English