Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Shaakira McMillon

Shaakira McMillon, LCSW

Therapist in California

Compassionate social worker focused on practical change

Continue with Shaakira

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Goal oriented
  • Skills focused
  • Warm listener

About Shaakira

Shaakira McMillon is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in California who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem struggles, and intimacy-related concerns. She also supports those dealing with addiction, parenting strains, caregiver fatigue, and life transitions. She works with people experiencing mood concerns such as depression and bipolar symptoms, and she offers coaching-style assistance when that is helpful.

Shaakira uses a direct and practical style in sessions. She listens first, then helps clients set clear, reachable goals. Sessions often focus on small, concrete steps people can try between meetings. She draws on tools from cognitive behavioral approaches and mindfulness to help people notice patterns and change unhelpful reactions.

Her background as a social worker informs an approach that pays attention to how family history, caregiving roles, and life stressors affect daily functioning. Narrative ideas are used to help people make sense of difficult experiences and reframe stories that keep them stuck. Motivational interviewing supports work around change, such as addressing addictive patterns or making new health-focused choices.

Shaakira has seven years of experience in clinical practice. She invites clients to talk about what feels most urgent and to co-design a plan that fits their situation. Many clients find the mix of practical tools and conversational work useful for building coping skills and clearer next steps.

If you are considering working together, use the site tools to match and schedule a first session and confirm current session options directly before booking.

Approaches you might use in online sessions

Shaakira often blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral techniques. Client-centered Therapy focuses on listening without judgement and following the client's lead to identify what matters most. It helps people feel heard and clarify personal goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses short exercises and practical experiments to test unhelpful beliefs and build new habits, which can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with change.

Mindfulness Therapy is sometimes used to bring attention to present-moment experience. Simple mindfulness practices can reduce reactivity and provide tools for managing stress and strong emotions.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Shaakira will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as progress unfolds.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know how meetings are scheduled. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Ask about timing and session length when you match so arrangements fit your routine.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoaching

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shaakira commonly address?

She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem problems, intimacy-related issues, addiction, parenting strain, caregiver fatigue, depression, bipolar mood concerns, and related life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Sessions are collaborative and practical. Shaakira listens closely, helps set clear goals, and uses exercises people can try between meetings.

What is her professional background?

Shaakira has seven years of experience as a social worker and brings that clinical background to her sessions.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She holds the LCSW credential and practices in California as a licensed clinical social worker.

Which languages does she offer sessions in?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Does she work with international clients?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are session fees handled?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Shaakira McMillonContinue with Shaakira