Meet All Of Our Therapists
Natalie Buchwald, LMHC (License #4643)
Midtown West Location
Natalie Buchwald is the founder and clinical director of Manhattan Mental Health Counseling. As a practitioner of holistic psychotherapy, Natalie’s treatment approach places an emphasis on the mind-body relationship and is both experiential and pragmatic. Natalie specializes in the treatment of eating and mood disorders as well as culture-based identity conflict. She works with individuals and couples to help them develop deeper connections to themselves, and stronger more fulfilling relationships with others, resulting in increased vitality, liveliness and joy.
Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in psychology from Towson University, Natalie participated in research at Maquarie University in Australia before going on to complete her graduate work in mental health counseling at Brooklyn College. She is a graduate of the Center of Anorexia and Bulimia in New York City and received advanced training from the Hakomi Institute. Natalie completed a fellowship at the Karen Horney Institute. In addition to her clinical work, Natalie is also an accomplished public speaker in the field of psychotherapy. Her most recent talk, “Spirituality and Eating Disorders” was presented at the National Eating Disorder Conference.
Carol Black, LMHC (License #7387)
Midtown West Location
Carol Black, LMHC, sees counseling as a gentle collaboration that moves individuals along the path to their most energetic and purposeful selves. When the path is blocked by “stories” imposed by culture or influential others, retelling those stories with a compassionate counselor can illuminate one’s own passions and strengths. Carol has worked with adults of all ages, as well as families, to find and address the emotions, thoughts and behavioral patterns which block this process of discovery. Using both evidenced based practices such as CBT, DBT, REBT, and trauma-informed approaches, Carol collaborates with clients who struggle with many facets of the human experience from life transitions to anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or a lack of connection with others.
Carol Black is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College. Carol is credentialed as a substance abuse counselor (CASAC-2) and holds a primary certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy from the Albert Ellis Institute. She is fully trained in EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness interventions, and is a Smart Recovery® facilitator.
Alexandria Desire, LMHC (License #10614)
Midtown East Location
Alexandria Desire is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that believes in creating an open environment to explore the self. She prides herself in building and learning with each client to foster a nurturing environment that makes it possible to explore their innermost conflicts. Alexandria uses many clinical modalities in her work including cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, mindfulness and narrative therapy. She has experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienced anxiety, depression, mood disorders, interpersonal conflicts, life stressors and change of life transitions. Alexandria also has extensive experience in working with families breaking down patterns of conflict to learn more adaptive ways to relate. She also has experience working with clients that are BIPOC and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Alexandria completed her Bachelor of Arts at Vanderbilt University. She also received a Master’s of Arts in Psychology from New York University and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. Alexandria has done extensive work with families doing home based therapy in the community. She has also worked with adolescents and emerging adults doing vocational counseling and group counseling.
Mary Beth Aubry, LMHC (License #8757)
Midtown West Location
Mary Beth Aubry is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor who strives to create a warm, accepting, and judgment-free atmosphere in her practice. Mary Beth believes in working collaboratively with individuals to identify desired goals and the blocks that may hold us back from living a fulfilling life. From managing daily hassles to major life transitions and processing persistent stressors, Mary Beth focuses on meeting the individual where they are on their journey. She works alongside her clients to foster curiosity and exploration towards thoughts, feelings, and actions within a safe environment to help them build a higher sense of awareness and increase empowerment.
Mary Beth is a native New Yorker and received her degree in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College. She draws elements from the humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and gestalt frameworks in her clinical approach, and adapts to fit each individual’s needs. She has a wide range of experience with individuals coping with anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and sexuality. She is an LGBTQIA affirming ally.
