Licensed to practice in California and accepts 73 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression and 10 more.
Julie Alvarado
(she/her)
Therapy can be a place where the healing process begins, a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. As a bilingual LMFT, I strive to create a safe and compassionate space where children, teens, and adults can slow down, make sense of what they are carrying, understand their emotions with kindness, and build practical tools for everyday life. I believe that even in difficult seasons, people carry strength, resilience, and the capacity to grow. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing is not about becoming someone new, but reconnecting with the parts of yourself that may have been hurt, silenced, overwhelmed, or forgotten, and moving forward with greater clarity, deeper self-understanding, and self-compassion.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
A welcoming space where we take time to explore what brought you to therapy, what’s been feeling challenging lately, and what you’re hoping for, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I focus on listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and helping you feel supported and understood. Together, we’ll begin to make sense of your current situation and gently shape a clear, meaningful path forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I focus on understanding both the deeper roots of what you’re experiencing and the challenges you’re facing right now. I prioritize the progress that matters most to you, guided by your values, goals, and readiness for change, not by pressure or expectations. I draw from CBT and other evidence-based approaches while staying attuned to your strengths, helping you build insight, practical skills, and confidence.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are individuals who are open to exploring different areas of their lives and are ready to make meaningful changes at their own pace. I enjoy working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, or everyday stress. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I work alongside clients to increase self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and build on their existing strengths to help them reach their personal goals.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Child or Adolescent
Domestic Violence
Grief
Parenting
School Issues
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Women's Issues
I identify as
Hispanic / Latinx
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter from Health Net
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a core treatment method due to its structured, hands-on approach to addressing unhelpful thought patterns. I find that this method offers tangible, measurable progress as clients are able to develop practical tools to manage their emotions and reactions. One of the aspects I particularly appreciate about CBT is its focus on addressing patterns of thinking that no longer serve the individual’s well-being. By working collaboratively, we identify those cognitive distortions and work towards reframing them in a way that is more aligned with the client’s goals and values. CBT also offers a variety of techniques that clients can practice outside of sessions, reinforcing the skills learned. These exercises help make the changes feel more attainable, and clients often notice a significant reduction in stress and anxiety when faced with challenging life situations.
Faith based therapy
Faith-based therapy is a collaborative approach that integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a client’s spiritual and religious beliefs to support healing, emotional well-being, and personal growth. When clients choose to include faith in therapy, I help them explore how their belief system can serve as a source of strength, meaning, and guidance while navigating life’s challenges. This approach honors each client’s values and autonomy, using spirituality as a supportive resource alongside clinical care.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is a therapeutic approach that recognizes how trauma and significant life experiences impact the nervous system, emotional regulation, coping patterns, and relationships. This method emphasizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment while avoiding re-traumatization. In therapy, I integrate trauma-informed principles by working collaboratively with clients to understand how past experiences influence present responses. Treatment focuses on building awareness, strengthening practical coping skills, supporting nervous system regulation, and fostering a sense of choice and control. Clients are supported in moving at their own pace within a respectful and compassionate therapeutic relationship.
3 ratings with written reviews
April 2, 2026
I really like how warm Julie’s presence is she’s very sweet and soft spoken literally lol. She listens to me so well, I always have SO MUCH to say lol because I don’t really have any other SAFE outlets so I kind of release a lot with her but it’s been helpful and healing! She has given me some great grounding tips that I’ve tried before in the past but didn’t quite enjoy before Julie reintroduced them in a better way. I also feel better after our sessions and feel more grounded. She’s great!
Verified client, age 25-34
February 6, 2026
Julie shows a lot of warmth and support for my needs and situations. She listens and open - minded when suggestions for coping skills are helpful for me especially when she wants me to breathe. She's a very good counselor for my needs.
Verified client, age 25-34
January 8, 2026
Julie is very warm and friendly. She understands my situation and she's a good listener. I really want her to work with me more.