Dr. Colleen Downes
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I am a licensed in New York. I have worked with individuals, couples and families from a various backgrounds and life situations. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns such as coping with chronic medical illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and cancer. I have also worked with clients with adoption issues, depression, anxiety, career challenges, and ADHD. My career history has allowed me to work in areas of mental health, learning disabilities, chronic illnesses, caregiving, foster care, and adoption My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, being nonjudgmental. My approach combines psychodynamic and cognitive –behavioral counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to support and empower you to address life issues and to help you learn effective coping strategies. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce
My name is Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and have a doctorate in clinical-school psychology. I am a certified school psychologist with experience in formal and informal psychological assessment. I received my doctorate from Pace University and a certificate in Crisis Management from Long Island University. In my 30 years of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a school setting, I have dedicated myself to helping clients gain insight into how their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs impact their life situation(s). My clinical approach to treatment is eclectic and culturally sensitive. I am dedicated to working with my clients to develop effective coping strategies, by incorporating cognitive behavioral-rational emotive therapy, and psychodynamic theory, an interpersonal approach, and encourage the use of mindfulness. I have actively collaborated with clients seeking help for various concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, self-awareness, coping with life changes, family conflicts, relationship issues, and parenting issues. Once a relationship develops between us, you will see that my clinical approach is direct, respectful, empathetic, and sometimes humorous. I am here as your ally to explore several options of how to work through your current issues and will be able to provide you with useful strategies to deal with your current stressors. I am here to help you achieve and foster stronger mental and emotional health. I look forward to working with you on your journey to gaining insight and self-awareness. SPECIALTIES Stress Anxiety Grief Trauma Depression Self esteem Parenting Issues Teen Issues LICENSING LMHC #002471-01 (Expires: 2022-10-31)
Mary Christina Laboy
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with pyschotherapy privleges. I have worked in the field of social work for the past 24 years. I’ve worked in mental health, chemical abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, etc. I am currently a Program Director and Administrator in healthcare . As a social worker, my skillset is being able to see the bigger picture. As a mental health service provider, I specialize in an empathic approach utilizing client-centered therapy. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. As an advocate and therapist, I bring the importance of understanding structures of power to every session, focusing on how our environments and experiences mold us, and how we continue to grow and shape ourselves and create environments that allow us to thrive. My style allows for adjustment meeting clients where they are , I uphold the value of vulnerability, walking alongside clients, building trust. I put my clients in the driver’s seat, as we work through complicated feelings, traumas, and pain, in order to find peace, wholeness, and empowerment. I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions but also create spaces where we can feel at ease to be ourselves, free of judgment and criticism. I believe that therapy is one of the greatest tools that we can participate in. I would like to congratulate you in taking the first step to prioritizing your wellbeing. I look forward to working with you
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.
Wayne Rowan
I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in both Florida and New York. I am a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in Florida and a Certified Addiction & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York. I bring over eighteen (18) years of dedicated experience in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. The last four (4) of those years were with Betterhelp. My professional approach is based on a Strengths Perspective. It centers on helping clients achieve emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and especially, addiction recovery. I focus on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understandings of themselves, to improve their communication skills, and to overcome the personal barriers in their way. My practice is particularly attuned to supporting older adults and individuals experiencing workplace challenges, isolation in general, and stressful life transitions. My therapeutic style emphasizes a compassionate, goal-oriented path through collaborative work and guided discovery. The aims of therapy are to explore personal growth, to heal from past experiences, and to develop meaningful strategies that help generate more fulfilling lives. Whether you're struggling with emotional pain, seeking purpose in life, and/or working through interpersonal challenges, we'll put our heads together and work to resolve those issues. I provide supportive, non-judgmental care in relationships that are neither normal-abnormal, ordinate-subordinate, nor superior-inferior.