Jonathan Galindo (License #10318)
Midtown East Location
Jonathan Galindo is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. His practice focuses on supporting individuals in making more conscious choices that empower them to live a more aligned lifestyle. He has experience treating adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics and relationship issues. He utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy foundational skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Holistic practices to create an individualized approach for each person. By infusing these three modalities, he helps people learn coping skills to improve their quality of life, reframe and shift thoughts that can support their purpose, and deepen their mind-body connection. Jonathan assists individuals to develop a sense of ease and calmness by incorporating mindfulness practices into his work. He helps people observe their emotions, sensations and behaviors through a judgement-free lens.
Jonathan received his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College Jonathan received a DBT foundational training from Behavior Tech and consulted on a DBT team in his previous work. Using empathetic and active listening, Jonathan walks individuals through the use of inquiry to challenge thoughts and beliefs that continue to cause them stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
Fraidy Zeidman, LMHC (#10392)
14th St Location
Fraidy Zeidman is a New York licensed mental health counselor, who aims to empower each client to be the stewards of his or her ship. By carefully listening, Fraidy helps uncover patterns that are present in a variety of setting. Fraidy has experience working with individuals on anxiety, behavioral issues, OCD, ADHD, life transitions, pre and post-partum depression, depression trauma and mood disorders. She provides individual and couples counseling based on the EFT model (emotionally-focused therapy). Through emotion-focused therapy, Fraidy nurtures individuals to be fully present, find life balance, strengthen emotional health, and develop effective coping skills. Recognizing the light in each individual Sara helps people overcome barriers and build resilience for a healthy body and mind.
Fraidy has a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Touro College. She holds a certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) from the Albert Ellis Institute and was trained in EFT Training with Dr. Sue Johnson.
Susana Lucero, LMHC (License #7418)
Midtown West Location
Susana Lucero is a native New Yorker who embraces multicultural counseling and therapy. Susana values the courage it takes to seek therapy and works with clients to co-create a safe and supportive environment. She sees therapy as a place to discuss difficult issues and explore ways to positively reframe ones view of themselves and their relationship with others. She has experience working with individuals struggling with a broad range of issues including cultural identity, life transitions, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, borderline personality, and schizophrenia. Susana works through empowering clients from a strength based approach while using eclectic therapy to address the needs of the individual.
Susana is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, Teachers College. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from Pace University.
Jill M. Twohig, LMHC (License #9891)
Midtown East Location
Jill Twohig is a compassionate, intuitive Mental Health Counselor who embraces the diversity of human experience. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based and solution focused, drawing from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic techniques in order to uncover patterns and create healthier, more empowering ways of addressing concerns. She utilizes a client centered approach towards problem solving around specific issues, and ultimately, self-actualization. Jill has extensive experience in working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses and their families, survivors of intimate partner violence, life transitions of all kinds, and issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Jill was employed in diverse settings including the restaurant industry, schools ranging from elementary to Ivy League university, and serving those affected by homelessness; all of which have greatly informed her practice and ability to genuinely relate to those from a multitude of backgrounds.
Jill holds a MS in Counselor Education from Syracuse University and an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. She is a member of AMCA (American Mental Health Counseling Association) and IOCDF (International OCD Foundation). She has completed courses and training from the Philadelphia School of Pscyhoanalysis, Albert Ellis Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy, and is continuously expanding her skills in treating OCD, PTSD, and wherever the need is greatest.
Alyssa Sardis, LMHC (#6595)
Midtown West Location
Alyssa Sardis is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Alyssa strives to create a warm and inviting counseling setting that places a strong emphasis on rapport building. Alyssa's approach to therapy revolves around a Cognitive Behavioral modality. Alyssa also uses other modalities based upon a client's needs. Alyssa has experience working with clients who are dealing with Anxiety, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, Alyssa has experience working with families experiencing a multitude of issues.
Alyssa believes that therapy is not a race to the finish line, but a process that takes commitment, time, cooperation, and work. Alyssa's goal from therapy is to help her clients obtain and maintain a toolbox of coping skills that they can use at their disposal in any given situation. She holds a Master's Degree from Long Island University in Mental Health Counseling.
