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Known for her inclusive and community-focused therapy approaches, Daniela blends evidence-based practices with culturally compassionate therapies that serve people of color.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Master’s Degree in Social Work
Certificate in Gerontology
License for Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
License for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Trained Therapist
License for Seeking Safety-Trained Therapist
License for Crisis Oriented Recovery Service (CORS)
California State University
Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
Born to immigrant parents from Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Los Angeles, Daniela grew up with a strong sense of justice and an instinctive understanding of the social, historical and political realities that impact her community. Growing up in such a multicultural city molded and influenced her perspective and motivation to dedicate her life to making her community a better place.
Nearly two decades of experience as a seasoned social worker, working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults across different LA County Departments and positions.
“As your therapist, I believe that you are the expert of your life. I am here to guide you in the areas of your life that might be preventing you from being the best version of yourself. Evidence-Based Practices do not always meet the mental health needs of Latinx, African American, Asian, and Native American Indian communities, so creating my unique approach has allowed me to better help my clients.”
With lived experience of distress and discomfort, Liz approaches therapy with compassionate expertise that encourages her clients to learn and grow. She helps individuals address their unique issues and creates countywide programs that bring effective mental health services to underrepresented populations.
Liz is multi-racial as she is Italian, African American, and Native American (Choctaw). Liz considers herself to be a combination of all three cultures rather than being predominantly one of the cultures.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Masters in Social Work
Liz credits her personal therapy experience for changing her life and inspiring her career path as a therapist. When she was a college freshman, her then-boyfriend, a US marine, was deployed for an overseas tour. She developed anxiety when he left and soon began therapy. During her therapy journey, she realized she had experienced childhood trauma and depression. This helped Liz decide to practice clinically in her sophomore year and dive more deeply into understanding why we think, feel and behave the way we do.Experience
Nearly two decades of experience as a seasoned social worker, working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults across different LA County Departments and positions.
Liz worked in the airline industry for a time before accepting a job as a case manager for Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). At the start of her County career, she supported Welfare-to-Work clients who needed Domestic Violence, Mental Health, or Substance Use Disorder services. Within five years, Liz began working in the section responsible for writing and maintaining program policies, and she was soon made lead analyst for the CalWORKs Mental Health Program. She has since worked with various state and local stakeholders to develop effective programs that remove barriers to employment.
“I found great meaning and purposes in my work at DPSS. I really enjoyed working with my clients as most of them were eager to improve the quality of their lives. Now, I feel a strong pull to clinical practice, that will let me incorporate social work into my job. Clinical practice allows me to learn and grow intellectually, while providing direct services to clients.”
Therapy to balance your mind, heart and spirit.
© Daniela Alvarado Therapy 2023