Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Syracuse, NY

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.

You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for years. The kind of weight that doesn't show on the outside but makes everything feel harder: getting through a workday, trusting people, feeling safe in your own body. Whether you're navigating trauma, PTSD, OCD, depression, or anxiety — or healing from experiences of sexual or physical abuse — you don't have to keep managing this alone. I work with adults across New York, including women, Black and multicultural clients, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are done shrinking and ready for something to actually shift.

I bring over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and schools to help people understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, and build the tools they need to thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that we all do the best we can with the tools we have—and that with the right support, we can grow and heal.

I believe that therapy begins with feeling truly seen and understood. I am a Licensed Psychoanalyst in New York State with a background in clinical psychology, counseling, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and completed my psychoanalytic training at the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis in New York City.

Over the past several years, I have provided therapy to adults, couples, families, and young adults. I have experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity concerns, and deeper emotional patterns that may feel difficult to understand on their own.

My approach is warm, thoughtful, and collaborative. I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable bringing their full selves into the room, while working together to develop greater insight, self-understanding, and meaningful change.

I earned my License in Clinical Social Work from Nazareth College and my MBA from University of Rochester. My background is in therapy, coaching, applied behavior analysis and working with organizations, teams and leaders to foster workplace cultures built on trust, engagement and well-being.

I have always been interested in what makes each of us who we are and how we relate to others. Throughout my training to become a clinical psychologist, I trained in many different settings including university counseling centers, hospitals, community mental health centers and private practices. I ultimately chose to open my own practice so that I could have the freedom to meet each client's specific needs. I am so grateful for the ability to walk alongside each of my clients as they navigate the challenges and joys of life.

For 18 years I have worked alongside adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and the transitions that turn life upside down. I believe therapy works best when you can show up exactly as you are. In our sessions, we build on your strengths, move at a pace that feels right for you, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or simply looking for a space to better understand yourself, I would love to connect.

Hello and welcome!

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in NY who believes deeply in supporting my clients through all lifes challenges and growing pains.

Together, I strive to create a warm and inviting space of growth and opportunity to feel more peace internally.

With sixteen years of experience in mental health and social work, I bring a warm, calm, and nurturing presence to every therapeutic relationship. My background spans a wide range of settings - from working with senior adults and neurodivergent individuals to my current role as a Clinical Program Coordinator in correction-based operations - giving me a deeply grounded, real-world perspective on resilience and healing. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Delaware State University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, and I am licensed as both an LMSW and LCSW in the State of New York. I also integrate Christian counseling for clients who find meaning and support in their faith.