Maria Alvarez, LCP, CA | Psychologist

About Maria Alvarez

Focus areas

Coping Mechanism Development

Psychological Trauma

Sleep Problems

Cultural Diversity Issues

Racism Issues

Stress Management

LGBTQ+ Counseling

Sleep Disorder

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Individuals

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Compassion Focused

Interpersonal

Culturally Sensitive

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Feminist

Multicultural

Identity

Gender

Female

Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latinx

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Getting to know Maria Alvarez

I am Maria J. Alvarez, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I use an empowerment-focused, collaborative perspective combined with my psychological training, focusing on Mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion practices, and trauma processing therapies. My approach begins with building a sense of trust called "the therapeutic relationship." Next, I draw on my knowledge of Mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, and trauma processing therapies. Based on each patient’s individual needs, I guide them in using one or more of these psychological approaches. Throughout this process, I weave in an anti-oppression, liberation-focused perspective. I love working with individuals ages teens to older adults who are motivated to heal and make changes that improve their lives. I am passionate about supporting people moving into new life stages and navigating transitions such as launching into college, starting or ending relationships, pregnancy, miscarriage, moving toward living a sober life, acknowledging and healing from past trauma, making health or lifestyle changes, learning to live with chronic health conditions, coming to awareness of their sexual or gender identity, adjusting to retirement, changing careers, and more. My patients tell me I have a soothing voice. I use my voice, words, body language, and my "energy" or "presence" to create an emotionally warm, safe space in sessions where you know you are heard, seen, and respected. Our sessions are a "no judgment zone," where space is held for you to do most of the talking, yet I remain active and fully present. My patients appreciate that I am not a therapist who presents as a blank slate and says almost nothing. I studied and fell in love with psychology and human development, which continues to inspire my work every day.

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In-network insurances

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200+ more in-network plans

Popular visit reasons

Depression

Mood Swings

Pediatric Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Therapy

Worry

Depression

Mood Swings

Pediatric Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - San Diego

Education and training

University of California, Santa Barbara, PhD in Counseling and Clinical Psychology

NPI number

1356538508

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Maria Alvarez?

Generally, Maria Alvarez has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Maria Alvarez's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Maria Alvarez accepting new patients?

Maria Alvarez generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Maria Alvarez's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Maria Alvarez accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Maria Alvarez is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Maria Alvarez online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Maria Alvarez using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Maria Alvarez work with?

Maria Alvarez works with Rula Health - San Diego.

What are common reasons for patients to see Maria Alvarez?

Maria Alvarez frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Maria Alvarez on their profile.