At a glance
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, California / 27651
- NPI
- 1700298239
- Experience
- 20 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivation-focused
- Practical coping skills
- Values and meaning
About Amanda
Amanda Cross is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem. She guides clients through life changes and supports those feeling compassion fatigue. Amanda emphasizes strengths and motivation as people work toward clearer goals.
She has twenty years of professional experience and is licensed in California as an LCSW. In sessions she treats each person as the expert of their own story and looks for practical steps forward. Conversations focus on what matters most to the client and on small, doable changes that build confidence.
Amanda draws on Client-Centered approaches to keep sessions grounded in the client’s priorities. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and find concrete alternatives. Motivational Interviewing is part of her work to help people resolve mixed feelings and strengthen their own motivation to change.
She also incorporates mindfulness and existential ideas when they fit a person’s goals. Mindfulness helps with stress and staying present. Existential ideas help people find meaning and clarify values when life shifts or feels uncertain.
Amanda welcomes clear, honest conversation and practical planning. She supports caregivers, people coping with chronic illness or pain, those handling divorce or separation, and individuals facing isolation or questions about life purpose. Sessions aim to leave people with tools they can use between meetings.
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Approaches that translate to online sessions
Amanda uses Motivational Interviewing to help people resolve mixed feelings and strengthen personal reasons for change. This approach focuses on listening, gentle questioning, and building motivation from the client’s own values and goals.
She also practices Client-Centered Therapy, which centers sessions on the person’s priorities and experience. That means the therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects what matters, and supports whatever goals the client sets. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to spot unhelpful thoughts and test practical behavior changes that reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Amanda will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then adapt methods collaboratively. This helps tailor sessions so they match day-to-day needs and motivations.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a person’s week. Different approaches can be used effectively at a distance depending on goals and practical needs. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Caregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveWomen's issuesYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyExperience
20+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Amanda help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, divorce and separation, and questions about life purpose.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Sessions are collaborative and client-centered, focusing on the person’s goals and strengths. Expect practical suggestions, reflective listening, and work on motivation when making changes.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has twenty years of professional experience supporting people through major life transitions and emotional challenges. That background informs a steady, experienced approach in session.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
She holds a California LCSW, which is a licensed clinical social worker credential, and practices in California.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers