meet Mario Castelo

mario’s credentials and philosophy

licensed clinical Social Worker (LcSW) - clinical license – 149.026417 - pronouns (he/his/his) - english & Spanish - individuals & couples

I am a trauma therapist that works with individuals wanting to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and learn to navigate complex family dynamics or complex romantic relationships.

I often work with couples who want to explore their relationships and how to feel more connected and safer with their partners. I also find meaning working with first generation individuals engaging in self- discovery while still trying to honor their roots.

My therapeutic approach is conversational, strength-based, and collaborative. Our sessions will have a balance between learning and practicing new skills, exploring your internal world, and processing traumatic events when it is safe to do so.

You deserve a life worth living. You deserve to live a life that is not governed by your symptoms. You deserve to live as your most authentic self.

Some of my intersecting identities are:

Queer - Mexican American - I grew up in Tijuana Mexico until I immigrated to the United States at age 26 - aspiring stand up comedian - podcast host

specialization

mario’s areas of focus:

trauma healing - inner child work - toxic romantic relationships - anxiety and depression - couples - substance use - polyamory, ethical non-monogamy

mario’s approach:

internal family systems (ifs) - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - relational - Gottman trained 1 & 2

education

University of Southern California (USC): 

Master in Social Work - Mental Health and Wellness

EMDRIA, 2020

basic emdr certification in progress

IFS Institute, 2023

internal family systems level 1

contact

mario@balancepsychotherapy.com