Richard Strand
I have dedicated twenty years of my professional life to the pursuit of a thorough and complete knowledge of human behavior. My intention is to understand people who want to change, experience satisfaction, serenity and the achievement of personal growth. As a Clinical Social Worker I try to cover every possible scenario one could imagine. Looking at multiple dimensions of you as a person, your environment and timeline, as well as how affected you have been during your experience of the different life stages. Supporting the process to find or reach your own personal goals. I use a bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment to help determine the areas in your life you need or want support. My approach to therapy is client centered, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing when appropriate. Most of my practice has focused on issues with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and addictions. I am aware of the technological transformation that has occurred in the way we live and communicate. Therefore, I have embraced online therapy as a way of providing relief and healing through therapy, counseling, coaching and support. More importantly, my goal is to have a successful therapeutic relationship with you, based on a deep understanding of your needs.
Yelena Shik
Born and raised in former Soviet Union, Ukraine, I immigrated to the United States right after my graduation from a music college. Music and psychology were always my passion! After settling in New York, I got my BA at Mercy College and Master’s degree at Hunter College. I was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker after several years of working in a mental health field. I’ve experienced challenges in my life as an immigrant, female, mother, business woman, etc. ... and I enjoy working with my patients, who have challenges of their own.
JoAnn Park
My approach is psychodynamic and other approaches, it depends on the client and what is needed. Each individual is unique as well as their issues. I have worked with substance abuse for several years, familiar with Alcoholics Anonymous and addictions. Worked for many years dealing with anxiety and depression. My approach depends on what the dynamics are within each unique situation. I'm a Christian but also respect other peoples choices.
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.
Anita Aasen
Hi. My name is Anita Aasen. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years experience. I work with individual, families and couples, I have learned that every journey is unique. Every journey has its trials. We all experience unexpected changes, difficulties and loss; whether it be a death, a marriage , a job or some other. We all experience anxiety in some degree. The pandemic has hit all of us hard. Therapy is a unique way to assist when you are ready to write the next chapter of your life's narrative. Specialties include grief work, stress reduction, self esteem, depression, anxiety and PTSD. I recently has obtained a certificate as. a Certified Grief Informed Professional. and have received a certificate as a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist . I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and in mindfulness. I have worked as a substance abuse counselor and have an extensive knowledge of the 12 steps and "smart recovery" other recovery based programs.. I approach therapy uniquely as a chance to find the lessons in difficulties and the hidden strengths to be discovered and acknowledged. I believe there is therapeutic value in humor, finding gratitude in the small things, and enriching your spirituality. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit.
Katelyn Peers
Hi! Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. If you are exploring Better Help, I think it's most likely because you or a loved one is facing a significant challenge right now, or perhaps it's a chronic challenge, and you've thought about therapy many times but weren't sure where to turn. First, seeking therapy is not an easy decision and I want to commend you for taking this step. Second, finding the right connection with a therapist is, in my opinion, equally important to finding one with excellent training and experience. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 11 years of experience. The bulk of those years I spent working with families struggling with complex family trauma and mental health issues. In most recent years, I have been working with children and families in foster care; foster care is a system with a lot of moving parts and often these families, not just the children, are experiencing many challenging circumstances that they need help navigating through. I also have pastoral counseling experience and have counseled with couples and individuals in the church setting for several years. My style of therapy is warm, interactive, and personal. I believe that everyone's struggle is different and therefore, the approach needs to be unique to the individual. Treating people with sensitivity, dignity, and compassion at all times is important to me. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels or in placing limitations on someone because of a current struggle. I tend to gravitate towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory. I am also a Christian who believes in God; I believe that God is a good, and loving Father who has both the desire and ability to heal and restore hearts that are wounded. I believe that faith and spirituality play an important role in our emotional health and overall well-being. However, I will cater my approach to your needs and what helps you to feel the most comfortable. You are the most important person in this process to me.
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!
