Carlos Camarena , LSCSW

Carlos Camarena began his helping-profession career in 1980 as a case manager working with people who had severe physical disabilities, taking his first steps into direct service soon after completing undergraduate studies. Influenced by a family tradition of social work, he pursued advanced training and earned a Master of Social Work in 1991. After graduate school he joined a county mental health program that served people with severe mental illness who had become homeless, gaining hands-on experience treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and thought disorders.

Over time he developed into a generalist who is comfortable addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, from mood and anxiety disorders to trauma and substance-related issues. Central to his practice is a commitment to treating each person with respect and dignity, listening closely to what they need, and working to meet those needs. He emphasizes practical coping skills and collaborative problem solving, striving to identify solutions that reduce the negative impact of mental health challenges on daily life.

Carlos holds the LSCSW credential, a licensed clinical social work qualification that reflects advanced training and clinical experience.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with a clinical social worker

Carlos Camarena often draws on client-centered therapy, which focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the individual’s priorities guide the work. This approach helps people who need empathy and understanding while they explore personal goals and values. He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - a structured method that looks at the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and offers practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and related concerns. When trauma is a central issue, trauma-focused therapy provides targeted strategies to process traumatic experiences and reduce their ongoing impact.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. He works with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time based on progress and feedback. Licensed professionals and therapists use this kind of flexible, client-centered planning to improve fit and effectiveness.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer greater flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to connect from different locations. These formats support regular, accessible care while allowing therapists and clients to choose the communication style that works best for them.