Therapist in Garden City NY Anxiety and Relationships | Psychological Help | Insurance Cigna Value Options
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Therapist in Garden City NY Psychology Today & Huffington Post
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Garden City Therapy LCSW
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Rosemary Molinari, LP-MHC

I am an LP-MHC in the state of New York. I have a Masters degree in Counseling from Queens College and an Advance Certificate of Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University.

New beginnings can feel both exciting and uncertain, but they also bring the opportunity for growth and positive change. As you begin this process of self-discovery, my role is to provide a supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued and understood. My approach combines psychodynamic exploration with practical CBT tools and a client centered focus, helping
individuals to gain insight, break unhelpful patterns and uncover strengths from within. My prior experience in substance use and codependent relationships has informed my practice with clients and helped further develop my skills.

Building a genuine connection, actively listening and offering insight are at the heart of my approach. I am passionate about helping clients feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges, make meaningful changes, and live their lives authentically.

​Areas of Focus:
-Relational and family issues
-Codependency
-Trauma and PTSD
-Women’s issues
-Self esteem
-Grief
-Anxiety and stress


Terrice Bell, LMSW

I am a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of Stony Brook University. In my work I make use of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and other interventions. 

In recognition of the various concerns and unique set of needs clients have, I place value on collaboration, encouragement and empowerment.  I am dedicated to fostering well-being and assisting clients in making positive changes.

Developing a trusting working relationship  is essential for creating a supportive space for healing and growth. I aim to help clients identify and build on strengths, gain insights, and establish goals to help live a meaningful life. 

Areas of Focus:
-Anxiety and Depression
-Relationship concerns
-Trauma
-Life adjustments and identity issues


Nicolette Capranzano, LMHC-D

I have worked as a therapist at Garden City Therapy and currently provide training and supervision to our therapists which helps carry forth our values being complimented by what your therapist brings uniquely. I am a LMHC-D in the State of New York. I have a Bachelors in Psychology from Queens College and received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.

Therapy can be a challenge to get yourself into, and oftentimes uncomfortable. Because of this, it is my goal to help therapists create a relaxed and casual environment that is also a safe space for the client. A combination of utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Psychodynamic Intervention if often advised. I believe having a safe space, to come exactly as you are, and to connect with yourself is one of the most important parts in your journey to healing.

I focus on assisting therapists in tailoring treatment goals and sessions to client needs and meeting them where they are! I stress the importance of developing a strong therapeutic alliance that encourages trust, understanding and at times, tough love. Our emotions are hard to face, but your therapist is ready to join you on the journey to work through and face them together.


Carla D'Alessio, LCSW

I am a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a graduate of Hunter College.

As a therapist I aim to offer a supportive, compassionate and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. My approach acknowledges and seeks to synthesize various perspectives on human experiences. Aspects of perception may be explored, including patterns, narratives, memories and triggers. Identifying one’s thoughts can be a powerful step in understanding them as a source and product of our emotions. I invite clients to express, challenge and reframe their distressing thoughts. 

I find it important to remain focused on enhancing a person’s innate ability to claim expertise on their own life and clearly identify their desires, needs and motivations. Establishing boundaries, learning to say no and caring less what others think are challenges that may be addressed when seeking increased comfort and stability in social interactions. I have experience working with various anxiety issues including social anxiety, health anxiety, panic symptoms, anticipatory distress and adjustment periods.

My interests include cultural fluency, humor, relaxation skills and nurturing compassion and empathy toward the authentic self.

Areas of Focus:
-Anxiety and Depression
-Relationship/separation issues
-Obsessions
-Grief
-Trauma
-Emotional dysregulation and Anger
-Life adjustments and identity issues
-Employment challenges
-Lack of direction/motivation


Tara Gajewski, LMSW

I am a Licensed Master of Social Work in the State of New York and received my Master of Social Work degrees from Sacred Heart University. I also hold a Clinical
Trauma Professional Certificate.

I believe in providing compassionate and supportive therapy to individuals seeking guidance in navigating life challenges. I utilize multiple approaches, drawing from various modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic techniques, and solution-focused therapy. I believe in tailoring the therapeutic process to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, recognizing that no single approach fits all.

I seek to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. I believe that therapy is not just about alleviating symptoms but also about fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and empowerment. Therapy is a collaborative journey where clients are supported in discovering their capacity for healing and transformation. I strive
to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives, cultivate healthier relationships, and achieve greater overall well-being.

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety and adjustment to life stressors and transitions
-Depression
-Trauma
-Anger management
-Domestic violence
-Interpersonal Conflict
-Self Esteem


Tara Johnson, LMSW

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my
degree in social work from Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York . In my experience, I have had the pleasure of working with adults who battle
depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, ADHD, grief, and mood disorders.

