Heather Zarate Santiago, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Heather

Heather Zarate Santiago is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, and parenting challenges. She holds a California LMFT license (CA LMFT 157099) and has seven years of clinical experience. Heather speaks English and Spanish and practices from California.

She keeps sessions direct and easy to follow. Heather listens first, then helps clients name what feels most urgent. Together they set small, practical steps to reduce overwhelm and improve day-to-day functioning.

Background and approach

Heather draws on proven, evidence-based techniques to address things like attention and impulsivity, self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress. She also supports people working through caregiver stress, communication breakdowns, separation and divorce, and immigration-related concerns. Her work includes attention to how life events affect routine, mood, and relationships.

In sessions she focuses on skill-building and clear strategies. Conversations often include learning ways to manage anxiety, trying different communication practices, and developing routines that support emotional regulation. Homework between meetings is practical and brief.

Heather aims to create a calm, respectful space where clients can track progress and try new behaviors. Her approach is collaborative, adjusting methods to fit each person’s needs and goals. The result is straightforward care that targets real, everyday problems.

Evidence-based approaches and flexible online care

Heather uses evidence-based techniques to help people manage symptoms and build skills. One commonly used method teaches practical strategies for anxiety and stress management, such as breathing techniques, grounding, and breaking problems into manageable steps. This approach helps when worry or panic makes everyday tasks hard.

Another approach focuses on trauma-informed work that helps people process difficult events at a comfortable pace and learn ways to reduce triggers in daily life. That work often includes pacing, stabilization exercises, and gradual exposure to what feels hard. Both approaches aim to increase safety, coping, and life functioning rather than relying on jargon.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Heather will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. From there she tailors methods and checks in regularly so the plan can change as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging to make therapy fit into busy schedules. These formats let people connect from home, during a break, or while traveling and support ongoing contact between meetings. The variety of options helps maintain momentum and makes it easier to try new skills in real time.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Heather commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and ADHD, plus related issues such as caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, and immigration concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

The style is practical and collaborative, focusing on listening, setting small goals, and teaching skills to manage anxiety, impulsivity, and relationship stress.

What is Heather's professional background?

She has seven years of clinical experience working with diverse communities and uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide her work.

Where is she licensed and based?

Heather is licensed in California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 157099, and practices from that state.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are payments and cost handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

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Experience: 7 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English, Spanish

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