Our Providers | Shanden Brutsch, LCSW

Shanden Brutsch, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Shanden Brutsch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that true healing begins with deep clinical trust and meaningful connection. Whether you are navigating daily anxiety, feeling stuck in depression, recovering from trauma, or working to build empowering relationships, Shanden provides a stable, compassionate space for adult and older adult clients to heal and grow.

As the proud descendant of military veterans and first responders, Shanden's clinical approach is deeply shaped by a family legacy of service. She uniquely blends this foundation of discipline and understanding with evidence-based practices to empower clients through each step of their wellness journey. 

In addition to traditional therapy practices, Shanden integrates the healing power of nature into her work through a variety of innovative modalities such as surf therapy.

Education & Experience

Shanden attained her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, specializing in the Military Social Work track. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Documentary Filmmaking from the University of Colorado, allowing her to uniquely integrate documentary storytelling skills into the narrative therapy process. 

During her tenure with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Shanden delivered culturally competent, evidence-based crisis interventions to a highly diverse population. Her clinical background includes providing psychotherapy for individuals with severe mental illness, offering specialized case management for unhoused veterans, and delivering tailored care to female combat and non-combat veterans struggling with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. She also facilitated unique therapeutic women’s groups, including Photography for PTSD, Sexual Health and Intimacy, and Anger Management. 

Dedicated to broad community support, Shanden also volunteered within the special needs community, previously serving as a Chapter Chairperson for the Best Day Foundation.