About Me
Hi, I’m Dr. Samantha Calvillo.
I’m a Latina psychotherapist who helps adults heal from trauma, anxiety, and the emotional weight that can come with living between cultures. My work centers on creating a space where you feel deeply understood — not only as an individual, but within the cultural worlds that have shaped your life.
I’m a second-generation Latina raised in rural Central California, and my relationship with culture has evolved alongside my own growth. I understand firsthand the complexity of navigating personal values within traditional Latino beliefs — and the courage it takes to find your own middle ground.
Today, I live in Los Angeles near the ocean (a long-time dream of mine) with my partner and our two Siamese rescue cats, Jupiter and Skye. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me collecting shells at the beach, reading, or listening to podcasts about Jung, the unconscious, or the occasional UFO.
How Culture
Influences My Practice
I believe healing often happens when we reconnect with the cultural strengths and resilience that live in the presence and memories of our families and ancestors.
My background
I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and the product of sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. My grandparents and both parents worked many hours in the fields since childhood to give me the privilege of guiding you in your healing journey. The sacrifices of those who came before me guide my life in the best possible way.
How I practice
I consider cultural context when gathering background information during the initial assessment.. This history helps me understand how you experience the world, how your unique struggles are impacted by your various identities, and how you would like culture to play a role in your healing, if at all. In practice, I consider cultural factors, such as different ways of expressing emotions, body language, familial involvement, machismo, marianismo, and more, to make sure the model fits YOU, not the other way around.
Office Staff
Office staff remain in the home office, so unfortunately you won’t get to meet them if you see me in person!
Skye
Office ManagerSkye is a sweet 4-year-old tortie-point Siamese. We adopted her when she was a tiny 3-month old kitten through Southern California Siamese Rescue. She is a HUGE baby and naps all day. She makes her presence known during sessions by occasionally leaping onto the back of my chair and hanging there, crying until I unhook her talons.
Office AssistantJupiter
Jupiter is our adorable 3-year-old Flame Point Siamese and is only 5 months younger than Skye, but has fully stepped into the role of annoying little sister! She was adopted shortly after her 1st birthday from Kitten Rescue, and loves playing with anything and everything! You are more likely to see her during a session, as she loves demanding my attention at all times.
Not as fun as cat stuff, but in case you wanna know
Education
1
I attended Reedley College after high school and earned an Associate’s degree in Social Science in 2014. I subsequently transferred to California State University East Bay, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Next, I attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where I earned a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) degree in 2019, specializing in Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Lastly, I earned my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky, specializing in Clinical Social Work. My doctoral project was titled “Witnessing Culture in Clinical Practice: Treating Latina Survivors of Sexual Assault".
Experience
2
I have spent much of my clinical career working in high-intensity trauma and crisis settings. Since 2019, I have served as a therapist and crisis counselor at the UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center, where I provide trauma-focused, short-term therapy and crisis intervention for survivors of sexual assault. In this role, I also accompany survivors through medical and forensic examinations and interactions with law enforcement, offering steady support during some of the most vulnerable and overwhelming moments in a person’s life. This work has deepened my understanding of the complexities of trauma recovery and strengthened my commitment to compassionate, survivor-centered care.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a clinical social worker in the UCLA Health Emergency Department, where I conducted crisis assessments and facilitated care for patients experiencing acute mental health emergencies. I gained extensive experience completing suicide risk assessments, mandated reporting, and crisis stabilization, while helping individuals connect with appropriate community resources and ongoing support. Working in this fast-paced environment strengthened my ability to remain grounded, calm, and solution-focused during high-stress situations.
In addition to hospital-based work, I have also provided psychotherapy and therapeutic programming in community settings. As an associate therapist with Inspire Therapy, I offered telehealth psychotherapy to adults, and as a clinical case manager with Project 180, I facilitated therapeutic groups focused on anger management, trauma recovery, and empowerment. These experiences have shaped my approach to therapy today, allowing me to bring flexibility, empathy, and a deep commitment to client well-being into every session.
Trainings
3
My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based trauma therapies, and I continue to deepen my training in modalities that support healing from trauma, anxiety, and overwhelming life experiences. I have completed formal training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) through PESI (August 2022), a structured and research-supported treatment designed to help individuals process and challenge beliefs that can develop after traumatic experiences.
I am also fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy through the Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), completing Part 1 in March 2025 and Part 2 in May 2025, and I am currently working toward full EMDR certification as I continue collecting consultation and clinical hours. EMDR is a powerful trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain safely process and integrate traumatic memories.
In addition, I have completed training in the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) through the Trauma Resource Institute, including Level 1 (May 2022) and Level 2 (November 2023). TRM is a body-based approach to trauma healing that focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their nervous system, build resilience, and restore a sense of balance and safety in the body.