Desiree Alvarado, LCSW

Compassionate LCSW guiding healing and growth

Stress and anxiety
Trauma and abuse
Addictions and recovery

About Desiree Alvarado

Desiree Alvarado is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California with four years of clinical experience helping people navigate a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. An LCSW is a licensed mental health professional trained to assess and treat issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. She works with concerns including stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and motivation, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, parenting and career struggles, and mood and personality disorders, and she also supports clients with attachment, codependency, communication, and first responder issues.

Desiree practices from a client-centered perspective and commonly integrates cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior techniques, and EMDR-informed methods when they fit a client’s needs. Her approach emphasizes identifying the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to unhelpful patterns and collaborating with clients to develop practical, realistic tools that support meaningful change. She prioritizes building rapport and trust so clients can explore difficult feelings and experiences without judgment. Taking the first step toward greater well-being can be challenging, and Desiree offers steady guidance and support throughout the process.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also Specializes In

Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

Attachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Desiree Alvarado have?

Desiree Alvarado has 4 years of experience.

Is Desiree Alvarado a licensed therapist?

Yes, she holds the credential LCSW. License details: CA LCSW 101338, TX LCSW 112461.

In which languages does Desiree Alvarado provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Desiree Alvarado located?

She is located in California.

How can I work with Desiree Alvarado as my therapist?

You can work with Desiree Alvarado through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Desiree Alvarado work with international clients?

Desiree Alvarado does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Desiree Alvarado cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Desiree commonly uses a client-centered approach that prioritizes the client's perspective and personal goals, creating space for people to explore feelings and choices at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. EMDR-informed methods are applied when processing traumatic memories and their emotional impacts may help reduce distress related to past events.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Desiree works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and effective for the client.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing clients to access licensed professionals from their own environments and on schedules that suit them. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, accommodate busy lives, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable.

Ready to start therapy with Desiree Alvarado?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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