Dr. Colleen Downes
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I am a licensed in New York. I have worked with individuals, couples and families from a various backgrounds and life situations. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns such as coping with chronic medical illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and cancer. I have also worked with clients with adoption issues, depression, anxiety, career challenges, and ADHD. My career history has allowed me to work in areas of mental health, learning disabilities, chronic illnesses, caregiving, foster care, and adoption My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, being nonjudgmental. My approach combines psychodynamic and cognitive –behavioral counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to support and empower you to address life issues and to help you learn effective coping strategies. I look forward to working with you!
Maureen Bradley
I specialize in trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, severe and persistent mental health problems, just like thousands of other therapists out there. I think my true specialty is providing an unfiltered assessment and validation--often using swear words, sarcasm, and laughter. I allow swear words (not directed toward me and not of female body parts and not sexually inappropriate) and I encourage blatant, brash honesty because I like to keep things genuine. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but I can only be me and I want you to be YOU. I am very direct and not afraid to say that a situation makes me nervous/sad/angry for you. Sometimes a tear will fall from my eye when a client tells a story and I don't feel any shame about that, no matter what they told us in school about having a poker face. All I can really give you is Maureen. One thing you can expect from me in a session is the question "What is that like for you?" This is because, as similar as we may or may not be, and as much experience I may have with similar situations, it is important to talk about YOUR unique experience of life in your own words. Once the feeling has been identified, I like to stay there and be with you as you process it. Sometimes this is a client's first experience of being present in the moment and in their life. Some clients have told me that, in the past with other therapists, they have left the session feeling worse than when they arrived. One way in which I avoid this is by making sure there is ample time to fully process feelings/trauma/experiences and ample time to build you up before the session ends. This may mean that I will look at the time and ask you if it is okay to "bookmark" that for next time. It is very important to end a session on a high note. There may be things you would like to do (or stop doing) and I want you to know that it is not my job to judge or tell you what you "should" do. On this journey, there will be successes and near-misses and sometimes things may seem pointless and hopeless. I want to be the person in your life during those times who points out when you are courageous. Courage is really the greatest tool in our toolbox. I primarily use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and this means that I zero in on the relationship between an event in your life (large or small) and your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which is a combination of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills being taught with worksheets, diary cards, and something called a Chain Analysis where we look at events leading up to a problematic behavior. No matter what any therapist tells you their specialties and degrees are, the most important thing is your relationship with that therapist. I hope I can help you find your courage and help you create a life that is meaningful to you, possibly laughing (or shedding a tear) along the way.
Julie Aquilato
Hello- Thanks for looking at my profile on the Better Help Site. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an R which means I did 6 years post-Master’s experience under the supervision of a LCSW and I can bill under Medicare and Medicaid. I attended New York University and received my degree in 1992. I have 30 years of therapy experience in many different disciplines. I have supervised students in social work internships and social workers in NY obtaining their Clinical Licensure. I have worked with people across the lifespan. I am currently a Professor so I work well with College-aged adults as well. My love for empowering others to help themselves is what brings me back to therapy again and again. I believe that rapport and trustworthiness is what helps bring a therapeutic relationship to fruition. I hope I have the opportunity to work with you. Specialties: Bereavement/ Complicated Grief/ Disenfranchised Grief Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Anxiety/ Stress Depression HIV/AIDS Couples Adoption College-Aged Adults Modalities for Treatment: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Mindfulness Motivational Interviewing Trauma-focused Therapy Have a wonderful day!
Saudia Garnette
I am a licensed psychotherapist in the New York area with 5 years of experience. I specialize in depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I use evidence-based treatment modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I will provide a solution-focused approach and I believe that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, not judged, supported, and understood.
Christine Massey
I am licensed in New York with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Sugandika Subawickrama
I am licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona,Oregon , Nevada and Virginia with 20+ years of professional work experience in national and international settings. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, trauma, relationship challenges & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Shianna Walker
I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult civilian, military spouses and families, and active duty soldiers with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Viviana Urgiles
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate life's challenges with compassion and depth, specializing in areas like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I offer a holistic approach that honors each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing women's issues, social anxiety, life transitions, and multicultural concerns. My therapeutic style creates a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My work is deeply committed to understanding individual experiences across diverse backgrounds, with a focus on empowering clients to build self-love, improve communication, and overcome isolation. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship challenges, or seeking greater personal insight, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Veronica Duncan
I am licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Savannah Monroe
I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Nastassja Harper Smith
I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Elliott Skaggs
My experience and approach is focused primarily on working specifically with Gay Men struggling with concerns of identity, self-acceptance, sexuality, and intimacy in their relationships. My approach emphasizes helping clients develop greater self-acceptance to work through feelings of shame, heal from past adversity, change unhealthy habits, and building healthier, more fulfilling relationships. I also have experience supporting a variety of individuals who are working through challenges related to interpersonal relationships, trauma, addiction, and mood disorders. My therapeutic practice aims to be compassionate and affirming, with a focus on creating a space where clients can explore their experiences. I attempt to balance both holding you accountable while also trying to hold a non-judgmental stance. I draw from evidence-based techniques to help individuals overcome a variety of issues including processing challenging emotions and develop stronger coping strategies. My approach also emphasizes being relational so we may build rapport in a way to helps you feel comfortable opening up. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, self-esteem challenges, changing habits, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Dale Winchell
As a licensed therapist living in New York and dually licensed in Maryland, I specialize in supporting individuals work through distorted thought processes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, borderline personality, and self-esteem challenges. My experience working in an Intensive Outpatient Program has helped me work with individuals experiencing serious depression and anxiety symptoms. I do not, however, have specialized experience working with addictions and substance use issues, and would recommend seeking another provider if these are your primary issue. I can provide support for mental health symptoms alongside these, but I will recommend you seek out treatment specifically for those issues, as I am not specialized in those areas. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to help you develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I understand the unique challenges of managing mood disorders, impulsivity, and interpersonal dynamics. Whether you're struggling with isolation, family conflicts, or seeking to build stronger emotional resilience, I'm committed to walking alongside you in your healing journey. I bring a non-judgmental, supportive perspective to our work together, tailoring therapeutic techniques to meet your individual needs. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, develop coping skills, and move towards greater emotional well-being.
Kristen Jastremski
My approach to client care is calm, collaborative and grounding through the lens of trauma informed care. I work with clients to assist with accessing and expressing emotions to create emotional resilience. In addition to my own experience with grief and grief therapy, I have been providing care to bereaved clients for the past five years after working in hospice and palliative care; I completed the work to receive a Fellow of Thanatology. While grief is of particular interest to me, I also work with patients facing a wide variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Together we can create a space to heal.
Find a Therapist Near You in Ames , New York
Finding a licensed therapist near you in New York can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
With a population of New York_POPULATION, New York is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in New York, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in New York (NY). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across New York_COUNTIES, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across New York with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in New York
When searching for a therapist near me in New York, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across New York, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across New York.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in New York want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in New York
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in New York without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in New York (NY)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in New York
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across New York, including residents in New York_COUNTIES.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in New York do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.