Christina Wade, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
She offers virtual therapy across California, creating a warm, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients. Christina uses proven methods like CBT, ACT, Somatic, and mindfulness to help you manage anxious thoughts, build resilience, and feel more in control.
Her care is personalized, judgment-free, and designed to fit your life and goals. She has helped countless clients overcome panic attacks, chronic worry, and emotional overwhelm. Christina’s calming presence and deep expertise in anxiety treatment make her a trusted guide on your healing journey.
Anxiety often hides behind a polished exterior. Many people who experience it still hold demanding jobs, maintain social lives, and appear to “have it all together.” Yet behind the scenes, they may struggle with racing thoughts, sleepless nights, constant tension, or a sense of dread that won’t lift. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. experience anxiety disorders each year, making it one of the most widespread mental health challenges.
But statistics only tell part of the story. In Christina Wade’s practice, anxiety is never just a diagnosis — it’s a lived experience that touches relationships, careers, health, and identity. As a psychotherapist with two decades of experience, Christina offers not only therapeutic skills but also a deeply human, compassionate presence. Her clients often describe therapy with her as the first time they’ve felt both “seen and safe.
Anxiety is more than worry. For some, it feels like a storm inside their mind that won’t stop spinning; for others, it’s the heaviness of carrying dread in their chest. Christina helps clients untangle this complexity by naming and normalizing how anxiety shows up.
Christina emphasizes that anxiety is not “one-size-fits-all.” Recognizing its specific form helps tailor therapy.
| Type of Anxiety | How It Commonly Appears |
|---|---|
|
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) |
Persistent, excessive worry about daily life, often with physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. |
|
Social Anxiety Disorder |
Avoiding social gatherings, dreading conversations, fear of embarrassment or judgment. |
|
Panic Disorder |
Sudden panic attacks, chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling like “something terrible” is happening. |
|
Phobias |
Intense fear of specific triggers like flying, spiders, or heights. |
|
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) |
Intrusive, distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors meant to reduce anxiety. |
|
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) |
Flashbacks, hypervigilance, or anxiety rooted in past traumatic experiences. |
This mapping helps Christina collaborate with clients in naming what they’re going through — because naming the struggle is often the first step in reducing its power.
What sets Christina apart is not only her 20 years of experience but also her philosophy: therapy is not something she “does to” clients, but a collaborative space where healing unfolds at their pace.
Here’s what her process looks like:
Christina creates an affirming environment, particularly important for clients who have faced identity-based discrimination or judgment elsewhere. Her own lived experience as a queer, BIPOC psychotherapist brings a layer of authenticity to the support she offers.
Together, Christina and her clients explore what sets off their anxiety — whether rooted in present stressors, unresolved trauma, or internalized pressures.
Christina uses CBT techniques to help clients identify thought patterns that fuel anxiety and learn healthier, more balanced ways of thinking.
Instead of imposing change, Christina guides clients in connecting with their own values, helping them discover the “why” behind their healing.
Christina equips clients with tools they can use in daily life — from grounding techniques to structured routines that bring stability.
Recognizing that anxiety often shows up in the body, Christina incorporates mindfulness, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help regulate the nervous system.
Christina’s clients often say her calm, steady presence is as healing as the techniques she uses. She describes her role as “helping you come home to yourself” — to a version of you that feels grounded and capable, even in the face of anxiety.
She works collaboratively, never rushing the process. Some clients come in ready to dive into deep work, while others need time to build trust and safety. Christina respects this pacing, adjusting her methods so therapy feels manageable, not overwhelming.
Her flexible telehealth sessions (evenings and weekends) make therapy accessible for people with busy schedules. And her specialized support for LGBTQ+ clients ensures affirming care for those navigating identity alongside anxiety.
Healing happens one step at a time — and it starts with showing up for yourself.
If you’ve been debating whether therapy could help, ask yourself:
If these resonate, anxiety therapy may be the supportive step forward.
| Challenge | How Therapy Helps |
|---|---|
|
Racing thoughts at night |
CBT techniques to interrupt worry cycles and calm the mind before bed. |
|
Panic in social situations |
Exposure strategies and grounding tools to reduce fear of judgment. |
|
Constant stress at work |
Values-based planning and boundary-setting to prevent burnout. |
|
Health-related anxiety |
Differentiating between physical symptoms and anxiety triggers. |
|
Loss of joy |
Reconnecting with personal values and activities that spark meaning. |
Christina integrates proven methods like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), tailoring the approach to meet your individual needs.
Sessions are currently offered exclusively online. You can receive high-quality, compassionate care from the comfort of your home anywhere in California.
If you often feel overwhelmed, constantly worried, emotionally disconnected, or physically tense—or find yourself avoiding social situations and stuck in overthinking—therapy can help you regain clarity and control.
Absolutely. The practice is proudly LGBTQ+ affirming and anti-racist. All identities are welcomed, honored, and supported with culturally competent care.
In early sessions, you’ll explore symptoms, background, and goals. Christina will help create a customized treatment plan and guide you in building tools to manage anxiety effectively.
Individual sessions are $180 and couples sessions are $200. A sliding scale is available for those who qualify just inquire during the consultation.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. Payment is typically collected at the time of each session.
Yes. Christina currently accepts Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Quest Behavioral Health. If you're using another insurance provider, documentation and super-bills can be provided to help with out-of-network reimbursement.
Living with anxiety can feel lonely and overwhelming, but therapy offers both evidence-based tools and the reassurance of being deeply understood. Christina Wade’s approach combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion, helping clients not just manage anxiety but build a life where they feel more present, connected, and grounded.
If you’re ready to begin, Christina invites you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation by calling (510) 686-3839 or emailing cwade.consultation@gmail.com. Healing begins with one conversation.
Christina Wade, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
She offers virtual therapy across California, creating a warm, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients. Christina uses proven methods like CBT, ACT, Somatic, and mindfulness to help you manage anxious thoughts, build resilience, and feel more in control.
Her care is personalized, judgment-free, and designed to fit your life and goals. She has helped countless clients overcome panic attacks, chronic worry, and emotional overwhelm. Christina’s calming presence and deep expertise in anxiety treatment make her a trusted guide on your healing journey.
112 W 25th Ave, Suite 2 San Mateo, CA 94403
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