Andrea Paz, LMHC-D

Meet Andrea Paz, a bilingual mental health counselor specializing in trauma, forensic evaluation, and culturally responsive care. With a focus on client autonomy and healing, Andrea integrates psychological insight with advocacy to promote fairness, understanding, and empowerment at Fifth Avenue Forensics.

Andrea Paz, LMHC-D

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege

Andrea Paz is a licensed mental health counselor with Diagnostic Privilege in New York State, specializing in the intersection of forensic mental health, trauma, and cultural identity. Her clinical work is grounded in a deep commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that fosters insight, autonomy, and empowerment in clients navigating complex personal and legal systems.

Academic Foundations in Psychology, Justice, and Trauma

Ms. Paz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queens College (CUNY), with minors in Art History and History. She earned her Master’s degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), along with an Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies. Her academic background laid the foundation for a nuanced understanding of the psychological, cultural, and systemic factors that influence behavior and well-being.

Research on Reintegration and Cultural Barriers

While at John Jay, Ms. Paz contributed to the Sex Offender Research Lab (SORL), where she assisted in a research study examining the specific barriers to community reintegration for Spanish-speaking sex offenders. Her work in the lab explored how language access, cultural stigma, and systemic inequities impact rehabilitation and reintegration—insights that continue to inform her clinical and forensic work today.

Clinical and Forensic Expertise Across Diverse Populations

Ms. Paz began her forensic clinical training at Queens Counseling for Change, where she co-facilitated mandated anger management and sex offender treatment groups. Fluent in Spanish, she has since developed deep experience providing therapy and forensic evaluations to Spanish-speaking clients in both community-based and private practice settings.

Her forensic work includes conducting comprehensive immigration evaluations—such as hardship waivers, asylum claims, and VAWA petitions—with a focus on cultural context, trauma history, and the client’s unique psychosocial background.

Current Roles: Forensic Mitigation Specialist & Psychotherapist

Ms. Paz currently works as a Forensic Mitigation Specialist and Psychotherapist, supporting clients impacted by the criminal legal system through individualized therapy and collaborative legal advocacy. She partners with attorneys and interdisciplinary teams to develop trauma-informed mitigation strategies that promote understanding, dignity, and fairer legal outcomes.

Practice Values: Cultural Competence, Autonomy, and Healing

Ms. Paz’s therapeutic approach is rooted in cultural humility, respect, and a deep commitment to client autonomy. She centers the therapeutic relationship as a space for building insight, restoring agency, and fostering resilience. Her work is guided by the belief that healing and justice are interconnected—and that meaningful change happens when clients are supported with both compassion and context.