This review reflects my experience with Natalia Salinas. I initially choose her because she had such great reviews and her Psychology Today profile expressed everything I had been looking for in a therapist. During our first in-person interaction, she was not wearing a mask and I asked her, “Do you not believe in wearing a mask?”. She stated that she does and goes to the grocery store in a mask. She explained how we are sitting 6 feet apart and had even measured the ground to ensure the distance. She asked me if I wanted to measure the floor and I told her no. We were in an enclosed space and her office is very small and I told her that it has been recommended by public health officials to wear a mask indoors. This were her response, “well clients have already been in the room” and she stated that she does not make it mandatory for her clients to wear a mask and because she has already been vaccinated she does not wear a mask. This is very concerning that she was trying to find an excuse and reaffirm her stance on not wearing a mask but at the end of a brief uncomfortable conversation, she asked me “Would you feel more comfortable if I wore a mask?” I stated yes. While she may be vaccinated, she does not know the lifestyles of her clients and if they are socially distancing and I feel that she is placing her clients at risk by allowing them not to wear a mask. As a social worker, I assumed she would be doing her best to protect her community, not harm it.The tone of the session shifted, and I felt that she was annoyed by me, but we began session. I was there to discuss leading an alcohol-free life. I had not had a drink since November and wanted to meet with a therapist to assist me with sustaining this alcohol-free lifestyle. For most of the session, she described addiction from an educational standpoint which I understand is necessary to do at times for your clients. However, this clinician is working from an abstinence only model for substance use and uses a cookie cutter approach which is a “one-size fits all” approach instead of making a customized treatment plan based on individual needs and situation. I discovered this when I asked about marijuana use and she stated that it will lead to the same negative consequences. I attempted to explain that this is harm reduction approach where I would not consume alcohol but was thinking about engaging in marijuana use, she stated “go ahead and test your theory if you want.” I felt she was speaking to me in a condescending manner and was attempting to predict my outcomes by saying marijuana use will lead to the same devastating outcomes as alcohol. She wanted me to attend AA classes and read the 12-step guide which I was totally open to doing. The reason I stopped seeing this therapist is because she is not strength-based or person-centered as she claims to be. I attempted to tell a story a couple times and she kept interrupting me. When I did tell a story, she moved on and did not reflect any of my feelings or statements as social workers are trained to do. There was no therapeutic relationship with her, and she plays more of an authoritative role. In her bio she states, “Together, we will work to bolster your existing strengths and identify your personal needs” yet she did not acknowledge any of my strengths which were that I came in voluntarily, am actively seeking help, and I had not drank since November. She also gave me homework which was to write a “goodbye letter to my disease” and to start reading from the 12-step guide. Most of the content from the guide is deficit-based meaning it preaches that individuals are powerless to alcohol and other substances. I just want to emphasis to any individual reading this that you are not powerless, you are a powerful and resilient person who is capable of recovery. While I understand that the AA model and 12 step-guide has brought many benefits to some, it does not work for all. I believe her style is not up to date with how social workers are currently being trained and educated and I just wanted to emphasis that.

I feel comfortable to have a someone to confide in.

Natalia Salinas is more than a professional mental health clinician. She is also a personal angel who assisted me in my 4 1/2 years of recovery from alcohol and drugs. With her skills and experience, she approaches each counseling session with an earnest, compassionate, and productive attitude to not only address personal issues, but set realistic/ effective goals for recovery in all aspects of life. My personal emotional, physical, and spiritual healing occured in those 4 walls. All in all, it was an honor to have someone there for me who really cared about me, scars and all.

Therapist Natalia Salinas is an amazing practitioner. I was not expecting to connect with my therapist in the way I did with her and in such short amount of time. She will provide you the tools needed to deal with your current circumstances and help you develop an independent path to “creating a way of being in the world that feels fine with you.” Love her therapy style!

She has been the most wonderful sap she is so understanding knows all the rules and regulations Clearing House program without her would have never got my job back thank you again

Natalia is the most understanding , caring , efficient woman. She scheduled me right away , she continues to make me feel a lot better her office is so wonderfully peaceful every time I’m there it feels like home. She always gives the best advice and always answers her phone when I need her. She’s really good at checking up on her patients and giving her 100 Percent.I’d definitely recommend her.

I would recommend Natalia Salinas. She knows what she is doing and is great at helping with whatever your specific need is.

Very nice,very professional .I recommend others to Ms.Salinas services

Lost for words how thankful I am that Natalia was able to see me on such short notice. The level of comprehension and compassion she showed towards my situation in particular is immense may I add theres a very serene atmosphere wich made our sit down a pleasant one. Defenitely recommend her services for anyone searching for a DOT/SAP counsler... Thank you again!!!

Hello, my name is Leonardo Lopez and I am in therapy with the social worker, I am following the instructions she gave me and I feel very grateful for her help.