Dr. Carla Santana, EdD, PhD, LMFT

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:2

I believe it is important for you to feel completely comfortable with the person you choose for therapy. If you do not feel safe to share and be transparent, it can hinder and limit your ability to address the issues bringing you to therapy. Finding your best therapy connection today can offer you the life you have dreamed of, free from the hurts of the past, and filled with the hope of the future.

Not currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Santana is a CAMFT-certified clinical supervisor. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from San Diego State University. Following her bachelor’s, she earned two master’s degrees: one in counseling psychology and the other in philosophy. She received her Doctorate of Education in counseling psychology from Argosy University. In August 2023, Dr. Santana also received a Doctorate of Philosophy in forensic psychology from Walden University. Her experience includes 26 years of marriage and family counseling; psychological services for adults, adolescents, and children; facilitator of court-ordered domestic violence classes for the Riverside County Probation Department; extensive work with populations who have experienced PTSD and trauma (such as veterans and first responders); and the general population.

The experience I bring to supervising my associates incorporates the therapeutic approaches which I have successfully utilized for over two decades, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), polyvagal theory, existential theory, and solution-focused and schema therapies. My extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma allows me to guide the associates to support them in recognizing and treating the deeply embedded life experiences you may have suffered. My approach is holistic, meaning I encourage treatment of the whole person and addressing all aspects of care, including factoring any existing medical conditions that may adversely affect your mental health. My belief, which I pass on to the associates, is that talk therapy, integrated with holistic practices, creates a healing environment that is safe, judgment free, and conducive to living your best life now.