
Kcarin De la Cruz
she/herLicensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
Hi, I'm Kcarin De La Cruz, LCSW. I have been working in the field of social work since 2013, and since 2016, I have had the privilege of working within the school system with children and adolescents ages 4 to 18. Throughout my career, I have supported young people navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the challenges that can come with special education and school-related experiences.
As a first-generation Latina woman born and raised in the Bronx, I understand the importance of feeling seen and understood in your culture and family. My approach is warm, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I strive to create a safe space where children and families can feel comfortable being themselves and develop tools to navigate life's challenges.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and my goal is to meet each person where they are while helping them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and feel empowered in their own journey.

"As a first generation Latina woman born and raised in the Bronx and shaped by experience of growing up in a divorced family, I bring culturally responsive, trauma informed, and strengths-based perspective to my clinical practice, recognizing the ways culture, family dynamics, identity, and lived experiences influence an individual's emotional well-being and therapeutic journey."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I decided to become a social worker because I have always been drawn to understanding people, their experiences, and the circumstances that shape who they are. My experiences have shaped my belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, especially during challenging times. Social work has given me the opportunity to build meaningful connections, advocate for others, and support children, adolescents, and families as they navigate challenges while recognizing and building upon their strengths.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with adolescents and families.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
Therapy isn't only for people in crisis or with diagnosed mental illness. It can also help you understand yourself, work through difficult experiences, improve relationships, manage stress, and build healthier ways to cope.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
We’ll start by getting to know you, understanding what brought you in, identifying your goals, and creating a space where you feel heard and supported. Early therapy can feel unfamiliar at first, but with time, it can help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and needs.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
My personal experiences and values deeply inform my practice. Growing up in a divorced household as a first-generation American and experiencing life within low-income communities have shaped my understanding of how family, culture, identity, and socioeconomic circumstances can influence our mental health and sense of self. These experiences allow me to approach therapy with empathy, humility, and an appreciation for the unique context each person brings. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate challenges, build self-awareness, and move toward meaningful change.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs, recognizing that no two people and no two journeys are the same. I consider each client’s goals, strengths, lived experiences, culture, identity, relationships, and circumstances when developing a therapeutic approach. Together, we identify what feels most meaningful and useful, adapting our work over time to support each person’s growth, healing, and well-being.
- Years in practice
- 13 years
- Graduating institute
- Long Island University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work