Dr. Maura Castellanos

Dr. Maura Castellanos is a clinical psychologist practicing in California. She began her career as a chemical dependency technician in a dual diagnosis treatment setting and went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy, followed by a doctorate in clinical psychology. She brings 12 years of experience across private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional settings.

She works in a client-centered way, meeting each person where they are and focusing on what matters to them. Sessions are collaborative and direct. She listens for patterns, practical obstacles, and small strengths that can be used to make changes.

Her background includes work with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, ADHD, and relationship and family concerns. She also supports people facing caregiver strain, chronic illness, codependency, and substance use problems. That range means she is used to shifting approaches to match the situation.

In practice she draws from approaches such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Treatment plans are shaped around the individual, combining ideas to address thoughts, behaviors, meaning, and short-term goals.

Dr. Castellanos aims to help people find workable steps forward. She encourages realistic goals, steady progress, and honest conversation about setbacks. Prospective clients are invited to begin with the platform’s matching steps and schedule according to therapist availability.

How Dr. Castellanos Uses Therapy Models Online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the client. The therapist prioritizes the person’s perspective and supports them in finding their own solutions, which can help with feelings of anger, grief, and low self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; this approach is often useful for anxiety, depression, and issues with anger or sleep.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they decide which methods to use and adjust the plan as progress is made or needs change.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins from different locations. It can also make shorter, focused appointments possible when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and pacing to the online setting to keep work practical and goal-oriented.