
Kelly Hershey
Hi! Thanks for reviewing my profile! I am a LCSW-R in the State of NY. My skills and knowledge have been learned through providing in home based services, the traditional office setting, long term care facilities and crisis interventions via the phone, home and community. In my full time career I work in a male maximum security prison. My career in the field of social work began in 2001. I have provided services to children, teens, adults and geriatrics. My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, anger concerns, parenting support, adjustment issues and relational problems. My approach varies per client and their needs. I am well versed in providing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution - focused, goal orientated, trauma focused CBT, crisis interventions and mindfulness based skills. I am not a text book type therapist. Our treatment plans will be individualized per your needs/wants. For you to be here, looking for support, shows courage and motivation! I am looking forward to working with you! I would like to make note, due to my full time career, I offer evening hours only. Kelly, LCSW-R

Melanie Giarratano
Hi! My name is Melanie. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience at University of Delaware and my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. I have experience with adults, teenagers, children, Veterans, substance users, and the developmentally disabled. I also have a lot of experience with relationship counseling as it is a prevalent factor among most populations. I conduct group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In my undergraduate studies, I conducted extensive research with PTSD in rats. This was an eye-opening experience as it taught me about the human stress reaction and how humans with trauma function differently from humans without trauma due to lacking the ability to extinguish fear. I use this in my practice as I currently work in an inpatient psychiatric setting with patients who have extreme trauma history. My graduate studies focused on the psychodynamic approach to counseling in which I learned about human development, family context, relationships, and transference/countertransference. I utilize this approach when working with clients as it helps me to understand the individuality if my clients based on their personal development. I use a myriad of theoretical approaches in my practice as I believe that all client's circumstances and personalities are different and treatment should be personalized. I focus on motivational interviewing in my practice as it is goal oriented and encourages a client toward change-talk and change-action. I use person-centered therapy once the client presents as motivated, but needs support and encouragement. I am here to listen without judgement and guide you through your own transitional journey. I am a firm believer of solution focused therapy in which a client is encouraged to focus on the present and future. I love to utilize CBT for a motivated client in order to deconstruct their thoughts/feelings/behaviors and identify the interrelationship between these thoughts/feelings/behaviors. One way to work on this is by teaching about faulty thinking errors/distortions and offering some positive coping skills to restructure thinking. This approach is best for clients who are willing to take their counseling further by completing homework, thought logs, charts, etc. Lastly, I emphasize the need for self-care in my clients. I am personable and friendly in my practice and I owe this to having balance in my life. When I am not counseling, I practice yoga, ride my bike, see my friends or family, play with my dog, go outside, or go shopping. I encourage all clients to utilize self-care and do what makes them feel happy and free.

Phyllis Taliaferro
I began helping people at a Mental Health Clinic in New York. This lead me to a three year training program in therapy at a New York City Hospital. I have also taught at several New York Universities and Colleges. My training was theoretical. However, decades of practice has adjusted my approach in treatment to be more practical in order to address the issues of stress, anxiety and depression to help you achieve a well adjusted and satisfying life. I also acquired Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management while working with New York City Police, after the fall of the World Trade Center. This training has lent itself to helping people outside of the Department. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects many people on many levels. It also appears on multiple levels of degrees. Anxiety, stress and depression occur with separation and loss throughout life. Recently, I completed a year of study on Adoption Competency at Georgia State University. This training has proven to be a great toil in addressing and helping people with other separations and losses. Loss can cause anxiety, stress and in divorce, death and numerous other unexpected incidents in life. If you are willing to begin the journey to discover what is causing your discomfort, lets talk. I am looking forward to meeting you. Thank You, Phyllis Taliaferro LCSW-R

Obaogodara (Preference:Dara) Oluwasanmi
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in New York State with four years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorders, depression, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorders, relationship issues, aging and geriatric issues, codependency, and self-harm. I also have three years of experience working with individuals with severe persistent mental illnesses and my current full-time position is working in a facility with individuals with such illnesses. My counseling style is based on collaboratively working with clients in achieving the goals set out in therapy. I believe that the building of rapport is an essential element of counseling which helps in building therapeutic alliance. I also believe in treating anyone with respect, understanding and empathy. My approach implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. Each treatment plan will be individualized based on the needs of each client and issue. Seeking therapy is beneficial to one’s mental health and it helps in promoting overall wellness. As you take the step to promote your mental health, I want to mention that doing so is brave. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Adrian Bartholomeo
I am licensed in New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have supported clients who were having difficulty with stress and anxiety, lgbtqia-related concerns, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and my role is to help you work towards increasing your quality of life. Taking the first step to sign up may have moved you outside of your comfort zone. Especially if therapy is new to you. Or perhaps you have tried therapy in the past and it just was not a good fit. Either way I am proud of you for getting started!

Melissa McCormick
I am licensed in New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & 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.

Alison Proft
Welcome! I am a licensed Psychoanalyst and focus on the therapeutic relationship as an essential tool to promote emotional growth and healthy functioning. This approach supports clients to help identify the cause of fears of behaviors that are disrupting their life and develop strategies to increase healthy functioning. My style is eclectic, interactive , non-judgmental and meet the client where they are at now and where they want to go. As a psychoanalyst, I am sensitive to the influences of past experiences on present challenges and work closely with client to reframe the narrative of their life in order for them to become their best selves and lead a more authentic life. I believe you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths to assist you in overcoming issues they currently challenge you. Some of my specialties include working with the LGBTQIA community; and young adult (20+) and older adult population with varying issues. I am committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice which serves as a safe harbor for LGBTQIA people and people of the global majority. I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey! My hours are generally Mon-Wed a.m. 9-4:00 p.m. I prefer video sessions only in order to provide effective therapy. I look forward to working with you!

Hayley McLemore
I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. 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.

Jonathan Tuller
I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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.

Sylvia Leal
I am licensed in New York with 16 years of professional work experience. I am a dynamic Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I specialize in life transitions (time in a person’s life, which calls for deep self-evaluation and reflection), depression, anxiety, relationships, attachment anxiety, codependency, parenting, childhood/adult trauma, religious trauma. I use compassion and empathy, as well as alternative methods of healing to help you identify your own life’s path. While life is an ongoing process of learning and growth, I will help you walk your journey free from the grips of anxiety, depression, inner criticism and fear of loss. I often utilize a combination of treatment methods in my practice. In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress. We will take a look at your history, thoughts, emotions, current experiences and dreams to explore their relationship to each other and your mental health. During treatment, I'll help you learn how to push back against barriers that keep you from identifying and achieving your goals. During our work together you can expect validation, acceptance, improved understanding of the dynamics that are impacting your mental health and human development, as well as a clear/thoughtful approach toward the resolution of matters that you are seeking to address/resolve. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter.
Find a therapist serving clients in New York
What types of therapists are available to clients in Amenia?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Amenia that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Amenia available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Amenia therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Amenia therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Amenia region and in the state of New York.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Amenia can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Amenia may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Amenia offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.