- Who We Are
-
What We Do
- Helping Children
- Strengthening Families
- Building Community
- Get Involved
Share
For Alicia Mirabelli, a Therapist with The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Cypress, Texas, social work has never been “just a job” — it has been her life's purpose.
In honor of National Social Work Month, we are proud to shine a light on Alicia and the remarkable journey that brought her to the families and individuals she serves today.
Alicia earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University and a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago before completing the steps to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas.
Her career began in foster care and adoption, and then she spent several years as a School Social Worker in Naperville, Illinois, providing mental health support to teachers, students, and families, while working on IEP teams for children in both general and specialized classrooms.
In 2008, Alicia took a bold step when she moved to Singapore. There, she worked as an Educational Support Specialist for students with learning differences and later taught First and Second grade at the Singapore American School.
Alicia returned to Texas in 2021 and joined the team at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS). Alicia provided support for foster and adoptive families and helped launch The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Cypress, Texas.
Alicia works with a wide range of clients — children, teens, adults, and couples. Her approach is as unique as the people she serves. She focuses on the individual, listening closely to understand what each person wants to change about their life. From there, she and her client build a plan for their work together.
With younger children, Alicia uses play and games to create a safe, comfortable space. With teens, she brings in activities and videos to connect with them where they are. With adults, she focuses on processing emotions, building skills, and finding practical resources.
She draws from tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, always through a strengths-based lens — because she believes every person already has something powerful inside them.
Starting therapy can feel scary. Alicia gets that, so she designs the first session around one simple goal: getting to know you.
She spends that time learning what brings someone in, what they hope will be different, and what goals they want to work toward. From there, the two of them shape a path forward — together.
"I want to give my clients a sense of hope for a better tomorrow," Alicia says. That hope is not just a nice thought. It is the foundation of everything she does.
Ask Alicia why she does this work, and she will tell you it goes back to her grandparents. They showed her from a young age that helping others gives life meaning and purpose, and that lesson has guided her throughout her life.
"I feel that I was chosen to be in this field of work," she shares. "I love being a catalyst for others to enjoy their life and help them find meaning and purpose as well."
That kind of calling does not just make a good social worker. It makes a great one!
The Counseling Centers at PCHAS offer in-person and virtual counseling for children, adults, couples, and groups. Alicia works at The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Cypress, Texas. We also have therapists in San Antonio and Waxahachie, Texas and Farmington, Missouri. Our compassionate therapists are here to walk alongside you. To learn more, visit pchas.org/counseling. When you're ready, you can Schedule An Appointment online, or you can speak with one of our friendly team members at (833) 208-3201.
View All
