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Alicia Chavez, LSAA
Alicia Chavez is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate who is passionate about helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and develop the skills needed to achieve lasting recovery. She believes that every person's recovery journey is unique, and effective treatment begins by listening without judgment and building a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, compassion, and respect.
"Every person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and create a future filled with hope."
Compassionate Support for Lasting Change
Alicia Chavez is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) who is passionate about helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and develop the skills needed to achieve lasting recovery.
She believes that every person's recovery journey is unique, and effective treatment begins by listening without judgment, understanding each individual's experiences, and building a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, compassion, and respect.
At Desert Mountain Healing IOP, Alicia provides individual counseling, facilitates group therapy, and works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary treatment team to help clients overcome barriers, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier, more meaningful lives.
Her compassionate and encouraging approach helps clients recognize their strengths while empowering them to take ownership of their recovery journey.
Experience in Addiction Counseling
Alicia has experience working with individuals facing substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and other behavioral health challenges.
She believes meaningful recovery requires more than abstinence. It involves developing healthy relationships, improving emotional wellness, strengthening communication, and learning practical strategies for navigating life's challenges without returning to substance use.
As a counselor, Alicia is committed to helping clients discover their resilience and develop the confidence needed to create lasting change. She works alongside each individual to identify their strengths, address obstacles, and develop realistic goals that support lifelong recovery.
Her collaborative style encourages clients to actively participate in their treatment while celebrating progress and learning from setbacks.
Academic Foundation & Continued Growth
Professional Credentials
- Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)
Education
- Bachelor's Degree - The University of New Mexico (UNM)
Alicia earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico. She is committed to lifelong learning and continually expanding her knowledge of behavioral health, addiction treatment, and evidence-based counseling practices.
She believes that professional growth directly benefits her clients by allowing her to provide the highest quality care while remaining current with advances in the behavioral health field.
Connection, Trust, and Hope
Alicia believes recovery is built on connection, trust, and hope.
Her counseling philosophy centers on four core principles:
1. Everyone Deserves Compassion
Healing begins when individuals feel respected, accepted, and supported without judgment.
2. Growth Happens Through Relationships
Strong therapeutic relationships create the foundation for lasting change.
3. Recovery Is About Building a Better Life
Recovery is not simply the absence of substance use—it is the development of purpose, confidence, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being.
4. Progress Matters More Than Perfection
Every positive step deserves recognition. Recovery is a lifelong journey built one day at a time.
Clinical Specializations
- Substance Use Disorders
- Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Relapse Prevention
- Emotional Wellness
- Coping Skills Development
- Stress Management
- Self-Esteem
- Recovery Planning
- Personal Growth
Primary Therapist & Recovery Partner
As a Primary Therapist, Alicia works alongside clients throughout their recovery journey by helping them understand the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
Her responsibilities include:
- Individual counseling
- Group facilitation
- Treatment planning
- Progress evaluations
- Recovery education
- Relapse prevention planning
- Care coordination with the treatment team
- Long-term recovery support
She believes coordinated, team-based care provides clients with the greatest opportunity for long-term success.
Working with Alicia
Clients working with Alicia can expect:
- A welcoming, supportive environment
- Compassionate, judgment-free counseling
- Honest communication
- Individualized treatment planning
- Practical coping strategies
- Encouragement balanced with accountability
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Her goal is to help every client feel empowered, capable, and hopeful about the future while providing the tools needed for lasting recovery.
A Passion for Helping Others Heal
Alicia chose behavioral health because she believes helping people overcome adversity and rediscover their potential is one of the most rewarding professions.
She understands that recovery is rarely a straight path and believes every individual deserves encouragement, understanding, and the opportunity to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Watching clients regain confidence, reconnect with their families, and achieve goals they once thought impossible continues to inspire her work every day.
Practical Tools for Lifelong Recovery
Alicia believes counseling should provide clients with practical tools they can continue using long after treatment has ended.
She works collaboratively with clients to:
- Identify unhealthy patterns
- Build emotional resilience
- Improve communication skills
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Strengthen relationships
- Increase confidence
- Create sustainable recovery plans
Her approach focuses on helping clients build lives they no longer want to escape from while discovering purpose, hope, and personal fulfillment.
You Are Never Alone
"Recovery is a journey of courage, resilience, and hope. No matter where you are today, positive change is possible. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and encouraged as you work toward the life you deserve. You are never alone in your recovery journey, and I am honored to walk alongside you as you take each step forward."
— Alicia Chavez, LSAA
Primary Therapist