About Maxwell Cadena
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Families
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Attachment-based
Compassion Focused
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
StraightFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
Asian, Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Maxwell Cadena
I'm Max Cadena, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) born and raised in Los Angeles. I work with children, teens, young adults, adults, and families across the city - bringing a warm, grounded approach to therapy that's both evidence-based and genuinely human.
Before private practice, I spent four years doing school-based therapy for kids and teens across LA, working inside LAUSD and community mental health settings. That experience shapes how I show up for every client. I understand the real pressures families in this city are navigating - school stress, cultural complexity, economic pressure, identity questions, and everything in between.
My training is from USC's School of Social Work, and I draw from CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, tailoring my style to each person rather than applying a single method to everyone. I also work through an ecological and intersectional lens - meaning I pay attention to the full context of your life, not just the presenting concern.
My practice is fully affirming of all identities and backgrounds. I offer in-person sessions in Echo Park and telehealth throughout California. I am in-network with Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Quest Behavioral Health, and Carelon Behavioral Health.
What should a new client know about working with you?
A few things I'd want anyone to know before we meet:
I don't do one-size-fits-all therapy. How I work with a seven-year-old who doesn't want to be in my office looks very different from how I work with a teenager who's anxious about school, or an adult navigating a hard transition. I adapt to what each person actually needs rather than running everyone through the same approach.
I take the relationship seriously. Research is pretty clear that the quality of the therapist-client relationship matters more than any particular technique. I put real effort into making sure you - or your child - feel genuinely comfortable and understood before we dig into anything hard.
I'm direct but not clinical. I'll tell you what I'm noticing, explain why I think something might be worth exploring, and give you practical tools when tools are what's needed. But I'm not going to talk at you in jargon or make therapy feel like a performance review.
For parents: I work collaboratively with caregivers throughout a child or teen's treatment. You won't be kept in the dark, and the level of involvement we build together will be tailored to what actually supports your kid.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The first session is low-pressure. There's nothing you need to have figured out before you arrive. For children and teens, I usually spend some time with the parent first to understand the family context, then shift to getting to know the young person directly - meeting them where they are rather than where anyone thinks they should be. For adults, we'll talk through what's bringing you in and start to get a sense of what you're hoping for.
From there, most clients start with weekly sessions. As things develop we'll find a rhythm that makes sense - some people benefit from more frequent contact during a difficult stretch, others move to every other week as things stabilize. We figure that out together.
Sessions are 50 minutes. I draw from CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches depending on what fits. Some sessions are skills-focused and practical. Others are more exploratory. Most are some combination of both. I'll often suggest things to try between sessions, but I don't force a homework-heavy approach on people who aren't wired that way.
The goal by the end of a first session is simple: you should have a clear sense of how I work and whether it feels like the right fit. If it does, we'll set up next steps. If it doesn't, I'll help point you in a better direction.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Southern California, Master's in Clinical Social Work
NPI number
1609458496
How soon can I make an appointment with Maxwell Cadena?
Generally, Maxwell Cadena has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Maxwell Cadena's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Maxwell Cadena accepting new patients?
Maxwell Cadena generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Maxwell Cadena's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Maxwell Cadena accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Maxwell Cadena is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Maxwell Cadena online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Maxwell Cadena using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Maxwell Cadena work with?
Maxwell Cadena works with Max Cadena Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Maxwell Cadena?
Maxwell Cadena frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Maxwell Cadena on their profile.
What languages does Maxwell Cadena speak?
Maxwell Cadena speaks English.