Deanna Bennet Ridgway, LCSW

Therapist in California

Practical support for depression and life stress

Continue with Deanna Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Calm and direct
Tool-focused
English sessions

About Deanna

Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage depression, stress, and anxiety. She supports people facing relationship strain, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and motivation struggles. Her approach is practical and straightforward, aimed at making the first steps feel manageable. She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk through thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on immediate problems and developing tools that can be used between meetings. Deanna encourages small, realistic changes instead of dramatic overhauls. With seven years of professional experience, she brings steady support to people navigating grief, parenting pressures, career changes, and compassion fatigue. She also addresses concerns around intimacy, body image, and caregiving stress. People looking for help with divorce, forgiveness, life purpose, or self-love can find focused attention on those topics. Deanna works from a strengths-based stance, helping clients notice what already works and build on it. She listens for patterns that keep people stuck and offers concrete strategies to try. Progress is measured in practical terms like improved routines, clearer communication, and better coping during hard moments. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability. Deanna practices in California as an LCSW and conducts sessions in English for those within the state.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Deanna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change and emotional understanding. One approach emphasizes identifying unhelpful patterns in thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with clearer, more helpful actions; this can help with depression, anxiety, and motivation struggles. Another approach centers on processing difficult experiences and trauma in manageable steps so memories and reactions feel less disruptive in daily life.

Choosing the right method is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to learn what feels helpful, adjust techniques over time, and prioritize the strategies that match the client's goals and preferences. Small experiments and honest feedback guide the plan.

Confirm current session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. It also gives more flexibility around timing, so therapy can be integrated into everyday life without large disruptions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Deanna address?

She supports people with depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem concerns. Other areas include grief, parenting strain, career changes, and compassion fatigue.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is calm and practical. She focuses on creating a nonjudgmental space and offering concrete tools to use between sessions.

What is her background and experience?

She has seven years of professional work experience supporting people through a range of life challenges. That experience includes helping with motivation, confidence, and coping skills.

What credentials and location apply to her practice?

She holds a CA LCSW, which means Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. Her practice is located in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Are international clients accepted?

She does not currently accept international clients.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin therapy with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. You can then schedule sessions based on 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.