Dr. Alva earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Fullerton, and his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. He completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine.

He specializes in both primary psychiatric disorders and dual diagnosis conditions, including substance use disorders. Dr. Alva has been actively involved in both inpatient and outpatient detoxification and rehabilitation services at several institutions, including the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Chapman Medical Center in Orange, and numerous rehabilitation centers.

Dr. Alva focuses on integrating the latest treatments for psychiatric and substance use disorders, with a particular interest in the role of ethnicity and gender in mental health. With over 30 years of experience, he has served the medical community as a clinician, medical director, researcher, and patient advocate.

He is recognized nationally for his expertise in adult psychiatry and remains at the forefront of treating dual diagnosis conditions using advanced pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. These include cutting-edge treatments for depression, such as RTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), as well as a variety of anti-craving interventions delivered orally, by injection, or through implantable options.