At a glance
- Credentials
- LMHC
- License
- LMHC, Washington / LH60861263
- NPI
- 1619499308
- Experience
- 12 years
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Location
- Washington
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivation-focused
- Bilingual English Spanish
- Strengths-based care
About Maria
Maria Castro is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Washington. She brings 12 years of experience helping people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and the everyday strains of parenting and relationships. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and Maria takes a strengths-based, person-centered approach that centers the client's perspective.
She focuses on clear, practical steps rather than jargon. Maria uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and find small changes that add up. Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolkit for people who want help finding the motivation to change.
Maria works with a broad range of concerns including stress, grief, anger, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, postpartum depression, and panic. She also supports people coping with trauma, dissociation, domestic violence, and physical injury. Multicultural issues and LGBT concerns are included in her focus areas.
Her style is respectful and inclusive. She treats clients as the experts in their own lives and offers guidance, options, and practical skills. Sessions are tailored to each person's goals and pace.
If someone is ready to take a step toward change, Maria helps them set concrete goals and build small habits that fit everyday life. She emphasizes collaboration, and helps people track progress along the way.
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Approaches for change in online sessions
Maria commonly uses Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify their reasons for change and build momentum toward goals. This approach focuses on the person's own values and strengths and can be useful for habits, motivation, and readiness to act.
She also integrates Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes listening and respect to help people feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears in her work to identify unhelpful thoughts and test more useful ways of thinking and behaving, which can help with anxiety, depression, and panic.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Maria will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts the style and pace based on how someone responds and the practical outcomes they want.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session options before booking. The therapist's formats are listed on her profile and can be discussed during scheduling. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time so therapy fits around school, work, or caregiving. -
Areas of expertise
Also works with
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderADHDAdditional focus areas
Communication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDomestic violenceForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyExperience
12+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English, Spanish
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Maria helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and parenting issues, self-esteem, bipolar and ADHD, as well as many related concerns like panic, grief, and postpartum depression.
What is Maria's therapeutic style?
Her approach is strengths-based and person-centered, focusing on the client's goals. She combines practical strategies from CBT and solution-focused work with motivational interviewing to support change.
How much experience does she have?
She has 12 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in Washington and practices in that state.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Maria?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions 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