Providing clients a safe, non-judgmental space in which they can process and heal is my passion. I recognize the importance of acknowledging the past and finding ways to feel more alive in the present. I don’t have all of the answers, but I will work with you to challenge your beliefs about yourself and your current situation. Together we can set goals and improve your circumstances. 

My counseling style is relaxed, realistic and client centered which I believe is so important when processing difficult emotions and/or traumas. I combine different approaches such as strengths based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing.

I aim to help you develop healthy productive coping strategies, and allow you to take control of your life. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said to “try and leave the world a little better than you found it.” This is my goal with every client I have the pleasure of serving. Give me a try, I’m already so happy to meet you.

Areas of focus:
-Trauma and PTSD
-Relationship and family issues
-Anxiety and stress
-Depression
-Grief
-Life transitions and self-esteem
-Women's issues


Yuliana Hofstetter, LMSW

I am an LMSW in the State of New York. I have a Bachelors in Psychology from John Jay College and received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University. I believe that everyone experiences struggles and difficulties navigating through life but each person’s struggles are individual to them. My goal is to focus on you and to provide you with a space where you feel heard, seen and valued. As a compassionate and empathetic person I strive to provide guidance and support to my clients in their journey to finding themselves. Together we can work through your individual struggles and life challenges.

I aim to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore and work through your current life challenges through a humanistic approach. The therapeutic methods I tend to utilize can depend on the individual need and include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Strengths Based Therapy. I want you to feel safe and comfortable in working on yourself and focus on working towards positive change.

Areas of focus:
- Anxiety
- Relational Concerns
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Developing communication skills
- Loneliness
- Postpartum Depression
- Self Identity/Self Esteem
- Womens Issues


Verda Williams-Cupid, LMSW

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of New York and a proud graduate of Touro University. I’m honored to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, and I offer a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where healing and growth can take place.

My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, with a focus on helping you feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relational issues, or working through the effects of trauma, grief, PTSD, domestic violence, or major life transitions, we will work together to uncover your strengths and develop meaningful strategies for change.

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. I tailor each session to meet your unique needs and goals, honoring the courage it takes to seek support. I look forward to joining you on your path toward greater self-understanding, peace, and resilience.

Let’s take that next step—together.

Areas of focus:
-Trauma
-Domestic Violence
-Depression
-Grief
-Relational concerns
-Life adjustments


Michelle Mayer, LMSW

​I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services and am licensed in the State of New York. 

Regardless of your reason for seeking a therapist, by building a therapeutic alliance with every client, I try to foster an environment that is supportive, responsive and oriented toward each client’s identified goals and desired outcomes. As a clinician, I try to exude warmth, foster respect, trust, and empathy to help every client feel supported in their endeavors. 

Typically I will employ an integrative approach to therapy built on a foundation of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and psychodynamic methodologies. My hope for any client is that through this therapeutic alliance, we can work toward your goals, and to help in understanding how the tools, skills and work in therapy can help you to create meaningful and enduring change in your life. 

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety and OCD
-Mood disorders
-Loss and Grief
-Fertility issues, post-partum depression and peri-natal mood disorders
-Trauma and PTSD
-Life transitions and adjustments
-Self-esteem and social matters


Stephanie Meisser, LMSW

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my Master's degree in Social Work from Long Island University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Binghamton University.

I know that reaching out for help can be scary and anxiety inducing, but it is a commendable and amazing thing to do for yourself. Because of this, I try my best to make therapy as comfortable and inviting as possible. Everyone goes through challenges and difficult seasons of life, and deserves a safe and supportive space to navigate these things. I am dedicated in helping my clients to feel heard, supported, and more capable of taking control of their emotions, thoughts, personal goals and relationships. I utilize a humanistic approach, practicing person-centered therapy and narrative therapy to help clients learn more about themselves. I also utilize CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy.

A goal I have for all clients is to feel self-assured, so it is important to develop a partnership in which you are an active participant. That said, I am committed to meeting clients where they are at. If you feel lost or discouraged, I'd be honored to help you begin your own personal journey. 

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety and stress
-Mood Disorders
-Grief
-Relational concerns
-Aging
-Life transitions and adjustments
-Self-esteem


Kristen Muscarella, LP-MHC​

​I am a Licensed Permit Holder of Mental Health Counseling in the State of New York. I have received my Bachelor Degree in Communication and Children and Youth Studies at Brooklyn College. I have a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Brooklyn College and an Advance Certificate of Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University.

