Dr. Monica Alzate

As a bilingual Clinical Social Worker and Scholar with over 30 years of experience, I operate at the intersection of evidenced-based clinical practice and social justice. My career has spanned from public child welfare, social work academia at the University of Oklahoma, and community mental health, to clinical services, research, and medical education at Baylor College of Medicine, giving me a unique foundation in both rigorous research and compassionate care. After a successful academic career as a tenured faculty, I faced helpless despair after devastating loss. This led me to recreate my inner and professional world, put pieces together, and set my life in motion again by shifting from social work academia to psychotherapy and then to medical academia where I could merge both worlds. Healing others helped me understand and heal myself. I provide psychotherapy for adults who are navigating complex life transitions and want a structured, reflective space to understand themselves and their relationships more clearly.

Example: Work/family demands, health challenges, life meaning, mental/physical changes, burnout, family conflict, complex parenting, boundaries, loss, retirement.

The types of therapy I use are determined by each patient's needs. Some people respond very well to CBT, others benefit more when combined with mind/body techniques, and others need EMDR/Trauma Focus, psychodynamic, or want to explore narrative therapy. Often, I use an Integrative approach where the person and their strengths are always at the center.

My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, offering depth, clarity, and practical tools for healing, resilience, exploration, and growth.

I support those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management challenges, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I work with individuals experiencing grief and bereavement, end of life issues, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and other health-related disabilities that impact emotional well-being. My practice also supports clients living with attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), binge eating disorders, anger management, and complex family or relationship issues.

I provide affirming care around identity development, cultural and ethnic issues, and women’s issues. Whether you are navigating major life transitions, managing chronic stress, or working through long-standing patterns, therapy can be a space to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward greater stability and self-understanding.

The first session is usually a preliminary psychosocial evaluation to determine the course of treatment, as well as a space for questions and clarifications of logistical and clinical nature. It is also an opportunity for you to evaluate if you would like to work with me.