Amanda Garrick , LCSW

Amanda Garrick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings a depth of clinical training and practical experience to her therapeutic work. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Psychology and a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her background includes specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Treatment, and Mindfulness Therapy, and extensive experience with crisis intervention and risk assessment.

Amanda has provided treatment in community mental health settings, focusing on individuals managing depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, substance use, and severe or persistent mental illnesses. She prioritizes helping people strengthen coping strategies, build problem-solving skills, and recover a sense of agency after difficult experiences. Her clinical work also includes support for relationship and family issues, grief, addiction, ADHD, and a range of intimacy and behavioral concerns.

Amanda approaches therapy with an emphasis on acceptance and support, aiming to create a collaborative space where clients feel heard and empowered to pursue change. She is committed to guiding people through the process of identifying goals and developing practical tools to improve daily functioning and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Amanda Garrick

Amanda often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT is practical and skills-focused, and it can be useful for issues such as anxiety, depression, and coping with life stressors.

She also integrates Mindfulness Therapy to teach present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness techniques can reduce reactivity, support emotional regulation, and complement work on trauma, stress, and relapse prevention.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Amanda works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts strategies over time so treatment stays practical and relevant.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to maintain continuity of care from different locations. These options provide flexibility in how and when clients engage in therapy while allowing licensed professionals to deliver consistent, goal-oriented support.