Melissa Lee Alcaide

Hello, I’m Melissa Alcaide, LCSW. I have worked in human services since 2009, supporting individuals through a wide range of personal and life challenges. My professional experience includes providing supportive counseling in correctional settings, outpatient mental health services for individuals living with serious mental illness, housing and homelessness services, and helping people navigate complex systems and life transitions. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work, a Master’s degree in Human Services Leadership, and a degree in Paralegal Studies.

Today, I am especially passionate about helping individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, relationship concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, and building greater confidence in themselves and their decisions.

I believe therapy is most effective when it feels like a genuine partnership. My style is authentic, direct, and down-to-earth. I value honesty, collaboration, and creating a space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are without fear of judgment.

I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, strengths-based therapy, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused interventions. Together, we will explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, sustainable change.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine whether we’re a good fit. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, the challenges you’re currently facing, your personal history, and what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. There is no expectation to share everything at once. My goal is to understand your story, answer any questions you may have, and begin creating a plan that aligns with your goals. By the end of our first session, you’ll have a clearer sense of how I work and how we can move forward together.