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Therapists for college students near New York University

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Michael Espinoza
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Brooklyn, NY
Accepting new clients

Michael is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over five years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in New York. He is especially passionate about supporting clients navigating stress, anxiety, relationships, identity, and major life transitions—common during college and early adulthood. As a Latino clinician who is fluent in Spanish, he understands how stigma around mental health can make it difficult to take that first step. Michael focuses on creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself. He takes a warm, collaborative approach, helping clients gain clarity, build insight, and work through challenges at their own pace. His approach is flexible and tailored to each individual, drawing from person-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you’ve been unsure about starting therapy, it can help to begin with just one session and see how it feels.

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Kaerensa Craft, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Starting with the "here and now," I tailor treatment to you, whether you are looking to change problematic behaviors, get along better with others, make a difficult decision, or develop greater confidence and peace of mind. I offer an integrated approach of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills to facilitate change and growth. In addition to my experience addressing general life issues, I am very experienced in helping people specifically with addressing problem drinking and substance use.

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Julie Ugoretz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooklyn, NY
Accepting new clients

As a social worker and psychotherapist with 8 years of experience, I offer collaborative, open, and nonjudgmental care for people interested in coming into deeper relationships with their full selves. I particularly enjoy working with caregivers, artists, neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ folks, and creative people who are navigating questions about identity, relationships, and belonging. Many come to therapy burdened by beliefs that stem from systemic oppression, trauma, or early relational experiences. They may struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, dissociation, or the pressure to care for others at the expense of themselves. They’re looking for a space where they can slow down, tune-in, and make sense of their inner world. Their goals may include building more authentic relationships, developing greater self-compassion, and finding ways to live and create in a more full and embodied way. If this resonates with your search for greater mental wellness, please reach out today. I look forward to building a connection as your honest and participatory partner, embarking on this journey together through a systems-based and anti-oppressive lens tailored to your unique strengths and desires for change. I offer a therapeutic holding environment grounded in careful listening, curiosity, and the shared messiness and delight of being human. My work is relational and psychodynamic, meaning we explore how past and present relationships shape our emotional lives while working together toward deeper self-understanding, greater self-compassion, and more freedom in how you relate to yourself and others. Therapy with me makes room for opposites – we can acknowledge the patterns that helped you survive, and that they might be causing you difficulty right now. We can hold grief and hope in the same hour. And, we can move slowly and intentionally through these contradictions together. I am dedicated to bringing warmth, honesty, and a bit of humor into the room as we explore these patterns and emotions, including how they show up between us and in the words you choose. While we do this deeper work, I integrate Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to support you in concretely managing day-to-day challenges and holding the immense complexity this world has to offer us. My path to becoming a therapist began with providing home visits to LGBTQ+ older adults. In this work, I became familiar with the unique challenges and resiliencies that queer people and communities build over their lifespans. This experience deepened my commitment to providing open, nonjudgemental, and trauma-informed care. This is assured by listening with a careful presence that is affirming of kink, sex work, and polyamory in every session. In my free time, I love expressing my creative side through crafts like knitting and embroidery, reading, and cooking. I also enjoy spending time with my foster cats!

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Jim Stangarone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified psychodramatist and I work with all ages. I would consider my approach to be interactive and, more importantly, very easy going. We work at a pace that is comfortable for you and in-line with your goals. I have experience treating a wide range of issues, and I work either in person or virtual, all based upon your needs and schedule. Please feel gree to gove me a call if you would kike to have a phone consultation.

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ThriveWell Psychotherapy
Group practice
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

We aim to provide a warm and affirming space that focuses on individuals’ innate strengths and promotes self-acceptance. Through a collaborative and interactive approach, we support our clients by exploring their emotional health and engaging in the change process, to reach their fullest potential.

