Williamsville, New York was named after Jonas Williams, an early settler. A nearby waterfall provided water power and several mills sprang up to take advantage of it. These days, Williamsville pays homage to its history with the Old Home Days celebration on Main Street. The festival continues in honor of several mid 19th century women who met in the park to drink tea and catch up. You may not always have friends around to help you think things through when you’re feeling down.
You don’t have to keep feeling like you’re running on no power. Treatment specialists are eager to match up with you in the Williamsville areas so that you can work through things and not be alone.
Alexandre Da Silva
I believe that each person’s individual experiences are essential to the therapy journey. With this in mind, I encourage you to draw from your personal experiences and natural creativity as primary tools for discovering positive, quick, and long‑lasting solutions to your concerns. I embrace cultural diversity and genuinely respect people’s differences. People of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, religious affiliations, and diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds will find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Good Start Therapy. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I enjoy a holistic approach to psychotherapy. A holistic approach helps us become more aware and balanced in our daily lives, allowing us to connect with our emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and spiritual selves. It combines clinical interventions from various psychotherapy schools and treats each individual as unique, yielding positive, effective outcomes and opening the door to lasting life changes. I have been trained to work with adults facing mood changes, anger, anxiety, stress, trauma, and depression. I am proud to be a graduate of Goddard College in Vermont, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Crisis Intervention from Empire State College, State University of New York. In line with New York State’s Continuing Education requirements, I completed a one-year Post-Master’s Continuing Education Program in Advanced Clinical Practice at NYU. Additionally, I fulfill the 36 continuing education clinical hours every 3 years. I am fortunate to have attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, where I completed a two-year Certificate Program in Acting for Theater. It was a great pleasure to work at The Door, a Center for Alternatives, for six years, in both clinical and management roles within the Supportive Housing program for young adults ages 18–24 facing mental health challenges. I have also worked at various substance use treatment centers, private psychotherapy clinics, and homeless shelters in New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I offer therapy in both English and Portuguese.
Barry Wasser
Barry earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yeshiva University, his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Touro College's Graduate School of Social Work, and specializes in the treatment of individuals with histories of anxiety, depression, trauma, and severe and persistent mental illness. He has over 7 years of experience working with adults, the elderly, and their families. He utilizes various therapeutic techniques and methods during his sessions in order to meet his clients' needs and establish a trusting and comfortable relationship. In turn, Barry aims to provide clients with a safe environment in which they feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring obstacles that hinder quality of life, all while working towards the achievement of their short and long term goals. He has worked with adults of various ages across different settings including a mental health homeless shelter and a transitional residence for adults with mental illness. He also has experience facilitating group therapy sessions and mental health case management, both of which have proven to be beneficial to both clients and their families. Barry's experience has helped him focus on taking into account all factors that influence the well-being of his clients. Barry values supportive therapeutic partnerships, assertiveness, and open-mindedness; these form the foundation of his therapeutic style. Each therapy session or family meeting is viewed as a new opportunity to find ways to achieve and promote sustained personal growth.
Mary Christina Laboy
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with pyschotherapy privleges. I have worked in the field of social work for the past 24 years. I’ve worked in mental health, chemical abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, etc. I am currently a Program Director and Administrator in healthcare . As a social worker, my skillset is being able to see the bigger picture. As a mental health service provider, I specialize in an empathic approach utilizing client-centered therapy. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. As an advocate and therapist, I bring the importance of understanding structures of power to every session, focusing on how our environments and experiences mold us, and how we continue to grow and shape ourselves and create environments that allow us to thrive. My style allows for adjustment meeting clients where they are , I uphold the value of vulnerability, walking alongside clients, building trust. I put my clients in the driver’s seat, as we work through complicated feelings, traumas, and pain, in order to find peace, wholeness, and empowerment. I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions but also create spaces where we can feel at ease to be ourselves, free of judgment and criticism. I believe that therapy is one of the greatest tools that we can participate in. I would like to congratulate you in taking the first step to prioritizing your wellbeing. I look forward to working with you
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.
