Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in New York, NY – Book an Appointment Instantly

 

Michelle Ilyayev, LMHC, is a highly skilled licensed mental health counselor at Michelle Silver Lining Mental Health Counseling, a virtual telehealth practice based in Flushing, Queens, in New York City. 

She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and marital issues by offering individualized, couples, family, and group therapy sessions. Michelle’s compassionate, warm, welcoming demeanor puts patients of all ages at ease.

Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, she tailors each psychotherapy treatment to patients’ unique needs. Michelle enjoys helping patients gain insight, build upon their strengths, and develop effective coping skills to improve their mood, emotions, behaviors, and overall quality of life. 

She shares a passion for helping her clients fight against the stigma of mental health disorders and improving their lives by facilitating emotional regulation. Michelle understands that regardless of which struggles her clients have, they deserve to find their silver lining. 

She holds a mental health counselor license in the state of New York. She completed her training at St. John’s University in Queens, New York City, and Albert Ellis Institute in New York City.

Michelle loves helping her patients thrive and enjoys maximizing their mental health, wellness, and quality of life. She compassionately welcomes new and existing patients to Michelle Silver Lining Mental Health Counseling and looks forward to visiting with them.

Sarah J. Shah, DNP, APN, A-GNP-C is a board certified and doctorally prepared nurse practitioner who specialized in adult-gerontology primary care. She graduated as Summa cum laude, was honored with academic excellence, and as a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society from Rutgers School of Nursing in May 2022. She is dedicated to practicing holistic and preventative care for improved quality and longevity of life. Also, she is passionate about patient empowered healthcare and advocates for patients as a whole person rather than as defined by their diseases. Education: Rutgers School of Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (2022) Board Certified by American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2022)

Meet Estelle, a passionate healthcare professional originally from the quaint rural town of Cumberland, MD. Her journey in the field of healthcare began with her academic pursuits at West Virginia University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Business Administration. At WVU, Estelle excelled academically and showcased her commitment to service as a leader in philanthropy for women's cardiac care through Alpha Phi Sorority.

With a solid foundation in science and business, Estelle spent five years in dermatology before pursuing a Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies at Saint Elizabeth University, focusing on dermatology and plastic surgery.

Estelle's comprehensive training at institutions such as Saint Joe's University Hospital, Good Samaritan, and Atlantic Health Systems reflects her dedication and diverse clinical experience. Board-certified (PA-C) and licensed in New York and New Jersey, she is a member of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Her commitment to ongoing education is highlighted by completing a diplomats fellowship in dermatology.

Estelle's practice focuses on medical and dermatological care for all skin types, with a particular emphasis on cosmetic procedures to boost confidence in her patients. Her patients benefit from her approach, ensuring each individual receives personalized and comprehensive care. With a passion for advancing dermatological knowledge and enhancing the well-being of her patients, Estelle continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of dermatology. 

Todd Halper, MD, is a board-certified primary care doctor and family medicine physician at Halper Family Medicine in Rockville Centre and Bayport, New York. Dr. Halper grew up watching his father treat patients in his community and form lasting relationships throughout their care. Today, he works hard at his private practice to take care of his patients as if they’re members of his own family and helps them avoid getting ill with preventive care.

Dr. Halper earned his degree in medicine from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medicine St. Augustine in Trinidad. He then moved back to his home state of New York for a residency in family practice at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. In 2009 during this residency, his outstanding communication skills and knowledge were recognized when he earned the Resident Teacher Award.

Halper Family Medicine is known as the best health care facility in the area. Dr. Halper offers a wide variety of services for patients of all ages, including Botox® injections, IV infusions, regenerative medicine using their own PRP or stem cells, and annual physical exams. He dedicates the necessary time to explain his patients’ conditions and treatments in-depth so that they have a complete understanding of their own care.

When he isn’t at Halper Family Medicine caring for patients, Dr. Halper loves to give back to his community through volunteer work. He teaches future doctors at New York’s Stony Brook University and Hofstra University in Hempstead.

Vanvian Hoo, LCSW, PsyD, is a senior clinical and psychotherapist at Hudson River Care and Counseling. Dr. Hoo works virtually. 

Vanvian brings over 20 years of experience to the practice with no signs of stopping. Currently pursuing her doctorate in psychology from Felician University in Rutherford, New Jersey, Vanvian specializes in neuropsychology and multicultural psychology. She is trained in various behavioral models, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 

After receiving her Bachelor of Science from Wagner College, Vanvian earned a master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. She works from a Strength-based Based Perspective with her patients and has an integrative approach, utilizing various evidence-based practices depending on the needs of her clients. She includes various modalities in her treatment plans, such as play therapy with children, parenting, trauma work, anxiety, depression, and relational issues with adults and adolescents. 

Vanvian also worked as a school-based mental health social worker at TSMS, a middle school located in the East Village, New York, for 13 years. She also has extensive work experience in nonprofits and hospital settings. Additionally, Vanvian has extensive knowledge working with young children and parents as a mental health consultant for a Head Start program in NYC. 

She has worked in Chinatown to mitigate and decrease the mental health stigma and deliver mental health services to the community. Vanvian is committed to addressing social injustice issues and helping clients break the transmission of intergenerational trauma. Teaching and supervising master’s level social work interns from Columbia University, Hunter College, and NYU is one of her many gratifying accomplishments. In her free time, Vanvian loves to design and create handmade greeting cards.

Dr. Hoo is licensed in both NY and NJ. She is bilingual in Cantonese and in English.

