Dr. Alma Castaneda, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor

Dr. Alma G. Castaneda is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. Her expertise spans crisis assessment, integrated behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive interventions across outpatient, hospital, and community settings.

Throughout her career, Dr. Castaneda has designed and implemented behavioral health programs, developed clinical tools and training materials, and collaborated with interdisciplinary medical and mental health teams to improve quality of care. She provides brief, solution-focused interventions in primary care environments and offers individual and family therapy addressing trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and substance use. Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed, and Solution-Focused methods, emphasizing collaboration, cultural awareness, and empowerment.

A bilingual clinician fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Castaneda is a strong advocate for equitable access to mental health services and the reduction of barriers in underserved communities. She has shared her expertise through public speaking, media engagement, and community education on topics such as suicide prevention, grief, hoarding behavior, and LGBTQ youth mental health.

Dr. Castaneda earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Northcentral University, an M.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, and a B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary’s University. Her specialized training includes certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional, and in Unified Protocols for Emotional Disorders, FIRST Therapy, and CBIT for Tics. She is an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA).

Grounded in compassion and guided by science, Dr. Castaneda is dedicated to fostering resilience, promoting mental wellness, and supporting the well-being of individuals and families across Florida and Texas.