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

30 yrs 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 instrumental in my continued growth and unlocking old behaviors to make positive changes in processing new challenges and how I cope with the challenges and deal with people around me.

Written on Jun 01, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes

She's an amazing listener we've only had a few sessions but I plan on staying with her she has this positive and safe energy which makes her so easy to talk to.

Written on May 30, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Ms. Alvarez is really kind and genuinely listens to your concerns and anything else in between. For addiction, she has been a tremendous help for me in the short amount of time I had with her. Fully recommend.

Written on May 13, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and intimacy-related issues

Dr. Alvarez is helping me deal with a difficult situation. I am feeling much better.

Written on May 05, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Dr. Alvarez listens really well, is supportive and understanding and is very easy to talk to. She has given me great feedback so far and tools to help me.

Written on Apr 30, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Great session with my therapist! So caring and supportive. I love how knowledgeable she is. Felt like she heard me. Can’t wait for my next session!

Written on Apr 22, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes