Our Practitioners

Education:
• Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing Program; SUNY Stonybrook University
• Bachelor of Science majoring in Social Work; CUNY York College

Licensure:
NYS LMSW Lic. 088737

Certification:
Adult Mental Health First Aid USA; National Council for Behavioral Health

My Biography:

Long before any formal training, Courtney knew her niche was to help others reach their full potential. Courtney has over a decade of professional experience and has held various positions in non-profit agencies helping those with addictions, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, self-esteem, adolescents, familial conflicts, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She recognizes there is no “one size fits all” approach and utilizes various modalities to help her clients reach their personal goals. To help her clients feel comfortable with expressing themselves and sharing their personal experiences, Courtney provides them with a warm, safe, nonjudgmental, empowering and professional environment. Courtney believes life is a continuous journey and she can help you navigate your way through the pain, stress and anxiety you may feel as you become the best version of yourself.

Education:
• 

Licensure:
NYS LMSW Licensure Number: ######

Certification:
TEAM—CBT Level 1

My Biography:

Winnifred has received a Master in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College.

She believes with some help one can uncover his or her hidden potential. Unhealthy patterns can be broken. The past does not have to dictate the future.

Substance abuse is gateway to other mental health disorders.

This is why rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), which is under the cognitive behavioral therapy framework is so effective. Understanding how the mind and behavior connects is major in reaching healthy autonomy.

Education:
• MSW Wurzweiler School of Social Work
• BA in Sociology CUNY Queens College

Licensure:
NYS LMSW #105341

My Biography:

Since a young age I have always had a passion for helping people. It is my mission to create a non-judgmental and safe space for my clients. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 40 years old but I specialize in youth work. I have experience with treating clients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, BPD, OCD, and ADHD. I am extremely passionate about client advocation. I use a client centered approach collaborating with clients with treatment modalities such as: Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and Play Therapy. It is my opinion that everyone needs someone to talk to especially during times like these.

Education:
• Master of Social Work, New York University Silver School of Social Work 
• Bachelor of Social Work, Portland State University

Licensure:
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW #107903

Certification:
• Naloxone/Narcan administration

My Biography:

I am a passionate and dedicated practitioner who has provided mental health counseling and care coordination to adults in various social service settings for the past eight years. I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing major life transitions, difficulty in relationships, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, substance abuse, sexual trauma, PTSD, and Pandemic Fatigue.   

As a bi-cultural South Asian and Ashkenazi Jewish New Yorker, I ground my practice in an anti-racism anti-oppression framework. I honor the many intersecting identities and lived experiences of my clients, knowing how much of a toll it can take on one’s mind and body to have to navigate daily life within oppressive environments. My holistic approach is to create a space where we can explore aspects of your identities, like your cultural upbringing, family dynamics, gender, race, religion, class, ability, or sexuality. I see every client as an expert on their own experience. My wish is for each person I work with to become empowered by cultivating a deeper understanding of their experiences and a greater love for themselves and their communities. My role is to help my clients hone in on their strengths and to offer concrete coping tools for navigating hardships, as well as tangible measurable goals to work toward. Depending on your unique needs we can utilize specific evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness meditation.

Education:
• 

Licensure:
NYS LMSW Licensure Number: 113930

Certification:
TEAM—CBT Level 1

My Biography:

Education:
• Master of Social Work, Adelphi University School of Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts: Hofstra University

Licensure:
NY State LMSW # 051524

My Biography:

Susan got her MSW at Adelphi University’s school of social work, Susan began her social work career in the substance abuse field working during the day in a heroin detox unit as her first job out of school. In the evenings, she worked for an outpatient substance abuse unit of a non-profit community agency. These two jobs provided an array of clients with diverse backgrounds including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly people. Eventually, Susan began to work at the outpatient clinic full-time and began to specialize in working with adolescents and their families leading an adolescent group for several years. She began doing couples counseling with some of the parents and would do family sessions monthly.

Susan also spent time working at a mental health agency, where she was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She worked in collaboration with several psychiatrists and a nurse practitioner to assist the team with medication management for clients. She began seeing clients with dual diagnoses and clients who were not substance abusers. She began working with clients who suffered from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, and trauma.
Susan is currently enrolling in a program at NYU to become a trauma specialist. Susan feels that most people have had some trauma in their lives at some juncture. Many people don’t realize that by neglecting to deal with and face the trauma, it will stay with them and in many cases will manifest into issues that must be addressed, ie, anxiety and depression.

Susan hopes to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment for
each client’s journey towards healing themselves.