Lauren Baildon
Hi, I’m a licensed therapist in New York with 15 years of professional experience. I offer trauma-informed therapy with a strong focus on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. My approach is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices that honor each person's lived experience. Whether you're navigating the impact of trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or systemic oppression, I provide a safe and affirming space to heal and grow. I specialize in working with complex trauma, including developmental and relational trauma, and integrate modalities such as EMDR, somatic awareness, and parts work to support deep, sustainable healing. As a queer-affirming therapist, I understand the unique stressors faced by LGBTQ+ communities and strive to create a space where all identities are respected and celebrated. Together, we’ll work toward reclaiming your sense of safety, agency, and connection—with yourself and others. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and rooted in creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and free from judgment. I believe in meeting you where you are and walking alongside you as you move toward growth and healing. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing mental health symptoms, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, we can work together to help you feel more grounded and empowered. Therapy isn’t always easy—it takes courage to reach out and open up. But you don’t have to go through it alone. My role is to support you, help you gain clarity, and build the tools you need to lead a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here with you.
Shannon Detwiler
As a licensed therapist in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, I specialize in working with women who feel exhausted from taking care of everyone else. Many of the women I work with have spent years being the strong one — supporting their families, managing responsibilities, and putting others first. Somewhere along the way, they began to lose touch with their own needs, identity, and sense of self. You may find yourself wondering, “Why do I feel guilty when I try to prioritize myself?” or “When did I stop knowing what I actually want?” These patterns often show up as anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, or a deep sense of burnout. My work focuses on helping women reconnect with who they truly are beneath the roles and expectations they’ve carried for so long. Together, we explore the patterns that keep you stuck in people-pleasing, self-doubt, and over-responsibility while building the confidence and self-trust needed to create healthier boundaries and more fulfilling relationships. I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can safely explore your inner world, process past experiences, and rediscover your voice. Through our work together, my goal is to help you move from feeling overwhelmed and disconnected to feeling grounded, confident, and more aligned with your authentic self. You deserve a life where your needs matter too.
Jillian Mittiga
I truly believe that therapy can benefit anyone, and I love building connections with my clients as we work together toward their goals. I have a deep passion for getting to know people—their stories, strengths, and the unique challenges they face—and helping them grow in ways that feel meaningful and lasting. Outside of work, you’ll often find me spending time with family, catching up with friends, watching my favorite shows, or relaxing with my cats. My specialties include life transitions, stress management, anxiety, depression, behavior management and coping difficulties. I am also certified in Perinatal Mental Health and I really enjoy working with those trying to conceive, expecting and new parents.
Jay Sontag
I am a humanistic and existentialist therapist specializing in helping families, LGBTQ+ identified people, and teens & young adults. I love to help people find their own meaning and get grounded so that they can face the challenges of daily life. I can help with grief work, family conflict, social justice and generalized anxiety, among others. I am an LGBTQ+ identified person, lifelong New Yorker, and a strong believer in community and restorative justice practices.
Fiormelissa Johnson
My services include individual counseling for adults addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress management, burnout, grief and loss, identity exploration, and adjustment to personal or professional change. I also support clients navigating complex systems such as education, workforce, or public institutions, helping them manage overwhelming feelings, clarify goals, and strengthen coping strategies.
Monica Guerrero
As a clinical licensed therapist in New York, New Jersey, and California, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem issues with culturally sensitive and personalized care. I specialize in addressing diverse concerns including communication difficulties, and life transitions. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal purpose, and developing meaningful coping strategies. Drawing from extensive professional training, I offer bilingual therapy services in both English and Spanish. My commitment is to create a supportive, affirming space where individuals can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and cultivate inner strength. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inherent resilience and potential for growth.
Michael Smith
As a seasoned licensed therapist in New York, I bring nearly four decades of professional experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice specializes in addressing mood disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, developmental disorders, autism, social challenges, substance abuse and addictions, existential issues, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and structured, drawing from extensive clinical expertise in depression, anxiety disorders, stress and anger management, and neurodevelopmental conditions. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore challenging emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards meaningful personal growth. My approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, existential therapy, client centered therapy, mindfulness therapy, and applied behavior analysis. I look forward to working with you.
Find a Therapist Near You in Castleton-on-Hudson , 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 Castleton-on-Hudson.
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.