Counseling & Substance Abuse Center

585 Joseph Ave | 585-325-7323 ext:1200
The Counseling and Support Center provides services for individuals 18 and over to overcome substance abuse issues.
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counseling center graphic for Baden Street Settlement

The goal of the center is to provide an effective chemical dependency treatment program that responds to the unique needs of inner-city residents in a manner that is consistent with cultural norms and psychological orientation.  Treatment philosophy is based on the theory that addictive behavior (chemical dependency) is motivated by genetics (disease model), and certain personality constructs that determine how one responds to the external world.  Our comprehensive, integrated services include individual and group counseling, and case management.

Currently, the agency is in the planning phase of an integrated Mental Health outpatient clinic through the NYS Office of Mental Health.

Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Click Here to Learn More About Behavioral Health & Community Services
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Hector Diaz

Director of Clinical Services

Email: hdiaz@badenstreet.org
Hector Diaz is the Director of Clinical Services at Baden Street Settlement, overseeing the organization’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Behavioral Health, and Mental Health programs. With over 30 years of experience in the Buffalo and Rochester areas, Hector has worked in both inpatient and outpatient SUD settings. He previously served as the Director of the SUD clinic from June 2012 to August 2021 and was promoted to Interim Director of Clinical Services in July 2024. Hector holds an Associate’s degree from Erie Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College, and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College, completed in 2016 while working full-time in the SUD Clinic. He is also a Master Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (Master CASAC). Outside of his professional work, Hector is a musician, playing both electric and upright bass with the renowned band Mambo Kings, which performs across the U.S. and Canada with symphony orchestras. Hector is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served during Operation Desert Storm as part of the Gulf War.
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Noraly Leisten
Program Director of Counseling and Substance Abuse Center
Email: nleisten@badenstreet.org
Noraly Leisten has served as the Program Director of Baden Street Settlement’s Counseling Center since October 2023. With 10 years of experience in the substance abuse field, she has primarily worked with Spanish-speaking populations, a mission driven by her personal connection to the community. During her senior year of college, Noraly interned with the Esperanza Latina program at Huther Doyle and was subsequently hired as a full-time counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from SUNY Brockport (2015) and is credentialed by OASAS as a CASAC Advanced Counselor. Outside of work, Noraly enjoys spending time with her family, participating in church events, and relaxing with a holiday movie.