Nelida Machicote

Nelida Machicote, LADC1, LCSW is an experienced substance use and mental health clinician, clinical leader, faith-based advocate, and community leader with more than nine years of experience in behavioral health. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Worcester State College and her Master of Social Work degree from Springfield College.

Nelida served as the Clinical Director of Promises Outpatient Services in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she provided clinical leadership and oversight of outpatient behavioral health services for eight years. Throughout her career, she has held clinical, administrative, supervisory, and executive leadership positions, including Vice President-level roles.

Nelida is particularly passionate about working with underserved and marginalized populations, including individuals who may have experienced stigma, judgment, or barriers to accessing quality behavioral health services. Currently, Nelida serves as President of Net of Compassion, Inc., a nonprofit homeless outreach ministry with which she has been affiliated for more than 16 years. Her longstanding commitment to community service reflects her belief that meaningful healing extends beyond the therapy room and includes connection, advocacy, dignity, and community support.

Nelida is also a published author. Her scholarly work, The Importance of Allowing for a Spiritual Component in Clinical Strategies, was published by Springfield College in November 2020. Her professional and personal mission is centered on helping individuals recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and pursue meaningful and lasting change.

Nelida provides individual and group outpatient therapy for adults experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. She combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a compassionate, person-centered philosophy that recognizes each individual's story, strengths, culture, and goals.

Her areas of clinical focus include:

• Substance use disorders and addiction recovery
• Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders:
• Anxiety and depression
• Anger management
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Trauma and complex life experiences
• Relapse prevention and recovery support

A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery

Nelida believes that recovery involves more than simply stopping substance use. It is an opportunity to heal, rebuild, rediscover purpose, and create a healthier future.

Her therapeutic approach integrates clinical expertise with, when desired by the client, faith-informed principles and spiritual perspectives.

When you work with me, you can expect a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can be yourself and speak honestly.

I will:

• Listen to you and take the time to understand your story.
• Meet you where you are without judging your past.
• Work with you to identify your goals and what you want to change.
• Help you understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be affecting your recovery.
• Teach you practical tools to manage cravings, stress, anxiety, anger, and difficult emotions.
• Help you build confidence, healthy relationships, and stronger coping skills.
• Challenge you when needed, while always treating you with respect and compassion.
• Support your recovery and help you work toward lasting change.
• Incorporate faith and spirituality into our work if that is important to you.

I believe you are more than your addiction, your struggles, or your past. My goal is to help you heal, grow, and move forward with hope.