MM Portrait of Maria Montano

Maria Montano, LCSW

Experienced LCSW focused on anxiety and stress

20 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Maria

Maria Montano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 20 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety and supports those dealing with relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Maria approaches care with a practical, supportive style.

She emphasizes the client’s strengths and respects each person’s story. Maria sees the first step as listening. She helps people name what feels most pressing and chooses clear, manageable goals together.

Book with Maria Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Sessions aim to build coping skills, increase confidence, and reduce symptoms that get in the way of daily life. The tone is collaborative and straightforward. Her work includes addressing communication problems, shame and guilt, isolation and loneliness, and social anxiety or phobia.

She also helps people explore life purpose, forgiveness, and self-love when those topics arise. Interventions are presented in everyday language and tied to each person’s real-world needs. Maria believes people already have strengths to draw on.

She supports clients as they try new strategies, reflect on patterns, and practice different ways of responding to stress. Progress is paced to fit each person’s situation and goals. Overall, her approach is steady and practical.

She offers guidance, encouragement, and concrete techniques to help people move toward a more satisfying life.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people manage anxiety, stress, and trauma. One approach focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns, teaching practical ways to shift reactions and reduce anxious thinking. Another approach centers on building coping skills and emotional regulation through step-by-step practice, useful for stress, panic, and mood challenges.

Finding the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will work with each person to learn what feels most helpful and try techniques that fit their goals and how they prefer to work. Adjustments are made as progress unfolds so care stays relevant to daily life.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs. Video calls work well for in-depth conversations and reading nonverbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for quick check-ins. Live chat and text messaging suit short updates, brief coping support, or when writing feels more comfortable. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy schedules.
Book with Maria Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Maria address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Additional focuses include communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation or loneliness, life purpose, self-love, and social anxiety.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses a straightforward, collaborative approach that highlights a person’s strengths. Sessions focus on practical skills and small, achievable steps toward goals.
What is her professional background?
Maria has worked in the field for 20 years and brings long-term clinical experience supporting people with anxiety and related concerns.
Which credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California and practices there.
Are sessions available in other languages or countries?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to start therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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