LICSW, 9 years of experience
New to Grow
Arlene Angeline Chandra, MSW, MHP, LICSW, LCSW, SUDPt, CPP-AAPT, is a dedicated mental health professional, first-generation American, and first-generation college graduate whose life’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to healing and empowerment. With a passion for supporting children, youth, adolescents, and families, Arlene integrates evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Gonzaga University (2014) and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (2016). Arlene has been a nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) since 2016 and received her Mental Health Professional (MHP) designation in 2018. In 2020, she became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington and earned her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) credential. She expanded her leadership capacity by completing a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University in 2022, and subsequently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon. Arlene further broadened her clinical scope in 2024 by earning her Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPt) certification. That same year and into 2025, she pursued advanced training to better meet the needs of her clients, obtaining the following specialized certifications: • ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) • Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGP) • Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist (CSTS) Most recently, she became a Certified Professional Practitioner of Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (CPP-AAPT), allowing her to integrate therapeutic interactions with animals into her holistic, trauma-informed work.
In our first session, you can expect a warm, supportive, and inclusive space where we begin building a connection. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and review your personal history or herstory at your comfort level. I’ll answer any questions you have about the process and move at a pace that feels right for you. This session is about creating safety, building trust, and laying the foundation for a personalized plan that supports your healing and growth.
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and centered on supporting children, adolescents, and families. I integrate evidence-based treatments and interventions such as, TF-CBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing, integrating them with holistic methods such as Animal-Assisted Play Therapy®. With advanced certifications in anxiety, ADHD, grief, shame, and substance use, I tailor care to meet each client's unique needs. My work is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and empowerment, helping clients build resilience, process trauma, and develop lifelong coping skills. I create a safe, engaging space where healing and growth can take root.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults (21 and under), and their families who are navigating trauma, anxiety, ADHD, grief, identity development, and substance use challenges. I’m a good fit for clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or misunderstood, and who are open to growth in a safe, supportive space. Whether you're seeking healing, skills to manage daily life, or deeper self-understanding, I tailor therapy to meet you with compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based care.
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions in my practice to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, we work on developing practical skills and strategies to manage challenges, improve mood, and build healthier coping mechanisms. CBT is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that supports lasting, positive change.
I integrate Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support children, adolescents, and their caregivers in processing traumatic experiences in a safe and structured way. This approach combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help reduce distressing symptoms, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of safety and control. Throughout the process, we work at your pace, focusing on both healing and resilience.
I integrate Motivational Interviewing techniques to support you in exploring your own motivations for change in a non-judgmental, supportive way. This collaborative approach respects your autonomy and helps you strengthen your commitment to making positive changes—whether related to substance use, mental health, or both.