Amanda Garrick, LCSW

Amanda Garrick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 17 years of experience in mental health and social services. She focuses on practical support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and challenges tied to parenting and caregiving. Amanda aims to create a straightforward, compassionate space where people can talk about what feels hard and learn workable steps to feel steadier.

Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from California Polytechnic State University and a Master of Social Work from California State University Long Beach. Amanda has extensive experience providing treatment to adults with mood and anxiety symptoms, trauma-related difficulties, substance use concerns, and persistent mental health conditions. That work shaped her hands-on approach to problem solving and crisis response.

Amanda uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices to help people notice unhelpful patterns, test new behaviors, and manage strong emotions. Sessions focus on clear goals, simple skills, and short-term strategies that fit daily life. She also supports people dealing with ADHD, body image and eating concerns, sleep problems, and compassion fatigue.

Her style is direct and warm. She emphasizes practical tools, breathing and attention techniques, and step-by-step planning. Amanda encourages collaboration so each person can choose what feels useful.

People who want concrete strategies, steady support during life transitions, or help rebuilding routines often find her approach helpful. She offers several online session formats to accommodate different schedules and needs.

CBT and Mindfulness for online care

Amanda commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy in online sessions. CBT helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, break them into parts, and practice different responses to reduce anxiety or depressive patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus, which can help with stress, trauma symptoms, and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. Amanda works together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, daily life, and preferences. She begins with practical goals and adjusts techniques as progress and needs become clearer, so the work evolves with the person.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for full face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat or text messaging can support brief updates between sessions or quick coping reminders. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping the focus on usable tools and steady progress.