Dr. Michael J. Alicea, Ed.D., MSW, MA

Assistant Professor | Interim BSW Director, Barry University President, NASW–Florida Chapter

Dr. Michael J. Alicea, Ed.D., MSW, MA
Dr. Michael J. Alicea, Ed.D., MSW, MA Assistant Professor | Interim BSW Director, Barry University President, NASW–Florida Chapter

Biography

Academic and Professional Qualifications

  • D., Counseling Psychology – Argosy University
  • MSW, Clinical Social Work – Barry University
  • A., Marriage and Family Therapy – St. Thomas University
  • A., Psychology & A.A., Psychology – St. Thomas University & Miami Dade College
  • S., Criminal Justice – Miami Dade College
  • Certified Law Enforcement Officer (30 years, Miami & Coral Gables PD)
  • Former Petty Officer Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (Gulf War Theater)
  • Faculty appointments at Barry University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and FIU
  • President, NASW-FL (2024–2026); Past roles: President-Elect (2023–2024), Vice President (2022–2023)

Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice

  • Clinical expertise in oncology, bereavement, crisis intervention, and behavioral medicine
  • Medical Social Worker/Case Manager at Baptist Health – groups in prostate cancer, cardiac care, diabetes, and oncology
  • Consultant to community mental health agencies, including Switchboard of Miami and Charter Behavioral IOP
  • Specializing in disaster response, culturally responsive therapy with Latino populations, and PTSD care for veterans and first responders
  • Facilitated court-ordered therapy groups (English/Spanish); delivered trauma-informed home health services
  • Led psychoeducational workshops on suicide prevention, law enforcement stress, infidelity recovery, and abuse trauma

Commitment to Trauma-Informed Education

  • Taught trauma-informed courses and seminars at Barry University, University of Miami, FIU, and Miami Dade College
  • Developed curricula on crisis response, law enforcement trauma, ethics, and cultural competence
  • Integrated trauma frameworks into field instruction, supervision, and classroom pedagogy
  • Delivered instruction in adult education and mental health programs for ALF residents, the elderly, and the chronically mentally ill
  • Designed and evaluated trauma-related training curricula and learning assessments

Publications, Presentations, Research, Awards

  • Reviewer: Social Work Policy Practice (2024), Journal of Family Social Work (2024)
  • Author: Numerous NASW and FAMFT publications on social work ethics, empathy, police suicide, supervision, and professional development
  • Dissertation: Police Suicide: Acuity of Influence (2015)
  • Awards:
    • NASW-FL Social Work Educator of the Year (2023)
    • NASW-FL Most Influential Social Worker of the Year (2022 & 2023)
    • Barry University Adjunct Professor of the Year (2018 & 2019)
    • Barry University Social Work Advisory Council – Faculty Advisor of the Year (2019)
    • Baptist Health System – Social Worker of the Year, Bariatric Unit (2015)

Sign in to use the pins