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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.
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, Expats, 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
Live Chat
Messaging
License information
CA LCSW 19790
IL LCSW 149.023704
MO LCSW 2016036974
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.
I’m just starting, but I immediately connected with Dr Alvarez. She listens so well - even when I talk too fast! I love that she has so much experience and can relate to my life challenges and hopeless feelings. Such a blessing!
I’m a bit excited to move forward and dig in.
Written on Apr 08, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Dr Alvarez is rly great, she listens n givez me homework.
Written on Mar 06, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Active listener !
Written on Feb 27, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
She’s kind. And a wonderful listener. Just what I was looking for.
Written on Feb 21, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Dr. Alvarez has been a great therapist and listens to all my concerns. She is thoughtful and professional and really understands me. I am very happy I found her!
Written on Jan 31, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I’ve appreciated the encouragement that I’ve received from Dr. Alvarez thus far I am two weeks into my therapy relationship with her. But, she is an active listener and always ready to provide helpful suggestions to nudge me along my personal development journey with a warm bedside manner.
Written on Jan 31, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and anger management
Paula is amazing and helped me tremendously. She is very good at listening but also very sharp at picking up things I myself did not know about what I was doing. Absolutely love working with her - changed my life.
Written on Jan 04, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 3 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
A truly empathetic and knowledgeable individual. She validates you while also helping you work towards solutions. The perfect blend. She is emotionally available and real. She's personable in a way that doesn't make the relationship feel too clinical. I would highly recommend her!
Written on Sep 14, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Down to earth and honest!
Written on Sep 06, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, parenting issues, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Dr. Alvarez has made a huge impact on my life-she’s helped me understand behaviors I have had for years and gives wonderful insight into them. I can’t recommend her enough.
Written on Aug 25, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Paula is incredibly experienced, and is a wonderfully empathetic person. She really understands her client’s needs, and provides insightful, helpful information. I’m happy to work with her!
Written on Aug 20, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She listens and understands !!!!!… she also does so well in understanding my perspective. So professional and friendly at the same time.
Written on Aug 18, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr. Alvarez is so kind and supportive…she listens to me and offers her expertise and lets me know I am ok and will be ok…she also provides reading exercises to help with my issues and gives support to me…highly recommended!! Thank you!!
Written on Aug 17, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and anger management
Very understanding and knowledgeable person. Easy to talk to ann open up to.
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Working with Dr. Alvarez has been a relief for me and I feel respected and seen. Even after only two virtual meetings I already feel a little better.
Thank you!
Written on Jul 25, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
Dr Paula is the absolute best! She has been so much help, and I've solved so many issues with my mental health with her .
Written on Jul 14, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
I think it's too early for me to gage completely into the situation but per my experience, Dr Alvarez is a good listener and responds to my messages in a timely manner. She's empathetic and I'm hoping I'll be able to find a solution with her experience and expertise in psychology.
Written on Jun 29, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
She is amazing. Kind, friendly, honest and is a master at what she does. Would recommend her to everyone. Thank you!
Written on Jun 23, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
Dr. Alvarez is amazing. She has helped me so much in just the little time that I have been seeing her. She asks the perfect questions and is a great listener. I always get excited to talk to her.
Written on Feb 23, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
Dr Alvarez is experienced, empathetic, forward moving when dealing with CPTSD and childhood sexual abuse trauma issues. She is able to support me both as a survivor and as an organizer of a peer support group of my own. She understands te issues on a deep level and is able to help me come to new realization for myself.
Written on Jan 28, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 3 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Paula was (and is) excellent. She helped me tackle my issues head on and was an invaluable resource. I’m so much better off than I was before working with her, and I cannot recommend her services enough!
Written on Jan 24, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
I think therapy is an ongoing journey and taking the small tips and advices makes a big difference. thank you for helping me take on this journey! much grace
Written on Dec 29, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Dr.Alvarez is absolutely incredible! I feel so grateful for a chance to work with her! Both professional and caring, I finally feel like I’m making progress
Written on Dec 02, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Like her very much
Written on Nov 11, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt
Dr. Alvarez helped me to overcome my struggles related to narcissistic abuse, but what’s more important, is that we went further in our discussions and I could understand thus accept myself better. This way, I stand stronger when it comes to other life challenges as well: I’m more confident, mindful and patient. I accepted myself and that healing takes time, and that the remaining scars are valuable reminders to be proud of.
