Desiree Pedraza

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a diverse clinical background supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a particular passion for working with adolescents navigating mental health challenges and substance use recovery. My experience includes both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I have provided crisis intervention, individual therapy, skills training, intensive case management, and psychosocial support to individuals with varying levels of clinical need. Throughout my career, I have gained experience in a variety of clinical and administrative roles, including psychiatric hospitalization funding management, telemedicine facilitation, admission and intake coordination, and psychosocial interventions. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of the behavioral health system and the importance of providing individualized, compassionate care.

In my work with adolescents in Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programming, I strive to create a supportive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where teens feel safe exploring their experiences, developing coping skills, strengthening relationships, and building confidence in their ability to navigate life's challenges. I believe in meeting each individual where they are, recognizing their unique strengths, and helping them develop the tools needed to create meaningful and lasting change.

Academically, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling, and completed an honors thesis during my undergraduate studies. My academic and professional experiences continue to shape my passion for understanding human development and supporting individuals and families as they work toward growth, resilience, and improved well-being. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two kiddos, traveling, hiking, running, camping, or just being outside.