Aliza Castro , LCSW

Aliza Castro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 29 years of experience providing integrated behavioral health care for people facing substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Her practice blends evidence-based methods with a person-centered stance so clients are treated as whole people who collaborate on realistic goals and practical coping strategies.

She has particular experience supporting individuals navigating addiction and the complex emotional effects that can accompany adoption and identity-related questions. Aliza works with clients across a range of issues including trauma, stress and anxiety, mood disorders, relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, and workplace or career stress. Her approach is non-judgmental, compassionate, supportive, and focused on measurable steps toward recovery and growth.

In sessions she aims to meet each person where they are in their journey, offering clarity and motivation while honoring each client’s pace. As an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker trained in assessment, psychotherapy, and care coordination - she integrates practical coaching with psychotherapy to help clients build resilience and move forward from difficult patterns.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client’s perspective and priorities; the therapist listens deeply, supports self-directed goals, and helps people build confidence to make changes that feel meaningful to them. This approach is useful for challenges related to identity, relationships, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replacing them with more effective strategies. CBT is often applied to anxiety, depression, stress management, and developing concrete coping skills.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of experience, which can reduce reactivity to stress and aid emotional regulation in the aftermath of trauma or during ongoing mood and anxiety concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Aliza collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made. Licensed professionals and therapists often blend techniques to create a tailored plan rather than relying on a single model.

Online therapy offers flexibility - sessions can take place by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy schedules, manage geographic limitations, and maintain continuity of support during life changes.