Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 8 more.
New to Grow
My name is Claudia Ibal, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned licensure in 2021. I have approximately seven years of experience specializing in substance use counseling, while also providing behavioral health services to individuals and families experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. My clinical experience includes conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, providing individualized and brief therapy, implementing evidence-based interventions, crisis intervention, and coordinating care with interdisciplinary treatment teams to support clients’ overall well-being. My approach to therapy is client-centered, compassionate, culturally responsive, and strength-based. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and trauma-informed care to meet each client's unique needs and goals. My ideal clients are individuals who are motivated to improve their quality of life, whether they are navigating substance use challenges, mental health concerns, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or stress-related issues. I enjoy working with clients who are seeking practical tools, emotional support, and guidance as they build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and move toward lasting personal growth. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to helping clients access resources, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful, sustainable change.
During our first session, I will have already reviewed any documentation you submitted to become familiar with your history and presenting concerns. However, I believe it is important to hear your story directly from you, as information on paper may not always capture the full picture. I may ask follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences, challenges, and current concerns. The first session is also an opportunity for us to begin building a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. Together, we will discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your strengths, and identify your goals so we can develop a treatment plan that supports your needs and helps you move toward meaningful change.
With several years of experience providing substance use counseling and behavioral health services, I am skilled at helping clients identify challenges, recognize their strengths, and develop practical strategies to achieve meaningful change. My approach stands out because I combine evidence-based practices with a personalized and compassionate style. I recognize that every client’s experiences, values, and goals are unique, so I tailor treatment to meet their specific needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. I draw from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and Strengths-Based interventions to help clients build resilience, increase self-awareness, and make progress toward their goals.
Over the past seven years, I have mainly worked with adults experiencing substance use disorder and mental health issues. Although I have worked with adolescence and children, my preference is working with adults. As a clinician, I also believe that treating an adolescence or a child over telehealth services is not as effective as in-person session, therefore, I would prefer to treat adults.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
have experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an evidence-based treatment approach in both mental health and substance use treatment settings. I use CBT to help clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. With implementation of therapeutic intervention, I assist clients identify cognitive distortions and negative thinking patterns, and how to build practical skills to address such distortions.
Motivational Interviewing
I tend to use MI with clients who either feel "stuck" or based on my clinical assessment/evaluation appear with no or limited progress . MI is helpful for clients to come to realization of no change happing, as this method enhances the client's motivation to make positive behavioral change by exploring ambivalence in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner.
Trauma Informed Care
I use trauma-informed interventions to help clients understand the relationship between past traumatic experiences and current symptoms, coping strategies, and behavioral patterns
Strength-Based
I use strength-based to assist client identify personal qualities and how these qualities can serve as a foundation for growth and change fostering hope, self-efficacy, and motivation.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Similar to strength-based model, I use to solution focused brief treatment to assist client identify their abilities and resources available and how to utilize them to solve problem.