Meet Our Medical Director: Dr. Alejandro Alva, M.D.

BIO

Alejandro Alva, M.D., is the Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS), a reputable psychiatric medical group that specializes in treating psychiatric disorders and dual diagnosis conditions, including substance use disorders. Dr. Alva earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and completed medical school at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. He then returned to California, where he completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine.

Prior to Dr. Alva’s formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors, including detoxification and rehabilitation work, both inpatient and outpatient, including the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Chapman Medical Center in Orange, as well as multiple rehabilitation centers. 

Leadership in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dr. Alva is nationally recognized for his leadership in dual diagnosis treatment, overseeing integrated psychiatric and substance use programs that bridge medication management with trauma-informed and behavioral therapies. His clinical oversight ensures each client receives coordinated care addressing both mental health and substance use disorders, including conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Under Dr. Alva’s direction, California Prime Recovery maintains one of Orange County’s most advanced models of psychiatric-supervised, trauma-informed care.

With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Alva has served the medical community in various capacities: as a patient advocate, researcher, and medical director. His expertise in adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry makes him one of the nation’s most innovative and prominent psychiatrists. Dr. Alva and his team at PNS are committed to utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including anti-craving treatments, to address complex dual diagnosis conditions such as depression and substance use disorders.

He continues to guide clinical teams in implementing outcome-driven protocols, combining neurofeedback, EMDR, and pharmacological interventions to improve recovery stability and long-term mental wellness.

Board Certifications and Affiliations

Board-Certified Psychiatrist – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Member – American Psychiatric Association
Member – American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

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