David Castaneda, MPS, LADC (he/they)
I’m David - a neurodivergent, queer, Minnesota-based LADC, working towards my independent LPCC licensure. A Mexican American born & raised in Southern CA, I am passionate about helping clients discover their unique meaning and life’s purpose while navigating the “grey” area of a complex and uncertain world. I seek to provide clients a positive, healing space with respect, kindness, and inclusivity to overcome obstacles, navigate systems of oppression, and improve their quality of life. I actively work to provide an affirming space as we engage in therapy as collaborative partners. My approach to therapy is rooted in harm-reduction, trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, culturally responsive positions.
A continued goal of mine as a substance use counselor is to advocate for practical and liberatory strategies to reduce negative consequences of substance use. I believe people who use substances deserve to live safe, meaningful, and dignified lives. A current special interest of mine since the recreational legalization of cannabis in Minnesota is reducing shame and stigma around cannabis use - exploring ways clients can navigate their cannabis use in safer ways, and in alignment with their personal healing journey.
I enjoy working with people of all gender and sexual identities and welcome clients from all backgrounds and lived experiences. I value YOUR power to make informed decisions about your mental health to create meaningful change in your life.
Outside of work I am grounding and restoring myself in a plethora of special interests, including (but definitely not limited to): loving on, and spoiling my senior cat; researching topics; reading; video games; admiring visual and performing art; listening to music; making food and drink; spending time in nature; chilling with my friends and family.
David Castañeda MPS, LADC, a first-generation college graduate, completed a Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health from the University of Minnesota to assist clients with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. David’s therapy philosophy is largely shaped by Existentialism and Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).
Specialties: individual therapy, ages 18+, co-occurring disorders, neurodiversity, anxiety, trauma, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), substance use, toxic masculinity, DBT skills, gender, sexuality, multi-ethnic identities, life purpose, meaning, and transitions.
