About Me
pronouns: she/her/hers
Heather "Dez" Valdez, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of California (#86545). She offers individual psychotherapy, psychedelic integration therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). She has expertise in queer identities and relationships, and has worked extensively with LGBTQIA+ populations and communities of color, both of which she identifies with. She is social justice oriented, and her collaborative, explorative, and nonjudgmental approach to therapy creates a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
Outside of her therapy practice, Heather is an organizational development consultant to nonprofit organizations primarily focusing on mental health, community health, and serving LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She values working to uplift underserved, marginalized communities by working to ensure access to healthcare and other vital services that promote equity, equality, and well-being.
Heather also co-founded Alchemy Community Therapy Center (formerly Sage Institute) in Oakland, CA: https://www.alchemytherapy.org/
For a list of Heather's professional experience, please visit:
Areas of focus and experience:
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Extensive experience withing with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities
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Sexuality and gender identity
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Queer affirming
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Consensual non-monogamy, open relationships, polyamory knowledgeable
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Kink-friendly
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Trauma
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Abuse
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Integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness
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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
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MDMA-Assisted Therapy Training Program Trainee
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Clinical consultation
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Development of psychedelic therapy clinics and practices
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Nonprofit consulting
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Program development
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Training and curriculum development
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Management/Leadership support
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Systems and operations development
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Quality assurance
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Various other special projects
