- Anxiety and depression
- Social anxiety support
- Caregiver and aging issues
About Starla
Starla Hedrick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 17 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and self-esteem concerns. She also works with people facing life changes and practical challenges that affect daily living.
She focuses on concrete skills and clear steps rather than vague promises. Sessions often involve learning coping techniques for panic attacks and social anxiety, improving communication, and managing workplace or caregiving strain. She also supports people dealing with chronic illness, cancer-related concerns, and end-of-life matters.
Her background includes long experience with older adults and geriatric issues, and with blended family situations and family-of-origin problems. She helps people talk through patterns that keep causing trouble and practice different ways of responding. In cases involving substance use or impulsivity, she works on practical strategies to reduce harm and increase control.
Starla emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques and skill-building. That can mean practicing breathing and grounding for panic, role-playing difficult conversations, or pacing activities when pain or fatigue limit functioning. The focus is on what helps in daily life and on measurable steps forward.
To begin, a prospective client completes a short matching questionnaire and schedules a first session. She works in California and conducts sessions in English. If you want to know current session formats before booking, confirm options through the booking flow.
How evidence-based techniques are used in online sessions
Starla works from evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear, teachable skills. For example, cognitive and behavioral strategies involve noticing unhelpful thinking patterns and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety and improve mood. These methods are useful for worries, panic attacks, and social anxiety by giving specific steps to try between sessions.She also uses skills-based coping techniques such as grounding, paced breathing, and activity planning. Grounding and breathing exercises help interrupt panic and intense anxiety, while activity planning helps when chronic pain or low mood make daily routines hard to keep up. These techniques are taught in session and practiced between meetings to build confidence in real situations.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals and preferences, then try methods that match those needs. If an approach isn’t helping, she will adjust the plan together with the client based on what feels most useful.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or health appointments, and they can reduce travel time or allow shorter check-ins when needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and self-esteem concerns, plus coping with life changes and caregiving strain.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques focused on building coping skills and improving communication in everyday situations.
How much experience does she have?
She has 17 years of clinical experience working with a range of issues including panic attacks and social anxiety.
What credential and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California.
Are sessions available in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the system.