01 · Who Cheryl works with

Cheryl works with self esteem, career difficulties and depression

Cheryl lists 5 specialisms and 24 further focus areas. Specialisms are the subjects Cheryl chose to list first, which is the closest a listing gets to “this is my actual practice”.

02 · In Cheryl's own words

What Cheryl says about the work

Reproduced in full and unedited - not summarised, not tightened, not rewritten in a house voice.

My name is Cheryl Velasquez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with nearly six years of experience providing mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including acute psychiatric hospitals, outpatient therapy programs, school-based mental health services, and community mental health organizations. I have also served in leadership roles as a team lead while continuing to provide direct therapeutic services.

Currently, I specialize in working with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. I have had the privilege of supporting clients ranging in age from 5 to 90 years old, helping them navigate life's difficulties while building resilience, confidence, and healthier coping strategies.

I believe that every person has a unique story that deserves to be heard with compassion, respect, and without judgment. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and person-centered. I strive to create a safe space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences at their own pace.

My approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based interventions, psychoeducation, stress management techniques, coping skills development, self-care practices, and mindfulness-based strategies. I also draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) concepts and other evidence-based approaches when appropriate to meet each client's individual needs.

I enjoy working with adults of all backgrounds and have particular experience supporting women navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, and personal growth. I value cultural diversity and believe that some of the greatest opportunities for healing come from understanding and honoring each person's unique experiences and perspectives.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time in nature, walking outdoors, learning about different cultures, and spending time with animals-especially cats. If it were possible in a virtual setting, I would gladly combine therapy with a peaceful walk outdoors. I believe that healing often happens when we slow down, connect with ourselves, and feel supported by another person who is willing to listen.

Seeking help is a courageous step, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.

Cheryl Velasquez, on the BetterHelp listing · read 9 Oct 2026

03 · What happens next

From this page to a first session

Cheryl practises through BetterHelp, so the route in is BetterHelp's. This is that sequence, written by Maker Therapy from the platform's published process - not a description of Cheryl's own practice, and not a promise about how quickly anything happens.

1. A questionnaire, not a booking form

   BetterHelp opens with a set of questions about what you are dealing with, what you want from therapy, and any preferences on the therapist. You are not booking Cheryl at this point.

2. Naming Cheryl specifically

   BetterHelp matches algorithmically by default, so asking for Cheryl is a step you have to take. There is a field for requesting a specific therapist during sign-up, and you can switch afterwards from your account. Starting from a link on this page does not by itself assign you to Cheryl.

3. If the caseload is full

   You will be offered somebody else rather than put on a waitlist. Worth knowing, because it is easy to assume a match is the person you asked for.

4. The first conversation

   A first session is typically history and orientation: what brought you, what has been tried, what you want to be different. It is also where the questions in the next section belong.

5. If the fit is wrong

   Changing therapist on BetterHelp does not need a reason. A first session that does not click is common and is not a verdict on therapy. That option existing is the main practical difference between a platform and a private practice.

04 · Before you commit

2 questions worth asking Cheryl

Built from what Cheryl actually lists, so they are answerable and specific rather than generic. Maker Therapy's, not Cheryl's - Cheryl has not seen them and is under no obligation to answer any of them.

• “How do you handle the gap between sessions if something comes up?”

  On BetterHelp this varies a great deal by therapist. Better to know the rhythm now than to discover it on a bad week.

• “You offer sessions in English and Spanish. Does the work change depending on which we use?”

  People often reach different material in a first language than in a second. Worth naming before you choose.

05 · Practical details

Credentials and licensing

Credential

LCSW

Licensed in

North Carolina

Licence

NC LCSW C020069

Licence number

C020069

Licence expires

12 May 2028

NPI

1689327710

Years in practice

5

Gender

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

International clients

Not accepted

Listed since

15 Jun 2026

06 · Provenance

Where every line on this page came from

Cheryl's name, credential, state, subjects, approaches and biography are read from BetterHelp's therapist roster, which Maker Therapy re-reads once a day; this page reflects the reading taken on 9 Oct 2026. The licence number and NPI are cross-checked against public registers.

The plain-English method descriptions, the first-session walkthrough and the questions are written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such wherever they appear.

Maker Therapy is not BetterHelp, does not take bookings, and has not met Cheryl. There are no reviews or ratings on this page because we have no way to verify one. If you start therapy through a link here, we may be paid a commission - it does not change your price and it does not affect who appears here or in what order.

Something on this page wrong or out of date? Report it and it will be checked against the source.