Alexandre Da Silva
I believe that each person’s individual experiences are essential to the therapy journey. With this in mind, I encourage you to draw from your personal experiences and natural creativity as primary tools for discovering positive, quick, and long‑lasting solutions to your concerns. I embrace cultural diversity and genuinely respect people’s differences. People of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, religious affiliations, and diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds will find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Good Start Therapy. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I enjoy a holistic approach to psychotherapy. A holistic approach helps us become more aware and balanced in our daily lives, allowing us to connect with our emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and spiritual selves. It combines clinical interventions from various psychotherapy schools and treats each individual as unique, yielding positive, effective outcomes and opening the door to lasting life changes. I have been trained to work with adults facing mood changes, anger, anxiety, stress, trauma, and depression. I am proud to be a graduate of Goddard College in Vermont, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Crisis Intervention from Empire State College, State University of New York. In line with New York State’s Continuing Education requirements, I completed a one-year Post-Master’s Continuing Education Program in Advanced Clinical Practice at NYU. Additionally, I fulfill the 36 continuing education clinical hours every 3 years. I am fortunate to have attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, where I completed a two-year Certificate Program in Acting for Theater. It was a great pleasure to work at The Door, a Center for Alternatives, for six years, in both clinical and management roles within the Supportive Housing program for young adults ages 18–24 facing mental health challenges. I have also worked at various substance use treatment centers, private psychotherapy clinics, and homeless shelters in New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I offer therapy in both English and Portuguese.
Heather Magone
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have worked in mental health for over 10 years. I graduated with my masters from Fordham University in 2015. I have worked in a partial hospitalization program, outpatient clinic, inpatient unit, residential setting, substance abuse clinic and currently have my own private practice. I utilize a cognitive behavior and mindfulness therapy approach. I work with clients on developing healthier thought patterns, behaviors, self-esteem, and relationships. I am certified in mindfulness therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and telehealth. I am passionate about helping people heal and accomplish their goals.
Pamela DiGangi
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State and have provided mental health counseling for over 30 years to people of all ages. I worked as a school counselor for 32 years at the Kenton UFSD, a suburban school district just north of Buffalo, NY. I also provide family and couples counseling at the KenTon Family Support Center. Many people feel stuck at times but do not know how to make changes to allow them to enjoy their lives to the fullest. My approach to counseling incorporates a few styles of therapy to help clients clarify goals, understand their own behaviors and self-talk, and take charge of their future. Clinical areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, work and career issues, grief & loss, and anger management. I strongly believe in the dignity and worth of people and am dedicated to helping people find a productive healthy path.
Guy Edouard
I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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.
Bertha Taillefer
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with ADHD, depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!
David Shirly
I am a licensed therapist in Florida dedicated to supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, and interpersonal communication. My therapeutic practice is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique experiences. I focus on empowering clients to develop self-love, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship difficulties, or seeking personal transformation, I provide a supportive environment for meaningful healing and growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and creating positive life changes. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and move towards a more fulfilling life.
Karen Lago-Fairey
I am a clinical worker. I have worked in the field of mental health for the past 45 years. I have worked with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I have worked with the mentally ill in a variety of settings including but not limited to hospitals, clinics and for the past 23 years in private practice. I have treated clients with mood disorders, addiction issues, personality disorders and organic diseases. I have worked with families, couples as well as individuals. I have a very eclectic, wholistic approach to my work, utilizing multiple modalities and theories.
Carmen Greenstein
As a licensed therapist with 25 years of experience in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma with compassionate, personalized care. I have deep expertise in helping clients work through self-love struggles, communication barriers, social anxiety, and attachment issues. My approach centers on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop healthier emotional patterns. I am particularly committed to supporting women and men through life transitions, helping clients overcome feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame while building resilience and self-understanding. With a trauma-informed and client-centered methodology, I draw on evidence-based practices to guide individuals toward meaningful personal growth. My goal is to empower clients to develop stronger emotional skills, improve relationships, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
Winifred ODriscoll
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management, bipolar disorder & depression. 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! Therapy can be an exciting experience. You have an opportunity to go back to zero and rebuild your life on your own terms. Developing the incite needed to make the changes you want as well as the needed coping skills. Learning that you can be happy on purpose and that you are not limited by the past.
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!
Regina Ajunwa
I am licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
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.
Christopher Rizzo
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients work through challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I offer a compassionate, affirming approach that honors each person's unique identity and experiences. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and build resilience. I have extensive experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, exploring social anxiety and personal identity, and helping clients move through difficult life transitions. Diversity will always be a strength in society, and that should never be in question, despite one's political beliefs. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My approach is collaborative, drawing from evidence-based practices to support your individual journey toward healing and self-discovery. I worked in the office as a practicing therapist for years and am currently offering only video calls to create a similar environment. It is the most effective therapy for telehealth. I am also more interested in working with clients seeking longer-term therapy rather than just a few sessions. because it's not how therapy actually works. Therapy involves working through issues and building rapport over time, with the goal of change. It can be challenging, from a therapist's perspective, to build a therapeutic alliance when clients use this platform by treating the process as a quick fix or a transactional, drop-in service or by swtiching therapists too quickly. I look forward to working with you.
Angelica Rubio
Life is full of both positive and challenging experiences that shape us in unique ways. As a licensed psychotherapist in New York, I support individuals in understanding what is working well in their lives and what may benefit from deeper therapeutic exploration. My goal is to help clients achieve greater emotional stability, a sense of tranquility, and a deeper feeling of fulfillment. I work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and relationship difficulties, as well as those navigating major life transitions such as starting a new job, entering a new relationship, adapting to a new lifestyle, or immigrating to the United States. I understand the emotional, cultural, and practical challenges that come with these transitions and strive to help clients cultivate contentment, acceptance, and confidence as they adjust. I also specialize in working with individuals and families involved with ACS and with clients managing immigration-related cases. My approach is compassionate, structured, and culturally sensitive, providing support tailored to the unique needs of those facing these circumstances. My practice is grounded in helping clients develop self-compassion, strengthen communication skills, and build resilience. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their identities, personal histories, and daily experiences with openness and safety. I hold a particular interest in women’s issues, workplace dynamics, multicultural concerns, and areas of personal growth. Drawing upon years of clinical experience, I work collaboratively with clients to enhance self-esteem, develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being, and maintain the positive changes achieved in therapy. I recognize that each person’s journey is distinct, and I honor individual strengths, values, and lived experiences throughout the therapeutic process. My work is rooted in empathy, respect, and a genuine dedication to helping clients connect with their inner resources and discover their capacity for healing and transformation. I am committed to providing accessible, high-quality psychotherapy to individuals and families from all backgrounds as they work toward healing, stability, and personal growth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Oakdale, New York
Finding a therapist near you in Oakdale, 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 Oakdale.
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 Oakdale, New York
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Oakdale and the surrounding NY area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.