Alba Castaneda
I am a LPCC based in California, offering bilingual therapy in English and Spanish. With over ten years of experience, I provide culturally responsive, evidence informed care to adults and parents. I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, identity development, and major life transitions, including relationship changes, loss, and shifts in family, work, or personal roles. Many of the individuals I work with feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in familiar relational patterns, or uncertain about how to move forward after a separation or significant life change. My work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience. As a Latinx immigrant, I bring a deep understanding of cultural identity and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural contexts into my work. I also draw from my lived experience as a parent to a nonbinary adult, which informs my commitment to gender-affirming and inclusive care. My approach is collaborative and empathetic, focused on helping clients reconnect with themselves, find emotional steadiness, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.
My lived experience as a Latinx immigrant and parent of a nonbinary adult child allows me to connect deeply with those navigating identity, transition, or marginalization.
First session
Clients can expect to leave each session with greater clarity, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Whether it's new coping strategies, insights into thought patterns or behaviors, or ways to manage anxiety or life transitions, my goal is to equip you with actionable takeaways that empower you to create positive change. You’ll also gain tools to improve your relationships, both with yourself and others, while leaving with a stronger sense of connection to your own resilience and strengths.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen and heard. I bring cultural sensitivity, deep empathy, and genuine curiosity into every session. I also use humor and a strengths-based, empowering approach to help clients feel more at ease and build confidence in their journey. My lived experience as a Latinx immigrant and parent of a nonbinary adult child allows me to connect deeply with those navigating identity, transition, or marginalization. Clients often share that they feel supported, accepted, and encouraged to grow in our work together.
Ideal clients
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in supporting adults, and parents as they navigate identity, relationships, and major life transitions. I have a deep commitment to serving LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and I help clients build healthier, more authentic connections, whether with themselves, loved ones, or potential partners through self-awareness, communication, and emotional safety.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
My therapeutic style is eclectic, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. I integrate techniques from person centered, CBT, mindfulness, exposure therapy, and solution-focused work, all within a trauma-informed framework. This allows me to tailor our work together in a way that feels safe, supportive, and effective, whether we’re exploring patterns, building coping skills, or creating meaningful change. I believe therapy should honor your story and adapt to what works best for you.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 18981