M​a​r​i​s​s​a Alvarez, LMSW

Immediate openings available. Marissa Alvarez is a licensed master's-level social worker who offers trauma-informed care for adults navigating stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ identity concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related questions, and ADHD. They bring five years of clinical experience and a practice shaped by intersectional feminist and anti-racist frameworks so that each person’s identity and context are considered in treatment.

They favor evidence-based approaches with particular use of Internal Family Systems - a parts-oriented model that helps people understand internal conflicts - and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - a structured method for processing traumatic memories and reducing distress. Marissa works especially with adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and with those managing chronic illness or disability, and they address related concerns such as attachment issues, body image, communication problems, and co-occurring conditions.

Their role is to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients can explore how past experiences show up in daily life, learn coping skills, and move toward goals for healing and growth. Marissa emphasizes practical strategies alongside deeper exploration so clients can build skills that fit their lives. For a consultation, please reach out via email to schedule an appointment. LMSW indicates a Licensed Master Social Worker - a master's-degree clinician credentialed to provide mental health services in Michigan.

Parts-Based and Trauma-Focused Care Delivered Online

Internal Family Systems is a parts-oriented approach that helps people notice and dialogue with different internal aspects of themselves, which can reduce internal conflict and improve self-understanding. It can be helpful for working through identity questions, attachment issues, and patterns that feel stuck. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy blends exposure, skills training, and cognitive techniques to help people process distressing memories and develop new coping strategies for anxiety and trauma-related reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Marissa collaborates with each client to identify which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts the work over time so therapy remains relevant and effective. This collaborative process helps ensure the therapeutic plan aligns with the client’s values and life circumstances.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and lets clients engage from locations that work for them. These options can make regular care more accessible for people balancing work, health needs, caregiving, or mobility limitations, while allowing licensed professionals to provide consistent, structured support.