Matthew Dougherty
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I offer compassionate, personalized support for young adults and individuals experiencing diverse mental health concerns. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients build self-love, improve communication, overcome social anxiety, and develop meaningful coping strategies. I'm particularly skilled in addressing issues related to self-esteem, workplace challenges, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My practice embraces a holistic, client-centered approach that honors individual experiences and strengths. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, life transitions, or seeking deeper personal understanding, I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where meaningful transformation can occur.
Assata Thomas
I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Damara Israel
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, personal growth, and emotional challenges. My approach centers on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome barriers that prevent personal fulfillment. I bring expertise in addressing workplace dynamics, women's issues, career difficulties, and the nuanced emotional experiences of professional and personal life transitions. My practice focuses on helping clients work through feelings of isolation, shame, and impulsivity while building stronger self-understanding and resilience. Drawing from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive framework, I create a compassionate space where clients can explore their unique experiences. Whether you're struggling with body image, financial stress, relationship challenges, or seeking greater life purpose, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Ashanti Palatnik
As a licensed therapist in New York , I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals address a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, communication difficulties, life purpose exploration, and healing from trauma. I bring a multicultural, intersectional perspective to my practice, honoring each client's individual identity and lived experiences. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I support clients in developing self-love, processing difficult emotions, and building resilience. Whether you're struggling with isolation, relationship challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Bethany Walton
I am a licensed clinical social worker with specialized experience supporting individuals navigating life’s most difficult challenges. My work focuses on helping people cope with the emotional, physical, and practical impacts of anxiety, depression, cancer, and chronic pain. I understand that each person’s journey is unique and I strive to create a safe and compassionate space where you can process what you’re going through and find meaningful ways forward. Together, we’ll work on building resilience, reducing distress, and strengthening coping skills so that you can live with greater peace and balance. My Approach: I use a combination of evidence-based practices tailored to your needs, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and supportive counseling. Above all, I believe in walking alongside my clients with empathy, understanding, and respect. Whether you are facing a health diagnosis, living with ongoing pain, or struggling with mental health challenges, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to help you navigate these challenges and support you in finding healing and hope.
Shannel Pinkard
As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication skills, and work through challenging life transitions. I have expertise in addressing social anxiety, attachment dynamics, caregiver stress, and personal growth challenges. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences with guilt, shame, and relationship difficulties. Whether you're processing a separation, seeking clarity about life purpose, or working to build more confident interpersonal connections, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to help you develop practical strategies for emotional resilience and personal transformation. My goal is to support you in understanding yourself more deeply and creating meaningful, positive change in your life.
Taija-Rae Guzman
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12yrs of social work experience and 5 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and complex life experiences. My approach is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, person-centered and integrative. I am warm, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. Some modalities that I specialize in are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology. However, I am well rounded to address a variety of needs and integrating different approaches to address client concerns. I focus on helping clients build self-awareness, process past experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping, relating, and moving forward. In our first sessions, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we explore what brings you to therapy, clarify your goals, and begin building a path toward growth at a pace that feels right for you. I’m known for creating a grounded, supportive space where clients feel seen and understood, while also being gently challenged toward meaningful change. Together, we work to increase insight, strengthen coping skills, and shift patterns that may no longer be serving you. I often describe the work as walking alongside clients through difficult moments—metaphorically holding your hand when things feel heavy—while also supporting you in moving through and beyond those challenges.
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.
Tijo Thayil
I believe an LMHC should have a commitment to community work and should be detailed and organized, with exceptional written/oral communication skills, and be comfortable working directly with clients. Through my experience as both an LMHC and a Supervisor I have gained a commitment to community work, as well as organizational skills and keen attention to detail. Through my experiences, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about how to best work with clients who are struggling in their daily lives. I truly understand how to develop a client and counselor relationship and I have seen how powerful this relationship can be. From my experiences I have polished my skills in various therapeutic approaches such as CBT and Gestalt Therapy.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Le Roy, New York
Finding a therapist near you in Le Roy, 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 Le Roy.
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 Le Roy, New York
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Le Roy and the surrounding NY area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.