Meet Esterly Valdez, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker · Bilingual Therapist (English & Spanish)

WHO I AM

Esterly (pronounced Ester-lee) is a queer Latino therapist who knows firsthand what it means to move through the world holding multiple identities at once, and how powerful it is to finally find a space where all of them are welcome. That is exactly what he creates for his clients.

WHO I WORK WITH

Esterly has a particular passion for working with teens and young adults who are in the process of figuring out who they are, navigating questions of identity, sexuality, gender, culture, family expectation, and belonging, often all at the same time. For many of his younger clients, Esterly's space is the first place they have been able to speak honestly about what they are experiencing without fear of how it will land. That matters enormously, and he does not take it lightly. He has worked with adolescents and adults across a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, including those involved in the justice system and individuals navigating the unique pressures that come with living at the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health.

MY APPROACH

Esterly brings cultural humility, not just cultural competence, to every session. His work is rooted in making sure every client feels genuinely heard before anything else. Whether you are exploring your identity, navigating anxiety or trauma, feeling stuck in a pattern you cannot name, or simply carrying more than you know how to put down, his space is one where you do not have to shrink, explain yourself, or perform wellness. You can just show up as you are. His approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply human. He does not believe in a one-size-fits-all model of healing and will work with you to find what actually fits.

TRAINING & CREDENTIALS

Esterly holds a Bachelor's degree from Saint Peter's University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University.

SERVICES & AVAILABILITY

Esterly provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults in English and Spanish. He sees clients in person at our Greenwich Village, NYC location and via telehealth throughout New York State. For those who prefer a less traditional setting, Esterly also offers In-Home Sessions and Walk and Talk Therapy in select areas across New York City, ensuring that the path to support is as accessible and comfortable as possible.