Jose Alvear, LCSW: BFRB Therapist and Podcaster
Dedicated to mental health, social justice, and social work, with a focus on helping vulnerable populations and people with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs).
Treating Every Kind of BFRB
Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)
Hair pulling from scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes leading to hair loss.
Skin Picking (Dermatillomania)
Skin picking resulting in skin damage, bleeding, and shame/isolation.
Nail Biting
Common BFRB often linked to anxiety.
Lip or Cheek Biting
These behaviors often are based on behaviors like chewing the inside of cheeks or picking at chapped lips.
Skin Biting/Hair Swallowing
Some people chew on their skin or cuticles or swallow their hair after pulling them out.
Compulsive Nose Picking
People may suffer from a compulsion to pick their nose.
Areas of Expertise
In addition to working with people with BFRBs, Jose has also worked with many different populations including:
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
OCD
ADHD/Autism
PTSD
Bipolar Disorder
Self-Harming
Chronic Illnesses
Phobias
Licensed in 4 States
New York
Massachussetts
Minnesota
Tennessee
Outside U.S.
Please contact Jose Alvear here to discuss ways to conduct treatment outside the U.S.
Presentations
Common Day at NYU Silver
Overview of Skin Picking Disorder and other BFRBs. Discussed experience living with skin picking disorder, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options.
Voices of the Bronx at NYU Silver
Student survey on Bronx field placements. Analyzed and presented a summary of the survey results to school faculty, staff, and administrators.
Recruit/Support/ Develop at NYU Silver
Survey of Latino students at NYU Silver. Presented findings to school faculty, staff and administrators to increase support for Latino students.
Current Projects and Future Goals
1
The BFRB Podcast
Launched a podcast dedicated to discussing Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors and providing support to those affected.
2
Continued Advocacy
Raising awareness about skin picking and other disorders to reduce mental health stigma.
3
Research, Training and Treatment
Working on various projects related to skin picking and other BFRBs to improve understanding and treatment options.
From Tech to Social Work: A Career Transition
Jose's unique background combines personal experience, technical expertise, and a passion for helping others, making him a valuable advocate in the mental health field.
1
20 Years in Tech
Writer and research analyst in the tech industry
2
Personal Struggles
Experiences with dermatillomania and mental health challenges
3
Education in Social Work
Pursued MSW to help others with similar struggles
4
Private Practice for BFRBs
Dedicated to proper treatment and health advocacy
About Me
Jose Alvear, LCSW, is a bilingual therapist with a private practice focusing on helping people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as hair pulling or skin picking. He is also a mental health podcaster, co-hosting The BFRB Podcast with advocate Ashley Robles. Jose's passion lies in serving vulnerable populations, including the homeless, impoverished, elderly, at-risk youth, immigrants, and those with chronic health conditions.
His personal journey living with dermatillomania (chronic skin picking) fueled Jose's dedication to mental health. His experience with BFRBs, including the shame, stigma and lack of awareness, led him to create the blog "Diary of a Skin Picker" (http://diaryofaskinpicker.tumblr.com) to share his recovery and support others.
The inclusion of skin picking in the DSM-5 in 2013 solidified his commitment to advocacy and mental health provision. He pursued his MSW from NYU Silver School of Social Work, graduating in 2016, and continues to raise awareness about BFRBs and promote diversity in social work.
Prior to his social work career, Jose worked 20 years as a writer and research analyst in the tech industry. He now combines his personal and professional experiences to advocate for those affected by BFRBs and reduce mental health stigma.