Batavia is the only city found in Genesee County and also the historic location where John Elway, famed NFL quarterback of the Superbowl championship winning Denver Broncos played minor league baseball and hit his first career home run. Batavia also served as a safe haven for refugees of the Buffalo New York fire in 1812 when British soldiers burned the city to the ground.
If you are finding it harder and harder to hit those homeruns in your life and constantly feel as though you are striking out, you may want to consider talking to a counselor in the Batavia area. Therapy can be a safe haven for anyone needing a little advice or encourage.
Velma Jones
As a licensed therapist with nearly three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges with compassionate, culturally-informed care. I bring a deep understanding of women's issues, life transitions, and multicultural experiences to my therapeutic approach. My work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and navigate personal growth. I'm particularly skilled in supporting young adults, addressing workplace challenges, and working with individuals experiencing stress, mood disorders, and interpersonal difficulties. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client's unique journey. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build resilience, process challenging experiences, and discover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, seeking personal transformation, or working through life transitions, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Donna Kaufman
I am licensed in New York with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Luis Ramirez
Welcome! My name is Dr. Luis D. Ramirez, Ph.D., DSW, MS-BHA, LCSW, and I am honored to serve as the founder and lead doctor of this practice. I specialize in diagnostic assessment and trauma-informed care, drawing upon years of clinical experience and a strong academic foundation. Based in Central New York, I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, making quality mental health care accessible to clients throughout the state. My journey has been shaped by encountering and overcoming adversity, both personally and professionally. These experiences inform my approach and deepen my empathy, allowing me to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of concerns. I am passionate about creating a therapeutic setting where you feel not just welcomed, but understood, accepted, and empowered. Every person’s mental health journey is unique, and my commitment is to walk alongside you as a compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive partner. It is a profound privilege to witness the courage and resilience of those who seek support. I have personally navigated significant life transitions and challenges, which have fueled my unwavering dedication to helping others. Through my work, I have supported individuals, couples, and families as they manage anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and major life changes. My mission is to empower you to recognize your inner resources, develop practical coping strategies, and build a strong foundation for lasting growth. Whether you are facing acute distress or seeking personal enrichment, I am here to provide steady guidance and encouragement at every stage of your healing journey. My therapeutic approach is highly individualized and grounded in evidence-based practices. I draw from modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, Polyvagal therapeutic approaches, dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies, carefully selecting methods that best suit your unique narrative and aspirations. Our sessions are collaborative and adaptive, evolving in response to your feedback and changing needs. I strive to create a space where you feel empowered to set goals, explore your emotions, and develop the skills to overcome obstacles. Together, we will design a therapeutic plan that is responsive, dynamic, and attuned to your personal growth. Above all, my priority is to foster a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment in which you feel genuinely heard, valued, and supported. You are invited to share your story at your own pace, knowing you will be met with empathy, respect, and unwavering support. Together, we will embark on a collaborative process of self-exploration, healing, and transformation. My role is to help you identify strengths, address areas of concern, and cultivate resilience so you can move toward a fulfilling, balanced, and empowered life. I am honored to join you on this path and look forward to helping you unlock your potential and embrace new possibilities for growth and well-being.
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!
Susan Acosta
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have assisted clients dealing with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Melissa Quarteroni
I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Mary Alfinito
I am licensed in New York with 40 years of professional work experience. I work with children adolescents and adults of all ages for 40 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, depression, OCD-obsessions and compulsions, ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, relationship conflicts, developmental disabilities, disabilities of all types physical as well as emotional, autism, substance abuse and addictions. 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!
Donna Johnson
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring four decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, substance use/addiction/dependency and life transitions with deep understanding and empathy. I specialize in working with diverse communities, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults seeking meaningful therapeutic connections. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on themes of self-care, self-love, purpose, healing from past trauma, developing resilience, encouraging use of affirmations and helping individuals reach their unlimited potential. My therapeutic work emphasizes understanding and harnessing the power of Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins in a variety of holistic activities. I leverage humor as a coping mechanism to build emotional resilience and gain perspective on life's challenges. My use of therapeutic humor helps clients reframe negative thought patterns and release tension. I am passionate about helping individuals develop stronger emotional skills, overcome isolation, and rediscover their inherent strength and potential. While embracing cultural competence and cultural humility. Through collaborative and personalized counseling, I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they transform difficult experiences into opportunities for profound personal healing, personal growth and self-discovery.
Vanessa Herrera
Are you a woman of faith who is struggling with anxiety, ADHD symptoms, or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions? Do you find yourself wanting to live righteously but feeling weighed down by stress, self-doubt, or distractions? You don’t have to carry this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can strengthen your walk while learning practical coping strategies to restore peace, balance, and direction in your life. Together, we’ll work toward building resilience, deepening faith, and creating a life aligned with your values. As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing women's issues, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and multicultural concerns, with a compassionate and culturally responsive approach.
Reva Sears
I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Leslie Moriarty
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients explore life purpose, manage social anxiety, and work through deep-seated feelings of guilt and shame. I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma-related challenges. My therapeutic style emphasizes creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can develop meaningful insights and build resilience. My work is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey. I believe in empowering clients to recognize their inherent strengths and develop practical strategies for emotional healing and personal growth. Whether you're experiencing persistent emotional challenges or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. Through evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach, I aim to help you cultivate greater self-compassion, emotional clarity, and a sense of purpose. Together, we can explore your experiences, transform limiting beliefs, and create pathways toward more fulfilling life experiences.
Aby Chacko
As an experienced therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, overcome social anxiety, and address life transitions with compassion and strategic insight. I have extensive expertise in supporting individuals through stress, relationship challenges, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice focuses on understanding the unique experiences of each person, with particular sensitivity to men's mental health, workplace dynamics, and family systems. I work collaboratively to help clients explore attachment patterns, build resilience, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore challenging emotions like guilt, shame, and loneliness. My goal is to empower individuals to reconnect with their inner strength, improve self-esteem, and move towards more fulfilling personal and professional relationships. I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they rediscover their sense of purpose and cultivate meaningful, authentic connections with themselves and others.
Marilyn Mejia
Hello and welcome. My name is Marilyn Mejia, and I am a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing therapy in both English and Spanish. I have extensive experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, life transitions, women’s issues, and professional burnout, including therapist and caregiver burnout. I also work with older adults, individuals experiencing family conflict, and people feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy should feel emotionally safe while also being practical, empowering, and goal-oriented. I work collaboratively with clients to build insight, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and create meaningful change. I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, person-centered therapy, mindfulness techniques, supportive therapy, and trauma-informed care, always adapting treatment to each person’s unique needs. Reaching out for support can be difficult, but you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Ouida Malik
As a seasoned therapist with extensive experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I offer compassionate, culturally sensitive guidance for those struggling with social anxiety, life transitions, workplace stress, and interpersonal difficulties. My therapeutic approach is holistic and client-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices to help individuals develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate personal resilience. I am particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals working through multicultural experiences, caregiver stress, and complex emotional healing journeys. With nearly three decades of professional experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards meaningful personal growth. My work is grounded in empathy, respect, and a genuine belief in each person's capacity for positive transformation.
Find a Therapist Near You in Batavia , 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.
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, 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 Batavia.
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.