With seven years of assisting people with their mental health needs, Ana Calderón, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) has brought her private practice closer to home. The Riverbank native specializes in individual, couples, and family therapy. She also offers clients immigration services like assessments and correspondence.
“I have always been very determined,” stated Calderon. “I always thought, what do I need to do to make this happen. I have just known for a really long time that I wanted to help others.”
Her office has been open since the end of January and is located at 3343Santa Fe St., Suite E offering counseling to children, teens, and adults. She offers pre-marital counseling, marital counseling, and couples counseling, among others. She has evening hours and is open every other Saturday.
“It was really exciting,” Calderon expressed about opening her own practice. “I am really just joyful about being able to do this and help people. Coming here I feel happy.”
Not only did she open her private practice but she also currently works as a mental health clinician for Turlock Unified School District.
Calderón grew up in Riverbank and graduated from Riverbank High School. She continued her education with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Stanislaus State. After completing all the requirements to be a licensed clinical social worker to provide therapy for those in need, she has a long work history in a variety of mental health services. She worked a few years at Sierra Vista, Stanislaus County’s Child Welfare services, and Golden Valley Health Centers. She had a private practice in Turlock for about two years and moved her office to Riverbank earlier this year.
“I knew I wanted to be in Riverbank,” said Calderon. “To offer some services because there are no services for mental health here. The closest place for mental health services is Modesto and some places in Oakdale. There is a definite lack of services here.”
Clients come from Newman, Denair, and Turlock to continue sessions with Calderon in Riverbank. She is accepting new clients and has set fees; however, there is a sliding scale for those that may not be able to afford the full price. She also accepts certain insurances.
“I think in general for anybody that is having a hard time with difficult emotions or a stressful situation there is no harm in trying therapy,” added Calderon. “Try a few sessions because you never know what can happen. People can be hesitant about what counseling is so I do a phone consultation with them to give information and see if we would be a good fit for each other.”
The collaboration with other professionals is one thing that Calderon shared she enjoys about the job and has no problem referring people to others that may be a better fit. One of the most rewarding things about being a therapist, she added, is making a difference in people’s lives and seeing that difference in the end.
With flexible hours and a variety of session options, Calderon invites people to give her a call at 209-505-1031 and take a step in healing.
