Heather Breese is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) in the state of California and Licensed Mastered Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of New York. Currently, she is working toward obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

She brings to the Applied DBT team a variety of experience working with individuals, groups, and families. She has completed numerous trainings in the areas of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed, Motivational Interviewing, Teen Intervene, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from The College of Saint Rose. She also graduated Adelphi University with her Master of Social Work degree in 2013.

Heather has experience as a Social Worker/Case Manager for Abilities First, Inc. working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. She has supported individuals diagnosed with cognitive, developmental, and/or physical disabilities in a variety of settings. Many of Heather’s previous clients have struggled with co-occurring mental health disorders making Heather well versed in assisting clients with multiple needs. Her experience in this role has helped Heather link and refer individuals to necessary resources. Heather has very much enjoyed working with this population and the experience it has brought her; however, she is excited to gain more clinical experience in the field of mental Health.

Heather has also served as a Social Worker/Clinician for Astor Services in the Children and Families Hospital Diversion Program. While in the Home-Bases Crisis Intervention (HBCI) and the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Programs, she has worked to prevent psychiatric inpatient hospitalization for children and adults struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is one of the main therapeutic interventions used in treatment within these programs. Through this experience, Heather has gained a comprehensive knowledge of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) with younger children and their parents/Caregivers.

Heather also has experience as a School Social Worker and is certified as such within the State of New York. In this role she has supported and assisted mainstream and special education students. Heather has served as an advocate for youth, working to help students achieve their social emotional goals. In this role, Heather has assisted students and their families to access the tools and resources necessary to success in the classroom setting.

Adding to her professional journey, Heather is now employed as a Clinician at Applied DBT. She very much looks forward to helping individuals strive to find a high quality of life. It is her firm belief with the right tools and supports in place, every individual can believe they have a life worth living.