Starting therapy can elicit myriads of emotions and having a safe space to explore and understand is essential to the therapeutic process. My professional background includes working in a school and with young adults. I help identify their emotions and utilize coping strategies to process them in a healthy way. I have a special interest and experience with self-esteem, self-care, self-awareness, anxiety and life transitions. I focus on exploring early and current experiences and how they shape our patterns of behavior. 

My approach to therapy consists of different modalities which allows me to meet your needs and goals. My goal is to create a warm, therapeutic environment for us to identify and process our patterns and behaviors and learn new ones to help create the life of your dreams.

Areas of focus:
-Relationship stressors (interpersonal, romantic, family)
-Life adjustments and transitions
-Anxiety
-Depression


Dorothy Pierre, LMHC

I am a LMHC in the state of New York. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Stony Brook University and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.

The therapeutic process can be intimidating, and I hope to help clients feel more
comfortable to be curious about themselves using a warm, compassionate, and exploratory style. I am dedicated to helping my clients learn more about themselves emotionally, mentally, and relationally, and to feel empowered to make meaningful change.

I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach of psychodynamic therapy,
cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and emotion focused therapy combined with multicultural competency and cultural humility. We will explore how your past experiences, current thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, all impact you. Looking outward can be just as helpful as looking inwards, seeing how systems and culture impact your unique experience. We will develop coping strategies and objectives to navigate life’s challenges using a combination of this information.

I aim to provide an empathetic and non-judgmental space, a listening ear, collaboration, and support. Growth is an ongoing process, and I am thankful for the opportunity to accompany you at this point in the process toward self-reflection, self-awareness, and empowerment.

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety and stress
-Depression
-Trauma recovery
-Identity
-Life transitions and adjustments
-Interpersonal conflicts
-Self-esteem
-LGBTQ+ affirming


Nicole Ryga, LCSW

I am a Licensed Masters Clinical Social Worker in the State of New York. I have received my Masters Degree in Social work from Adelphi University.

My therapeutic style when working with clients is compassionate, engaging, friendly, and empathetic. I am passionate about encouraging clients to utilize their strengths to enable positive changes and live a more fulfilled life. I utilize evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, and strength and solution based thinking.

I aim to create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes emotional wellness and individual growth. I am dedicated to working with you to identify and communicate your goals and effectively reach your desired wants and needs.

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety and stress
-Depression
-Trauma
-Relational difficulties
-Life adjustments and coping skills
-Grief
-Self-esteem


Amrita Singh, LP-MHC

I am a LP-MHC in the state of New York. I received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz.

You are the expert of your own life and embarking on a therapeutic journey, while rewarding, can also be quite challenging. Thus, I strive to create a safe, trusting, and non-judgmental environment that allows you to feel in control. Therapy in itself can bring about anxious or apprehensive feelings. I hope to make clients feel more comfortable through a relaxed, calm & soothing demeanor, as well as developing a collaborative relationship that allows you to feel supported.

I believe that every individual’s journey is unique, therefore, I utilize a client-centered approach that allows the therapeutic process to be tailored to your specific needs. In doing so, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy among others. I recognize the vulnerability it requires to begin the therapeutic journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide every individual with an open and growth-oriented environment that will promote self-discovery and lasting positive change within their lives.

Areas of focus:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Life adjustments
-Trauma

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All of our clinicians treat depression, anxiety, relational concerns, and help with a variety of matters that many members of our Long Island community experience. You may click on a name above to read about them and their role at Garden City Therapy.
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Garden City Therapy PLLC is committed to your privacy. Your information is confidential or private information regarding your health condition when completing any form and submitting to Garden City Therapy.

We are affiliated with and support the following professional organizations: Anxiety Disorders Association of America, NYS Social Work Office of the Professions, Mental Health Association of Nassau County as well as the American Psychological Association. Please visit other links to community and national mental health resources here.

Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling for adults. We are committed to providing affordable, quality, mental health care by the best therapists in Long Island. We have extensive prior experience working at numerous mental health clinics in Long Island and Queens, we have provided counseling and psychotherapy to individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, difficulty adjusting to life changes, abandonment and trust issues, as well as other areas of exploration. We have Masters Degrees in Social Work and/ or Mental Health Counseling. Executive Director, Michelle Ambalu, LCSW has supervised social work students learning to practice psychotherapy and all of out clinical staff meet weekly to engage in advanced supervision towards advanced clinical credentialing and for the purpose or best treatment practices as seen fit by the state of New York. Services are $80 per session out of pocket. We also accept most CignaEmpire BCBS, Fidelis (and Medicaid), Optum UnitedHealthcare (and Medicaid) Oxford, Community Plan Medicaid, Healthfirst (and Medicaid), Magnacare and UMR insurance plans. We also submit claims for NYSHIP for out of network reimbursement and by doing are able to match your in-network copay. Fully HIPAA compliant telehealth counseling services.
Garden City Therapy PLLC
233 7th Street. STE 200
Garden City, NY 11530
516 828 2622
Michelle Ambalu - Director and Owner
Rosemary Molinari
Rating
Michelle Ambalu, LCSW-R      Director & Owner

