Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California. My primary background experience is in helping clients to regain/increase control over their mental health, via developing increased insight/understanding of symptoms, identifying and utilizing coping skills, developing positive support systems, and increasing ability to problem-solve/navigate challenges. I have worked with adults in multiple settings, including those experiencing active crisis within acute locked psychiatric care, clients coming into outpatient clinics for mental health services and counseling/groups, clients utilizing substance use disorder treatment individually and in groups, and adult clients with developmental disabilities in the group home setting. Professionally, I've also worked both as direct care staff as well as in management and supervisor roles, and have also mentored undergraduate and graduate students. I'm looking forward to meeting you and offering you support. *** At this time I am unfortunately only able to meet with clients at the top of each hour. This is in order to maximize the number of clients I can meet with during each week. Thank you for your understanding. ***

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Our first session would entail discussing your background in more of an interview-style discussion, such that I can better understand and diagnose your current and recent symptoms, and so we can identify your goals for therapy and current barriers and challenges you are facing in attempting to progress toward your goals. This first session differs from the usual open-ended follow-up sessions, as much of this first intake is intended to consolidate and present information to submit to your insurance for coverage, and to come up with a preliminary action plan for therapy.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I utilize a combination of evidence-based practices, including: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Behavioral Activation, and Psychodynamic Theory. Depending on the situation, I may focus on one or more treatment modalities, depending which may be more applicable and/or helpful toward treating your symptoms effectively.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I am here to listen, hear where you're at, better understand what you're facing and how that's impacting you, what your goals are, and working on helping you clarify your situation and figure it out together. While I am a professional, my job is not to give any sort of expert advice, but to help you find the answer/direction from within yourself that you are seeking to find your next step, create a plan, develop the skills and tools to get you there, and confidently take action.

About Alvin Tan