Lesly Cruz

As a Clinical Social Work Intern, I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, stress management, and relationship challenges for adults and adolescents. Together, we'll navigate excessive worry and fear, persistent sadness, emotional regulation, self-esteem concerns, identity exploration, and relationship and family difficulties. No matter what you’re facing, I foster a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore your past and current experiences, helping you understand yourself and cope with your challenges in a way that's unique and specific to you.

I believe in autonomy, collaboration, transparency, and the importance of human relationships, values that help me be a trustworthy teammate in session, one who understands that healing is not linear and doesn't happen in solitude. I look forward to learning from you and the experiences you bring to our work together.

During our sessions, I create a space where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged to explore your deepest self, shaping both the decisions ahead and the actions you take today. That work is grounded in cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and patient-centered, trauma-informed care, so your experiences, identity, strengths, and needs are honored throughout our time together. You'll find a collaborative, encouraging environment where your life experience becomes a tool for understanding yourself, navigating challenges, and building coping skills that lead toward meaningful change.

I believe you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as we identify recurring patterns and build a plan for change that feels authentic and achievable to you. Together, we'll draw on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy to support that process.

What drove me to becoming a therapist was my own experiences with mental health, understanding my identity, and navigating life's unexpected challenges, which gave me firsthand insight into how difficult it can be to make sense of our emotions, experiences, and sense of self while trying to move forward. My experiences deepened my commitment to providing compassionate, person-centered, and identity- and culturally affirming care, so that you feel seen, accepted, and supported. Empathy, curiosity, and an understanding that healing and growth look different for everyone are what I bring to our work together.

Outside of the therapy room, I love spending time with family, friends, and my dog, Tank. Tank and I love to go on walks, hikes, and snuggle during a good TV show. I’m also a big foodie and love to try new restaurants and coffee shops! My perfect Saturday includes getting a morning workout in, a coffee run, and finding a nice spot to read a book.