Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Diamari Velez

LCSW, MSW
Therapy for Individuals, ages 6+, Spanish-Speaking

My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and collaborative space that allows you to process your experiences, build resilience, and feel truly seen and heard. I work with all ages - children through adults - and with every client my mission remains the same: to walk alongside you with empathy, offering a holistic and supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change. 

Authentic human connection fosters healing and growth. I have a direct and relational approach, grounded in compassion, and seek to offer inclusive, affirming and trauma-informed care. As a proud first-generation Latina American and a bilingual and bicultural clinician, I also draw on my identity to better understand the ways culture, language, and systemic barriers shape mental health. 

In my practice, I use an integrative approach that allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs - while honoring you as a whole person—mind, body, relationships, and environment. Most commonly I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment theory, and creative modalities such as art and play. 

I have experience supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, and other neuro-developmental differences, as well as those who have experienced trauma and domestic violence, anxiety, perinatal mental health struggles, and the challenges of being involved in the legal system.  

Diamari offers therapy services in Spanish.

About Diamari:

  • Enjoys random dance parties with her husband and two children

  • Horror movie enthusiast (but only during the daytime!)

  • Loves long walks with her two dogs, Sirius and Andromeda—always with an audiobook playing

Top Specialties:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Autism

  • Anxiety

Areas of Expertise:

  • ADHD

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Child

  • Codependency

  • Depression

  • Divorce

  • Domestic Violence

  • Family Conflict

  • First Generation Issues

  • Grief

  • Latinx Issues

  • LGBTQ+

  • Life Transitions

  • Mood Disorders

  • Oppositional Defiance (ODD)

  • Parenting

  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

  • School Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Stress

  • Women's Issues

Aetna

I’m in network with:

Anthem

BCBS PPO

Cigna / Evernorth

United / Optum

Call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com to set up an appointment or schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy, drawing primarily from attachment theory to facilitate the creation of secure, vibrant connection with self and others.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices that include present moment awareness, meditation, and breathing exercises.

  • Motivational interviewing helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior.

  • Through play therapy, children learn to express their thoughts and feelings in appropriate ways, learn about the feelings of others, learn ways of controlling their own behavior, and learn how to solve problems they encounter.

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.

“My approach is both direct and relational, grounded in compassion and the belief that authentic human connection fosters healing and growth.”

— Diarmari Velez

Questions about insurance?

Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.