Carla M. Avalos

Hello and congratulations on making the first step towards prioritizing your emotional health! I hope that I can be a part of your healing journey. I’m a bilingual, Spanish- Speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Florida Telehealth Provider and certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International who is committed to helping individuals and couples learn how to navigate life challenges, daily stressors and healing from trauma. My background: I graduated from USC with my Master of Social Work in 2008 and I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2012. I am certified as a Perinatal Mental Health Provider by Postpartum Support International where I received extensive training in Perinatal Grief and Loss, depression, trauma and other mental health conditions impacting pregnant individuals and their partners. I’ve also completed the Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Counseling training which has allowed me to help couples improve their communication, conflict resolution and find new ways to build emotional intimacy. I have been in the mental health field since 2009 and started my journey with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health where I am currently employed. My extensive trainings and educational background have equipped me with the necessary clinical tools to work with a variety of client populations, diverse mental health issues and cultural backgrounds. My why: As a Latina therapist and first generation Salvadoran-American, I’m most passionate about transforming and empowering the lives of individuals who identify as a Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC) and women of color. My counseling style is non-judgmental, compassionate and empowering. Some of my therapy approaches are using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) , interpersonal therapy (IPT), solution focused and person centered therapy with a multicultural and trauma informed focus. It is important for me to collaborate my client on what treatment modality and technique would best fit their needs. I believe in taking a healing centered , anti-racist and culturally sustaining approach to helping clients reach their goals and feel more confident in navigating the unprecedented events of life. I believe that it is important for me to get a clear understanding of how I can best help my clients by using a collaborative and healing approach to make sure that my clients feel safe in discussing their deepest wounds. I understand that for most people, coming to therapy isn't easy nor accessible so my goal is to help my clients understand that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. My Services: My work focuses on providing individual therapy and couples counseling to adults ages 18 and over who are experiencing a variety of emotional challenges and life stressors which significantly impact a person's ability to move forward in life. I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, work stress, relationship issues, grief and first generation individuals who need guidance in navigating the next step in their lives. In individual therapy, I help clients identify healthy ways of coping with their current symptoms and stressors and provide them with educational tools to help them understand the root of their emotions. In couples therapy, I provide conflict resolution skills, effective communication techniques, and help couples build more emotional intimacy. I also conduct Immigration evaluations for individuals for reasons of extreme hardship, seeking a U-Visa or asylum, and women seeking a VAWA petition. I’m approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide supervision for ACSW’s and I am able to provide clinical case consultations to LCSW’s for a reduced fee. Please check out my Instagram to get a glimpse of what it would look like to work with me. My Self-Care: Self-care is one of the most important things that you can do to manage your overall well-being and it is a topic that I frequently discuss with my clients because I enjoy practicing what I teach my clients. As a therapist, self-care is a priority for me so that I can be fully present and available when I'm working. Some activities that I enjoy doing as part of my self-care is running ( I've completed 16 full marathons and 21 half-marathons), reading romance novels , mysteries or historical fiction, watching true crime shows/documentaries and reality tv shows ( married at first sight and the Bachelor are some of my favorites), traveling and hiking with my partner. Contact Me: I currently provide in person sessions in Los Angeles and Telehealth sessions throughout California and Florida. I believe that a good therapeutic relationship begins when both the therapist and client can build a connection by ensuring that there is a mutual understanding of how they will work well together. This is why I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation for all potential clients to see if I am the right fit for your needs and vice versa. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request through the website or give me a call. I offer limited reduced fee slots for individuals and couples who are experiencing financial challenges. If I don’t accept your insurance, I am able to provide a Super Bill for possible reimbursement from your insurance. I look forward to being a part of your healing and wellness journey. Good Faith Estimate: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.