Education:
• Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University

Licensure:
MHC

My Biography:

My focus is on Anxieties, Depressions, Anger management, Trauma and Dissociative Identity disorders. An effective therapeutic relationship starts with a strong connection of trust between a client and therapist. Therapy is tailored to fit this relationship. I use a variety of modalities to accomplish that goal such as cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness and positive psychology to help clients reach optimal daily functioning.

Education:
• MS General Psychology
• MS Clinical Psychology
• Ph. D Clinical Psychology (on-going)

Licensure:
NPI: 1548986870

Certification::
• NARCAN
• CPR
• Fentanyl Testing

My Biography:

Gentiana Simnica has always had a passion for helping those who couldn’t understand their feelings and hardships through life. As individuals living in a stressful environment and world hardships can present themselves in many different forms and approaches. Through her own personal experience with living and her extensive experience in the field of psychology, Gentiana has been able to form a calling to help others in need with a passionate understanding to help others and build connections with her clients. Gentiana has over a decade of professional experience and has held various positions in non-profit agencies helping those with addictions, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, self-esteem, adolescents, familial counseling and couples’ therapy, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gentiana has two MS degrees in general anxiety and clinical psychology and finalizing her Ph. D in Clinical Psychology to become a Clinical Psychologist. Gentiana has worked with many different populations ranging from children as young as 2 years old to geriatric clients across the DSM- spectrum. Gentiana utilizes various modalities to help her clients reach their personal goals whether they may be short term or long-term goals. Gentiana utilizes these methods in a way to build rapport with her clients and to help her clients feel comfortable with expressing themselves and sharing their personal experiences. Gentiana provides them with a warm, safe, nonjudgmental, empowering and professional environment. Gentiana believes life is a continuous journey and finds passion in helping her clients by navigating your way through the pain, stress and anxiety you may feel as you become the best version of yourself and help finding your true calling. Gentiana’s goal for her clients is to make life a little less stressful and to be able to navigate life while we encounter whatever stressful, and anxiety filled fears you may have. Gentiana is also a life coach and sometimes we all need a bit of help and motivation to navigate the mysteries that the life may bring upon us. I am grateful to be a part of this team and motivated to help those that need an extra hand in life to become the best version of yourself.

Education:
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology Major, Brooklyn College.
• Master of Arts in Applied Psychology, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

Licensure:
• MHC-LP

My Biography:

It is my belief that my clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own best resource when it comes to treatment.
I believe that therapy is a journey where my client and I go to together where our knowledge and skills cooperate to create solutions. A good therapeutic relationship includes trust, authenticity, freedom and positive outcomes.

Education:
• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Licensure:
• NYS MHC permit  #P12157

Certification:
• New York State School Counselor K-12; Provisional Certification
• 2019 Mandated Reporter
• 2019 Identification and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment
• Bilingual in English/Albanian

My Biography:

Arta is a bilingual first generation American, born to two immigrant parents in a diverse community in the Bronx, NY. Her family relocated to a suburban area in Westchester in her mid teenage years. This diverse upbringing provided her with unique opportunities and advantages, such as the ability to connect with and understand individuals from different backgrounds.

Arta loves music and art. She enjoys being outdoors in nature and practices yoga and meditation to stay centered and connected to herself, as she makes self care a priority. She continues to explore and learn more about the world through her passions.

Arta’s holistic approach to mental and relational health takes into consideration all aspects of an individual’s life, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. She believes that mental and relational health are interconnected and cannot be treated in isolation. Arta uses a combination of traditional and alternative therapies to create customized treatment plans that cater to each individual’s unique needs and preferences. Her goal is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and build meaningful relationships.

Education:
• Masters of Social Work from Columbia University
(Concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice)

Licensure:
• LMSW, 118886

My Biography:

I specialize in trauma-informed somatic therapy, meaning that my practice is a fusion of talk therapy and body-based methods including breathwork, guided meditation, and movement. I’m also an artist, and I enjoy playing with more creative approaches that highlight each person’s unique intuitive gifts.

My practice is informed by over 8 years of experience working with survivors of trauma, including families affected by police brutality, survivors of sexual assault, and refugees who have been impacted by war and terrorism.

I also draw on over a decade of personal practice in various mindfulness techniques, and a lifelong relationship with the creative arts. While I take my work seriously, I believe that playfulness and joy are fundamental to the transformative process of therapy!

I am deeply passionate about this work and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Education:
• The State University of New York
• Fairfield University of CT.

Licensure:
• Limited Permit in MFT

Certification:
• Limited Permit in MFT-Certification in family and couples mediation
• Specializing in individuals, couples pre/post marital relationship, conflicts and family issues.

