Ana Salazar

Ana is a Mental Health Counselor providing therapy for children, adolescents and families in New York. She earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College in 2011 and has spent more than eighteen years supporting youth with trauma, anxiety and behavioral challenges. Her experience spans residential treatment, community programs, and family-based services, allowing her to understand the emotional and developmental needs of children across multiple environments.

Ana began her work with children and families in 2006 and has held a variety of clinical and leadership roles throughout her career. Her background includes providing individual therapy, family counseling, and parent support, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care. Over the years, she has gained extensive expertise in treating trauma, anxiety, and oppositional defiant behaviors. She incorporates play-based interventions and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in youth.

Since 2019, Ana has held a program management role in the child welfare and mental health field, where she supports clinical teams, provides supervision, and ensures families receive responsive, trauma-informed services. These combined experiences shape her holistic and collaborative approach to therapy, emphasizing cultural responsiveness, caregiver involvement, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for every child.

Ana continues to expand her clinical skills through ongoing professional development in trauma systems therapy, child development, and evidence-based practice. She is fluent in Spanish and is committed to helping children and families navigate emotional challenges with confidence and connection.

In her spare time, Ana likes traveling, bike riding, and trying new pizza recipes!