Magdalena Varela-Hand, Intake Clinician, LMSW

Mental Health Clinic

Magdalena (She/Her) is a bilingual, Spanish speaking, Licensed Master Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing culturally responsive and therapeutic counseling. She specializes in working with individuals who are struggling with Grief and Loss, Crisis, Systemic Oppression, Depression and Anxiety, Stress Management, Relationship challenges and Life Transitions. She has extensive experience in Forensic Social Work, developmental disabilities, and Parental pressures.

Magdalena is understanding of cultural differences, the complexities of language barriers, and the pressure of communicating laborious topics in a second language.  She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, with a concentration in clinical social work and a strong dedication to working with historically marginalized communities.

In her practice, Magdalena utilizes a holistic approach, including spiritual wellbeing, and motivational interviewing.  Her strengths-based perspective and solution focused approach help clients move from crisis to confidence. Her purpose is to empower clients towards self-care and positive change, resulting in life balance and lasting wellness.

Modalities of treatment: CBT, DBT, solution-focused, talk-therapy, motivational interviewing, insight-oriented therapy and grief therapy.

Language: Spanish and English