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Triska Psychotherapy
Pre-Licensed Professional
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task — developing a connection with someone is vulnerable and challenging, but it can be well worth it. I am committed to equipping and empowering my clients with the necessary tools to effectively understand and manage their mental health. In my work with teens and adults, my number one priority is creating a comfortable, person-centered, and safely challenging environment where you can move at your own pace and trust that you will be met with understanding, support, and respect. I provide a trauma-informed, empathetic space to explore difficult prior experiences, without rush or judgment. I am especially passionate about anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, and queer and trans community work. As a proud member of the queer community myself, I understand the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in the therapeutic space. While I am formally trained in ERP, ACT, and LGBTQ+ centered CBT, I am adaptable in my treatment style and I believe that supporting client needs and fostering the therapeutic relationship is key. To learn more about my practice and treatment style, please feel free to send me an email or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

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Patricia DeGaetani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Queens, NY
Accepting new clients

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with more than 16 years of healthcare experience, my practice is rooted in patient-centered, holistic, trauma-informed care for people at every stage of life. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, or mood disorders; facing a major life transition; working through grief or trauma; or exploring questions of identity and relationships, including within the LGBTQ+ community, you'll find a space here that is welcoming, stigma free, and free of judgment. Building genuine rapport is at the heart of everything I do. When you walk through the door, my hope is that you feel safe enough to share your story. Consider me a true collaborator in your care. Together, we'll work toward self-discovery and the kind of mental health that feels meaningful to you. No two people are alike, which is why my approach is individualized, collaborative, and holistic. Showing up for you exactly where you are, without preconceptions or pressure, is something I hold as a core commitment. Partnering with you to define your goals and build a path toward them is what I find most fulfilling about this work. In our sessions, you can expect a warm, calm, and nonjudgmental environment where your comfort comes first. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside humanistic and integrative methods, I bring together techniques from multiple approaches to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique personality and needs. The result is care that feels less like a formula and more like a conversation. Long before I became a psychiatric nurse practitioner, people in my life would come to me when they needed someone to listen. Friends, family members, and loved ones often said that talking with me helped them through difficult moments. That feedback stayed with me and quietly shaped the direction my career would take. As my healthcare career evolved, so did my appreciation for the depth of emotional support that patients need alongside medical care. Walking alongside people through medical crises, serious illness, and grief deepened my commitment to empathetic, whole-person care and led me to the work I do today. Warmth and a nurturing presence are things I bring to every appointment. When I'm not in the office, you'll often find me outside, walking through nature or settling into a meditation or yoga practice. Creativity is a big part of how I recharge too. Drawing, painting, writing poetry, and music all play a role in my life outside of work. As an amateur musician, I enjoy singing, learning keyboard, and playing flute, less for performance and more for the joy and relaxation it brings.

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Sandra Lugo's Mental Health Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Many insurances are accepted and services provided in-person and Telehealth. Psychotherapy will help you navigate difficulties in relationships, careers, and life in general. It will help you understand and work through the emotional roadblocks, such as anxieties and depressive moods that can cause individuals to struggle, . Modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, IMAGO, psychodynamic and relational approaches, are used in my practice. An essential feature of this approach is the development of a unique and trusting relationship between client and therapist. In a safe, non-judgmental environment, we will discuss difficulties through an exploration of presenting problems, personal history, relationships and goals.

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Sherry Ou-yang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Red Hook, NY
Accepting new clients

Are you having difficulty adjusting to college? Maybe you're experiencing conflict with room-mates, anxiety about socializing, or feeling like you're not in the right place. I'm here to offer compassion, warmth and support as we explore together how to get through this difficult time. I use a blend of psychodynamic talk therapy, and skills-based solutions.

