Your quality of life should be the best it can be. However, when you're coping with depression, anxiety, and the stresses of life, this can be a challenge. Luckily, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of a counselor based in Valley Stream. 

Valley Stream is one of the best places to live in New York, but when your mental health is poor, you may not think this. A counselor can help improve your mental health and allow you to live a much better life. However, you need to speak to one first.

This is Danielle Stokely's avatar and link to their profile

Danielle Stokely

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in New York, Florida, and Michigan with over 25 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach with individuals of all ages. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting stress, and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced family and generational trauma as well as grief and loss. My counseling style is warm, reflective, and encouraging. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and openness. I believe everyone is doing the best they can. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rational-emotive, dialectical behavior therapy with a blend of mindfulness, energy psychology (tapping and EFT), and psycho-education. I will tailor our time together and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to step forward and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Christina Benboudiaf

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New York with over 8 years of experience working as a clinician. My background includes working with survivors or assault/abuse, human trafficking, those with problematic substance use, individuals that identify as LGBTQ, and a wide variety of mental health diagnoses (including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders). My counseling style comes from a compassionate, authentic, and nonjudgmental approach. Much of my skills and techniques are driven from mindfulness. When working with clients I believe in providing a safe environment for others to be their authentic selves. I also incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy; person centered approach; as well as other therapeutic techniques dependent on the needs of my client. I believe that the client is the expert of themselves and as the counselor; my role is to assist in providing support in addressing problematic life areas and guidance in improving the quality of life. Seeking help can be challenging and uncomfortable; it takes a great amount of courage to reach out for support. It would be an honor to provide that safe place for you to seek the help you are looking for and provide assistance in empowering you to live your best life!

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Rebecca Gingrich

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently licensed in both Florida and New York. I received my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have been working in the field of mental health ever since. I have a broad range of experiences working with clients of a variety of ages and situations. I have extensive experience with Depression, Anxiety, stress management and chronic health issues. Most recently, I have worked with Hospice patients and their families to provide support around death and decline while living with a terminal illness. Finding a therapist that you can trust is the first step in starting the journey of therapy. I love to connect with people and provide support though the therapeutic relationship. I have a client focused, easygoing and open minded approach. My hope is to make sure that you feel understood, validated and heard. I look forward to working together to achieve your goals!

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Nichole Gardner

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Nichole Gardner and I am a LCSW in NYS. As a social worker, my main priority is to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome the different challenges in their lives. I seek to empower all my clients, so they can implement positive and healthy change. For the past four years, I've worked as a psychiatric social worker at a mental health clinic. During this time, I've work with a wide range of populations addressing several different concerns. Some of these concerns addressing symptom management (wide range of diagnoses), implementation of healthy coping, relationship dynamics, finding life balance, and communication skills. One this past year, I've been dedicated to doing my part in assisting others manage the many of concerns of the COVID 19 pandemic. My social work values are integrated into every session, which will create a safe, open, nonjudgemental environment for each client. I believe deeply that mindfulness practice open our hearts, minds, and bodies and that use of cognitive behavioral techniques will build a clear understanding of who we are inside and out. I look forward to joining you on your journey to a happier and healthier you!

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Nancy Allshouse

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! I am a mental health therapist licensed in the state of New York with over eight years of experience in providing counseling to a wide variety of clients from ages five to adult. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including struggles with addiction, physical and emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and OCD. I have also worked with people with traumatic brain injuries, those struggling with disabilities, and clients experiencing career challenges. I have a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Service with a concentration in Counseling. I completed my graduate studies at St. Bonaventure University with a master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling. The last five years of my career has been spent working to provide individual and group therapy to clients in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings who struggle with a variety of addictions. Prior to working in addiction medicine, I spent three years providing intensive family therapy to clients/families in their homes and at schools. In addition, I have provided counseling to clients involved with the criminal justice system inside and outside of correctional facilities. My approach to counseling is a kind, trusting, professional relationship that offers individuals a safe and encouraging environment to embark on their journey of personal exploration, self-discovery, growth, and healing. I use a variety of treatment interventions to help clients, which include EMDR, cognitive- behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy. In addition, I am a HeartMath practitioner certified by HeartMath Institute. I work collaboratively with clients to develop treatment plans that are tailored to their needs and specific goals they would like to achieve. Making the decision explore and experience a happier and healthier life is brave and courageous. If you are ready for this journey I am here to help. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Elizabeth Dahlberg-Lee

Offering therapy in NY
License: MA Mental Health Counseling ,MA P ublic Relations,BA Early Childhood Education
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

My professional credidentials include both a New Jersey (Licensed Professional Counselor) and New York (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). I've also been Nationally Certified as a Counselor. Caring, compassionate, direct and understanding are some of the words that describe me. I facilitate tranformation and change. Thanks for stopping by my profile. Therapy is not a life sentance, it's a life-vest to help you over the rough waters of life. Sometimes you just need to be heard. I listen. My practice hours vary on Mondays, Tuesdays, andThursdays. I generally respond to messages once or twice daily. You can book a live video session with me. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or your local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away.

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Kristin D'Amico

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Erin Kramer Poole

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 Diane Silvestri Wade's avatar and link to their profile

Diane Silvestri Wade

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
24 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Gianny Gomez's avatar and link to their profile

Gianny Gomez

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

How to find counseling in Valley Stream

Finding the best therapist close by in Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream. 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 Valley Stream, 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream, elsewhere in Nassau, 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 Valley Stream area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream, 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 11580 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream, 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.

Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream.

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

11580, 11581, 11582

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