Crystal Alvarado, LMHC-DP

I was headed to film school. I had this deep passion for cinematography and graphic design, even made it into a NYU film festival in high school. My whole plan was mapped out – I was going to tell stories through film, create visual narratives that moved people. But life had a different script in mind.

My own struggles with depression and anxiety during that time led me to therapy, and working with my therapist completely shifted my perspective. I became fascinated by human behavior – not just the stories we tell on screen, but the stories we tell ourselves every day. I realized I wanted to help people rewrite those internal narratives in real time.

During my graduate internship at a nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ youth, everything clicked into place. Working with this population was incredibly fulfilling because as a gay teen, I didn’t have an affirming support system, so I decided to be that person for others navigating similar struggles.

My approach feels like talking to a trusted friend who’s going to uplift you during your hardest times but also challenge you to reflect on how you can change the mindset that might be holding you back. Clients tell me things like “All week I was thinking I can’t wait to talk to Crystal” and describe our work as “engaging,” “compassionate,” and “welcoming.” That means everything to me because therapy shouldn’t feel like going to the doctor’s office – it should feel like visiting someone who genuinely cares about your story.

I work with ages 5 through 55+ dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, autism, and gender dysphoria. I work from an existential lens to a solution-focused approach combined with cognitive behavioral techniques when appropriate. But what really sets my work apart is that I incorporate creative therapeutic interventions that help people process experiences in ways that traditional talk therapy alone sometimes can’t reach.

One of my core beliefs is that therapy is not meant to fix someone. People aren’t broken, just misunderstood. I believe therapists must be willing to learn from their clients – about culture, different life perspectives, beliefs, and views about the world. We learn as much from our clients as they learn from us.

My guiding philosophy is that “what you want isn’t always what you need,” and sometimes sitting with discomfort is where the real growth happens.

When I’m not in sessions, I’m hiking, lifting weights at the gym, watching movies, spending time with my pets, and reading. These activities keep me grounded and remind me that creativity and self-care aren’t luxuries – they’re necessities.

If you’re hesitant about starting therapy, know that this isn’t something you succeed or fail at – it’s always something you can learn from. Try not to focus on the impression you make on me. This is your space, and I’m honored to be part of your story.