Offering both in-person and teletherapy appointments!
Monica Garcia, Psy.D., LP, ACS
Licensed Psychologist, Advanced Clinical Supervisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I'm a warm and caring therapist who knows the value of humor, and I bring that into my work with intention. Therapy can be painful and hard at times, and I find small doses of humor a helpful way to move through the darker parts of therapeutic work and find hope for a better life.
​
I'm a licensed psychologist, and I practice primarily from a harm reduction orientation for substance use disorders as well as maladaptive behaviors (such as self-harm). Harm reduction is a collaborative approach between client and therapist that incorporates the belief that abstinence is one solution to drug and alcohol misuse but not the only solution, and we work
together to find a healthy path to meet your goals. I also have experience with moderation management for alcohol use, and enjoy working with clients who recognize their drinking patterns are not healthy, and who want to learn to have a healthier relationship with alcohol.
​
In addition to my training and experience with complex substance use cases, I also have experience and a passion for working with clients struggling with chronic pain and/or chronic illnesses (including HIV and AIDS), LGBTQ+ populations, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
​
I incorporate different modalities into my work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and especially enjoy working with clients who are struggling with emotion regulation, boundary issues, and life transitions. I work well with individual clients age 16 and up.
Outside of my work with clients, I have a passion for mentoring clinicians and providing clinical supervision. My specialized training in this area led to opportunities developing and directing a large training program, which I count among my most valued experiences. I hope to continue providing clinical supervision for many years to come.