 

Betrice Thompson is a highly experienced LCSW with over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of social work, specializing in geriatric issues, such as adjustment disorder, grief and loss, hospice, depression, anxiety, and caregiver support. She has assisted families and individuals through the difficult process of selecting alternative placement and services.

Betrice passion extends to working with the faith community, particularly clergy (pastors and their families) addressing issues related to mental health challenges often not discussed in the faith community.

Betrice holds several advanced degrees including a master’s in social work from the University of Oklahoma-Norman, a master’s in education with a specialty in gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma-Edmond. She recently obtained a double master’s in Divinity and Pastoral Care and Counseling from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick. She holds certificates from the National Association of Social Workers where she has been a member for several years in Clinical Social Worker Supervision and as a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWM). Betrice is the owner of Beyond Christian Counseling, a faith-based agency providing counseling services to the community.

If interested in scheduling a virtual appointment, contact Hudson River Care and Counseling at 201-541-8600. 

Erin M. Heaslip is a board-certified music therapist and licensed social worker. She completed her master’s in music therapy from the University of Miami and has been practicing music therapy since 2011. She completed her master’s in social work in 2024 from Boston University and is licensed in New Jersey and New York. Erin offers both virtual and in person sessions in the Hoboken office.

She has experience with children with developmental disabilities and neurodiverse clients and families. She enjoys working with adults, children, and families to work through adverse experiences, life changes, those working through depression and anxiety. She is knowledgeable in women’s issues related to infertility, postpartum care and perinatal mental health.  Through a strengths perspective, she uses music and creative arts modalities, in addition to talk therapy to learn and implement positive coping strategies for improved well-being. Erin works to provide a safe environment, while maintaining a positive and supportive relationship. Through acceptance and empathy, she utilizes therapeutic interventions using psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral principles in her practice. Each person is unique and is valued when working towards their treatment goals. I look forward to working with you!

Rebecca Ennis-Paez is a Clinical Social Work intern at Hudson River Care and Counseling, a mental health practice with two office locations in Hoboken and Teaneck, New Jersey. Telehealth services are also available.

Education and learning have always been of great interest to Rebecca. She pursued her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Alliance University (formerly known as NYACK College).  

In conjunction with her internship, Rebecca has been an administrator at Hudson River Care and Counseling since 2017.

Rebecca focuses on her work with prenatal and postpartum women, adolescents, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, and military families — her particular interest areas. She uses a variety of approaches to help her patients, including The Strength-based approach, Goal-Setting Approach, Narrative Theory, and Systems Theory.

In her personal life, Rebecca is a mother of two boys and the wife of an Army Veteran. 

In addition, Rebecca has been a Hair and Makeup artist for over ten years. Her background influences her focus on natural health, beauty, and therapy approaches. She is passionate dedicated, and looks forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Todd Halper, MD, is a board-certified primary care doctor and family medicine physician at Halper Family Medicine in Rockville Centre and Bayport, New York. Dr. Halper grew up watching his father treat patients in his community and form lasting relationships throughout their care. Today, he works hard at his private practice to take care of his patients as if they’re members of his own family and helps them avoid getting ill with preventive care.

Dr. Halper earned his degree in medicine from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medicine St. Augustine in Trinidad. He then moved back to his home state of New York for a residency in family practice at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. In 2009 during this residency, his outstanding communication skills and knowledge were recognized when he earned the Resident Teacher Award.

Halper Family Medicine is known as the best health care facility in the area. Dr. Halper offers a wide variety of services for patients of all ages, including Botox® injections, IV infusions, regenerative medicine using their own PRP or stem cells, and annual physical exams. He dedicates the necessary time to explain his patients’ conditions and treatments in-depth so that they have a complete understanding of their own care.

When he isn’t at Halper Family Medicine caring for patients, Dr. Halper loves to give back to his community through volunteer work. He teaches future doctors at New York’s Stony Brook University and Hofstra University in Hempstead.

Christopher Xikis, PA-C, is a certified physician’s assistant at Victory Recovery Partners, which has locations in Farmingville, Shirley, and Massapequa, New York. 

Chris started his education at the State University of New York at Farmingdale, where he earned an associate’s degree in biomedical engineering technology and was inducted into the Alpha Eta National Honor Society for Allied Health. He then completed a Physician Assistant Bachelor of Science at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Professional Service Award and president of the Physician Assistant Student Society.

Prior to joining Victory Recovery Partners, Chris held several physician assistant positions in New York, including a private cardiology practice, vascular surgery, and in a chemical dependency unit at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, New York. While at St. Charles Hospital, he also received training for medication-assisted treatment in opioid and alcohol abuse disorders. 

Chris is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and a guest lecturer for the Stony Brook Physician Assistant’s Program.

Steven J. Salvatore, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine and is the Chief Medical Officer at Victory Recovery Partners, which has locations in Farmingville, Shirley, and Massapequa, New York. 

A Long Island native, Dr. Salvatore majored in biology at Fordham University in The Bronx, New York, before completing a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at the NY College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. He then completed a medical internship at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and a residency in emergency medicine at the Long Island Jewish Hospital in Lake Success, New York, which is currently part of the Northwell Healthcare System.

His early work experience includes several emergency department positions at New York City hospitals and a medical director position with two medical facilities in Farmingville and Ronkonkoma, New York.

An experienced television host and medical correspondent, Dr. Salvatore shared his knowledge on The Dr. Steve Show, a nationally syndicated program. He also appeared on CW 11 Morning News, Discovery Channel, Fox 5 News, Fox News Channel, and CNN as a medical correspondent.

Dr. Salvatore is board-certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He also maintains certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.