Therapist Dr. Paula Alvarez Photo

Dr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Anger management Bipolar disorder Depression
Video Phone Messaging

About me

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021.

I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques.

I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.

Professional experience

30yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Anger management Bipolar disorder Depression

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Services offered

Video
Phone
Messaging

License information

MO LCSW 2016036974

CA LCSW 19790

IL LCSW 149.023704

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Paula Alvarez. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Dr. Alvarez has been extremely supportive and encouraging of my growth journey. This is the first therapist I’ve had genuine faith in guiding me and I always look forward to my sessions with her :)

Written on Nov 15, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Dr. Alvarez was amazing I really feel a big weight off my shoulders. Thank you for your expertise. I can't wait until next session. Something positive to look forward to.

Written on Nov 14, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem

Dr. Alvarez is great and easy to speak with. She listens and provides many options to assist me. Just talking to her makes me feel at ease.

Written on Nov 13, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Had my first session, she was patient, interested, very clear, and helpful in identifying my concerns. Can't wait to attend more with her!

Written on Nov 11, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Dr. Alvarez is extremely understanding and gives me the opportunity to express myself above anything else!

Written on Oct 23, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Dr Paula has been an amazing inspiration and a great help during one of the most difficult years of my life. When my brain tells me I can’t go on, she really listens and assures me I’m worth it in this world and when this storm passes this work we’re doing will be worth it!
I’m so happy to have found such an amazing soul.

Written on Oct 15, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes