Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Trusted Therapy Partner in Claremont, CA
Claremont Counseling Services was founded on the belief that therapy should be tailored to each individual's unique needs. With over two decades of experience in mental health, our practice combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to address life's most challenging moments. We specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship difficulties through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Our founder, a licensed clinical social worker since 2011, brings specialized training in cancer-related counseling and palliative care to support clients facing chronic health challenges. We prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful life changes.Our therapeutic approach emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that clients are the experts in their own lives while we provide professional guidance and support. Through both individual and couples counseling, we help clients build resilience, improve communication, and find pathways to healing. Our practice maintains strict ethical standards and professional boundaries while fostering genuine human connection. We continually refine our skills through advanced certifications in oncology social work and hospice care, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our community. At Claremont Counseling Services, we measure success by our clients' progress toward their personal goals and improved quality of life.
Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Counseling for Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Grief and Bereavement Counseling
Individual Counseling
Cancer/Chronic Health Counseling
Therapy for Depression
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of mental health experience with specialized cancer counseling training
- Licensed clinical social worker with UCLA MSW credentials since 2006
- Certified in oncology and hospice social work specialties
- Proven success with evidence-based therapies like CBT and ACT
- Personalized approach combining mindfulness and strengths-based techniques
Associations and certifications
- BOSW-C
- ACHP-SW
Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. This structured, goal-oriented approach effectively treats anxiety, depression, and OCD by teaching practical coping strategies. Sessions focus on developing skills like cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation to improve emotional regulation.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling addresses relationship challenges through improved communication and conflict resolution. We help partners heal from past hurts, strengthen emotional connections, and navigate life transitions together. Sessions focus on building mutual understanding and creating shared relationship goals for long-term success.
Grief and Bereavement Counseling
Grief counseling provides support for processing loss and life transitions. We help clients navigate complicated emotions while finding meaningful ways to honor what's been lost. Our approach balances emotional exploration with practical strategies for adapting to changed circumstances and rebuilding purpose.
Cancer Counseling
Specialized counseling supports individuals and families facing cancer diagnoses. We address emotional challenges related to treatment, body image changes, and future uncertainties. Our services include communication strategies for discussing illness with loved ones and finding meaning during health transitions.
Therapy for Depression
Depression therapy combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate support to address persistent sadness and low motivation. We help clients identify contributing factors while developing coping skills and behavioral changes to improve daily functioning and rediscover life satisfaction.
People
Ellen M Polamero
Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Ellen M Polamero is a licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of mental health experience. She holds a UCLA MSW degree and specializes in cancer counseling, grief therapy, and couples counseling. Her practice combines CBT, ACT, and mindfulness techniques to support clients through life transitions.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, incorporating mindfulness techniques tailored to each client's needs.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes, I provide secure telehealth counseling options for clients who prefer remote therapy sessions.
How can couples counseling help our relationship?
Couples counseling improves communication, resolves conflicts, and strengthens emotional connections through structured therapeutic interventions and skill-building exercises.
What experience do you have with cancer patients?
I have over a decade of experience at a major cancer center, providing counseling for patients, families, and caregivers dealing with cancer diagnoses and treatment challenges.
What should I expect in the first session?
The initial session focuses on understanding your concerns, establishing treatment goals, and developing a personalized therapy plan that respects your unique circumstances.
Do you accept insurance?
I provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement but do not directly bill insurance companies to maintain client confidentiality.