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Olivia Cesarini
Pre-Licensed Professional
Queens, NY
Accepting new clients

As an MHC-LP, I help adults age 18+ navigate anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. My mission is to help you identify and utilize your inherent strengths, taking a collaborative, empowering, and empathetic approach that builds an authentic relationship where you feel seen, heard, and respected. If you’re interested in working with a supportive, humanistic, and eclectic therapist focused on your healing and growth, please reach out today. You deserve authenticity and unconditional positive regards that promote safety and healing. I am dedicated to ensuring just that by providing expectations of a warm and nonjudgmental environment tailored to your unique needs and goals. Care may include Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you achieve those goals by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during our work together. My passion for therapy began with my own personal experience in counseling. Through my work with my individual therapist, I came to understand therapy as a tool to help people transform their lives. This experience showed me firsthand the value of providing supportive care and positive regard to patients who may struggle to view themselves kindly. In my care now, I remain committed to that value, bringing genuine compassion and authenticity to each session. When I’m not seeing patients, I love to unwind by sitting down with a good book, playing the piano, and spending time with my adorable cat, Finn.

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Karen Perlman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Welcome to my Practice! As a professional who is visually impaired, I have learned, with the help of my guide dog Faith, to literally transform obstacles into opportunities! I can help you too as I help students and professionals who may feel overwhelmed due to ADHD or learning differences, anxiety, depression and/or relationship issues. Perhaps you are plagued by perfection or performance anxiety. Together we will prioritize problems for which you'd like help. You will learn strategies, tools and techniques for crushing your negative thoughts. If you are struggling with social or other types of anxiety, you will also learn effective ways to move through it so you can feel confident and take back control of your emotions and ability to do the things in your life that are important and enble you to thrive. Finally, this will lead to living the life you were meant to, with joy and happiness. If you'd like to improve your communication skills and have greater closeness and intimacy, regardless of the type of relationship, I will teach you strategies to bring you closer to those with whom you care most. I am CBT Certified, and a trained couples and family therapist. I am also an ADHD/Life and Integrative Nutrition Coach. Feel free to reach out with any questions and/or for an initial consultation to see if we are a good match. I am currently seeing clients via tele therapy.

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Pamela Polizzi Psychotherapy
Pre-Licensed Professional
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Alyssa Tortorella
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Alyssa utilizes a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating the mind-body connection in her work. She combines complementary methodologies and techniques that can be tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual. Alyssa also draws upon her extensive training and experience in mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (MBCBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Having worked with a diverse clientele in a range of settings, including hospitals, substance-abuse treatment centers, and schools, she has honed these skills to help her clients manage anxiety, depression, self-esteem and body image issues as well as substance abuse concerns. Alyssa earned a Masters in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York.

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Philip Bender, PhD
Psychologist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Group Psychotherapist, and EMDR practitioner. My specialties include trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, men's issues, technology addiction, climate-related distress & other existential concerns. My approach is humanistic-existential and trauma-informed, and integrates psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, CBT, and mindfulness as needed. I am also trained in Attachment-focused EMDR, which is well suited to working with complex trauma. My approach is tailored to each client, and I’ll use all the tools I have to help you feel better and more present in your life. Feel free to request a free phone consultation or ask me any questions you have. I want you to understand the process and feel as much agency as possible. You'll find more details, including fees, on my website. I work in Manhattan on Mondays and in Poughkeepsie the rest of the week, so just let me know which office you're near.

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Gateway to Solutions
Group practice
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

With over 25 years of experience at Gateway to Solutions, we offer a wide range of therapeutic and coaching services. GOAL-ORIENTED PSYCHOTHERAPY, CAREER COACHING, COLLEGE ADVISEMENT, MEDIATION, AND FAMILY PLANNING. For the first time in decades, there is a new choice, a better way to help people live and work well. The power of one. A philosophy and service delivery approach built on a simple premise: it takes a person to help a person. It’s the way GTS enables individuals, couples, families, college students, and organizations to prosper and thrive. It’s wellness in a whole new way.

