EXPERT
Dr. Sandra Santana, PSY.D.
Psychologist | Clinical
<p><span style="caret-color: #3d3d3d; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; letter-spacing: 1px;">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.</span></p>
24 years
Experience
Dr. Sandra Santana, PSY.D.
- Valencia, CA
- Rutgers University
- Accepting new patients
No results found
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 READ MORE
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.
How long should I take medications for panic attacks?
Hi. You will have to ask a psychiatrist. Talking about medications is outside my scope.
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