Frank Ledda, LMHC (License #9538)
Midtown West and 14th Street Locations
Frank works at both the 14th and 38th Street locations.
Frank is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He has spent the majority of his career working as a mental health counselor and certified addictions professional in Florida and Washington State. He has many years of experience and is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families who are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and other trauma related difficulties, substance use, grief and loss, gender and sexual identity, interpersonal relationships and life transitions. He values the mind/body connection and is grounded in a strength-based, multicultural and social justice approach to helping people. He has experience working with people of culturally diverse backgrounds. In Florida, half of Frank’s practice was dedicated to serving people in the LGBTQPIA+ community in therapy and also by providing outreach and consultation to community providers of substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Frank’s mindful presence and empathic listening skills help create an ideal space that support an opportunity for clients to increase personal awareness, cultivate compassion toward the self, gain clarity about their personal struggle and develop a plan to work toward their stated goals. He takes an insight oriented eclectic approach to counseling using elements of evidenced based practices, such as, Humanistic, Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and IATP approach to trauma treatment and recovery. He understands and values the importance of the therapeutic alliance and client matching to a specific approach to counseling based on the individual.
Margaret Dagrosa, LMHC (License #10386)
14th Street Location
Margaret Dagrosa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She creates a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring the uncomfortable. Margaret believes a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation to a rewarding experience in therapy. Client-therapist collaboration helps to build self-esteem, unpack trauma, work towards goals, and overcome internal barriers. She utilizes a combination of therapeutic approaches including psychodynamic psychotherapy, person-centered psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based relaxation techniques.
Margaret has experience working children and adults struggling with complex trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, low self-esteem, and issues in interpersonal relationships. She also has experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Margaret received a Master of Science in Education for Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Kadiatou Sidibe, LMSW (License #99833)
Midtown East Location
Kadiatou Sidibe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a demonstrated history with Interpersonal violence survivors with complex trauma. Her counseling is founded in the belief that people need to heal in order to grow and ultimately thrive. Integrating evidence-based psychotherapies with empowerment and life skills coaching, Kadiatou helps her clients not only manage symptoms but train mind and body to evolve.
Kadiatou works with individuals and groups in very creative and compassionate ways. She engages with the content of clients’ thoughts to help them reach clarity, understanding of themselves and peace. Kadiatou has a deep understanding of crisis and interpersonal violence situations. Additionally, she has extensive experience with dual mental health diagnoses. She is specialized in complex trauma therapies and focused on promoting human dignity as it relates to a person's wholeness.
As a certified Empowerment and Life Skills Coach, Kadiatou helps her clients identify and rebuild belief systems that no longer serve them so that they can grow and manifest their personal truths. Kadiatou earned her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. She was born and raised in West Africa and speaks English and French fluently.
Caitlin Maloy, LMHC (License #9515)
14th Street Location
Caitlin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a master’s Degree from Columbia University. Caitlin utilizes a collaborative approach to therapy, emphasizing that each client is an expert on themselves. She believes that a strong, trusting relationship with clients is essential to understand their specific challenges and identify their goals. Caitlin uses aspects of positive psychology to emphasize each clients’ strengths and motivating factors to help them achieve their objectives. As a team, Caitlin supports each client in developing a realistic and sustainable treatment plan to support them through various life transitions and individual mental health struggles.
Caitlin has worked with a wide variety of populations from children to adults, experiencing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, family and relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and schizophrenia. Caitlin utilizes various therapeutic modalities in order to fit the individual needs of each client, specifically CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques. Caitlin also utilizes her experience as an intensive in-home family therapist to support clients in working through relationship and family issues by identifying and overcoming their maladaptive patterns of interactions.
