Therapist
Starla Hedrick
LCSW
Practical, experienced support for life changes
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab. There you can look at online therapy options.
Step 1
- Focus on coping skills
- Experience with aging
- Collaborative goal-setting
About Starla
She spends time listening to each person’s story and then works together with them to set realistic goals. That may include building everyday coping skills, improving communication, or managing panic and social anxiety. Starla also addresses substance use concerns with straightforward, skill-based strategies.
Starla has considerable experience helping older adults, people coping with chronic pain or illness, and those facing end-of-life and hospice-related concerns. She also supports caregivers who are under long-term stress and families navigating blended household challenges or family-of-origin conflicts.
Intellectual disability is listed among her focus areas, and she brings a calm, patient approach to working with related concerns. Her style is honest and respectful, with attention to what each person needs right now.
Starla practices in California as an LCSW, and she aims to create a collaborative space where clients feel heard and supported. She guides people through small, practical changes that add up to real improvement over time.
Step 2
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Step 3
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Starla uses practical, evidence-based techniques that teach coping skills and improve communication. One common approach focuses on skill-building for anxiety and panic, teaching breathing and grounding exercises plus real-life exposure steps to reduce avoidance. Another approach concentrates on behavior and routine changes to help with depression and chronic illness, breaking tasks into manageable steps and building small, steady habits that ease daily functioning.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. She works together with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, strengths, and life demands. Goals and techniques are adjusted over time based on what feels most helpful.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session options before booking because formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for consistent follow-up between appointments. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited or offer an easier way to include practical homework and routine planning that supports progress in everyday life.
Step 4
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Starla address?
She works with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and self-esteem issues, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include chronic illness, caregiving stress, substance use, panic, and intellectual disability related concerns.
What is her approach or style in therapy?
Her work emphasizes practical, evidence-based techniques and building coping skills. Sessions focus on clear goals, communication skills, and steps you can use between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of experience working with a wide range of issues, including aging, chronic pain, hospice and end-of-life topics, and family dynamics.
What credentials does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates are provided during the scheduling process.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. The matching process helps pair you based on your needs and preferences.
Step 5