Dr. Maura Castellanos , CA Psychologist 32123

Dr. Maura Castellanos brings a blend of clinical training and hands-on experience to her work as a licensed psychologist in California. She began her career more than a decade ago as a chemical dependency technician in a dual diagnosis treatment facility and went on to complete a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy, followed by a doctorate in clinical psychology. She uses the pronouns she/her and holds the license CA Psychologist 32123, indicating licensure to practice psychology in California.

Her clinical background spans private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional settings. Over the course of 12 years she has provided psychological assessment and intervention for children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a broad range of concerns. Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, coping with life changes, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting challenges, self-esteem, career concerns, and compassion fatigue.

Dr. Castellanos describes her work as client-centered and collaborative, honoring each person as a whole while planning treatment that reflects their unique circumstances. She integrates multiple therapeutic methods to tailor care to the individual in front of her, and she aims to partner with clients to identify practical, meaningful steps toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Castellanos integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration, providing space for clients to explore values, identity, and relational patterns and helping with issues such as self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns. CBT is a practical, skills-based approach that identifies patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, and helps clients develop strategies to change unhelpful habits.

She may also draw on existential therapy when clients face questions about meaning, purpose, or navigating major life changes; this approach supports reflection on personal values and choices rather than prescribing a single solution. Deciding which approach or combination of approaches to use is a collaborative process. Dr. Castellanos works with each person to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how and when to meet, with options for video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to access care from home or during a busy schedule, and they allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent support across different life demands.