Lori Alrod, LMHC (License #1278)
Midtown West Location
Lori Alrod, LMHC is a psychotherapist, life coach and consultant with over 24 years of experience in the field of mental health. Ms. Alrod’s counseling style is warm and interactive and she believes in treating clients with respect compassion and sensitivity. She takes an eclectic approach and creates an individual strategy for each and every client. Lori uses different modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness techniques to get to the core of the problem and help her clients make important and profound changes in their lives. Ms. Alrod has maintained a private practice in New York for 20 years and has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety relationship issues, codependency, parenting problems, divorce, career challenges, grief and loss loneliness, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma and abuse. Ms. Alrod has appeared on the CBS early show as well as radio as an expert consultant.
Ms. Alrod completed a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts and went on to study and work for The Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia in New York City, where she received a certification in the treatment of eating disorders.
Gurpreet Gill, LMHC (LICENSE #LH60877097)
Midtown West Location
You are important. Taking the time to be in counseling may be something you have not have experienced. Gurpreet Gill strives to create a warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere to encourage individuals along the path to their most authentic self. She is an LGBTQ+ ally and understands culture, practices, and religion make up a piece of who you are. She has worked with adults, youth, and families to address emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns that will promote growth. Gurpreet utilizes many clinical modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, (DBT) and mindfulness to encourage self-awareness and growth, with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or life stressors and transitions.
Gurpreet completed her Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology from Lewis Clark State College. She then pursued a Masters’ Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University in Washington. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are in their journey.
Kevin Cox, LMHC (License #9584)
14th Street Location
Kevin Cox is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who strongly believes in the power of empathy in the therapeutic process, and utilizes a person-centered approach. As someone passionate with the field, Kevin believes that therapy is a journey in which a therapist works alongside an individual as they strive to develop a stronger sense of agency and independence. In addition to experience with working with individuals suffering from dual diagnoses, mood, and anxiety disorders, Kevin also has experience in Functional Family Therapy. Kevin utilizes elements of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and gestalt psychotherapy, to aid and meet clients where they are in their journey. Kevin looks forward to pursuing his professional development with a postgraduate training in gestalt psychotherapy.
Kevin is native to Brooklyn, NY and received a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Brooklyn College. In addition to his background as a psychotherapist, he is a Mental Health and Domestic Violence Consultant.
Sheila Mashack, LMHC (License #1396)
Midtown West Location
Sheila Mashack is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. She has extensive experience helping those experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger, substance use and relational concerns. Sheila works with individuals using a holistic approach taking into account mental and social factors as they relate to health and wellness. Counseling is person-centered; trauma informed and integrates motivational interviewing with cognitive-behavioral therapies. She received her Master of Arts from New York University in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialty in mental health and substance use.
Steven Sabella, LMHC (License #5413)
Midtown West Location
Steven Sabella is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor with years of experience treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, attachment, substance use and relationship issues, among others. His approach is person centered, and not only uses process to address current internal barriers to change, but looks at environmental factors, historic experience and connection to others in order to effectively facilitate positive change. Stylistically, Steven draws from several Theoretical orientations including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. He draws from a background working with individuals managing both chronic and acute symptoms of serious mental illnesses.
Steven has a Master in Mental Health Counseling from NYU and brings extensive experience in individual, group and de-escalation in crisis situations. He has worked with patients with diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and socio-economic status. A warm, comfortable and empathic environment is what you can expect in working with Steven. He will meet you where you are with your challenges. He will assist and guide you in your journey for improved functioning and well-being.
