NEWC Staff

LCSW

You deserve to prioritize your health and wellness. Taking time for yourself and pursuing therapy can be a transformative and life changing experience. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides an empathetic approach while assisting individuals as they pursue their life goals and overcome barriers that have made it difficult for them to succeed.

I have extensive experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, families, and couples in a variety of settings. I specialize in treating individuals with anxiety and mood related disorders including: Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder. Additionally, I have worked with individuals who are having difficulties with life transitions including changes in family structure as well as career. I have clinical training within maternal mental health, where I have had the opportunity to work in supporting individuals within the pre-natal and post-partum period as they transition to parenthood.

Within a strengths-based model, I utilize evidence-based strategies and therapeutic techniques that derive from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness while empowering individuals to utilize the tools obtained throughout the process to make long-lasting changes within their life. Let's work together towards the progress needed to prioritize you, your health, and your wellness.

LCSW

As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am committed to guiding individuals and families on their journey to healing and empowerment. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky and hold certifications in substance abuse and misuse, military behavioral health, and forensic social work. With a diverse background across various settings, I have cultivated a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for those navigating life’s challenges.

Rooted in a strengths-based approach, I believe in the inherent resilience and capacity for positive change in every individual. My goal is to foster collaboration, empower clients, and help them achieve emotional well-being. Together, we will build a path toward growth, resilience, and lasting transformation.

LCSW

When seeking therapy, you deserve a fully invested therapist. I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides an energetic, empathetic, and goal-oriented approach. I have worked in a variety of settings providing clinical treatment, including community mental health, schools and home-based services. As a therapist, my first goal is to help you feel comfortable in the therapeutic setting and providing you with a space to have a conversation about whatever is on your mind. I bring a knowledge of specific cultural issues from my personal and professional life that help me connect with a variety of people.  I will work with you to meet personal goals and tackle any barriers that you face while meeting your lifestyle and social emotional needs.

I have nineteen years of experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults, families, with specific experience working with at-risk youth and adults. I specialize in treating individuals with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders and life transitions (relationships ending, divorce, men’s issues, post-incarceration, school transitions). Whether you or your child are experiencing anxiety or pressure related to life events, school, work or sports performance, I am skilled in helping you reach your goals. I am trained in conflict resolution, crisis intervention and relationship building. I use a holistic approach to include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. These approaches help clients focus on gaining skills to navigate through the challenges they face in everyday life. I look forward to working with you. 

LICSW

Prioritizing your mental health should be just as important as being physically healthy. The first step to doing so is finding a therapist that best fits you. As a therapist, my first goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship based on trust and support. I then hope to aid my clients in finding solutions to their problems and to learn coping skills to help with everyday challenges. Since 2015, I have been working with teens, young adults, and adults with a variety of mental health issues. I specialize in trauma, substance use, developmental disabilities, and those with behavioral problems throughout all aspects of life's challenges. I also use an array of different evidence-based treatment interventions such as CBT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy using a client-focused, strength-based perspective. Together we can work towards a healthier mind and body.

LICSW

If you are thinking about beginning a therapeutic journey, I commend you for your strength, as seeking support is not easy. My goal as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is to help you continue to identify your strengths, your hopes for the future, and coping skills to help you reach your goals. My approach is friendly, warm, and client-focused with a heavy importance on building rapport, as well as using evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions-focused, strengths-based, and mindfulness approaches.

I have dedicated my career to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families who have been impacted by varying needs and life circumstances. I have extensive experience in a variety of settings working with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and more. I have experience working with individuals as well as family units to help increase communication and understanding between family members. I also have a background in equine therapy and am actively pursuing a certified therapeutic riding instructor certification. I look forward to helping you blossom, grow, and achieve your goals.

LICSW

It takes strength and courage to seek therapy. Being able to take this initial step is imperative to begin the process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families that are navigating through difficult times. I specialize in treating a range of mental and emotional health concerns related to immigration, cultural change, and abuse. I also have experience working with military individuals and families struggling with pre and post deployment.

Furthermore, I have worked with individuals with ADHD, Anxiety related disorders, and individuals looking to strengthen their school and sports performance. Together we will explore and identify patterns of thoughts and behaviors which can create barriers to reaching your goals.

Utilizing evidence-based approaches, including CBT, a client centered approach, and solution focused therapy, I will assist you in finding your hidden strengths while providing you with the tools to make an immediate change in your behavior to alleviate symptoms.

MSW, LCSW

My own experiences and challenges in life have not only taught me to show compassion to others; but as a result, I have developed a deeper passion for helping people overcome their emotional pain. For the past five years, my social work journey has placed me in a variety of settings, giving me the tools needed to help people accomplish their therapeutic goals. I have worked in outpatient, hospital, and home based settings. I provide support to a variety of individuals; some of whom are diagnosed with Major Depressive disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Adjustment disorder, ADHD, and Cognitive Deficits.

