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!
Debra Fader
Welcome to Therapy! Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings and emotions that are interfering in your daily life or anxiety and stress from sudden life changes that are affecting your overall sense of self-worth, self-esteem, confidence, and motivation? Are you struggling in an unsatisfying career and need guidance to discover your purpose and unique skillset? How about interpersonal interactions with supervisors and coworkers, friends, and life partners? These concerns and many others can happen for a variety of reasons and impact one's personal life, career, relationships, education, and spiritual well-being. I'm here to help! My name is Debra Fader a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State. I have a Masters's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and have over 25 years of experience in providing career and clinical services. I have experience with many different types of concerns such as Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Stress, Traumatic experiences, Career and lifestyle challenges, adjustment issues, and relationship issues. My counselor style is holistic, approachable, warm, and understanding. I am skilled in therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, and Narrative as well as a variety of career development theories and personality types. I believe the counseling process is a working alliance between the counselor and the client in which to promote positive support, guidance, and growth within the client that leads to healthy changes and decisions leading towards a greater level of self-empowerment. I encourage you to embrace your personal journey. Together we will tailor and design what is best for you in meeting your life and career goals. I encourage and empower you to step out in faith towards making your life the best it can be. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you! “Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” - Kerry Washington
John Shafer
By way of introduction, I am John Shafer, LCSW-R. In 1998, I graduated from Syracuse University's School of Social Work with my master's in social work. Throughout my social work career, I strived to learn from the highest credentialed and experienced professionals. Background wise, I have experience working with people in the following areas: rural community mental health settings, school-based mental health settings, city and suburban settings. Vocationally, diversification of approaches to working with people from an array of different environments provided my basis for success. I worked with people across the spectrum of age ranges from three years old to people in their nineties. Also, I gained experience working with people from different socio-economic statuses. Over the years, my ongoing diversity training afforded me opportunities to hone my clinical skills related to populations covering a wide gamut of racial and ethnic backgrounds. I sought to develop techniques to address gender identity expressions that was done in a culturally sensitive manner. Along the way, I prided myself on developing counseling and psycho-therapy skills. In the course of working with people, the therapy models I used most often included: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In general, my employment opportunities accorded me the chance to develop clinical skills. I implemented different types of therapy such as individual therapy, couple's therapy and group therapy; all of which provided me with professional development opportunities. Interweaving professional experiences with evidence based therapy models, I work collaboratively with people to attain client-centered and person-centered goals.
Amber Trinkle
Hello! Counseling is an important step on the road to feeling better, better understanding ourselves, and having more satisfying relationships. As a counselor, I walk along you in this journey as you identify goals for your future. I have been working in the field in a diverse array of settings for the past 6 years. I have worked with clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, parenting concerns, and involvement with the criminal justice system. I use client centered techniques with motivational interviewing and CBT.
Mark Madry
I am licensed in New York State with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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.
Laurice Whitfield
I am licensed in New York with over 30 years of professional clinical psychotherapy experience. I am psychodynamically trained. I follow a holistic approach to physical and behavioral health. I have experience in helping people with depression, anxiety and generally coping with life. By helping you understand and work through your emotional obstacles, you can begin to live your best life. Being able to sit with uncomfortable and often painful feelings and thoughts is critical to helping you to begin to experience yourself. I believe that you are the expert and writer of your story. You have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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!
Carolyn Sultana
I am licensed in New York and Connecticut with 30 years of professional work experience. I am a LCSW-R and a CASAC(Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, 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!
Karen Schlachter
I am licensed in New York with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Nastassja Harper Smith
I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.
Brooke Ayoub
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), who is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing )trained and graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo. I have worked in various mental health settings in both Erie and Niagara County working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder. I practice trauma-informed care with my experience derived from working with children, adolescents, and adults in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. I also hold a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) at New York State Education Department, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). My primary focus is assist and support individuals with mental health diagnoses entering the workforce. Lastly I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500), who enjoys bringing yoga, ayurveda, and mindfulness meditation into her practice. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and you have the strength and ability to overcome the challenges you're facing. It takes courage to reach out for support and take the first steps toward creating a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am honored to help individuals working through challenges like stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, low motivation, self esteem, and coping with life changes. I'm here to support and empower you through that process, providing guidance and helping you build the tools you need to move forward.
Gilda Axelrod
I am licensed in New York with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, substance & alcohol abuse, codependency, smoking & vaping cessation and coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
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, addressing social anxiety, exploring personal identity, and helping clients move through difficult life transitions. 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.
Dara Damico
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with a deep commitment to helping clients heal from depression, addiction, and trauma. My approach is rooted in compassionate, evidence-based practices that honor each person's unique journey and inherent strengths. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I create a supportive and affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. I believe in empowering individuals to discover their inner resources and build sustainable strategies for emotional well-being. My work is guided by a trauma-informed, client-centered philosophy that respects the complexity of human experience. I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients with genuine empathy, professional expertise, and unwavering support as they move toward healing and self-understanding.
Find a Therapist Near You in Port Washington , New York
Finding a licensed therapist near you in New York can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
New York is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in New York, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in New York (NY). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across New York, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across New York with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in New York
When searching for a therapist near me in New York, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across New York, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across New York.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in New York want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in New York
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in New York without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in New York (NY)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in New York
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across New York, including residents in Port Washington.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in New York do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.