My Biography:

Innes Frey is currently a provisional marriage and family therapist and achieved her Master Degree in Marital and Family Therapy. She has been practicing for over 20 years. She feels her most gem-like ability is reflected in her daily life of guiding and teaching clients to overcome their fears. She has been successful at helping clients conquer their challenges through courage and determination. She believes in empowering her clients to understand that although the past is not retrievable, their is still hope in the future which has not yet been written. She helps clients embrace that they are the only one with the power to to draft those future pages.Ms. Frey has extensive experience in marital and couples counseling, depression, anxiety, and self esteem. She works through a systemic approach to improve interpersonal relationships and personal improvements. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic approach, and dialectical behavioral therapy to help achieve therapeutic goals.

Education:
• Masters Social Work, Columbia University School of Social Work, 1994

Licensure:
• LCSW-R 048935-1

My Biography:

Do you feel like you/your children/your family are at a dead end/ the end of the road? If so then I will be your Siri. I will help you/your children/your family reach your destination.

I specialize in consumer centered cognitive behavioral creative problem solving. I provide solution focused child and family therapy. I specialize in play therapy.
I am available 24/7 with evening office hours and weekend office hours. I am accepting new clients. Appointments are scheduled within 24 hours.

Education:
• Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, John Jay College
• Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Oral Roberts University

Licensure:
• 114568-01

My Biography:

Reaching out for help can be quite a bit anxiety-inducing, as we generally do not know what to expect. It is understandable! I do not take for granted that my clients come to me, a stranger, and share personal details of their lives. I want it to feel like a collaborative process, so I am here to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for us to work together. When working with me, you can expect me to trust that you know yourself best, so I want to hear from you where you are, and where you want to be. I want to understand what works best for you, and to support you in developing your strong intuition.

I work from a relational and attachment orientation, which means I believe the therapeutic relationship will have the greatest effect on the work that takes place in therapy. I also believe how people treated us early in our lives gave us a blueprint for what to expect later on. I want to hear what your experiences have been, and what you want for yourself in the future.

Education:
• Long Island University School of Education: Master of Science (January 2014)
• Mercy College: B.A. Science and Behavioral Science (May 2008)

Licensure:
• MHC Lic. 007593

My Biography:

Jack has received a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University and has been practicing mental health care since 2014. Jack has experience working with individuals and their families around a range of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, developmental disorders, and psychotic spectrum disorders. Jack uses an eclectic approach to mental health, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), positive psychology, and transformational chairwork.  

Education:
• Undergraduate Degree in History Adelphi University Garden City L.I., New York
• Graduate Degree Social Work Adelphi University Garden City L.I., New York

Licensure:
• LMSW State of New York 060757

My Biography:

I am a N.Y. certified LMSW. My career of more than twenty years encompasses work with a broad diversity of clients across the child to adults spectrum. I have gained expertise in service delivery in a range of mental health settings and capacities including forensics, emergency psychiatric social work with the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), individual and Family therapies. I also use a psychodynamic approach to therapy with individuals and family therapy situations.  

Education:
• Masters of Social Work, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, NY
• BA in Psychology, College of Mount Saint Vincent, NY

Licensure:
• Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW; License 114720

My Biography:

Raphael is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Raphael obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and his Masters in Social Work at the Graduate School of Social Work at Fordham University.

Raphael works from a systemic, collaborative, strength based approach that is mindful of cultural, ethnic, and economic concerns. With a warm, inviting, non-judgmental and compassionate style, he works collaboratively with clients helping them explore their emotions, set goals for themselves, identify their own inherent gifts, and look toward the future.

Raphael specializes in working with adolescents and adults experiencing a multitude of challenges including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, frustration tolerance, life transitions and adjustments, anger, and trauma.
Raphael has experience working in outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and residential settings as well as in the community connecting clients to needed resources in the community and meeting clients where they are in their lives with a focus for a better future and individualized goals for therapy. Raphael focuses on using several treatment modalities including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques to empower individuals in using their support system, community resources, mindfulness, and coping strategies to live the life they envision for themselves.

Education:
• Master of Social Work, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College

Licensure:
• 119346-01

My Biography:

My name is Maria Harsaniova, I am a licensed social worker with more than two years of experience in psychotherapy.
I have worked mostly with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, childhood trauma/complex trauma, domestic violence and oncology patients/survivors.

I tailor my approach to meet your needs and prioritize your goals for therapy using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Oftentimes I incorporate mindfulness, including meditation and other techniques to help process trauma or different symptoms/problems you might be facing.