I have a strong affinity for The Strengths Perspective, Solution-Focused therapy, Person-in-environment theory, and Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT). My approach is very person-centered; I aim to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe therapeutic environment for clients.

I look forward to seeing you grow and achieve your best possible outcome in treatment.

LMFT

When children are struggling, one of the hardest things for the adults in their lives can be a child's inability to verbalize what is bothering them. Children, especially young children, communicate primarily through their play and behaviors. As a therapist working primarily with children, I incorporate play therapy and expressive arts techniques into my treatment in order to meet children where they are at. In my six years of doing therapy with children, and from my training as a family therapist, I have come to understand how critical parents and caregivers are in the treatment process. I view my role both as a facilitator of children expressing and processing their emotions as well as a coach for parents to help them understand what their children are communicating and how to respond in the most helpful ways. Helping children with emotional difficulties is a team activity.

LICSW

Jessica has 10+ years of experience providing clinical treatment and support to diverse populations within a variety of capacities and settings which have included: working with adjudicated youth, children and families for home-based intensive services, adolescents in school-based group settings, and older adults in long-term care residences.

The moment a session starts there begins a completely safe, private, and welcoming space to allow for the process of therapeutic change to manifest. Jessica brings a strong and eclectic professional background along with a creative and empathetic spirit to help each client grow towards achieving their personal goals.

LICSW

Julia is a warm and empathetic therapist who is deeply committed to supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. Specializing in ADHD, ASD, depression, anxiety, childhood behavioral issues, grief, school avoidance, and weight management, Julia is dedicated to walking alongside you in your journey toward healing and personal growth.

With a focus on creating a safe and trusting space, Julia listens with understanding and offers guidance rooted in evidence-based techniques. She is passionate about empowering her clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and move toward lasting positive change. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, Julia is here to be a compassionate partner in your therapeutic process, helping you find balance, strength, and confidence every step of the way.

LCSW

Prioritizing self-care is a critical part of improving one's quality of life. Life can have an interesting way of creating obstacles and barriers along the way. My goal is to provide you with tips and tools to better manage your life.

As a licensed Social Worker with over 12 years of experience in Social Services I am able to provide profound compassion, empathy, and relatability. I have experience working with folks from diverse populations including teenagers, college students, prenatal and postpartum, LGBQT+, adults, older adults, survivors of domestic violence, and folks experiencing new life- transitions. My specialties include but are not limited to Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, and relationship issues in families.

My approach is customized based on the individual receiving treatment. I utilize Cognitive behavioral therapy, Motivational interviewing, and Solution focused therapy. I welcome the opportunity to join you on your journey to a better you.

LCSW

Seeking help during difficult times takes both courage and strength, and it's not always easy to make that first step. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and accepting space where you can experience the growth and healing you truly deserve. I am deeply passionate about working with individuals navigating grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and major life transitions. Together, we will explore your unique strengths and uncover the tools you need to live your life to the fullest.

I take a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am here to support and guide you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

LMHC

Melissa has more than 10 years experience working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has worked in a variety of settings providing clinical treatment and support, including outpatient clinics, schools, homes, and a residential treatment setting for children and adolescents. Melissa utilizes a strengths-based approach to treatment in order to guide clients from where they are in their lives to where they would like to be. She has worked with individuals from preschool-age to adulthood to help them identify their goals, and navigate through various challenges and difficulties. Using a supportive and empathetic approach, Melissa believes that the client-therapist relationship is a collaborative one, where the client and therapist work together to help the client achieve the best version of themselves.

LICSW

I believe that everyone is worthy of health and happiness. My approach is based on helping people identify and achieve their goals by increasing knowledge, mitigating or removing barriers to wellness, and updating perspectives that no longer serve them. In order to help you understand yourself more fully, we will look at building your knowledge around the symptoms, treatments and contexts of things that are impacting your happiness.

Using evidence-based approaches, I like to collaborate with people to prioritize ways to start making changes, right away, and practice the skills needed to let go of things that are beyond your control.

I believe in listening compassionately, identifying themes and gently challenging ideals and perspectives do not promote your growth and joy. Let's work together to help you achieve your wellness goals

LMHC

As a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) fluent in both English and Spanish, I bring over eight years of clinical experience working with diverse populations, including children, adults, and families from various cultural backgrounds. Prior to my work in mental health, I spent 30 years specializing in intercultural mediation and conflict management, offering services and training to justice-involved individuals, K-12 students, community groups, and universities.

