Bertha Ruvalcaba, LCSW

Bertha Ruvalcaba is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 20 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, anger, bipolar mood concerns, and life transitions.

She helps people name what is happening and slow down the moments that trigger angry reactions. Sessions focus on practical strategies that can be used between meetings. Bertha uses straightforward talk, guided skill practice, and mindful attention to what shows up in daily life.

Her approach draws from cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to clarify values and build goals that matter. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness exercises are used when people need tools for managing strong emotions.

Bertha speaks English and Spanish. Over two decades of work in California have included supporting people through relationship problems, family stress, adoption or foster care concerns, caregiver strain, grief from separation or divorce, and recovery after sexual assault or domestic violence.

She describes early contact as a simple step: complete a short questionnaire, pick a first session, and begin with practical steps to reduce reactivity. Sessions emphasize learning skills, practicing them in real life, and adjusting plans as things change.

Therapeutic approaches and what online work looks like