Greetings- I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 29 years of experience in the field. I am also a licensed practical nurse and executive coach. My areas of focus in social work are stress, anxiety, workplace and career issues, women and leadership, and diversity. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy or talk therapy in my counseling approach. I have served on boards of not for profit organizations and been involved in the National Association of Social Work at the local, state and national level. All of this experience has made me an empathetic listener. I treat all with respect and the utmost confidentiality. Doing the work to reach your counseling goals is not easy. It will take work on your behalf, but think of it simply like running a marathon—it’s a mile at a time until you reach 26.2 miles at the finish line or climbing stairs to the twenty-sixth floor in an office building. But, just know I’ll be right there with you.

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice in New York State. I have over 22 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents and individuals with developmental disabilities. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, bullying, OCD, anxiety, and alcohol and substance abuse related issues. My counseling style is open, honest and interactive. My approach is to work with clients to develop a plan that will determine the best approach to better work with the client to achieve their treatment plan goals. My approach combines solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a holistic approach. I will work with you to find the approach to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York with several years of experience working as a psychotherapist, and also a mom of 2. I have worked with clients ages 5 and up on a plethora of issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood and personality disorders as well as trauma and abuse. I have demonstrated an ability to engage, motivate and work extensively with both clients and families. I am a passionate, empathic and creative clinician who strongly believes in the power of change. I offer a mixture of compassion, curiosity, accountability, and a sense of humor. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels and feel that while our pasts are important and shouldn’t be ignored, they do not need to define us. I provide practical tools and guidance while supporting you in making changes from the inside out. Together, we can co-create a space to meet your unique and specific goals. Take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone! It takes courage to reach out for help and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to connecting with you!

Hi! My name is Staici, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with sixteen years of clinical experience. My passion and drive to help people originated when I was a teenager and my mother received a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. I set out to essentially "save" my mom and others suffering from mental health issues. During my professional studies, I took every psychology and social service course available because I developed a fascination with how the mind works and how it effects human behavior. I received a Graduate degree from Fordham University in 2007. I also learned how to navigate the system and was able to connect my mom to the services she needed and, boy did it help! I got my best friend back and realized how effective mental health treatment really is. I stayed true to my calling and can honestly say I love what I do! I possess extensive knowledge and experience working with all different age groups, races, and ethnicities in various treatment settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals and homes. I am certified and trained in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, trauma- informed care. client -centered treatment and mediation. What can I offer you? I will provide you with a safe, genuine, nonjudgmental space. You will receive consistent support and empowerment and we will move at a pace that is most comfortable for you. I will leave you with one of my favorite poems and hope to hear from you! Autobiography in Five Short Chapters I. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. II. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I still don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place. It isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. III. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there, I still fall in. It's habit. It's my fault. I know where I am. I get out immediately. IV. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. V. I walk down a different street.

I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am dual-licensed in Louisiana and New York with 22 years of experience treating clients using the following clinical approaches: CBT, DBT, Trauma-informed therapy, Person-centered, Holistic, and Faith-informed. Populations served are children, teens and adults, which includes the LGBTQI and other multi-cultural communities. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! -"As traumatized children, we always dreamed that someone would come and save us. We never dreamed that it would, in fact, be ourselves as adults."-Alice Little.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience across ages and modalities. Beyond my counselor's training, I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology. My collective training in mental health is vast and includes providing services to children (foster care), adults, couples and families, law enforcement, elite athletes (NBA and NFL), VIP's, executives and veterans. In addition to my academic training, I also offer unique perspectives to my counseling as a man of color, as a Marine Corps veteran, as a retired blue-collar worker and as a father of two beautiful men (now in their 30’s). I mention these experiences because I want men to know that I care about what they experience at work, military or at home. I understand that many times our roles in life can get in the way of really living. And because many men grow up without a father in a culturally complex world, figuring it out on your own can be truly bruising. Still, most of my clinical experience has been working with women, who are the typical first line of defense in single-parent homes. Here is where I have gained most of my experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. Philosophically, I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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. Finally, I also have a Bachelor's degree and years of experience in Pastoral Counseling for those who wish to receive Bible-based counseling.

As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, creating a safe space for healing and personal growth. My expertise spans a wide range of areas, including social anxiety, workplace stress, relationship challenges, and identity and life-transition issues. I'm particularly committed to supporting individuals experiencing isolation, shame, and self-esteem challenges. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My approach honors each person's unique experiences, emphasizing empowerment, resilience, and authentic self-discovery. I'm dedicated to walking alongside you as you navigate life's complexities and work toward your personal goals.

I am licensed mental health therapist in New York with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients facing stress and anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental and physical disabilities, with their personal challenges and career difficulties. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Please note I generally check messages here a few times per day Monday through Thursday and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities.

I am licensed in New York with more than 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience as a mental health therapist, and over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. 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.

I am licensed in both New York State and New Jersey, with 37 years of professional experience in the field of clinical social work. I help clients with managing stress related issues pertaining to depression, anxiety, relationships, separation and divorce, career /workplace difficulties, end of life issues and bereavement . 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. As you develop treatment goals and objectives, I am here to support & empower you in that journey.