The town of Colonie in Albany, New York was named after the Dutch colony called the Colonie of Rensselaerswyck. In fact, the entire area was once a part of the Rensselaerwyck Manor owned by the van Rensselaer family. The town now has 25 places listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, which is more than any other city in the Eastern United States.
We all have bad days sometimes and some days we may need a little extra support both emotionally and mentally. Knowing when you need the help and when to reach out is important. There are plenty of excellent therapists and counselors in the Colonie area who are able to listen and understand what is going on. Just reach out for help today.

Polly Mortensen
I believe in the strength and resilience of the human spirit. We all have times in our lives when we encounter difficulties and need a supportive person to help guide us back to a path of healing and growth. Maybe you've experienced a recent event in your life and you are not sure how to cope with it. Or maybe something has been bothering you for quite a long time and you feel like now is the time to talk to somebody about it. I can help you find that inner strength you have so you can discover just how resilient you truly are. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's Degree in Counseling and Community Psychology. I've worked in the field for the past 20 years, and I really enjoy what I do. I’ve always been an empathetic person, even when I was a kid. I started my career working with individuals with serious, long-term mental health challenges in a psychiatric rehabilitation focused outpatient continuing day treatment program. I also worked in a home-based therapy program for individuals with HIV and mental health needs. Later I worked with children and adults receiving foster care. Other experience includes working with individuals with trauma backgrounds and, also, the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to mental health counseling, I have worked in the field of vocational and rehabilitation counseling in both New York and Florida for 14 years. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I understand the challenges that people with disabilities face. It has been my privilege to have played a role in counseling hundreds of individuals with unique ABILITIES in their journey toward self-sufficiency and success. As a vocational counselor, I am well-versed in educational and career coaching. I can help you discover the potential within you and help you make the vocational and educational choices that are best for you. My approach is warm and friendly, and I draw from life experience, Eastern philosophy, and solid counseling theories to help you overcome whatever may be holding you back. Counseling modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. I will tailor our time together based on your specific needs. Whatever you are going through, I am confident that you can get through it. I look forward to standing by your side and seeing you grow and shine!

Carrie Petruso
Hello! I'm a mental health counselor with 13 years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, and providing support to people going through life transitions. I have a MA in Clinical Counseling from the Ohio State University. In July 2022, I moved with my family to Greenville, South Carolina for the adventure and sunshine after 15 years of living in the Finger Lakes, NY region. All of my sessions are virtual at this time. In terms of specialty areas, I have personal and professional experience with challenges related to pregnancy, miscarriage, and parenting. I identify as religious/spiritual (raised Catholic) and am able to incorporate these topics into our work together as desired. I have counseled over 30 clients identifying as non-binary, gender fluid or transgender through through my brick and mortar private practice, and have written dozens of HRT and surgery letters over the past 9 years. I am trained in CBT/DBT, but also incorporate Gestalt, psychodynamic, and acceptance based therapy techniques. For some, the past few years of the pandemic have been quite terrible. For others, they have been a time of tremendous growth and change. I hope to use my skills to assist others with processing the trauma and the growth we have all experienced as we adjust to a new, post pandemic life.

Marissa Clement
I’m a licensed therapist deeply committed to supporting women of all ages in navigating life’s challenges and fostering meaningful growth. Specializing in depression, anxiety, self-esteem building, and addiction recovery, I provide a compassionate and nurturing environment where you’re encouraged to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. My goal is to help you understand yourself more fully, strengthen resilience, and find lasting relief. With a welcoming, open-minded approach, I’m here to truly listen, understand, and support you as we uncover your inner strengths. Therapy with me is a collaborative process: I offer guidance and insights tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to move forward with confidence and self-awareness. Starting therapy is an act of bravery and self-care, and I commend you for being here. Whether you’re facing a specific issue or simply seeking a greater sense of balance and well-being, I’m here to help you take those steps toward the life you envision. Let’s work together to create positive change!

Dr. Miriam Mendelson
Welcome! Thank you for considering working together with me to reach your goals. I work with issues related to depression, anxiety, goals, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, boundaries, stress, anger, conflict, and philosophical/spiritual issues. I see clients of all orientations and cultural/ethnic backrounds. I am respectful of all religious traditions as well as secular and philosophical traditions. I work with individuals, couples, families and children/teens. My aproach to therapy is: Direct Respectful Non-judgmental Solution-focused Empowering Positive In the short term you should feel better going out than you did coming in. Over the long term, you should feel more empowered, clearer, more self-supporting, more compassionate with yourself and more skilled with others. I look forward to working together with you! Sincerely, Miriam Mendelson, LMHC, PhD

Aleksandr Raynov
I have been working in the field of mental health since 2005. I received my MSW degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work. I have experience working in a variety of settings such as inpatient hospital units, outpatient clinic, private practice and homes of clients in the community, Prior to 2005, I was employed by a number of different companies and worked in entirely different trades (Mechanical Engineer, CNC operator, First responder in New York , IT consultant for multinational company) I also have Master degree in Mechanical engineering. I believe that my diverse professional experiences allows me to have an unique perspective into my clients’ aspirations and hardships. I feel that in my capacity as the therapist, I can help others to realize their potential simply by helping my clients to unleash their powers within. I use a strengths- based approach in therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, family issues, motivation, self esteem, anger issues, confidence and depression.

Samantha Reuther
I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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.

Mercedelli Graciano
I am a self-published author and wrote "The Awakening of My Senses" in an effort to let people know that they are not alone with their feelings. My bi-lingual services offer the exploration of Self-Love through Self-Care, Self-Awareness and Self-Control. However, none of these "self" claims should ever negate the need for companionship and a healthy community. ¡Hablo Español! Currently, I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional counseling experience. I concentrate on helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues- including family conflicts and developing healthy emotional habits. I like to focus on motivation through self esteem building, and confidence development. I believe that understanding and compassion go a long way. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy can be intimidating and my job is to make the process seamless for you.

Yvette Melendez
I am bilingual, speaking Spanish and English, licensed in New York with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Henrieta Deka
I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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.

Mary Duhon
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience helping cope with life changes. I believe in treating each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 & assist you in that journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in New York
What types of therapists are available to clients in Colonie?
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 Colonie 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 Colonie available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Colonie 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, Colonie therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Colonie 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 Colonie 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 Colonie 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 Colonie 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.