This is Dr. Lusa Hung's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Lusa Hung

Offering therapy in NY
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello there and welcome to BetterHelp! Thank you for reading about me and the work that I do. I am Dr. Lusa Hung and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist serving clients who reside in California, Washington, and New York. I received my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree at Argosy University/Honolulu in 2005, with a specialization in Diversity. I have been a licensed psychologist since 2008. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. Helping people live their most vibrant and fulfilling lives with meaning and purpose is my aim. I have 12 years of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. I would describe my approach to be mindfulness-based with a blend of cognitive behavioral strategies, a person-centered stance, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological and life challenges spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma, anxiety, life adjustments, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and improving health behaviors, serving people across the lifespan and in different clinical settings. I have served individuals in the U.S., China and Germany and have come to understand how universal and connected all human experiences are.  At the same time, I also appreciate how each person has a unique way of living these shared experiences. I am mindful about any contributions from the individual's social-cultural background, taking time to see from that person's perspective and not my own assumptions. My clients are my biggest therapy teachers, helping me balance theory with what really works in real life. Not only do my clients learn from me, I also learn from them, both as my clients and as fellow human beings. Therapy is a dance between the client and the therapist, sometimes the client leads, sometimes they follow. The journey is not always pleasant or easy but with openness and courage, you will find that things will become more clear and you can then set your intention and take purposeful steps to live life in the way you actually want. I believe that the therapist can provide guidance, support and expertise within a unique and safe relationship and can shape the conversations to promote the changes that the client wants to make. I help people reframe challenging and often painful events in their lives so that not only does the frame change, so does the picture. Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful. I wish you luck on your journey of well-being. I hope I can be of help to you. Be well!

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Jaimenys (Jaime) Taveras

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. After attending a couple’s therapy session more than a decade ago and seeing my own transformation from therapy, I immediately decided that I wanted to become a therapist. I wanted to do for others what my therapist did for me. I graduated with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I worked as a Child and Family Therapist for a non-profit organization providing trauma-focused therapy to adults, children, teens and family survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also facilitated support groups for trauma survivors. Currently working in private practice providing individual, couple and family therapy to adults. My friendly, warm, and genuine approach in session make my clients feel at ease. I am an empathetic therapist who provides a non-judgmental and supportive space for my clients. My goal is to make clients feel like I would want to feel in a therapy session with a therapist – validated, heard, and supported. I am committed towards guiding my clients in recognizing their strengths and ability to grow and to be more self-compassionate. I use techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gottman, Solution-Focused, family of origin and attachment-based approaches. I have experience working with clients presenting with anxiety, codependency, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can be a scary process and I am so proud of you for even being here considering getting started!

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Sahntanyna Blackwell

Offering therapy in NY
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, and a Licensed Professional Counselor( LPC)in New Jersey, with over 20 years of providing successful clinical services. I have a track record of effectively working with diverse client populations and with a wide range of clinical concerns including Dual Diagnosis, Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, At-Risk-Teens, Domestic Violence Victims, Parent/Child Relationships Grief & Loss and Multi-Stressed Families. I also provide Marriage and Pre-Marriage Counseling, Faith-Based and Psychoeducational Counseling. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative. I work with clients to improve relationship issues, communication skills, rebuilding trust, intimacy-related issues, family conflicts, forgiveness, motivation & self-esteem, and confidence. I am passionate about developing positive and productive relationships with clients to effectively serve their counseling needs and to encourage their total wellness. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My treatment approach is a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Family Systems Therapy, and Client Centered. 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.

This is Kristina MacDonald's avatar and link to their profile

Kristina MacDonald

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
5 years of experience

I have been licensed in New York for 5 years and have 13 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, motivation, self esteem, confidence and career difficulties. 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.

This is Dr. Ted McGlone's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Ted McGlone

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issues
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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!

This is Allison Palazzo's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Palazzo

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Selecting a therapist can be an overwhelming decision. I can offer a therapeutic environment that is supportive, non judgmental and solution focused. Together, we can work through the road blocks that are preventing you from living your optimal life. I am licensed in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, relationship issues, recovering from addiction, processing life transitions and coping with grief and loss. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

This is Beth Stratton's avatar and link to their profile

Beth Stratton

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is Dina Kohn's avatar and link to their profile

Dina Kohn

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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. 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.

This is Samantha Goldman's avatar and link to their profile

Samantha Goldman

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, Anxiety
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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!

This is Roselind Bogner's avatar and link to their profile

Roselind Bogner

Offering therapy in NY
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties
35 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Shirley

Finding the best therapist close by in Shirley can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Shirley. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Shirley, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Shirley or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Shirley area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Shirley, elsewhere in Suffolk, or in the greater state of New York.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Shirley area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shirley therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Shirley due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Shirley may not take health insurance, some in the state of New York may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of New York you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Shirley, New York working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Shirley above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Shirley helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Shirley therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Shirley therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Shirley therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in NY, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 11967 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Shirley counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Shirley licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Shirley, New York can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Shirley has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Shirley.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Shirley:

11967

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