Michelle DeFino
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.
Dr. Ohiro Oni-Eseleh
I am Ohiro Oni-Eseleh and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of New York for 32 years. I hold a Ph.D from Adelphi University School of Social Work and have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups in a variety of settings to address a wide range of issues successfully. The focus of my work includes helping people deal with stressors associated with relationship, social adjustment, marital issues, depression, racism, discrimination and immigration. I also work with organizations and individuals to achieve maximum organizational and occupational functioning particularly around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, I help individuals explore and attain clearer career perspectives. I approach my work believing that in each of us lies the ability to attain much of the transformative changes that we seek - and I have seen that come to light over and over through the years. Therefore, I bring a well-rounded focus to my work that includes a tremendous amount of respect and hope for each person that I work with. I look forward to an engaging work together. PLEASE NOTE: I do not accept cases involving pending litigation or the potential of one.
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.
Felipe Sepulveda
Hello, I’m Felipe Sepúlveda, LCSW, CFSW. I provide supportive, practical, and goal-focused therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and financial stress. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and better equipped to handle the pressures of everyday life. I specialize in working with men who feel overwhelmed by responsibility, work demands, family roles, or internal pressure to “hold everything together.” Many of the clients I work with are high-functioning on the outside but quietly dealing with stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Together, we focus on building emotional resilience, improving communication, and developing tools that create real, lasting change. I also work with women and adults from all backgrounds who are seeking a structured, supportive space to better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with clarity and intention. As a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW), I integrate an understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of money stress, financial decision-making, and life transitions connected to career and stability. Our work may include addressing financial anxiety, avoidance patterns, or the emotional side of money — always focused on wellbeing rather than financial advising. My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. I aim to create a space where you can speak openly without judgment while developing strategies you can apply in real life. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to make meaningful changes, I’m here to support you.
Patrick Russell
I am licensed in New York with 25 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.
Daniel Rabinovich
I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
Frieda S Dub
I am licensed in New York with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & eating disorders. 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!
Charles Mott
I am licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & 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.
Loretta Samenga
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic work centers on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore difficult emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger coping strategies. I'm particularly passionate about working with clients facing life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth opportunities. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I offer holistic support across a wide range of concerns—from mood disorders and trauma recovery to life purpose exploration and communication skills. My goal is to empower clients, helping them build resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful connections in their lives. I approach each therapeutic relationship with genuine empathy, respect, and a commitment to supporting your individual path toward healing and personal transformation.
Dawn Lang
I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jennifer Lipack
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and women's mental health issues. I bring compassionate expertise to helping clients work through communication difficulties, isolation, body image concerns, and the unique stressors of caregiving. My approach centers on fostering self-love, healing from past emotional wounds, and developing resilient coping strategies. I understand the intricate ways chronic pain, illness, and life transitions can impact mental well-being. Through collaborative and empathetic counseling, I aim to help clients reconnect with their inner strength, build meaningful connections, and create positive personal transformation. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized, supportive guidance that honors your specific experiences and goals. Together, we can explore your challenges, develop practical tools, and move towards greater emotional balance and fulfillment.
Shonny Capodilupo
Great to meet you! I want you to know that when you come into therapy with me, you don’t have to pretend, minimize, or hold everything together. You get to show up exactly as you are — overwhelmed, hopeful, exhausted, confused, motivated, or anything in between. We take it from there together. My favorite part of this work has always been sitting with people one‐on‐one. That’s where real connection and real healing happen. I genuinely enjoy getting to know who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what you’re hoping might feel different. My style is warm, steady, and honest. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you understand the experiences and patterns that are shaping your life. I’m also practical — I like to offer tools and strategies you can actually use in your day‐to‐day life, not just in the therapy room. I work with people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, major transitions, and substance use concerns. But most importantly, I work with people who feel stuck or weighed down and aren’t sure how to move forward. Everyone deserves a space where they can breathe and be supported. Something I tell clients often is this: I don’t want you to just feel better — I want you to be well. Feeling better can be temporary. Being well means building insight, healing, and lasting change. My goal is simple: to help you feel safe, understood, and supported as you find your footing and move toward what’s healthier and more meaningful for you. My approach to therapy When you work with me, you get someone who shows up fully — present, steady, honest, and genuinely invested in your well‐being. I’m not here to give you quick fixes or surface‐level advice. I’m here to help you understand yourself more deeply, heal what’s been ignored or pushed aside, and build a life that feels more grounded and true to who you are. My style is warm, direct, and deeply human. I listen for the things underneath your words — the patterns, the pain points, the strengths you might not yet see. I’ll challenge you gently, support you consistently, and help you make sense of what’s been getting in the way. And I’ll give you practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. I specialize in working with clients who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and substance use concerns. I understand how past experiences shape your emotions and your relationships — and we work together to shift those patterns, not just cope with them. If you’re looking for a therapist who is engaged, thoughtful, and committed to your growth — someone who sees your potential even when you’re struggling to see it yourself — I’d be honored to work with you. You won’t be doing this alone. I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way, as you move toward a life that feels calmer, clearer, and more like your own. What you can expect from me During your first session, we’ll talk about what brings you in, what’s been weighing on you, and what you’d like to see change. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to help us build a shared understanding and to get a clear picture of what support will be most helpful for you. I also use screening tools and assessments in early sessions. These aren’t tests you can “pass” or “fail” — they’re simply tools that help us better understand your symptoms, experiences, and needs so we can create a plan that actually fits you. By the end of our first session, we’ll have: A sense of what’s been happening in your life; a shared understanding of your goals and a beginning plan for how we’ll work together My intention is that you leave feeling a little more grounded, a little more understood, and reassured that you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll be right there with you as we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Katina Glover
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Hi, I’m Katina. I’m a licensed mental health and substance use counselor who shows up real and meets you where you are. My work is collaborative and grounded in your lived experience. Together, we build insight, strengthen coping, and create change that actually feels sustainable. I work with all ages and have strong experience supporting women, adolescents, and individuals impacted by the justice system, including those formerly incarcerated. As a Black woman, I bring a culturally responsive and socially aware lens. You will have space here to be seen, heard, and understood without having to explain everything. Whether you are dealing with stress, trauma, substance use, or life transitions, we will figure it out together.
Find a Therapist Near You in Elbridge , 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 Elbridge.
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.