Dr. Kristi Santiago, Psy.D, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Houston, Texas. Treats perinatal and postpartum anxiety and depression, trauma/ptsd, and anxiety disorders.

Kristi Santiago

Psy.D

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Works With

Rates

Areas Of Focus

License # 40146

I provide therapy for adults who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and perinatal and postpartum concerns. I work with individuals facing the impact of traumatic events, life transitions, and reproductive and perinatal mental health challenges, including infertility, miscarriages, and perinatal anxiety and depression. I have worked with members of the military, veterans, first responders, and others who have experienced highly stressful or traumatic events. They often feel overwhelmed by new or past problems that are affecting their ability to function and lead fulfilling lives. They want to regain control, feel at peace, and move forward without the weight of these experiences holding them back.

Life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, but with the right support, it’s possible to overcome them. Whether you are coping with trauma, managing anxiety, dealing with perinatal or postpartum issues, or navigating a major life transition, therapy can help. I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, learn effective coping strategies, and build resilience. Together, we’ll work on developing the skills you need to manage your mental health and enhance your quality of life.

With experience providing therapy to individuals in residential, outpatient, anxiety, and trauma-specialized clinics, I have supported individuals through some of their most difficult times. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. I also offer therapy tailored to perinatal and postpartum mental health, helping those facing the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum adjustment. Through individual therapy, I focus on empowering people to heal and grow from even the most difficult experiences.

Finding the right therapist is important. In our first session, we’ll discuss your needs and goals to ensure we’re a good fit for each other. Sessions are typically weekly and taper off as you become better able to apply interventions from therapy into your life. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you can develop the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges independently, with confidence and resilience.

In my free time I am often spending time with my family and my dog named Zuzu. I enjoy reading, baking, and being outside. 



More About Kristi:

Kristi Santiago, Psy.D. grew up in Houston, Texas. Dr. Santiago earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued her master’s and doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Throughout her training, Dr. Santiago obtained clinical experience in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practice, and government funded/community health centers. 

Dr. Santiago has extensive clinical training in evidence-based therapies for trauma, anxiety, and reproductive mental health. She completed her clinical internship at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, where she provided individual and group psychotherapy to Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Following her internship, she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, specializing in the treatment of stress and anxiety disorders. As a postdoctoral fellow, she provided evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for individuals dealing with PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders.

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Santiago has demonstrated a commitment to serving women’s mental health, particularly in the perinatal period. She co-developed and piloted a postpartum anxiety and depression prevention group at the Houston VA, providing crucial support to pregnant Veterans. Her clinical work also extends to reproductive mental health, where she has delivered gender-sensitive, trauma-informed care to women through individual therapy.

Dr. Santiago has presented on topics related to anxiety and women’s mental health. She remains actively involved in research, focusing on trauma and anxiety. She works as a staff psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and is passionate about integrating her research into clinical practice.