Brielle Nuzzo, LMHC (License #9889)
Midtown West Location
Brielle Nuzzo is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Brielle utilizes a client-centered approach, which encourages clients to be in the driver seat of their own experiences. She fosters an environment that helps create a strong therapeutic alliance between her and her clients, while also incorporating approaches that encompass holistic and collaborative dynamics. Brielle channels the powerful connection between mind and body to elicit change in oneself. Beyond individual experiences, Brielle has a profound understanding of the impact systems have on mental well-being, acting as both an advocate and liaison between her clients and systems they may be involved with. Brielle has experience working a diverse population of clients. She has worked with survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as incarcerated populations diagnosed with Schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Brielle graduated from John Jay College with a Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Brielle’s passion continues outside the counseling room as an adjunct professor at Mercy College teaching courses in Forensic Psychology, Psychology and Child Development. She is also a certified personal trainer through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
Mechelle Turner, LMHC (License #9940)
Midtown East Location
Mechelle Turner a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is a relationally-focused, trauma-informed therapist. She deeply appreciates the diversity of the human experience and how that shapes one’s identity. She integrates holistic care including mind-body connection, with a multifaceted approach consisting of mindfulness, insight-oriented psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Her collaborative approach focuses on unearthing the root-cause of current emotional distress and gives a voice to the internal pain that has been unmanaged. She is passionate about helping others find their individual truths while establishing interpersonal autonomy and self-advocacy. Her clinical expertise includes utilizing a multicultural framework for treating individuals who have depression, anxiety, panic, biracial/interracial issues, cultural identity issues, complex trauma, PTSD, bereavement, self-esteem, life-transitions, work-life balance, partner-relational problems, and family conflict. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Intercultural Studies from the University of Northwestern-Saint Paul. Shortly after, she obtained her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Wheaton College.
Jessica Steinmetz, LMHC (License #9938)
Midtown East Location
Jessica Steinmetz, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has worked with various populations, ranging from children to elders. Jessica has extensive training and experience helping individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, traumas/post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, family issues, substance use and gambling addictions among other mental health challenges. Jessica strongly focuses on the biopsychosocial factors as they relate to the individual’s health and wellness. She integrates the following modalities as part of her practice: cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and supportive psychotherapy.
Jessica received her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and continued her education to obtain a certification as Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor with a Gambling Specialty Designation.
Michael Glaz, LMHC (License #10208)
Midtown East Location
Michael Glaz, LMHC is passionate about helping his clients create meaningful and lasting changes. Michael has a warm, reassuring, and genuine demeanor that promote a strong therapeutic alliance. He specializes in the treatment of addiction and related mental health issues and has experience with anxiety, depression, spirituality and self-esteem, among others. Michael takes a highly empathic and interpersonal approach to therapy and integrate many techniques from the psychodynamic, behavioral, existential, and spiritual traditions. He strives to work collaboratively with each client by tailoring treatment that is suitable to their needs. Michael is skilled at increasing positive outcomes by implementing individualized strategies culled from a variety of empirically supported treatment modalities.
Michael has been credentialed as a substance abuse counselor (CASAC-2) and holds an advanced certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LIU Post.
Calli Kosch Pina, LMHC (License #8055)
14th Street Location
Calli Kosch Pina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who brings authenticity, humor, and non-judgement to her practice. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are at, in their process toward managing life's joys and hardships. Calli infuses a blend of clinical and theoretical approaches into her work, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Most importantly, she believes that forming a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important element in creating a challenging yet fruitful experience in therapy. Calli has experience working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing life transitions, managing depressed mood, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
Calli is a licensed counselor in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and California. Originally from Michigan, Calli has personally experienced many life transitions, including adjustment to living in New York City. Calli received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. There is an element of tough love that she incorporates into the therapeutic relationship. Honesty and willingness to try something new are all that she asks from her clients in order to foster greater insight and effect change.
Jenny Kim, LMHC (License #7570)
14th Street Location
Jenny Kim, a Florida native, is a culturally competent Mental Health Counselor now living in New York for 10 years. Jenny has a passion to help people reach emotional and mental well-being using a client-centered approach and an eclectic approach in counseling. She is experienced working with children, adolescents, and adults who have struggled with depression, anxiety, interpersonal struggles, self-esteem, domestic violence, and trauma. Jenny’s approach is genuine, empathetic, and perceptive. With the collaboration of the client, she hopes to provide a safe environment to build a positive experience for self-development and self-awareness for the client.
Jenny completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University and received a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has a New York State license in mental health counseling. She has experience in the non-profit sector and community organizations providing counseling and administrative services.
