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.
Yana Gaykov
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jan Tang
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate diverse experiences, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, workplace dynamics, and multicultural concerns. I am deeply committed to creating an affirming therapeutic space that honors each person's unique identity and journey. My approach is particularly attuned to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals experiencing career transitions, and those managing mood disorders, including postpartum depression. Drawing from extensive clinical training, I offer a culturally responsive framework that centers client strengths and empowers personal growth. My work is grounded in understanding the intersections of mental health, cultural background, and individual experience. I approach each therapeutic relationship with genuine respect, active listening, and a collaborative spirit. My goal is to support you in developing deeper self-understanding, resilience, and meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Together, we can explore your challenges, celebrate your strengths, and cultivate pathways toward healing and personal transformation.
Lauren Baildon
Hi, I’m a licensed therapist in New York with 15 years of professional experience. I offer trauma-informed therapy with a strong focus on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. My approach is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices that honor each person's lived experience. Whether you're navigating the impact of trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or systemic oppression, I provide a safe and affirming space to heal and grow. I specialize in working with complex trauma, including developmental and relational trauma, and integrate modalities such as EMDR, somatic awareness, and parts work to support deep, sustainable healing. As a queer-affirming therapist, I understand the unique stressors faced by LGBTQ+ communities and strive to create a space where all identities are respected and celebrated. Together, we’ll work toward reclaiming your sense of safety, agency, and connection—with yourself and others. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and rooted in creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and free from judgment. I believe in meeting you where you are and walking alongside you as you move toward growth and healing. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing mental health symptoms, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, we can work together to help you feel more grounded and empowered. Therapy isn’t always easy—it takes courage to reach out and open up. But you don’t have to go through it alone. My role is to support you, help you gain clarity, and build the tools you need to lead a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here with you.
Michael Miano
I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York with 25 years of experience in counseling, crisis intervention, and community mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I utilize Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as my clinical base. I take a direct supportive approach to working with clients and customizing treatment to their specific needs. It is my experience that creating a safe, nurturing, but challenging working relationship is essential to helping people open up and explore their goal. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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.
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.
Frieda S Dub
I am licensed in New York with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & eating disorders. 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.
Chantal Amoussou
I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Alona Perlin
Hello, my name is Alona and I am a compassionate, relatable, and patient therapist licensed in New York State and New Jersey. I received training from prestigious institutions such as Columbia University and NYU. With 15 years of clinical experience, I have supported clients dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, abuse, grief, and self-esteem issues. I am committed to treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and authenticity. I understand that prospective clients seek a therapist who genuinely cares about their well-being, and I embrace these qualities. I will customize our dialogue and treatment to address your unique needs, utilizing approaches such as traditional talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage, and taking the first step toward change is commendable. I will support and empower you throughout this journey. Thank you for reading my description. I look forward to meeting you. Alona.
Wendy Leonard
I am licensed in New York with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and self confidence, self compassion, career difficulties, learning disabilities, ADHD, caregiver concerns with an elderly parent, midlife hormonal 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Gail Russo
I am licensed in both New York State and New Jersey, with 37 years of professional experience in the field of clinical social work. I help clients with managing stress related issues pertaining to depression, anxiety, relationships, separation and divorce, career /workplace difficulties, end of life issues and bereavement . 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. As you develop treatment goals and objectives, I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Loretta Samenga
I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. it helps tremendously to uncover those things that precipitated those feelings and the courage to explore other ways that you can change from operating in a fear best model to a more confidene based mode and I can help you do that as long as you recognize these things, realiz that they to your mental health status and ultimately do it. It not easy since sometimes we adopt their feelings about that which need t be done wthout proposing alternative sugesstions.
Marlene Gold
I am licensed in New York with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Amanda Lirosi - Arons
Seeking support is a brave and admirable decision, it takes real strength to reach out, and I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or a young adult ready to begin your own journey, therapy can be the first step toward meaningful change. I provide a warm, supportive space where children, adolescents, and young adults can feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’ve helped clients manage anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, school and academic concerns, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions. I work with children and teens to strengthen emotional regulation, build confidence, and develop positive behavior skills, and I support young adults as they navigate academic, career & personal growth challenges. Using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, and a strengths-based perspective, I teach clients positive coping skills, help clients connect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, identify their strengths, and develop practical strategies for lasting growth, resilience, and well-being.
Find a Therapist Near You in Riverside , 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 Riverside.
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.