Meet Sydney

Sydney Mercado-Screws (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience supporting youth, families, and adults across a wide range of systems — including community mental health, hospitals, schools, crisis response, and child welfare.

Her career took a meaningful turn when she became a first responder in 2021, gaining firsthand insight into the emotional toll of trauma exposure, chronic stress, and high-stakes environments. Now back in private practice, Sydney brings the depth of that experience into the therapy room, offering specialized support for first responders and individuals navigating difficult or transformative seasons.

Sydney believes therapy works best when it feels real. Her style is direct, approachable, and curious — grounded in the belief that honesty, collaboration, and a strong therapeutic relationship make meaningful change possible.

Sydney’s approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and practical skills for emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and healthy boundaries. She adapts her style to fit each client, balancing direct communication with reflective listening and a warm, judgment-free presence. Sydney believes healing is possible for everyone, and that the path forward is as individual as the person sitting in front of her. With honesty, curiosity, and steady collaboration, she helps clients move toward a life that feels more grounded, peaceful, and aligned with their values.