My approach to therapy is grounded in cultural sensitivity, recognizing the unique experiences and challenges that each individual faces. I am dedicated to fostering an environment of understanding, respect, and empowerment, ensuring that clients feel supported in their journey toward personal growth. At NEWC, I collaborate with young adults and adults to explore their challenges, equip them with effective coping strategies, and guide them through the process of positive change.

In addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, I have pursued specialized training in 5-NP auricular acupuncture, trauma-informed care, and working with neurodiverse individuals, as well as clients navigating disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. If you're ready to take the next step toward a more fulfilling life, I’m here to help guide and support you.

MSW, PhD, LCSW

Taking the first step towards therapy is often the most difficult part of the healing journey, and I want to commend you for considering this important decision. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, my goal is to walk alongside you in your journey toward positive change, stability, and growth. I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where you can explore your concerns and develop the tools needed to overcome challenges and move forward with confidence.

With experience working with individuals of all ages, I take a person-centered approach to therapy, focusing on your unique strengths and empowering you to create lasting change. I work closely with clients to build trust and help them regain autonomy in their lives, using a variety of therapeutic techniques to address a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral challenges, and relationship struggles.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, families, and adolescents in a variety of settings, including child welfare, psychiatric units, and family therapy. I have extensive experience supporting those impacted by trauma, substance use, and behavioral concerns, offering trauma-focused interventions to help clients heal and regain a sense of balance and well-being.

I use evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-focused treatment. Each approach is tailored to meet your individual needs, whether in one-on-one sessions, family therapy, or group work. I find that Motivational Interviewing is especially effective for those who are unsure about change, helping clients discover their own motivation and take meaningful steps forward.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Human Services from Walden University, where my research focused on Continuous Traumatic Stress (CTS). This research has deepened my understanding of how ongoing trauma affects mental health and reinforced my commitment to helping clients heal from the past and thrive in the present.

If you're ready to take the next step in your journey, I am here to offer guidance, support, and a safe space for you to explore your feelings and work towards healing. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to growth and recovery.

LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working in both therapeutic and medical settings, working with people who experience chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and stress. My approach is to help identify barriers to health and wellness, helping people build coping skills to reduce intensity of emotions, improve interpersonal skills, and focus on improving and maintaining quality of life. I believe we are a team, and will work with you to build coping skills and create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values.

MA, MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Grief Informed Therapist with specialty areas in all types of loss and grief across the lifespan, including sudden loss, loss related chronic health conditions, hair loss, pet loss, as well as, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

As a bilingual and bicultural social worker, I inherently foster cultural sensitivity and awareness into practice delivery. I have experiences working with medically underserved individuals, adolescents, young adults, and adults from diverse backgrounds. My focus for each client is to promote strengths-based opportunities so that each client reaches their full potential.

I use a person-centered approach in helping clients process loss, grief, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I consider how each clients' immediate environment, community, and social contexts contributes to mental health. I bring with me over 25 years of research expertise and focus on evidence-based strategies, including somatic experiencing, integrative grief therapies, integration of mind/body/spirit, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I use multiple modalities in helping clients process loss and grief, depression, trauma, and anxiety which are structured to meet their goals, needs, and strengths. It will be an honor and privilege to walk with you on your healing journey.

LCSW

I am a clinical social worker who provides an empathetic, multicultural, and goal oriented approach with over 24 years of experience. Specializing in many different areas of loss and grief, including behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management and life transitions.

I am fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French; and promote cultural sensitivity into my practice delivery. I have worked in a variety of settings providing clinical treatment, including, community mental health, schools and home based services. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

I have several years of experience and focus on evidence- based practices. Such as, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma focused therapies to provide the best results. I use multiple techniques and my personal experience in order to help clients achieve their goals.

MSW, LCSW

I’m Amy Almeida, MSW, LCSW, and I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and care. With years of experience providing therapy in Rhode Island, I work with adults, children, and adolescents, supporting them through issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I’m especially dedicated to working with people of all ages, including those with neurocognitive disorders, older adults, and caregivers, using a holistic and empathetic approach to mental health.

I specialize in supporting families during difficult times, such as separation and divorce, parent-child conflicts, and the impact of family struggles on children. I also help clients work through emotional challenges like stress, life transitions, self-esteem issues, ADHD, and the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults. My goal is to create a warm, safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome their obstacles at their own pace.

With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, which allows me to offer personalized care tailored to the unique mental health needs of each individual. I utilize evidence-based techniques to ensure the best approach for every situation, always fostering a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am an active Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Rhode Island. I am deeply committed to continuing my professional development to stay current with the latest tools and research, ensuring I can provide the best care possible for my clients.