Aliza Castro, LCSW

Aliza Castro is a seasoned behavioral health professional who has worked for 29 years supporting people facing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. She holds licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - and as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and combines those perspectives to offer integrated care that addresses both addiction and emotional health. Her practice emphasizes exploration of identity issues related to adoption, providing space to examine how those experiences shape relationships and self-understanding.

Her clinical style is grounded in evidence-based, person-centered care that prioritizes being heard and developing practical coping strategies. She applies a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and supportive stance while remaining goal-directed, helping clients set meaningful objectives and build the skills they need to reach them. Aliza meets people where they are in their recovery and life changes, working at a pace that fits the individual and helping to uncover clarity and motivation to move forward.

Clients can expect collaborative work focused on recovery, self-esteem, stress management, and complex concerns such as trauma, mood disorders, and process addictions. Her approach seeks to empower individuals to gain tools for long-term resilience and healthier functioning.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Aliza commonly uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathic space where the individual's values and goals guide the work; this approach helps with self-esteem, relationship concerns, and navigating life transitions by prioritizing the client's perspective and pace.

She also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and improve coping skills. Mindfulness therapy is used as a complementary approach to help cultivate present-moment awareness and stress reduction, supporting clients dealing with trauma, impulsivity, or emotional reactivity.

Finding the best approach is part of the therapeutic process. Aliza collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress is made so therapy remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Aliza is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life changes, travel, or busy routines while ensuring access to licensed professionals and consistent therapeutic support.