I am an LCSW-R with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field in volunteer, clinic, hospital and private practice settings in Long Island and Queens. I would like share a bit about myself as it relates to the development and mission of Garden City Therapy, PLLC.

I had been a therapist and came to a point where my practice was full. I would try my best matching people to a therapist but it was hard not knowing the therapist or their availability or insurance details. A family member, heavily in the business world and caring, said to me "why don't you hire people?". I was so surprised, I was a therapist, and we are not known for our business savvy! At the time I appreciated the thought and had no idea what to do with it and not sure I wanted to. 

A couple of friends who were therapists approached me months later asking if I wanted to work with them (more relaxed and different from building a group practice like this). I was interested at the time and started planning just a bit. In one day, though having beautiful intentions, the complexities and commitment involved were too much for my friends, and completely compelling to me. I went it on my own.

Aside from all the hard work, and trust me, it is a ton and then some,  I was excited to help more people. I also wanted to create two newer elements to the field, I wanted to create a place where clients can find quality therapists at a more affordable fee and within an insurance based practice that was not a individual practice but not a clinic that could feel like a factory. Additionally I did not want therapists to feel overbooked, drowned in paperwork, or without sufficient oversight. That is all very hard to do with reimbursement rates, challenges with insurance, burnout, organizationally, having less than ideal leadership, not knowing new comers, and without someone like, well, me. 

I wanted therapists who I trust. How on earth was I going to bring in some random therapist who might have years of experience but could be set in their ways or who does not fit how I practice enough?  The best way in my eyes to do all this was to use all the things I taught myself over the years and my strengths and to mentor therapists and create a group practice culture though training and supervision and to pass the torch on therapist to therapist. The rest is my recipe and I am so glad to see how much we have grown in just years and how many we help. I have a GREAT team and we went from a wonderful start as Michelle & Michelle to a whole fleet before my eyes.

Through my career and the early stages of my practice I have been a therapist, I have scheduled appointments, I have been supervised, I have supervised, I had to train therapists and admin operationally, I had to learn enough insurance details, I had to do a little tech support and web design, and much much more. All of this combined and knowing what each role entails has helped me build this practice and make it what it is today. When the head of a business to at least some extent has been in the shoes of nearly all it's working parts, that is a big help in getting everything working together for clients. I am certainly not some CEO hired to thumb over things and am more like an entrepreneurial business owner, planner, coach, mother, manager, custodian, operational officer, and so much more all in one. 

I also have experienced hardships in my life, perhaps beyond the average fair share which increases understanding of struggle even if I cannot fully know another's experience and this had also helped me develop more empathy and insight.

These experiences have made me sensitive and thoughtful in choosing who I would like working within my practice and with clients. A nice resume and experience and someone who is well spoken is great but I also think  how do they make me feel?  What is my gut saying? Because that is usually one of the best indicators of how a client may feel working with them.

Within my role, I also rely on supervisors and feedback over time to help inform me about our clinical staff, as it can take time to get to know people. And just like you do not fully know and cannot control all that happens through the actions of those even closest to you, I listen and check in and do what I can to keep the great going and to help improve what could be worked on or look for resolutions, a better fit, or to confer with supervisors to help therapists look at things through another lens or suggest something new (we all could use that in life - even therapists).   

Due to my role and all my responsibilities and needing boundaries to keep things running, though your contact will be with your therapist and our admin team, our therapists, supervisors and myself care about your therapy experience. While I cannot be everywhere all the time, I do check in and keep an eye and am busy keeping things going as a whole and will do my best. 

It can help to know a bit about the owner of a business especially involving your health. Rather than describe myself, I will first say how others have described me in my professional capacity: resourceful, genuine, transparent, very nice and very direct, caring, hardworking, determined, whimsical, creative, and loyal. 

Rather than a perfectionist (which has positives but does not often leave room for full reality and humanity or interworking parts), I observe, plan, put best efforts together and then keep learning and growing to provide care. 

I hope that in a similar way, you will come to know the pieces of yourself better, create new parts, and get them moving together and interacting in a way that fits well for you. How nice to have a confidant and guide along the way.