I am a licensed LMFT in California with 24 years of professional work experience. My expertise is in attachment, developmental trauma, and parent-child relationships. I have a doctorate in human services.
Since I have unique experience, I want to make sure the clients that I work with can best benefit from my background. I work specifically with biological, foster, adoptive and relative parents who have children of all ages and are open to attachment based parenting work. I also work with teens and adults who are looking for someone who can help them better understand their attachment patterns as it relates to childhood loss and trauma.
It is important that I create a sense of emotional safety for clients by offering an open yet structured environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
Depending on the needs of you and your family, I use aspects of EMDR (if seen as appropriate), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Neurosequential model, Mindfulness techniques, Theraplay, REST (my own approach), Experiential work, and others.
Taking the first step to seeking more fulfilling and happier relationships, takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Additional areas of focus: LGBTQ+ related issues, Coping with grief and loss, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Executive and professional coaching, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Family of origin issues, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Immigration issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Systemic Therapy
VA LMFT 0717002665
CA LMFT 44400
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Carey Alvord. 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. Alvord has been professional and comforting. I have never been in fulltime therapy before and she brings so much resources and easy to talk to
Written on Jun 16, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and adhd
For the first time in a long time I feel understood. I feel heard and I have confidence that I found someone who can actually help me get through life struggles I’ve been dealing with for so long. I appreciate Dr. Alford and her expertise as well as caring and understanding.
Written on Jun 10, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Working with Dr. Alvord and using betterhelp has been so helpful during my struggle with unemployment. Thank you!
Written on Jun 09, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and anger management
Professional and Respectable
Written on May 07, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and
She's very good
Written on Apr 30, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders
Dr. Alvord provides a space that makes me feel comfortable sharing with her and constantly reassures me which is what I need. I think that she has taken the time to understand what I need and feel that she puts in a lot of effort to help me work through problems I am having. I really really appreciate her and feel very seen and understood.
Written on Apr 07, 2026 after therapy with Carey for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder