Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Inglewood, CA

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.

My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

Outside of private practice, I have worked at Ocean Recovery as a therapist since 2014, thus specialize in working with women seeking help from eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and infertility.

I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where I walk alongside you rather than ahead of you. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, substance use, chronic pain, and life transitions. My background in clinical psychology, along with board certification in biofeedback and neurofeedback, allows me to integrate both psychological and physiological approaches to healing. Most importantly, I deeply respect the uniqueness of your lived experience and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered.

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

Life is Difficult! Many obstacles and challenges! I've been practicing 25+ years assisting adults (of all ages) and teens (15+) with major life changes, mild/moderate depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment issues, sobriety and its relation to mental health. I also work with high functioning career/work choices - helping students/adult-professionals find Purpose-Vision, and Ambition in their career (Life/Career-Coaching). I employ talk therapy to alleviate symptoms, elevate mood, increase self-awareness and existing strengths. I also help people in recovery to alleviate 'Character Defects' that continue on in sobriety.

One of my joys in life is making a positive difference in my client's lives. Maybe you’ve tried everything; talking to friends/family, reading self-help books, ignoring the problem hoping it will go away, or just accepting how things are and yet you are feeling unhappy and stuck. I believe there is hope for you, a life filled with love, fulfillment and fun. I've had a variety of life experiences (good, not so good) that's given me wisdom and insights about people/life. I work with couples, women/men issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD. I'll travel with you on your journey of healing/growth with understanding and compassion.

I am dedicated to helping individuals make meaningful, lasting changes by developing coping skills that fit their unique life experiences. With over 20 years of experience in addiction treatment and mental health services, I bring a grounded, compassionate, and client‐centered approach to therapy. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone else, and my role is to support you in uncovering your strengths, healing from past experiences, and building a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.

My specialties include substance use disorders, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and co‐occurring mental health challenges. I am committed to helping clients improve their relationships, reduce stress, and strengthen their sense of self‐worth. I focus on the whole person—mind, body, and environment—because growth in one area naturally supports growth in all others.

I am a PMHNP, dedicated to working collaboratively with all clients with medication or therapy to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Education

• Norwich University, Post Grad PMHNP, Graduated 2024
• Chamberlain University, MSN-FNP, Graduated 2019
• Western Governors University, BSN Graduated 2014
• San Jacinto College RN, Grad 2009
• University of Texas, Information Systems, Graduated 2001

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders (DID)
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Medication Management
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Self-Harming
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Substance Use
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma and PTSD

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Compassion Focused
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused
• Integrative
• Intervention
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered
• Positive Psychology
• Strength-Based
• Trauma Focused

As a therapist and a woman of color, I know firsthand how heavy life’s obstacles can feel when you’re trying to move through the world and still chase your dreams. Maybe you feel disconnected from the people you love, stuck in self-doubt and second-guessing, or worn down by unexpected changes in your relationships. If any of that resonates, please know you don’t have to carry it all alone, and you’re in exactly the right place.

I draw strongly from decades of my own personal growth work. Psychology is not a theory for me. It is a daily practice, a way of life. I help people focus on what they can control, what is most important currently and how they can work through whatever they are facing.

My name is Gillermina Alvarado and I go by Mina. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Riverside, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I received my Master's from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 9 years.

I work with young children, adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief and loss, behavioral challenges, and life changes. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable — I want my clients to feel comfortable speaking with me about anything and feeling safe, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

Above all, I believe that you are the expert of your own story, and that you have many strengths that will help you overcome what's challenging you. It takes courage to take the first steps toward change, and I'm here to support and empower you in that journey.

I am a full-time professor of psychology and a licensed therapist for over 10 years. I have a doctorate and two master's degrees so you see psychology is my passion!