Samantha Washington,
LCSW, Clinician
She/Her
Ashley Martinez, LPC
My Services Offered
My job involves helping people. I work with diverse individuals and families to overcome the struggles they are going through and help them find the find the path they want to travel. I also create group therapy sessions to help look at behavioral and interpersonal stressors and how to solve them. I also provide psychological evaluations for clients looking to define, understand, and diagnose symptoms to better understand their behavior as well as provide a guide for treatment. I offer consultation for clinicians and young therapists wanting guidance on how to get licensed and practice today. Similarly, I create workshops for personal and professional development.
What it is like being in session with me
Treatment/Approach modality
Through all my services, I use multicultural competency and cultural awareness. This process allows me to create an environment for people who feel a challenged sense of belonging. It is an effective tool in creating an open and safe space for you. I also use family systems and interpersonal approaches. I help you identify your roles in life and how those roles relate to those around you. This allows you to see who you are and know your purpose in life. Lastly, I enjoy using motivational interviewing. This is a systematic, structured approach that can help you deal with massive life changes and decision making.
I want to build a rapport with you. I strive to get to know you as a person not defined by the choices you have made. There are no bad people, only those who have made different choices. It is important for me to connect with you and make you feel like I am someone you can trust and share anything with. No matter what stage of life you are in, I am here to see you as you are and work with you to find the path that you want to be on.
My specialties
I see you as more than the judgment others have placed on you. I specialize in work with forensic populations and those in the penal system. Whether it is you or a family member struggling to find hope amidst difficult realities, I provide hope. If you have already been to jail or at jeopardy of going to jail, it can feel as though society has already placed their judgment on you, and there is no way to change. I am here to show you that there is more to life than your past or the issues that you are dealing with. There is hope everywhere; the journey is about finding it and realigning the joy in your life.
Many of my clients are dealing with the same issue of feeling like they do not belong. I work with those dealing with interpersonal conflict, the LBGTQ+ community, and people with behavioral concerns. Whether it is helping an individual or their family deal with trying to come to terms with certain issues and how to move forward to ensure progression, I am here to help guide you to the path you want to travel. Even with my consultation services, I aim to help young therapists on their journey down being a therapist and what is necessary for them to be the best clinician they can be.
Specialties include: depression and anxiety; trauma; behavioral concerns; addictions; grief and loss; issues tied to self-esteem/identity; interpersonal conflict; LGBTQ+ issues; relationship, identity, and marriage issues; families managing the court system; community re-entry; finding purpose
How therapy helps
My credentials
My hobbies
Testimonials
Education
Master’s Degree (2004)
Master’s of Science in Social Work
Columbia University School of Social Work
Bachelor’s Degree (2001)
Bachelor of Social Work
Illinois State University
Licenses
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Georgia
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Kentucky
Honors, Awards & Memberships
- Shining Star Social Work Award at the Northern California VA Health Care System 2023
- Team Leader, Little Women Speak
Specialties
- CBT
Clinical & Consulting Interests
- HIV and AIDS patients
- LGBTQ Community
- Substance Abuse
- Individuals from Criminal Justice System
- Preventive Foster Care/Foster Care
- Women and Children
- Veterans Care
What it’s Like to Work with Me
Ivy League educated, life experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping others to be the absolute best version of themselves! I specialize in Veteran (Armed Forces) care, foster care, adolescents, mental health, inmates and substance abuse. I am a strong believer in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model as it is proven to be highly effective. There’s nothing we can do about yesterday, but we ABSOLUTELY have the power to control our tomorrow. I can help you find your way! If you can dream it, it can happen! No matter what IT is! Let’s get together and get you back to you. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life….you have a bright future ahead!
Personal Highlights
I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Illinois State University and obtained my Masters of Science in Social Work from the Columbia University School of Social Work. I have worked for the Veteran’s Administration for over 15 years, and also have a wealth of experience working with a diverse clientele, to include African American’s, HIV and AIDS patients, LGBTQ community, substance use, individuals from the criminal justice system, preventive foster care/foster care and women and children. I have a great amount of passion and desire to work with “The Underdog,” as experience has proven that with effective psychotherapy and the right interventions placed in one’s life, having “You’re Best Life” can be within one’s reach. While I have the licensure, education and experience to provide quality care to others, my personal life experience has been a true vessel in helping me to help others.
My Hobbies
My greatest title is that of Wife and Mother to the best husband/children on Earth. I am an avid Crime Junkie, who loves spending time at home with my family, traveling, hanging out with extended family and watching documentaries.
