Our Providers | Vanessa Arzate, LCSW

Vanessa Arzate, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

Vanessa Arzate is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly a decade of counseling experience at the nation’s largest child welfare agency. She works diligently to foster hope and healing when life circumstances seem insurmountable. Her approach to therapy focuses on empowering clients to be the expert in their own journey, while leveraging support, coping skills, and strengths. Vanessa uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors, motivational interviewing to address resistance and obstacles, and problem-solving modalities to create optimal solutions. She also has expertise and training in play therapy through the lens of attachment styles, safe parenting practices, and developmental appropriateness.

She is passionate in helping her clients live a happier, more fulfilling life, and provides a warm and empathetic approach in her work with youth, young adults, parents, grandparents, and families, whether they strive for healthy mental and emotional well-being in a post-pandemic world or are navigating the harsh terrain of unresolved childhood traumas. She is also equipped to work with individuals in transitional phases in life including career guidance, changes in family composition, and other life stressors.

Education & Experience

As an Orange County native, Vanessa attended California State University, Fullerton and obtained an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications. She then ventured to the University of Southern California to study social work. Her vast experience in the field includes mental health facilities and agencies, business and social entrepreneurships, and hospital communities and medical networks. Her work with older adults includes Santa Monica UCLA hospital where she worked with geriatric patients and facilitated group therapy for social skills and companionship relating to older adults.

Prior to working as a clinician, Vanessa taught and coached social work to master’s and undergraduate students. She is a certified field instructor with California State University, Long Beach, as well as trained in the California Core Practice Model and a certified facilitator for Child and Family Engagements and Team Meetings. She continues to mentor students and newly graduated social workers as well as individuals who seek to improve their leadership skills and accomplish personal growth.