Michelle Santana, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Michelle is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Great news, Michelle is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English and Spanish
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Connecticut and New Jersey
More about Michelle
- 7 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
Hi, I’m Michelle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with teens and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that feel hard to break.
Many people I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. For teens, this can show up as stress at school, friendship challenges, family conflict, or trying to figure out who they are. In our work together, we create a space where you can slow things down, better understand what you’re going through, and start making changes that feel realistic and lasting.
My approach is supportive, honest, and collaborative. I use evidence-based practices along with deeper, more reflective work like exploring past experiences, inner child work, and somatic (mind-body) approaches. When you feel ready, I also take a more solution-focused approach to help you identify clear, practical steps forward.
I’ll meet you where you are, while also gently challenging you when it supports your growth.
As a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist and first-generation professional, I’m mindful of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the unique pressures that can come with them.
If you’re looking for a therapist who is down-to-earth, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping you move forward in a way that feels meaningful and doable, I’d be glad to work with you.
Specialties
Insurance Accepted
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Optum
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Licenses
Michelle Santana's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1366098360.
- LCSW · Connecticut · 14282 · Renews August 2027
- LCSW · New Jersey · 44SC06626900 · Renews August 2028
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Michelle Santana
Frequently asked questions
Does Michelle Santana offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Michelle Santana works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Michelle Santana speak?
Michelle Santana speaks English and Spanish.
How many years of experience does Michelle Santana have?
Michelle Santana has 7 years of experience.
Where is Michelle Santana licensed to practice?
Michelle Santana is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New Jersey.
Does Michelle Santana accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Michelle Santana accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Michelle Santana accept insurance?
Yes, Michelle Santana accepts Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Michelle Santana accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Michelle Santana does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Michelle Santana?
Michelle Santana can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Michelle Santana?
Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.