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LightLine Therapy
Group practice
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

Let’s be honest. Underneath that polished veneer, the cracks are starting to show. You’ve tried handling them yourself, because that’s who you are – independent, resourceful, and always able to take care of yourself. But the spackle is breaking. Who are you if not that characterization of success, living up to the expectations set by your parents, friends, and middle school basketball coach? Maybe those cracks are the result of you running full speed against a wall, again and again. If you’re ready to find another way around the wall, I'm your person. Let’s be honest. Underneath that polished veneer, the cracks are starting to show. You’ve tried handling them yourself, because that’s who you are – independent, resourceful, and always able to take care of yourself. But the spackle is breaking. Who are you if not that characterization of success, living up to the expectations set by your parents, friends, and middle school basketball coach? Maybe those cracks are the result of you running full speed against a wall, again and again. If you’re ready to find another way around the wall, I'm your person. I specialize in helping people with low self-esteem, relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, men’s issues, and improving communication/boundaries. My goal is to unravel the complicated, call out the excuses we tell ourselves, and support you in identifying the barriers holding you back from living the life you really want to live. Because you're you, you could probably continue pushing through on your own. But you don’t want to keep the status quo. You want growth, improvement, to find the best version of yourself. So let’s start there. When you're ready to get some help, please reach out to me or visit my website to learn more about how I work.

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Jaclyn Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

As a therapist, I provide evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT and ACT) to women and young adults experiencing a range of symptoms and life stressors. My specialties include depression, anxiety, stress and coping skills, dating and relationships, self-esteem, meditation/mindfulness, and ADHD. My goal is to help people understand why they feel and act the way they do, while helping them navigate this difficult world with compassion, kindness, and grace. It was my own journey of mindfulness and self-discovery that led me to pursue a career as a psychotherapist. Prior to receiving my Master of Social Work from NYU, I was working in international fashion sales. When not doing the work I love, you can find me at a meditation retreat, a yoga class, or cooking up (mostly) vegan treats!

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Melissa Wacks LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooklyn, NY
Accepting new clients

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience specializing in individuals in the arts and young adults. I have a specialty in college mental health due to my work at the counseling centers at New York University and Smith College. I am licensed to practice in New York and Massachusetts. ​I spent the majority of my career as the on-site therapist at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, providing psychotherapy primarily with actors, filmmakers, writers and other visual and performing artists I work with a wide range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, separation/individuation, bereavement, relationship concerns and LGBTQIA concerns, as well as the challenges particular to artists such as performance anxiety, career anxiety and writer's block.

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Jess Benston, LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS
Art Therapist
Brooklyn, NY
Accepting new clients

Hi, I’m Jess Benston (she/they), a licensed art therapist and clinical supervisor with 17 years of experience supporting teens and adults through anxiety, depression, burnout, and identity exploration. Adapting to college is a big deal—whether you're adjusting to new independence, feeling the weight of expectations, or just feeling a little lost. Therapy with me is a warm, creative space where you can be yourself without pressure. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. We’ll move at your pace, explore what matters to you, and find ways to reconnect with your sense of self and aliveness. You don’t have to do this alone—and it doesn’t have to be all serious either. We’ll make room for curiosity, care, and even a little laughter.

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Liza Witmer, LMSW
Pre-Licensed Professional
New York, NY
Accepting new clients

I am an insight-oriented, person-centered, and sex-positive therapist who leads with curiosity. I see clients of all identities, and I specialize in the care and unique needs of queer, kinky, and nonmonogamous people, as well as those with a background in sex work. I am skilled in helping clients navigate issues related to gender identity, sexuality, alternative relationship structures, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and attachment ruptures. My work in general psychotherapy and sex therapy is trauma-informed and driven by principles of consent. I will meet you where you are on your journey in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. My practice is guided by values of anti-oppression, and I actively consider the impact of positionality and power dynamics throughout my life. I am a graduate of the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, with a specialized certificate in Gender and Sexuality. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 12 years working in theatre; I integrate my experience working in artist care into my practice as a holistic-minded clinician. I see adult clients on an individual basis and in relationship structures of two or more. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own experiences, and that my role as a therapist is to use my clinical presence to help us both understand you better. Our work together focuses on discovering patterns and connections, while utilizing our mutual insight. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

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