Written on Oct 03, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Paula Alvarez achieves a wonderful balance of approachability and professionalism! This has been my first experience working with a therapist, and that balance has been extremely helpful for me to first feel comfortable with opening up and exploring thoughts/topics that are difficult for me to address, and then feeling genuinely hopeful because the sessions with her are constructive and productive. Whether I'm having good days or bad days, I always look forward to our weekly sessions!
Written on Sep 23, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Paula is an amazing therapist. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! I'm inspired by her as a woman who keeps learning and growing. Her support and genuine interest in my mental and physical health is priceless. I have so much appreciation for her understanding of my specific needs . Using Betterhelp.com during this unique time in history has enabled me to adjust to our new normal in a healthy and peaceful way. With Paula's support and encouragement, I've been able to level up in my therapy and reach places I never knew possible.
Written on Sep 23, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching
I was always told by people around me how difficult it was to find a good therapist that you feel a connection with, when starting therapy. That you most likely will fall upon a lot of people who don't interact with you, who just seem to scribble on their paper, and who don't make the sessions feel helpful at all. That you'll have to kiss a lot of frigs before you find your therapist prince. That discouraged me from seeking therapy for a long time. But when I tried fir the first through Betterhelp, I was assigned Dr Alvarez. I felt from the very first session that I had found my therapist prince. She's very interactive, you can tell that she listens and cares. I feel heard and even after only 2 sessions, I've been feeling better each time and looking forward to the next one. Anyone would be lucky to be assigned Dr Alvarez as their therapist.
Written on Sep 21, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Paula has been a wonderful counselor. She helped me through a difficult breakup and is guiding me through the next phase of my life. We have worked on self-esteem issues, and I've gained various tools to help with creating boundaries and expressing my needs. I look forward to my session each week to gain new insights and share some of my own with her. She is supportive, warm and encouraging. I feel like a different person and am much more confident.
Written on Sep 18, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Alvarez has made me feel listened to and assured that we will work together to help me enjoy life more again without the worries.
Written on Aug 29, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Dr. Alvarez has been fantastic to work with. She is an attentive listener, and provides her own input always in an intelligent and appropriate manner. She always helps me see and understand a range of different perspectives on a situation which I may not have been able to see otherwise. This has been crucial to my progress overtime. She genuinely cares about my problems and well being and has provided numerous exercises for me to get on with inbetween sessions and to use on a day to day basis. I am very grateful for her help!
Written on Aug 19, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 7 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and intimacy-related issues
Caring and helped me very much during a time of need.
Written on Aug 11, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Dr. Alvarez has helped me identify and realize things within my life that affects my self-confidence and trust within others. She's a great listener and helps me come to realizations that are helpful for my self-esteem. She's truly great!
Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Dr. Paula is a warm-hearted expert. She is considerate and patient.
Written on Aug 03, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
I've only had two sessions with Paula so far, but I could tell from the outset that she was going to give me the support I so badly needed. Paula really listens, and her feedback is thoughtful and often challenging - something I'm happy to receive as it's delivered in such a compassionate way.
I appreciate the fact that Paula openly shares her own past struggles with mental health, so I know she understands from more than just an intellectual perspective. She checks in with me via the BetterHelp platform with kind messages and helpful bits of information, something I really had not expected when I signed up to the app.
Although Paula lives in the US and I am in London, I feel so fortunate to have connected with someone who just gets it. I know this process will never be a quick fix, but it helps SO much to know there's a person out there who understands and doesn't judge.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia or a related condition, I can not recommend Paula more highly. All the glowing testimonials from her former clients are true. Thank you Paula and thank you BetterHelp for connecting us across continents!