Trustful and collaborative therapeutic relationship is very important in order to help you on your journey to bettering and healing. I provide a culturally sensitive atmosphere, where you can feel safe, judgment-free, and heard. I have a multicultural background and I provide therapy in English and Spanish.

Education:
• Masters of Social Work, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College CUNY
• Bachelors of Psychology, Queens College CUNY

Licensure:
• LMSW #115642

My Biography:

My name is Shannon and I am a licensed master of social work dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic and judgement free space for individuals to discuss and work towards their mental health and life goals. My approach is to utilize different therapeutic modalities such as person-centered, forensic, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based and trauma- focused CBT to best address an individual’s needs.

Individuals I work with present with a wide range of symptoms including those associated with adjustment, anxiety, depressive, mood, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I also work with individuals struggling with substance-use disorders.

Reaching out for therapy can be hard and I strive to create a safe therapeutic environment designed to support individuals as they navigate their life.

Education:
• Fordham University

Licensure:
• 105518

Certification:
LMSW, CASAC

My Biography:

Lauren Michele Vetere, is a psychotherapist and advocate, specializing in the treatment of adolescents, adults, families and couples. Lauren’s work is client centered based, focusing on existing client’s strengths, while working to successfully integrate coping skills in a way that is most
natural/authentic to the client.

With extensive experience in both hospital and therapeutic treatment settings, Lauren brings with her a unique understanding of peer and relational dynamics, family systems, and community resources.

Lauren holds CASAC licensure and is trained extensively in substance abuse issues and disorders. She is also highly trained in the treatment of crisis, anxiety, depression, self injuring behaviors, mood disorders, self esteem issues, eating disorders, gender identity, LGBQT+, relationship issues, PTSD, and trauma.

Lauren believes in the importance of ones’ past experiences but that they do not define who they are as a person. Lauren is a warm and welcoming therapist who uses verbal skills to meet clients where they are at and works within clients comfort levels. Lauren uses blended therapy modalities tailored to each client as she believes no two clients are the same.

Lauren is a top graduate of Fordham University and also a sitting member of the New York Academy of Medicine. Lauren is licensed in the state of NY and VA.

Lauren’s personal motto is, “at the end of the day we’re all just walking each other home”.

Education:
Bachelor of Social Work – Tuskegee University
Master of Medical/ Clinical Social Work w/ specializations in health & behavioral health – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Licensure:
LMSW – 121299

Certification:
–

My Biography:

I have 5 years of experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, veterans, couples, and families. My mission is to reshape the narrative around mental health therapy. By combining evidence-based techniques, I aim to demystify therapy and elevate its accessibility. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a cultural shift, increasing therapy participation rates to parallel those of routine medical check-ups. I am committed to empowering individuals to embrace mental well-being and fostering positive change in the field of mental health. Every minute is a chance for a new beginning! I’d love to help you evolve through your healing journey! Healing can sometimes feel scary, but I want to help others to navigate through their journey to see the beauty & peace that comes with healing as well! LET’S HEAL!

Education:
Bachelors in psychology and Spanish
Masters in social work

Licensure:
CSW-I ISW 18813

Certification:
–

My Biography:

Hi, my name is Monica! I have been in the mental health field for about 5 years and practicing therapy for 1 year. I am a licensed clinical social worker intern. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and have experience working with children, teens and adults. I also have experience working with Spanish speaking clients. I am passionate about my work as a therapist and ensuring my clients have a successful experience in their therapeutic journey. I use various treatment modalities depending upon my clients journey and goals. As a therapist I am on your team and am here to help you thrive.

Education:
College of Staten Island (CUNY)

Licensure:
NYS LMSW Lic. 119608

Certification:
–

My Biography:

I would like to first commend you on this first step of acknowledgment, and in your courageous step toward a better version of yourself. Im committed to creating a safe therapeutic space that is customized to the client’s current needs. My therapy approach is versatile and therefore, can be used with various ethnicities, cultural groups, and populations. I believe that providing a safe space for clients to exercise autonomy over their lives creates a healthy client and therapist relationship.

Together I want us to develop a therapeutic space that is full of humor and laughter, and appropriate sharing of relatable experiences. As a team, we will utilize various skills and techniques to dive deep into past and current trauma that keeps you stagnate, identify triggers, and then work through these triggers, and discover or reestablish confidence.

The work we do together will be challenging at times, but i want you to know that I’m fully committed to encouraging and supporting you through this process. I believe you can take the steps to progress and thrive. I ask that you allow me the opportunity to assist you in taking these next steps.