Teresamaria Zavala, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Teresamaria!

I'm Teresamaria Zavala, but prefer to be called Teresa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I like to say as a therapist, "I want to work myself out of a job." I am a huge believer that therapy has its place in a person's life, but ultimately has an end date. My goal is to get you to the point where you can continue in your life.

My focus

I especially love working with people in transitional phases of life, including teenagers, young adults, adults, and older individuals navigating life changes, personality disorders, depression, psychosis, developmental challenges, and addiction.

My approach

My approach is heavily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, with co-occurring treatment. I borrow and incorporate other modalities as needed to meet your unique needs.

My communication style

Safety is the number one priority, including physical and emotional safety. I try to be as transparent as possible, instructive at times when introducing new concepts or material, and truly believe that to best serve a client, there is some trial and learning that we will go through together as treatment is established.

My journey to mental healthcare

I love that, being a social worker, there's no typical fit for the job. I came into social work by fate, and stayed because a passion for helping was ignited. It is a profound and amazing privilege to watch people grow, sit with them in their loss and grief, and help them through it--it is a humbling and such an enriching part of my life.

My goals for you

I work with you to set the goals you feel are most relevant and important.

Our first session

We'll get to know each other, discuss what brings you to therapy, and begin exploring your goals together.

I identify as...

Biracial or Multiracial
Spiritual

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Motivational Interviewing

+ 7 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

LGBTQIA+

Body Positivity

Non-Binary

Queer

Sex-Positive/Kink

Transgender

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 61 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Fresno.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Teresamaria Zavala