My name is Claire Chavarria, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I graduated from Sacramento State University with my BA in Psychology, and a minor in counseling. I went on to get my master's from Northcentral University in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have experience working with children, teens and adults who need a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss trauma, ADHD, general and social anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions and more.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I view the therapist/client relationship to be a journey where the client is in the driver's seat and the therapist is like GPS. I am a resource to my clients, finding the best empirical methods to help clients reach their goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I take play seriously. I love to use anything a client enjoys for play in therapy, from Geek fandoms to hobbies like video games, sports, traveling, music, art and animals. Geek Therapy is a thing! Geek Therapy is a term that refers to a therapeutic approach that incorporates elements of geek and pop culture, such as video games, movies, comics, and other forms of media, into the therapeutic process. It's an innovative way of connecting with clients who have a strong affinity for these interests and using them as tools for personal growth, self-expression, and healing. Geek Therapy recognizes the positive impact that these interests can have on mental health and well-being.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have experience working with Pre-Teen, Teen, Young Adults, and Adults. I am culturally competent in multiple cultures such as Hispanic, Asian, Immigrant families, Neurodivergent and Geek/Gamer subcultures.
About Claire Chavarria
Claire Chavarria offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, empowering them to develop healthier thinking patterns and behaviors. My training and experience allow me to tailor CBT techniques to each client's unique challenges and goals.
Attachment-based
I am skilled in Attachment-Based Therapy through my deep understanding of how early relational patterns influence present-day emotional and interpersonal functioning. I integrate this approach to help clients explore their attachment histories and develop secure, trusting relationships—with others and themselves.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate DBT skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness to support clients with emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My strengths lie in making DBT tools both accessible and engaging for clients of all ages.
Play Therapy
I use Play Therapy to connect with children and adolescents in a developmentally appropriate way, helping them express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills. I frequently integrate Geek Therapy—using pop culture, video games, and fandom-based tools—to create meaningful, therapeutic experiences that resonate with clients’ interests and identities.
Positive Psychology
I apply Positive Psychology principles to help clients cultivate strengths, build resilience, and increase overall well-being. I integrate tools like gratitude practices, values clarification, and the PERMA model to support clients in creating a life rich in meaning, joy, and connection.