CBT Therapist Directory

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Macarena Santelices, MD, LCPC, LPCC

Collaborative therapist for stress and relationships
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Relationship support
  • Practical coping strategies

About Macarena Santelices

Macarena Santelices brings 14 years of professional experience to her therapeutic work, holding credentials as an MD, LCPC, and LPCC. She is licensed to practice in California and Maryland. Her approach centers on helping people manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship and family conflicts, and build motivation, self-esteem, and confidence.

Macarena approaches each person as the expert of their own story and looks for the strengths that already exist to support change. She meets clients where they are and collaborates with them to clarify priorities and set achievable goals. Her style emphasizes practical support and steady encouragement as clients work through challenges.

Macarena is clear about the scope of her practice - she does not provide trauma therapy, and those seeking trauma-focused work are encouraged to find a therapist who specializes in that area. She acknowledges that beginning therapy takes courage and views the decision to start as an important first step, offering support and guidance as clients move forward.

Credentials explained: MD indicates a medical doctor; LCPC and LPCC are counseling licenses that reflect specialized clinical training in mental health care.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also Specializes In

Parenting issuesCoping with life changes

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Macarena Santelices have?

Macarena Santelices has 14 years of professional experience.

Is Macarena Santelices a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds these credentials: MD, LCPC, LPCC. License details: MD LCPC LC11084, CA LPCC 16678.

In which languages does Macarena Santelices provide therapy?

Macarena Santelices provides therapy in English.

Where is Macarena Santelices located?

Macarena Santelices is located in California.

How can I work with Macarena Santelices as my therapist?

You can work with Macarena Santelices through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Macarena Santelices work with international clients?

Macarena Santelices does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Macarena Santelices cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Evidence-informed approaches and online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, low motivation, and problems with self-esteem by teaching concrete skills to shift thoughts and actions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, focuses on building skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be useful for strong emotions, relationship conflicts, impulsivity, and improving communication.

Mindfulness therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of experience, which can reduce rumination and support coping with stress and life changes.


Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Macarena Santelices works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. She treats the selection of techniques as a shared decision rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life changes arise, and access licensed professionals from a convenient location, while still focusing on effective, goal-oriented work.

Ready to start therapy with Macarena Santelices?

Take the first step toward a better you.