About Susana A. Cortés

Hello! My name is Susana A. Cortés and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I have been a social worker for over 25 years. I began my career in domestic violence services and have since worked with HIV+ youth, newcomer families, foster and adoption agencies, and in school social work. As a therapist specializing in working with adolescents and young adults, I'm passionate about helping young people navigate this unique and transformative period, full of excitement, challenges, and growth. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and together, we can work through any obstacles standing in the way of your happiness and well-being. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationships, or anything else on your mind, I'm here to lend an empathetic ear and offer guidance every step of the way.

At a very early age, I became aware of the joy and fulfillment I felt when my actions had a positive impact on someone else. Helping others gave me a deep sense of purpose and fueled my own personal growth and development. Working in schools for over 15 years has inspired me to focus on adolescents, as this is a powerful stage in life to experience and practice empathy, compassion, and understanding of others' experiences. In supporting one client at a time, I hope to contribute to the greater good and help create a more compassionate world for everyone.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I am bicultural and bilingual, and this identity is a central part of both who I am and how I practice. It allows me to deeply understand the experiences of navigating multiple cultures, family expectations, and identity development, and it informs the way I connect with and support the individuals and families I work with.