Erin Wolfe, LMHC (License #8628)
14th Street Location
Erin Wolfe, a licensed mental health counselor, is a devoted and compassionate therapist committed to enhancing her clients’ lives. Whether it is processing difficult topics, navigating through a recent change, or confronting possible life barriers, she strives to create a safe and exploratory counseling relationship that fosters growth, sense of empowerment, and emotional well-being. Her work as a primary therapist in outpatient substance abuse clinics has granted her extensive knowledge and understanding of the treatment of addiction, something she recognizes as an underlying symptom of something typically much greater. She served as the primary adolescent counselor in one of such clinics. Erin has experience treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders, and relationship and family issues.
Erin obtained her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University. She draws techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and expressive art frameworks. Previously, she was a member of the American Psychological Associations Division 35: The Society of the Psychology of Women, where she initiated and installed professional talk panels in various Universities highlighting issues related to gender studies and female empowerment.
Samantha Prestano, LMHC (License #9062)
45th Street Location
Samantha Prestano is an intuitive and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is committed to helping individuals overcome life challenges in a collaborative, nonjudgmental, and safe environment. Samantha is passionate about understanding the whole being and meeting each client where they are on their journey. She strives to work together with her clients towards their desired goals and greater emotional wellbeing to live more authentic, fulfilling, joyful lives. Samantha believes in blending empirically-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness skills, with relationally-based treatments to connect with her clients in a meaningful way.
Samantha is experienced in treating eating disorders, substance use/addictive disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, and women psychological issues. Samantha received a Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness from New York University. She is certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and is currently enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Training program. Samantha is also a Clinical Supervisor to graduate level students and continues to further her education and knowledge through trainings and conferences.
Rene Gonzalez, LMHC (License #6391)
14th Street Location
Rene Gonzalez is a Texan turned New Yorker, drawn to the city by his passion for people watching, food, architecture, and multiculturalism. Rene cites several of Woody Allen’s most neurotic characters as inspiration for becoming a psychotherapist, and believes it was (partly) his films that planted the seeds of inspiration that compelled him to eventually move to the city. Rene’s early 20s were spent studying Spanish and teaching English in Spain and Latin America, and his encounters with people from diverse backgrounds solidified his intense curiosity about people, and prompted him to return to college to pursue a career as a psychotherapist. Today, Rene works in both private practice and the non-profit sector, and provides services to people from all walks of life.
Rene’s approach is inquisitive, empathic, and collaborative, and he draws from several theoretical frameworks, including humanistic, existential, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic. Rene is a clinician with experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, bi-polar disorder, trauma related disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, and issues specific to members of the LGBTQ community.
Raquel Castello, LMHC (License #8208)
14th Street Location
You deserve to be heard and have a voice. Your time in therapy can be a journey that you have not experienced before. Raquel focuses attention to where you are right now and creates discussion on where you would like to be. With a collaborative and strength-based approach to therapy, Raquel will assess and evaluate which treatment modalities can work best with you, in order to provide effective and time-based therapy.
Raquel is a licensed mental health counselor registered in NYS and a certified clinical trauma professional. She has completed trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She also incorporates art interventions, chair yoga/mindfulness, implications on trauma in treating substance use disorders and oppositional, defiant and disruptive behaviors in children and adolescents. Raquel is a LGBTQ ally and is understanding of different cultures, religions and practices that can contribute to who you are. She is known for being present, patient and calm, which allows individuals to feel comfortable while addressing difficult topics and concerns.
She has been providing short term and long term therapy since 2012 and has worked in several settings including a residential treatment program, an intensive outpatient substance use program and in the inpatient and worked in an outpatient hospital setting with children, adolescents, families and adults. Raquel is a dog mom who enjoys yoga/tai chi/meditation, exercising, traveling to immerse into different cultures of other countries and art/music. She acknowledges the challenges you can be facing right now, in your past or projected future and provides for her clients a safe and non-judgmental space to be heard.
