Genise Acevedo, LMSW is a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinician with a strong history of working with young people and their families. Understanding there is no single approach for each individual, Genise is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy (CBT), Parenting Skills and Narrative Therapy to address Depression, Anxiety, Stress management, Personality Disorders, Social Justice Issues, Gender and Sexual identity, LGBTQA+ youth.
Genise graduated with honors from The Touro Graduate School of Social Work where she achieved a Military Social Work Education Fellowship. Her clinicial internship included providing therapeutic services to Veterans and their families experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and related disorders. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Boricua College.
Prior to working with Hartstein Psychological Services, Genise worked as a Program Director at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at the Neighborhood Health Action centers tackling the de-stigmatization of youth and mental health within underserved communities and addressing public health inequities. As a bilingual psychotherapist, her focus was dedicated to providing first generation American youth and young adults in balancing cultural/familial expectations, overcoming obstacles and challenges while supporting each individual through a collaborative approach.
While telehealth has become mainstream during the pandemic, Genise is highly experienced in this modality, utilizing various HIPAA compliant platforms to ensure sessions are confidential while allowing the patient to have control over how they can best utilize therapy. Her goal as a dedicated and passionate therapist is to empower, build and develop her patients to their fullest potential.
10 Things to Know About Genise Acevedo, LMSW
1. Why did you choose to become a therapist?
My dad was a therapist, and by the time I was 10 years old, I had developed a fascination with his work, as he began to share literature, books and theories with me. This encouragement helped blossom my curiosity, wonderment and passion for learning all I could about behavioral health.
2. What’s your favorite thing about being a therapist?
My favorite moment in therapy is when I am practicing a skill or technique with a client who has been apprehensive to try it, suddenly finds that they were able to push themselves out of their comfort zone and put the skill to practice. In these moments, we see the smaller yet significant wins; the endeavor is more important than the outcome.
3. What is your general philosophy and approach to helping?
I view therapy as a collaborative approach. My position as a therapist allows me to work alongside individuals and families, participating in creating achievable goals, developing healthier coping skills and channeling healing.
4. If you weren’t a therapist, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
I believe that had I not become a therapist, I would have studied nutrition or nursing. I have always been fascinated by the relationship between mind, body, health and nutrition.
5. What do you do as self-care? (Mindfulness practices, exercise, etc.)
Self-care is a priority. I tend to lean less on “taking a mental health day” as my go-to for self-care and tend to focus on ensuring some self-care can be done daily. This includes carving out time each day to disconnect from my phone, sit outside on my balcony to do some reading, guided meditation or journaling. Visiting the beach is my happy place all year long, every chance I have to sit alongside water, meditate and connect with myself is a great day.
6. What’s your favorite quote or mantra?
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” —Melinda Gates
7. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
This too, shall pass.
8. If you could invite three famous people to dinner, alive or dead, who would they be?
Frida Kahlo, RBG and Rita Moreno
9. What’s something you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my family, they are compassionate, generous, loving and selfless. I have been gifted the most precious humans and 4-legged creature to be on this journey with me. I am proud, so very lucky and appreciative each day for them.
10. What do you wish other people knew about mental health?
Many of us grew up with the understanding that what happens in the home stays in the home. This message influenced our ideas on speaking up and seeking help. As a bilingual, first gen, Latinx therapist, it’s my honor and obligation to remove the stigma of mental health and create a safe space for inclusive dialog. Each person experiences mental health, exploring and discussing mental health struggles doesn’t create them.
Guiding children, teens, adults and families toward lasting change and lives worth living. Specialists in dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies (DBT and CBT).
- Anxiety (including Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, panic attacks, school refusal and social phobia)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anger Management
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Emotion regulation issues
- Family problems
- Impulsivity and Behavior Problems
- Relationship issues
- Self-esteem issues