Valerie Alcena specializes in cognitive behavioral, dialectical therapies (CBT, DBT), mindfulness, solution focused therapy, family therapy and systems therapy. Her goal is to support patients to take simple, practical and personal steps to living an overall healthy balanced life. She has dedicated her practice to working with families, young professionals, children and newly retired members of the community. She has extensive experience supporting patients to better manage their anxiety, depression, ADHD, ADD, autism, adjustment, body dysmorphia and trauma symptoms.

Valerie obtained her MSW from New York University and MPA from Norwich University. She specializes in supporting patients to better understand how their physical and mental health intertwine when experiencing and overcoming incidents of increased stress, depression and anxiety. Valerie is also certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Valerie is a culturally conscious strengths based and person centered therapist. She believes in guiding her patients to fortify their coping skills by providing extensive psychoeducation and modeling self-care tools. Through this methodology patients better accept their mental health diagnosis and thrive in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Valerie enjoys listening to meditative music, gardening, and preparing family style nutritious meals.

"Be kind. Every person you meet is fighting a difficult battle." - Plato