Mercedes Spicer, MSW, CSSW, APSW

Advanced Practice Social Worker

Certified School Social Worker

Child, Adolescent and Family Psychotherapist

I follow Mark Twain’s well-worn but true advice: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” For nearly a decade, supporting the mental health of children and families has been both my calling and my passion. My work is grounded in an eclectic, holistic, and client-centered approach, rooted in the belief that connection is the foundation for healing—especially for those whose voices are often overlooked.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is our most powerful tool. Building trust—particularly with children who are misunderstood, escalated, or emotionally shut down—is the starting point for change. From there, we can address dysfunction, co-create meaningful interventions, and reduce barriers to growth and
healing.

I specialize in supporting families with children who present with high-risk behaviors, such as impulsivity, aggression, and severe dysregulation—often stemming from complex trauma. With humor, humility, honesty, and cultural responsiveness, I meet kids and caregivers where they are and walk with them
toward emotional resilience.

I’m deeply committed to working with under-resourced and diverse communities who are too often failed by fragmented systems. I’m known for being a fierce advocate—getting siloed professionals to collaborate, even when it’s uncomfortable, because every child deserves coordinated, responsive care.

I’ve been trained in the licensing process for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and believe strongly in the urgency of early intervention. We know that brain plasticity declines significantly after age 7—making early, intentional support critical
for lifelong outcomes.

My experience spans secure residential care, inpatient mental health, alternative schools for dually diagnosed ASD youth, school-based and in-home therapy, and outpatient clinics. I’ve supported children and families navigating trauma, anxiety,
depression, self-harm, grief, OCD, LGBTQ+ identity, racial identity, sex trafficking recovery, and a wide range of mood and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Above all, I’m a nonjudgmental, optimistic therapist, who is grounded in reality. I bring warmth, practical knowledge, and relentless dedication—especially when
things are hard.

If you feel Mercedes may be a great fit for your child, Call or email today to schedule a free 10-minute consultation.

*Mercedes can accept the following forms of payment: Private Pay (sliding scale for those that qualify), Quartz Insurance (all plans), straight Medicaid, and Dane County CCS enrolled individuals.