Dr. Sandra Santana, PsyD, Psychologist
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Dr. Sandra Santana, PsyD

Psychologist | Clinical

28494 Westinghouse Pl Suite 314 Valencia CA, 91355
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About

My therapeutic approach is to be active and directive, and to provide emotional support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal life challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, death, divorce, career issues, and adolescent adjustment, among others. I integrate effective methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client, although my focus tends to be within the cognitive behavioral therapy framework. With compassion, empathy and understanding, I work with each individual to help you build on your strengths and to attain the personal growth you are committed to accomplishing.

Education and Training

Rutgers University Psy.D. 2000

Loyola Marymount University BA in Psychology 1992

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish
Dr. Sandra Santana, PsyD
Dr. Sandra Santana, PsyD's Expert Contributions
  • What is generalized anxiety disorder?

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder in and of itself is not dangerous. However, depending on severity it could really impact one's functioning. Treatment includes therapy, such cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure therapy, and medication. Talk to the person who diagnosed you to see what is best for you. READ MORE

  • Is therapy alone sufficient for depression?

    You would have to get evaluated to see if therapy alone is sufficient for depression. Some people need medication to treat the depression while doing therapy but others don't. READ MORE

  • What are the different approaches to treating addiction?

    I don't treat addiction. I would suggest talking to an addiction specialist. READ MORE

  • What are the treatment options for a panic disorder?

    the best treatment for panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure therapy. Some people need medication in conjunction with therapy. Ask the person who diagnosed you what is the best option for you. READ MORE

  • How long does it typically take for therapy to be effective for depression?

    It depends on the severity. I suggest seeing a psychologist for an evaluation. READ MORE

  • Should I take medications for panic attacks?

    It depends on the severity. I suggest seeing a psychologist for an evaluation. READ MORE

  • Can ADHD be fixed?

    People are born with ADHD and will have it for life but if it impairs one functioning, there is medication for it and executive functioning coaches who can help the person find strategies to manage it. ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence, "laziness", or any other negative perception of it. The brain is just wired differently making it hard to focus and not be impulsive. READ MORE

  • What are the treatment options for depression?

    Therapy with or without medication. I suggest getting evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist to see what is the best option for you. READ MORE

  • What are the common types of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs?

    I cannot talk about medication as it is out of my scope. I suggest talking to a medical doctor such as your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. READ MORE

  • Could this be bipolar disorder, and how is it managed?

    There are many reasons for people to have mood swings. I suggest seeing by a psychologist for an evaluation. READ MORE

  • What are the best treatments for anxiety?

    It depends on what type of anxiety you have, the severity of it and the impact it has on your life. Therapy with or without medication is very effective but I suggest you get evaluated by a psychologist to see what is the best treatment for you. READ MORE

  • What is the treatment for panic disorder?

    I can't speak about your panic disorder exactly, but in general, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and most of the time antidepressants (SSRIs) are the standard treatment. CBT helps the client learn how to change their behaviors (usually avoidance) and their thoughts (usually catastrophic) along with relaxation techniques to help manage the panic/anxiety. There is also interoceptive exposure that is effective. Usually medication alone is not as effective as therapy. READ MORE

  • How long should I take medications for panic attacks?

    Hi. You will have to ask a psychiatrist. Talking about medications is outside my scope. READ MORE

  • Are there natural treatments for anxiety?

    I don't know about natural remedies, as that is outside my scope. But the best treatment for anxiety if you don't want to take medications, is cognitive behavioral therapy. READ MORE

  • Is depression serious?

    Depending on the severity of the depression, it can be very serious. Treatment options include antidepressants, therapy (best is cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance commitment therapy), intensive outpatient programs or inpatient. The most common are medications in combination with therapy. READ MORE

  • What is bipolar disorder?

    This is actually a complicated answer but to make is simple, it is basically when a person cycles from feeling severe depression to having severe highs, which we call a manic or hypomanic phase. They feel on top of the world, they have increased energy and don't need sleep, they don't believe consequences apply to them, can talk fast and think fast, etc. Both the depression and mania have to interfere with functioning. But if you need more answers, check out NAMI. READ MORE

  • Can depression medications cause more harm?

    You will have to ask a psychiatrist about the specific effects of depression medication, as that is outside my scope. What I can say is that many of my clients are on antidepressants (SSRIs' or SNRI's) and they have been extremely effective and helpful. I have not seen any harm. However, if you need specifics, please ask a medical doctor, best a psychiatrist. READ MORE

  • What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and how is it treated?

    In simple terms, OCD is when a person has a lot of obsessions (thoughts, usually catastrophic) and compulsion (rituals, like checking things, repeating behaviors) to decrease their distress that comes from the thoughts. It turns into a vicious cycle and usually worsens over time if not treated. It's treated with medications, usually an antidepressant (SSRI) and therapy. The most effective therapy is Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention or ERP. READ MORE

  • What is generalized anxiety disorder, and how is it treated?

    I cannot comment on your experience specifically, but GAD is when a person has constant, uncontrollable worry that interferes with their functioning. Treatment is typically cognitive behavioral therapy and, depending on severity, antidepressants like SSRIs. It's treatable. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Cognitive Behavioral TherapyExposure therapy for PTSD, Phobias, OCDAnxiety DisordersMood DisordersRelationship IssuesGrief

Professional Memberships

  • Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (ABCT)  

Dr. Sandra Santana, PsyD's Practice location

Dr. Sandra Santana - Private practice

28494 Westinghouse Pl Suite 314 -
Valencia, CA 91355
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New patients: 661-432-1194
https://drsandrasantana.com/

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