ABOUT:
Alie Bernard Garza, LCSW & OCD and Anxiety Colorado
Alie Bernard Garza, LCSW, is a clinical specialist with extensive expertise in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington in Seattle and brings a unique blend of professional experience and lived perspective to her work. Alie specializes in addressing complex comorbidities such as ADHD and Autism through a neurodivergent-affirming lens, empowering her clients to embrace their strengths while addressing their challenges. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals who have experienced religious trauma or spiritual abuse and enjoys working with parents, families, adolescents, and young adults to help them navigate their mental health journeys.
Alie’s professional background includes significant roles at leading treatment programs, including the Portland Anxiety Clinic, the OCD Institute Texas, and the University of Colorado Anschutz OCD Program. Her clinical experience spans all levels of care, including outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), residential, and inpatient settings. She takes pride in delivering creative, evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Additionally, Alie has a strong foundation in suicide prevention and crisis intervention, which allows her to provide compassionate, effective care during times of acute distress.
In addition to her clinical work, Alie serves as an Advocate with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), where she amplifies her voice in the mental health community to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and expand access to evidence-based treatment. Her advocacy is deeply informed by her own lived experience with severe OCD, giving her a unique ability to connect with and support her clients on a personal level. She is particularly dedicated to increasing accessibility to ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) treatment, demystifying higher levels of care, and addressing stigma around “taboo” OCD themes.
Alie’s approach to care is grounded in her belief in the importance of fostering resilience, building hope, and providing clients with the tools they need to thrive. Through her clinical expertise, advocacy, and personal journey, she strives to create meaningful change for individuals, families, and the broader mental health field.
OCD and Anxiety Colorado is founded by Alie Bernard Garza, LCSW, a Denver-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD and anxiety-related disorders. Inspired by her own lived experience with severe OCD, health anxiety, panic disorder, and ADHD, Alie has transformed her journey from struggling with non-evidence-based treatments to thriving through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. She now dedicates her career to helping others navigate OCD and anxiety.
OCD and Anxiety Colorado aims to provide safe, accessible, and transparent care through groups, retreats, workshops, and consultations. Alie also offers training for providers and organizations to support individuals with OCD, anxiety disorders, and co-occurring conditions like autism and ADHD. Additionally, she advocates for suicide prevention, youth mental health, family support, and LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming care.