Maritza Alvarez-Pena, LMFT

Bilingual LMFT for trauma and relationships

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
English and Spanish
23 years experience

About Maritza Alvarez-Pena

Maritza Alvarez-Pena is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 23 years of professional experience. She earned a master’s degree in Psychology Counseling and holds the LMFT credential, which indicates licensure to provide therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups.

She works with couples, families, groups and individuals to support overall well-being and to resolve family, friend, and life conflicts. Her primary specialties include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and depression. She also addresses related concerns such as abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, attachment difficulties, caregiver stress, cancer-related challenges, chronic pain and illness, and other complex or co-occurring problems.

Her practice integrates a range of clinical approaches to meet each person’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based and trauma-focused work, psychodynamic and narrative methods, mindfulness and somatic techniques, client-centered practices, motivational interviewing and existential perspectives. Maritza frames therapy as a collaborative process and offers steady support for those taking the often difficult first steps toward a more satisfying and balanced life.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Parenting issues Depression

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Maritza Alvarez-Pena have?

Maritza Alvarez-Pena has 23 years of professional experience.

Is Maritza Alvarez-Pena a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LMFT credential, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details: CA LMFT 138711.

In which languages does Maritza Alvarez-Pena provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English and Spanish.

Where is Maritza Alvarez-Pena located?

Maritza Alvarez-Pena is located in California.

How can I work with Maritza Alvarez-Pena as my therapist?

Clients can work with Maritza Alvarez-Pena through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Maritza Alvarez-Pena work with international clients?

Maritza Alvarez-Pena does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Maritza Alvarez-Pena cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match clients with a therapist. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule a first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?

Many people wonder whether online therapy can make a meaningful difference. For most common concerns - such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or navigating life changes - online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.

One of the main advantages is flexibility. Clients can connect with a therapist in the format that works best for them - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging - which can make it easier to schedule care around work, family and other commitments.

Therapists offering remote services are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to request a different therapist if they feel a different fit would be helpful. For many people, online therapy provides a practical, accessible way to engage in consistent therapeutic work while maintaining continuity with their daily life.

Ready to start therapy with Maritza Alvarez-Pena?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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