Written on Jul 30, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and adhd
Dr. Alvarez positive smile and attitude won my heart right the way. She is caring and patient friend - Paula, who listens to you carefully and presents solutions to your worries right the way. Been having sessions with Dr. Paula Alvarez for some time already and feeling improvement. Thank you BetterHelp and Dr. Alvarez! Wish you all the best in your continuous success!
Written on Jul 19, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Great counselor
Written on Jul 19, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Paula is indispensable. Not only does she genuinely care about me, providing great insight based on many years of experience, but she is also able to provide advice and ideas on a whole range of subjects. As a new parent, I have particularly found her insights on early years development, parenting and family relationships to be really great.
Written on Apr 28, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning grief, and coping with life changes
Since the very first meeting we had, Paula made comfortable and it felt like speaking with a friend.
I appreciate her encouraging and supportive approach to everything I was struggling with.
Her approach to the problems I had were focusing on the "how-to" of dealing with them.
I definitely will rely on her for future therapy.
Written on Apr 20, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Paula is incredible. I still cant believe how much my life has improved emotionally in the time since I’ve met her. I started therapy as a last resort after having trouble getting through the day emotionally. Today, I feel back to being myself and feel excited for the future! Paula takes the time to listen, and understand your anguish, and always has a multitude of tools to help you feel better. I cannot thank Paula enough and highly recommend her.
Written on Apr 20, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
Paula is not only an amazing person to work with but she is an amazing person in general. She made me feel so safe and made me realize there is nothing wrong with me. She is always here to listen and offer good advice. Her methods are so useful and she never makes me feel guilty or judge me. She is a professional and an amazing spirit. Working with her has been a blessing and I am so grateful for her. Thank you so much Paula
Written on Apr 16, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Paula has helped me come so far in battling my demons and moving past my trauma. She is so honest and supportive!
Written on Apr 14, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Paula has been amazing. This was my first time doing therapy, and it's so far proven to be very nice to have
Written on Mar 25, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning coaching
Paula is so wonderful and caring. She is really helping me get through a difficult time. She is very professional and listens to my needs/concerns. Paula gives me activities and readings that have encouraged me to understand myself better. I’m so thankful for her support.
Written on Mar 16, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Paula is great! After having gone through a few counsellors on Betterhelp that did not click as well as I had hoped, I got matched with Paula, and she has been amazing. She's very attentive and listens to your concerns and I never feel rushed through our sessions. I highly recommend her.
Written on Feb 23, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Paula is a joy to work with. There is no doubt that Paula cares about you and works hard. I did not have high expectations joining this app and surprisingly, she has exceeded my expectations. Paula is considerate, validating and listens deeply to my long winded rants, responding with clear advice and understanding. Working with Paula has been truly rewarding.
Written on Feb 20, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Paula is an excellent therapist and has a tremendous amount of professional and life experience to back it up. I am not as keen to the messaging and phone calls, and Paula always has time for a thorough video session. I have been able to dial in my goals and take concrete steps towards achieving them much thanks for her help. I highly recommend working with her!
Written on Feb 09, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 3 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I feel very fortunate because Paula is exactly what I was looking for in a counselor. She's clinically experienced, very perceptive, she has excellent communication skills, helps me set short term goals that are neither too difficult nor too easy, she provides the right amount of support for me, she uses humor (we laugh sometimes) and most of all, she's clearly committed to my success in the counseling process.
Written on Jan 14, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and self esteem
Very caring, understanding, and professional. Thank you!
Written on Jan 06, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Paula is an absolute star! She’s a calm , sympathetic, and active listener, and her gentle manner makes you feel safe and heard. She helped me recognize patterns while reminding me to put myself first.
Written on Dec 23, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She is lovely, she listens and offers helpful tips on my problems and ways to deal with them.
Written on Sep 28, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and intimacy-related issues
Paula is wonderful. She’s incredibly attentive. She let’s me speak when I need to share but also provides professional insight when appropriate. I feel very comfortable working and talking with Paula.
Written on Sep 24, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
Paula takes the time to ask questions and tries to understand her patients thoughts and presents the whole picture, she is very knowledgeable and gives you information you can look and and learn about outside of your sessions. She is very empowering to her patients.
Written on Sep 18, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
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