Alicia Velez (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

I help young professionals live a life that feels authentic and true to their values and culture.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Brooklyn, NY

Services
  • Individual

About My Clients

Are you feeling like you're stuck in between two worlds? Life can feel difficult and overwhelming when you have people pulling you in multiple directions. You may be trying to stay true to yourself, but somehow this seems to disappoint or offend someone you know, perhaps even your partner or family. Together, we will examine your values and your various identities and practice skills to help you live a life that feels more aligned with who you are on the inside than who others want you to be.

My Background and Approach

Don't you just wish you could turn your brain off sometimes? Let me help you with that. In therapy, we will learn how your thoughts influence your mood, and then we will work on how you can respond to your thoughts in a way that can increase happiness and positive behaviors. Notice my usage of "we." This is a team effort here. In sessions you can speak freely, and I welcome feedback. I'm a real person, not some psychoanalyst, and I promise to show up with warmth and empathy every session that I am privileged to hear your story. We will also work on silencing that inner-critic and reminding yourself of all of the inherent strengths that you already possess. It may just take some reinforcement and practice, but at the core, you are pretty awesome. For those clients who think it's kind of awkward to sit on a couch and talk about their worries or troubles, I offer walk-and-talk therapy too!

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My practice is informed by the principles of social justice and the anti-oppressive lens. I recognize that systemic and institutionalized oppression has affected and impacted marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ. These communities have endured a legacy of pain, suffering, and trauma often dictated by a society who has deemed them “undeserving” of basic human rights. This perspective often informs my treatment approach. I also value the men and women who have bravely served our country. I have years of experience working with veterans and acknowledge how difficult their transition from military to civilian life can be. They are faced with unique stressors that warrant service-providers who are competent in understanding their experience. Veterans have complex identities including who they were before, during, and after their service.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Oscar
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • United Healthcare
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 10 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $150 - 175/session

Reach out to Alicia