Aging and geriatric issuesCancerCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPostpartum depressionPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.
Mindfulness informed
Client-centered care
CBT strategies
About Marcia
Marcia Pontoni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience. She offers a calm, respectful approach and focuses on helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and life changes.
She draws on mindfulness practices alongside cognitive behavioral ideas to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different responses. Sessions are shaped around each person’s needs and pace. Marcia emphasizes compassion and practical steps over technical language.
Her background includes long-term clinical work supporting people through trauma, addiction, and complicated family issues. She also helps people dealing with aging, cancer, hospice and end-of-life concerns, and questions about gender and intimacy.
Marcia adapts conversations and goals to the individual. She uses client-centered methods so the person’s priorities guide the work, and she brings psychodynamic perspective when understanding long-standing patterns is useful. Motivational interviewing supports change when people feel stuck or ambivalent.
Her style aims to be straightforward and gentle. People can expect help sorting feelings, building coping skills, and making small changes that matter. Marcia encourages clients to take the steps they feel ready for and supports them along the way.
How mindfulness and practical therapy translate to online work
Marcia uses mindfulness techniques to help people notice thoughts, body sensations, and emotional reactions in the moment. This can help with anxiety, stress, grief, and relationship patterns by creating space to choose responses rather than react automatically.
She also uses client-centered therapy, which means sessions focus on the person’s goals and priorities. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used for hands-on skill building, such as identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying alternative behaviors that reduce distress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then adjust the plan as needed so it fits daily life and progress remains practical and doable.
Her listed session formats are video and telephone, which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule. Video can allow face-to-face conversation, while telephone sessions can be a simpler check-in when screen time is limited or bandwidth is low. Confirm current session options before booking so you can choose the format that best fits your routine and needs.
These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing mindfulness as an approach does not mean a therapist holds a formal mindfulness training or certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with people facing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, trauma, addiction, and stress from life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She blends mindfulness with client-centered conversation and practical cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice patterns and try new ways of responding.
What is her clinical background?
She has 25 years of professional experience providing clinical care in a variety of settings and with a diverse set of concerns.
What credentials and region apply to her practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported and can she work with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she use?
Her biography notes she works in video and telephone formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist scheduling; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.
