Jennifer Alvarado

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping teens, women, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, maternal mental health, ADHD, grief, and trauma. I'm a Colorado native, a mom of two teenage boys, and a devoted bloodhound owner — which means I understand chaos, unconditional love, and the importance of actually resting once in a while. I'm warm and direct (not harsh), holistic in how I think about mental health, and deeply committed to working with the whole person, not just the presenting problem. I'm an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and ally. I see clients exclusively via Telehealth and offer early morning, evening, and select weekend appointments. I accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, Optum, Oscar, and Select Health CO.

I take a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, which means I start with what's already working in you, not just what's broken. I draw from IFS, trauma-focused therapy, CBT, motivational interviewing, attachment-based work, mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, but I don't follow a rigid script. I also understand how systems — race, gender, family, culture — shape mental health, and I'm experienced in helping clients navigate those intersections. Some people need to process old wounds. Others need practical tools for right now. Most need a bit of both. I spend the first session or two getting to know you before we map out the best path forward together. I'm also someone who has benefited from my own therapy journey, which means I know firsthand what it feels like to do this work.

Your first session is a conversation, not an intake checklist. I'll ask what brought you in, what's been heavy, and what you'd love to see shift. We'll talk about your goals, your story (as much or as little as feels right), and whether we're a good fit — no pressure either direction. I believe a good therapist knows their strengths, and if I ever feel someone else might serve you better, I'll tell you honestly and help you find them. Most people leave the first session feeling lighter than when they started. That's always the goal, and it's just the beginning.