Tonawanda sits right on the Niagara River, making it a famous trade town and an awesome place to live and visit. Fishing and boating are a huge part of the lifestyle in Tonawanda, but the waters must be calm in order to have fun and be safe.
Are the waters surrounding your life becoming turbulent? Do you feel like you’re drowning in problems, hanging on to what you can during the chaos? Everyone has troubles that weigh them down, but you don’t have to fight through them alone, because there are caring mental health counselors ready to help you at any time.
Taryn Santos
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach is rooted in compassionate, holistic care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, grief, depression and self-esteem challenges across diverse life stages. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing a wide range of concerns, including communication difficulties, social anxiety, life purpose exploration, attachment issues, and multicultural experiences. I am particularly committed to supporting young adults, parents/caregivers, those healing from challenging life experiences, and anyone in between that could just use a listening ear. Drawing from a Christian-informed perspective (Psalm 83:18), I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional landscape, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to walk alongside you with empathy, understanding, and genuine care as you work toward developing a life worth living.
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.
Diana Nash
I am Diana Nash. It is good to meet you. I am wondering if you might be one of many who struggle with grief, loss issues, anxiety, depression or couples with relationship issues? If so, you need not make your journey(s) alone. As a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) --I hold a MA Counseling Psychology and 6th year certificate from New York University, and 20 years' of clinical experience I can guide you and support you on your path to a more joyful, fulfilling and integrated life. I see clients on Mondays and Wednesdays. I look forward to meeting you!
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.
David Ackerman
I am an individual and couples therapist licensed in New York, with over 20 years of clinical experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I have also helped clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I have also helped those who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. I am considered to be warm and compassionate, and my style is working interactively with clients. My approach combines humanistic, psychodynamic and goal-oriented therapy with a wide range of client issues, and a diverse client base. I have worked with chronic mental illness, including anxiety, depression, personality and eating disorders. In addition to self-esteem issues, life transitions and chronic illness. My goal is to establish a meaningful alliance, and collaborate wih you to develop better coping skills and more satisfying relaionships. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Mariann Pello
I am licensed in New York with 50 years of professional work experience. I have graduated with a PhD from Fordham and also attended an international institute for advanced clinical hypnotherapy. I have experience in helping clients with intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.
Shianna Walker
I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult civilian, military spouses and families, and active duty soldiers with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & depression. 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.
Winifred ODriscoll
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management, bipolar disorder & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Therapy can be an exciting experience. You have an opportunity to go back to zero and rebuild your life on your own terms. Developing the incite needed to make the changes you want as well as the needed coping skills. Learning that you can be happy on purpose and that you are not limited by the past.
Sharisse Ramos
Hello there :) I am licensed in New York with over 6 years of professional work experience. I believe in meeting clients where they're at mentally, and empowering them with each step towards a life of fulfillment. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have provided therapy in clinical settings, helping clients with stress and anxiety, financial literacy, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem/confidence, depression, and ADHD. I have experience in a plethora of modules, such as Motivational Interviewing, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Anger Management, Creative Arts Therapy as well as Trauma Interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy are at the foundation of my expertise. I will always tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs, and goals. Acknowledging that you're ready to take the first step and signing up for therapy takes a lot of courage!! & I am proud of you for getting started :)
Melissa Quarteroni
I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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.
Terrianne Yanulavich
I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Kishea Paulemont
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for both adults and children navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. My approach is client-centered, culturally sensitive, and rooted in building trust and connection. I specialize in supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, life transitions, and low self-esteem. When working with children, I incorporate age-appropriate techniques to help them express themselves, build emotional awareness, and develop healthy coping skills—often involving caregivers as active partners in the process. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, my goal is to create a space where healing, growth, and self-discovery can take place. I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood—and I’m honored to walk alongside you on that journey.
Ruthlyn Webster
I am licensed in New York with 39 years of professional work experience. Welcome I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore life’s challenges—whether related to anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-care. My goal is to support, counsel, and teach in a way that empowers you to build the skills needed to navigate life’s many paths. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m here when you’re ready to share. What to Expect in Our Sessions Together, we will: • Identify the challenges you're facing. • Clarify your goals—whether for the next month, six months, or year. • Explore strategies and options to help you achieve those goals. • Work collaboratively to develop practical skills that enhance your quality of life and relationships. My Strengths as a Provider With over 30 years of experience, my greatest strengths lie in: • Establishing open communication rooted in trust and mutual respect. • Creating a nurturing space for personal growth. • Adapting to your individual needs while maintaining a supportive therapeutic relationship. Who I Serve Best I am best positioned to serve: • Children and adolescents navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. • Families seeking stronger connections and improved communication. • Couples striving to restore and preserve their covenant relationship. • Adults dealing with anxiety, depression, or life transitions. My Treatment Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) For children and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, or health-related concerns. CBT helps clients reframe negative thought patterns and build healthier coping strategies. Couples Counseling For couples experiencing conflict, communication breakdown, or mistrust who are committed to strengthening and preserving their relationship.
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.
Find a Therapist Near You in Tonawanda , 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 Tonawanda.
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.