Are you...

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feeling unlike yourself lately?

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overthinking everything you do?

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carrying around trauma from your past?

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high-functioning on the outside but struggling internally?

if so, you're in the right place.

Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain.

Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They come from families where expectations, roles, and unspoken dynamics have deeply influenced their sense of self.

They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood.

First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences. Once we understand the 'why', we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase.

Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope.

The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch; you are already her. Let's find your way back to yourself, mija.

My Approach Has 2 Phases

Treatment Modalities

Specializations

My sessions are a cocktail of several theories: Psychodynamic, Attachment, Existential/Humanistic, Gestalt & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am also known for weaving dream analysis into my sessions. Click on each theory to learn more.

Most of my clients seek treatment for depression, self-esteem, insecure attachment, 'inner child' work, and relational trauma, as a means to dissect (and often reconstruct) their identity and sense of self.

Populations

Ethos

I believe that all effective psychotherapy requires strong rapport between the client and clinician, making them a good 'match'. My work aligns best with Gen Z women, specifically eldest daughters, Latinas, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I also love working with Spanish-speakers. ¡Siempre estarán bienvenidos!

My solidarity resides with communities who have been historically 'othered' in the context of psychotherapy, making for an intimidating, traumatic, and oppressive experience.

I am often non-pathologizing and choose to perceive my clientele as being a part of a larger socio/cultural/political context, often attributing symptoms to external factors (when relevant) rather than something inside of them.

The Details

The Investment

out-of-network Fee: $150

The standard fee reflects specialized care in a boutique private practice setting. This option is for clients who choose to pay privately or seek a treatment experience that you can't find at a hospital, community clinic, or insurance company.

In-network insurance

At this time, I work with the following insurances: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Oxford (Optum), Providence Health Plan, United Healthcare (Optum), and United Healthcare Medicare Advantage.

If you don't see your insurance company listed above and you cannot afford the out-of-network fee, feel free to ask me about my sliding-scale availability. Sliding-scale slots are reserved exclusively for those with financial hardship. These slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis and may require you to be on a wait list.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to work with you. How do I get Started?

Fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page. I will get back to you about availabilities in my caseload and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. During this consultation, we will briefly discuss my approach, your goals for therapy, fees, scheduling, and find out if we are a good therapeutic 'match'.

Please keep in mind, I only work with adult clients. Additionally, I am only providing individual psychotherapy at this time, not groups, couples, or family sessions.

A good way to tell if we are a therapeutic 'match' is (1) based on what you'd like to be treated for and (2) based on your personal identities.

(1) We'll want to make sure that what you'd like to be treated for falls within my specializations (see above). Some experiences like OCD, eating disorders, and substance use typically require a therapist who specializes in those areas to ensure you receive the highest standard of care possible. We'll discuss the specifics of your situation during the free 15-minute phone consultation to ensure I can meet your needs.

(2) Many clients gravitate toward me due to the identities we share in common and the sense of safety this fosters, but all identities are welcome here. For instance, I've worked with many male clients as well as individuals of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, despite specializing in women and the Latinx community. I'll leave this part up to you and what you're most comfortable with.

I don't sound like your typical client— can I still work with you?

Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

My practice is entirely virtual at this time. Sessions take place over a confidential, HIPAA-compliant video call platform.

What is your cancellation policy?

I model healthy boundaries around timeliness and communication because that is exactly what I would advise my clients to do in their lives.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, or no-show appointments, will be charged a $25.00 late fee regardless of your fee type (full fee, sliding-scale, or insurance). This fee is in place to honor the labor involved in preparing for a session that will not be attended. Additionally, this fee applies even if you reschedule a new session within the same week due to the initial hour that was lost.

There is a 15-minute grace period at the beginning of each appointment for you to join the session. After 15 minutes, the appointment is considered a no-show and is subject to the same $25.00 late fee.

How long will I need therapy for?

I tend to work with individuals who prefer a long-term approach (+9 months) to therapy, due to having felt rushed by past providers. However, I can absolutely tailor treatment to be more short-term, which is typically around 12 sessions total.

How long is each session?

Each session is about 53 minutes long. I always budget a couple of minutes toward the end of session to summarize and prepare for our next session.

Do you offer evening or weekend sessions?

Yes, I do. During the weekdays, the latest session I schedule is for 6pm (ending at 6:53pm). As for the weekend, I offer Saturday sessions from 9am-12pm.

Keep in mind, spots in my caseload are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. To get an idea of my current availability, feel free to reach out and I'll let you know what spots are open.

Have a question that I haven't answered here? Send me an email at avamcazares@gmail.com.

other places you can find me...

INQUIRY FORM

Work with me...

Please fill out the form below to get started. I will reach out to you via email in 1-2 business days to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. I look forward to meeting you.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate"

Carl Jung (1875 - 1961)