Heather Alvarez, LCSW — Therapist in New Mexico

Hi there, I'm Heather!

If you are looking into therapy, I want to say congratulations and acknowledge how much courage it takes to step into this process. No matter what you want to work on, I believe in working together to find the path forward with patience, acceptance, and hope.

My focus

I have experience working with clients experiencing life transitions, substance use, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, trauma, anger, neurodivergence, and LGBTQ+ issues. I have worked with many clients who dealt with co-occurring diagnoses.

My approach

My approach is person-centered, solution-focused, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. It is also CBT and DBT-informed. If needed, I can also incorporate the SAMHSA Anger Management curriculum and the Matrix Model for substance use issues.

My communication style

I encourage open, honest communication. I always aspire to communicate clearly and gently, but truthfully, while maintaining awareness of each person's level of self-awareness, insight, and their readiness for self-reflection and self-examination.

My journey to mental healthcare

There came a point in my life when I decided to change careers, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I looked at everything I had done in my life and realized that the common denominator was people - I like people, I am interested in and curious about people, and I enjoy helping people.

My goals for you

I believe in the concept of "going slow to go fast." Sometimes it can feel like nothing is happening, or we can go through periods of feeling worse as we unearth old pain. I'm here to support you where you are now while helping you tolerate the process of creating deep healing and change.

Our first session

Often, by the time people start therapy, they have a lot of thoughts and feelings to express, so we will make time in the first session for you to begin to speak about these things, as well as ask any questions you may have about me or the therapy process.

I identify as...

Cis, Female
Prefer Not to Respond

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo

+ 27 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from New Mexico State University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Heather Alvarez