Richard Robinson
As a licensed therapist in New York, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, addiction, relationship dynamics, and trauma. I offer compassionate, personalized care focusing on areas such as self-love, communication, social anxiety, life purpose, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic style emphasizes creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients across diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate life transitions, interpersonal challenges, and emotional healing. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship patterns, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Chad Buske
Life presents us with inevitable stressors and obstacles in various forms. The view which we take in interpreting, finding meaning in, and coping with these experiences can be the difference between resiliency and suffering. Let's talk through it. The counseling process may illuminate how to effectively manage the stressor or skillfully overcome the obstacle. It takes courage to change and seek out a more fulfilling life. I am here to support you and highlight your strengths. I provide Humanistic Therapy. The direction of therapy is empowered by your needs and goals. I'm glad to offer short-term solution-focused counseling or longer-term "deep dives" into your personal human experience. As a mental health counselor, my goal is to offer you an authentic, respectful, compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental therapeutic atmosphere so that you can grow in the way that you want to and find the answers you seek. I also provide couples counseling within the Sound Relationship House model. If you'd like to improve trust and commitment, and learn to understand your partner better, I'm glad to work with you both. I am a License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management along with conditions of emotional dysregulation.
Yvette Melendez
I am bilingual, speaking Spanish and English, with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to get tarted 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.
Regina Ajunwa
I am licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
Leon Dickinson
I am licensed in New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I grew up on a dairy farm in New York and also work part time in a program with Cornell University helping individuals and families in agriculture. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Leonard Tedesco
I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jennifer Lipack
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and women's mental health issues. I bring compassionate expertise to helping clients work through communication difficulties, isolation, body image concerns, and the unique stressors of caregiving. My approach centers on fostering self-love, healing from past emotional wounds, and developing resilient coping strategies. I understand the intricate ways chronic pain, illness, and life transitions can impact mental well-being. Through collaborative and empathetic counseling, I aim to help clients reconnect with their inner strength, build meaningful connections, and create positive personal transformation. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized, supportive guidance that honors your specific experiences and goals. Together, we can explore your challenges, develop practical tools, and move towards greater emotional balance and fulfillment.
Fern Simon
As a licensed therapist in New York with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach is deeply compassionate and rooted in understanding the unique journey of each person who seeks support. I focus on helping clients navigate a wide range of experiences, including relationship dynamics, stress and anxiety, trauma recovery, self-esteem building, and personal growth. My therapeutic work centers on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. With expertise in addressing issues like social anxiety, life purpose, communication challenges, and interpersonal dynamics, I offer a warm, understanding approach that honors each client's individual path. My practice is particularly attuned to supporting older adults, young professionals, and those seeking a faith-aligned therapeutic experience. I believe in empowering clients to cultivate self-love, overcome barriers, and create meaningful, transformative change in their lives. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you move toward healing, understanding, and personal growth.
Justin Dantzler
Justin, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach with more than 12 years of counseling experience and 17 years of work in the non-profit sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. His extensive background includes serving as a Director for a state-funded agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as providing services as an Applied Behavior Specialist. Justin has also facilitated mentoring groups for youth and adults and provided counseling and support to at-risk and underserved populations. As a first-responding firefighter, Justin brings a unique understanding of the pressures faced in high-stress environments, including the challenges of emotional resilience, burnout, and work-life balance. He works with adults, young adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering support in areas such as anxiety, depression, stress, men’s issues, and personal growth. Justin takes a holistic, person-centered approach—meeting clients where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be. Whether supporting someone through a major life transition or helping them uncover the patterns affecting their well-being, he focuses on empowering individuals to become their best and most authentic selves. Outside of his professional work, Justin has been married for more than 10 years and is a proud father to a 24-year-old daughter and an school aged son. Justin believes that we are often harder on ourselves than the world is on us. With compassion and evidence-based guidance, he is committed to creating a space where clients feel supported, seen, and equipped to move toward a healthier, more grounded version of themselves. Justin works with adults, young adults, and the LGBTQ+ community. He offers individual counseling via tele-therapy (HIPPA compliant video/online counseling). He has availability for virtual sessions. A word from Justin: At times, we tend to be harder on ourselves than the external world. We are all people, being. Let’s work together to help achieve your ideal self.
Find a Therapist Near You in Williamsville , 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 Williamsville.
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.