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.
Mahiboob Syed-Vardhan
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York state with approximately twenty years of experience in working with multicultural individuals dealing with wide range of challenges. I am passionate about helping others become the best version of who they are meant to be. I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families focusing on mending relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, women's issues, and life coaching. I believe every individual is unique, so I tailor my person-centered approach from a variety of modalities; including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Holistic approach. I like to focus more on the present and help you be able to move forward to a better, happier and healthier life. I have extensive experience with working with individuals of all different ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Coming from a multicultural background I pay special attention to the cultural context. I am especially passionate about working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds, and providing linguistically sensitive, culturally appropriate, and multicultural focused treatments tailored to your background and presenting concerns. I am a strong believer in positive thinking. I am all about moving forward. I would like to know your past; however, I don’t like to dwell on it. I would like to help you move forward so you can enjoy your present and look forward to your future. With lots of empathy and dash of humor, I can help you overcome anything!
Yelena Shik
Born and raised in former Soviet Union, Ukraine, I immigrated to the United States right after my graduation from a music college. Music and psychology were always my passion! After settling in New York, I got my BA at Mercy College and Master’s degree at Hunter College. I was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker after several years of working in a mental health field. I’ve experienced challenges in my life as an immigrant, female, mother, business woman, etc. ... and I enjoy working with my patients, who have challenges of their own.
Vicky Burgh-Harris
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice in New York State. I have over 22 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents and individuals with developmental disabilities. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, bullying, OCD, anxiety, and alcohol and substance abuse related issues. My counseling style is open, honest and interactive. My approach is to work with clients to develop a plan that will determine the best approach to better work with the client to achieve their treatment plan goals. My approach combines solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a holistic approach. I will work with you to find the approach to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!
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.
Wayne Rowan
I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in both Florida and New York. I am a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in Florida and a Certified Addiction & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York. I bring over eighteen (18) years of dedicated experience in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. The last four (4) of those years were with Betterhelp. My professional approach is based on a Strengths Perspective. It centers on helping clients achieve emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and especially, addiction recovery. I focus on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understandings of themselves, to improve their communication skills, and to overcome the personal barriers in their way. My practice is particularly attuned to supporting older adults and individuals experiencing workplace challenges, isolation in general, and stressful life transitions. My therapeutic style emphasizes a compassionate, goal-oriented path through collaborative work and guided discovery. The aims of therapy are to explore personal growth, to heal from past experiences, and to develop meaningful strategies that help generate more fulfilling lives. Whether you're struggling with emotional pain, seeking purpose in life, and/or working through interpersonal challenges, we'll put our heads together and work to resolve those issues. I provide supportive, non-judgmental care in relationships that are neither normal-abnormal, ordinate-subordinate, nor superior-inferior.
Matthew Dougherty
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I offer compassionate, personalized support for young adults and individuals experiencing diverse mental health concerns. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients build self-love, improve communication, overcome social anxiety, and develop meaningful coping strategies. I'm particularly skilled in addressing issues related to self-esteem, workplace challenges, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My practice embraces a holistic, client-centered approach that honors individual experiences and strengths. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, life transitions, or seeking deeper personal understanding, I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where meaningful transformation can occur.
Assata Thomas
I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Olga Gale
Licensed NY Therapist – Anxiety, Stress, Relationships, Confidence Profile: I help clients manage anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges, including intimacy issues. I also support clients in building motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work actively with each client to develop practical strategies and tools tailored to their needs. My approach is open, safe, and non-judgmental, so you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are seeking help for life transitions, relationship communication, or personal growth, I am here to guide and empower you every step of the way.
Daniel Rabinovich
I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting 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 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!
Alona Perlin
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or in need of someone who truly listens? I'm a supportive, non-judgmental and down-to-earth therapist who genuinely cares about the people I work with. Clients often tell me that they feel comfortable opening to me and appreciate a space where they can feel like themselves. I work with individuals with Anxiety, Depression, grief, LGBTQIA concerns. I take time to understand your unique experience and tailor our work, so it is helpful and not one size fits all. Clients often tell me that they feel comfortable opening up to me and appreciate having a space where they can be themselves without fear and judgment. You don’t need to do this alone. I take time to understand your unique experience and tailor our work so it actually feels helpful and not, one size-fits all. I work with individuals navigating Anxiety, Depression, relationship challenges, grief, trauma and the LGBQIA community. Additionally, I provide individual/couples counseling sessions via Telehealth with both NY and NJ clients. In our sessions, you can expect a balance of listening, feedback and practical support. My goal is to help you feel more grounded,, understood and equipped to handle what life throws at you. Starting your healing journey takes bravery, and you deserve recognition for making this important decision. I'll support you in a way that matches your speed and comfort. During our first session, I’ll ask about the concerns that led you to seek therapy, gather some general background details, and discuss any other information relevant to your treatment. I am genuinely looking forward to meeting you and supporting you through this journey.
Linda Edwards
I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Theresa, New York
Finding a therapist near you in Theresa, 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 Theresa.
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 Theresa, New York
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Theresa and the surrounding NY area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.