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!
Barry Wasser
Barry earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yeshiva University, his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Touro College's Graduate School of Social Work, and specializes in the treatment of individuals with histories of anxiety, depression, trauma, and severe and persistent mental illness. He has over 7 years of experience working with adults, the elderly, and their families. He utilizes various therapeutic techniques and methods during his sessions in order to meet his clients' needs and establish a trusting and comfortable relationship. In turn, Barry aims to provide clients with a safe environment in which they feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring obstacles that hinder quality of life, all while working towards the achievement of their short and long term goals. He has worked with adults of various ages across different settings including a mental health homeless shelter and a transitional residence for adults with mental illness. He also has experience facilitating group therapy sessions and mental health case management, both of which have proven to be beneficial to both clients and their families. Barry's experience has helped him focus on taking into account all factors that influence the well-being of his clients. Barry values supportive therapeutic partnerships, assertiveness, and open-mindedness; these form the foundation of his therapeutic style. Each therapy session or family meeting is viewed as a new opportunity to find ways to achieve and promote sustained personal growth.
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.
Mindy Haber
For more than 20 years helping families, adolescents and adults, can work through addiction, anxiety, depression, workplace challenges and loss. Couples can find the strength to rebuild their connection. Providing encouragement and support for those coping with various life transitions makes each journey unique. All services are tailored to the particular needs of the individual. Challenging your cognitive process in a safe environment of understanding and compassion will bring to light your strengths and survival skills. Various strategies can be utilized, including, CBT, Strength-Based Counseling, Empowerment, Mindfulness, Supportive Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Gordon Shearer
I am licensed in New York with 8 years of professional work experience. 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.
Catherine McLaughlin
Hello, I am a LCSW originally from NY, and presently living in sunny Florida. I worked as a psychotherapist in private practice / adjunct professor in New York combined for 20 years, and now a resident practicing in Florida. In addition, I have also worked as an LCSW for the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse as a provider for persons charged with Driving While Intoxicated. My work is a range of mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and most mental health disorders. I specialize in codependency, self esteem issues and substance abuse. I consider myself a kind, empathic, "say it like it is" therapist. I have a sense of humor respectfully in times when needed. Some of the therapeutic approaches I practice are humanistic, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness. I start where the client is and go from there. My concerns are always for my clients first and foremost! I will work diligently with my clients to help them succeed in this journey and to focus on a better life and happiness. Ethics and confidentiality are of the highest priorities in my practice. It is not easy to bring oneself in for help, but it is also one of the most brave and courageous healthy steps to take to enhance one's sense of self. I look forward to speaking and meeting you in the near future.
Stephanie Traver
I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York, Connecticut, and Ohio with over 11 years of experience working with people experiencing complex trauma, attachment issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. I also focus on people with gambling addictions. I have a focus on individual and family therapy, and also assisting with parenting needs. Through self-reflection, we can discuss how to best targets areas in your thoughts and behaviors you would like to change for the better. We can also develop a plan for support and working through external stresses in your life and how to manage long term issues. Therapy can help you build the awareness you need to regain insight to make the steps forward that you need the most. Welcome to enhancing a better quality of life!! I look forward to helping you in your journey!!
Adrian Bartholomeo
I am licensed in New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have supported clients who were having difficulty with stress and anxiety, lgbtqia-related concerns, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and my role is to help you work towards increasing your quality of life. Taking the first step to sign up may have moved you outside of your comfort zone. Especially if therapy is new to you. Or perhaps you have tried therapy in the past and it just was not a good fit. Either way I am proud of you for getting started!
Assata Thomas
I'm a licensed therapist in New York with a passion for supporting individuals and families through life's most meaningful transitions. My work centers on helping people navigate relationship challenges, family dynamics, and personal growth with compassion and clarity. I specialize in supporting clients through a wide range of concerns, including self-esteem, communication difficulties, life purpose, guilt and shame, forgiveness, divorce, abandonment, financial stress, and workplace challenges. I also work with individuals exploring women's issues, men's issues, young adult transitions, and midlife changes. My approach honors multicultural perspectives and the unique experiences of blended families and complex relationship patterns like codependency and commitment concerns. My therapeutic style is grounded in authenticity and cultural responsiveness. I believe in meeting you where you are and creating space for honest conversation about what matters most to you—whether that's deepening self-love, healing from past hurt, or building stronger connections with those around you. I'm honored to work with clients seeking a therapist who understands their lived experience and values. Starting therapy is a courageous step, and I'm here to support you with genuine care and respect as you move toward greater peace and purpose.
Lorie Boyd
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring over two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. I specialize in addressing multicultural concerns, social anxiety, family conflicts, and healing from difficult life experiences. My approach is deeply compassionate and culturally responsive, with a strong commitment to understanding each client's unique journey. I create a supportive environment that honors individual experiences, particularly for those impacted by prejudice, discrimination, and systemic challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on fostering self-love, improving communication, and developing resilient coping strategies. I am passionate about helping clients transform pain into personal growth, offering skilled guidance through stress, relationship difficulties, and healing from past trauma. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing thoughtful, affirming support as you navigate your path toward emotional wellness and self-discovery.
Wendy Kesel
I am licensed in New York with 28 years of professional work experience. Over the years I have work in community mental health services providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy. Along with this I have provided crisis intervention and currently a member of the first responder crisis intervention team. I havevworked with individuals as young as 3 and as old as people in their 90's. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, attachment disorders, autistism spectrum, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.
Christine Gorski-Makar
I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LMHC) in New York with many years of experience working as an addiction and trauma counselor. I have an MA from NYU in counseling psychology. My experience also includes working with individuals who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse including PTSD symptomology. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, chemical addiction issues, as well as individuals who have OCD, Autism, Bipolar and a wide variety of personality disorders such as Borderline and Dependent. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, genuineness, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior therapy with humanistic (person-centered) and psychodynamic features. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Michele Paladino
As a licensed clinician in Colorado, Missouri and New York, with over 15 years of professional work experience, I have had the opportunity to work with clients in a variety of settings. I take a strength based approach, blending together various treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, as well as client centered approach, with the understanding that individuals or families are the experts in their life. It is my goal to work collaboratively with you to provide the tools and techniques necessary to achieve desired counseling outcomes.
Reva Sears
I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & despression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Odessa, New York
Finding a therapist near you in Odessa, 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' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
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 Odessa.
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' copay is as low as $15 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' copay is as low as $15 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 Odessa, New York
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Odessa and the surrounding NY area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.