Jenna McDonald
*Hello and Welcome ! I'm Jenna McDonald . I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Western New York and also working with clients statewide (NY) via Telehealth. I work with teens, adults, and couples; specializing in anxiety, stress, life transitions ( ex : work/school stressors), relationship concerns, substance use and trauma. I use different types of therapies to help my clients make progress and start feeling more in control and on their way to a more mentally stable wellness.* My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Person Centered Therapy as I find it helps the client to organize his/her goals so that we can work through those together, based on what is most important and meaningful to that client. Solution Focused therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), are other modalities that can help myself and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to create a path forward. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for clients who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions ( work/life balance, job change/ school/social pressures), relationship issues, anxiety, and depression . I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life. I have had success working with shy clients, young adults , or just those new to therapy who are apprehensive to open up at first , given my down to earth personality. My communication style is working with my clients to understand what it is they are experiencing and build that rapport. My hope is to provide supportive problem solving and collaboration, while I can also be that listening ear. I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. I will also be that realistic reminder to my clients of what is healthy/what is not, so that we can work towards optimal mental wellness. I will challenge my clients and not be a person to enable negative behavior. My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us, and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we’ll work together to set goals and track your progress. Sometimes we just want someone to listen to us and have the ability to vent our emotions and frustrations. I can be that person who is neutral, which can give me a great outside view and ability to provide assistance when needed. What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about your past experience with coming to counseling, what worked well with past counseling/ what didn’t, what you are coming to counseling for currently and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there.
Laura Varriale
I am licensed in New York with 25 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 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.
Jaime Grunfeld
Life's hardships sometimes deplete our emotions. Loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and confusion consume our inner resources, and we might need help from a "neutral" person to detect what's going on and help us restore our inner peace, so we should be capable of having passion and delight in work, relationships and feel good about ourselves. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the States of New York and New Jersey and a trained Psychoanalyst. In psychoanalytic therapy, you'll gain mastery over your emotional world and feel empowered to deal with life's circumstances.
Destony Stewart
Hi, and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York with over seven years of experience supporting teens, young adults, and adults through life's challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, self-esteem, and cultural and racial stressors. My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and develop tools that support healing and growth. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic interventions, and EMDR-informed techniques to help clients process difficult experiences and reconnect with themselves. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and reaching out for support takes courage. Whether you're feeling stuck, navigating a major life change, or simply looking for a space to be heard and understood, I strive to create a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change.
Diamond Marie Thaxton
As a therapist, my approach is contemporary and uniquely tailored to each client. Everyone has the answers within themselves and sometimes needs the proper guidance to trust their intuition and develop essential skills for life's complexities. My style is direct yet comforting and solution-focused, ideal for busy individuals who use therapy as a pitstop to reflect and reset. I have extensive experience helping individuals navigate relationship concerns and substance and behavioral addictions, as well as assisting people to become the best versions of themselves. I emphasize accountability, providing assignments to help adopt healthy habits for lifelong change. I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of relationships using methods like the Gottman Method and Imago Therapy. I welcome all types of relationships, including kink-friendly and polyamorous dynamics. My approach focuses on helping couples create stronger connections by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. Additionally, I support clients navigating the dating scene and those working through challenges such as infidelity, aiming to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. I specialize in working with clients who possess a foundational level of self-healing and are seeking to navigate challenging situations with resilience. I do not work with individuals in crisis or experiencing severe mental health symptoms, as my therapeutic approach is best suited for those prepared to engage in solution-focused strategies for personal growth. I exclusively offer live chat sessions as my chosen modality. This approach minimizes barriers to care, providing a comfortable and accessible platform for clients. Many individuals find they can express themselves more effectively in writing and better retain new mental health interventions when they read them. Are you ready to reach a new level of optimal wellness, break down mental blocks, and face challenges head-on with self-compassion and empowerment? Let's work together and make it happen!
Janet Atkinson
I am licensed in New York with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.
Tanisha Crawford
Congratulations! If you are reading my profile in an effort to find a therapeutic match, you have taken the first step towards healing and I am proud of you for getting started. I know it must feel overwhelming to deal with stress and negative emotions, but I am here to tell you, you are not alone in this. It would be my pleasure to work with you to help you overcome the things that challenges you. I am a New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of professional work experience. I am passionate and experienced in helping clients deal with stress, anxiety, trauma, crisis, low motivation, parenting and relationship issues, family conflict and life planning strategies. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in reaching emotional health. My role in therapy is to support you in identifying the root of these challenges and teach you the techniques to cope and overcome them. Now, let’s get to work to make you feel better. Send me message telling me a little about yourself and book an appointment to meet with me. Your journey to better health begins here!
Deborah Giannone
I am licensed in New York with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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.
Avery Jones
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Talib El
I am licensed in New York with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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!
Kishea Paulemont
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for both adults and children navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. My approach is client-centered, culturally sensitive, and rooted in building trust and connection. I specialize in supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, life transitions, and low self-esteem. When working with children, I incorporate age-appropriate techniques to help them express themselves, build emotional awareness, and develop healthy coping skills—often involving caregivers as active partners in the process. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, my goal is to create a space where healing, growth, and self-discovery can take place. I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood—and I’m honored to walk alongside you on that journey.
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.
Esther Nkechi Onwuadiamu
I'm a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. I work with clients across the lifespan, from young adults to older adults, helping them navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and the complex emotions that arise during major life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion and cultural responsiveness. I'm committed to creating a therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard, and respected for who you are. I specialize in helping clients work through trauma and abuse, build self-esteem, and develop healthier communication patterns. I also support those facing grief, isolation, panic, attachment challenges, and questions about life purpose and meaning. Whether you're processing past wounds, managing current stress, or working through relationship dynamics—including family conflict, workplace concerns, or caregiver strain—I'm here to walk alongside you. I have experience supporting clients experiencing life-stage challenges, as well as those navigating financial stress, chronic illness, or significant loss and women through pregnancy, postpartum transitions. My goal is to help you move toward greater self-compassion, resilience, and authentic connection. I believe in meeting you where you are and honoring your unique values and worldview as we work together toward healing and growth.
Karen Zelaya-Kendall
I received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. John's University in 2005, a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from St. John's University in 2001 and a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans in 1997. I was intensively trained in DBT by Behavioral Tech, LLC in 2007. I was trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for the treatment of PTSD by Elizabeth Hembree, Ph.D. of the University of Pennsylvania CTSA. I received a Certificate for training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders: Components of Care from Postpartum Support International (PSI). I am Credentialed with the National Register for Health Service Psychologists. For over 20 years, I have completed psychological evaluations, provided individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and DBT to clients in outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment settings. I supervised and trained student and staff therapists. I am a Cognitive Behavioral therapist who focuses the beginning stages of treatment on helping my clients to use skills to improve their everyday functioning. I believe that helping people to understand themselves fully and working through the challenges and life events which influences their functioning is the overall goal of treatment. I am truly blessed and honored to able to work with people to help them improve their lives.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Lacona, New York
Finding a therapist near you in Lacona, New York starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. New York is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In New York, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in New York
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In New York, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in New York
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in New York
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in New York through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
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 Lacona.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Lacona, New York
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Lacona and the surrounding NY area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.