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

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

Elise In Three Words: Compassionate, Collaborative, Empowering

Elise is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), she obtained her master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston. She works with children, teens and adults, with a particular passion for supporting people navigating major life transitions. Her clinical work centers on individuals experiencing substance use challenges, eating disorders, and acute stress or crisis, and she is dedicated to helping clients find stability, clarity, and hope during difficult moments.

Her approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), motivational interviewing, psychodynamic perspectives, and person-centered therapy to create an individualized and supportive experience for each person. She believes that clients bring their own wisdom and strengths to therapy, and she works alongside them to build skills, deepen insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.

With a background in crisis intervention, she is comfortable sitting with intense emotion and helping clients navigate situations that feel overwhelming or unmanageable. She aims to create a space where people feel heard, validated, and empowered to explore new possibilities.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time in nature, creating art, and relaxing with her two cats. She brings this appreciation for creativity and grounding into her therapeutic presence, offering clients a calm, steady environment to begin their healing work.

Elise Offers:

• Individual counseling for children, teens and adults
• A warm, strengths-based, and collaborative therapeutic style utilizing evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, SFT, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and person-centered therapy
• Guidance for developing coping strategies and increasing personal resilience
• Support for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar, trauma, substance use, disordered eating, life transitions, and self-esteem.

Traci is a licensed professional counselor associate and board-certified, provisionally registered art therapist who works with kids, teens, and adults experiencing burnout, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to constantly hold everything together. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Albertus Magnus College and a Bachelor's degree in Family Studies from the University of Connecticut.

Traci has experience in higher levels of care and community mental health settings, working with both individuals and groups. She offers a warm, collaborative, and grounded approach, creating space for clients to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and heal in ways that don’t
rely solely on words.

 She integrates art therapy with evidence-based counseling practices to support individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship stress, caregiving roles, and patterns of self-criticism. Her work is trauma-informed and strengths-based, using art as a tool for expression, insight, and nervous system regulation—no artistic experience required.
Outside of her clinical work, Traci enjoys nature walks, experimenting with different art materials, spending time with her teenage children, and exploring the world with her partner.

Traci Offers
- Individual counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families .
- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities
- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Personality
Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring
concerns.
- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting.
- Art as a tool for expression and nervous system regulation.
- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-
esteem.
- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles.

Nathan is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. He holds a master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy as well as a bachelor's in psychology and communication with a minor in Women’s gender and sexuality studies.

Nathan has extensive experience in both outpatient and in-home settings working with adolescents, adults, persons of diverse cultural identities, and Neurodivergent individuals such as persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and behavioral challenges.

Nathan is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and strengthen their relationships. With compassion and kindness, Nathan applies evidence-based treatments ; he specializes in communication issues, conflict resolution, and emotional connection. Nathan believes in creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore patterns, heal from past wounds, and build healthier dynamics.

Nathan offers in person and telehealth therapy to:
> Individual and Family counseling for adults, adolescents, and children
> Couples Therapy
> Group Counseling, Group IOP sessions supporting coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skill-building
> Neurodivergent individuals – Such as those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences.
> Generalized anxiety and social anxiety
> Therapy for diverse cultural identities, values, and intergenerational conflict
> Life transitions (e.g., retirement, new parenthood)
> Self-discovery or identity exploration
> Stress management or mindfulness skills
> Anger management
> Compulsive Addictions
> Depression, grief

Christopher Patenaude, PA, is a board-certified physician assistant with specialized training in outpatient psychiatry. He provides compassionate care to patients at Hopewell Health Solutions, with locations in Glastonbury and West Hartford, Connecticut.

Christopher earned his master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Bay Path University and has since dedicated his career to supporting the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults.

Christopher has extensive experience treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression. He takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to care—grounded in evidence-based medication management—and emphasizes open communication and shared decision-making with every patient.

Known for his compassionate and patient-centered style, Christopher creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to ask questions. He works closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment strategies aimed at improving daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Christopher believes that mental health care is most effective when built on mutual trust and clear communication. His goal is to help each patient feel informed and confident in their treatment plan, whether they’re navigating a new diagnosis or exploring long-term management strategies.

Outside the office, Christopher enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and their two dogs. He values the importance of balance and self-care, principles he encourages in his clinical work and daily life.

“Even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s world” – Anne Frank

Amina is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She works with children, adolescents and adults, specializing in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and find balance. Her clinical work centers on individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief,
trauma, and substance use and she is dedicated to empowering individuals to find practical tools that foster long-term well-being. Amina strives to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where individuals feel heard and understood.

Amina believes that meaningful change happens through trust, consistency, and connection and takes a warm, patient, and collaborative approach, meeting individuals where they are and supporting them at their own pace. She combines evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, which focuses
on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space for self-exploration and growth.

Outside of her clinical work, Amina is passionate about hiking, traveling, and exploring coffee shops.

Amina Offers
- Individual counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities
- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Personality
Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring concerns.
- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self- esteem.
- Guidance navigating life’s challenges, developing coping strategies, increasing personal resilience, and achieving balance.

Stacy is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received her Social Work degree from Sacred Heart University. She has committed her work to helping children, adolescents and families navigate life’s challenges. Over the last ten years, Stacy has worked in multiple settings including outpatient, inpatient and school settings. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents at The Institute of Living in Hartford and working with kids in crisis. She enjoys working with children, teens, and their families and is well versed in working with defiant or more behavioral kids. Her therapeutic approach works very well due to her ability to connect with kids that can be reactive and that struggle with emotional regulation. She develops behavioral plans and goals that are progressive so that over time, the difficult behaviors diminish and the child’s strengths shine through.

Stacy strives to be authentic and transparent with clients to establish trust. Therapy can be difficult especially for children and adolescents, for some, their ability to trust has been broken. Stacy is a strong therapist and has six children of her own, so she is a dedicated therapist who can flex with any situation. Her approach combines strength-based perspective, evidence-based theories and a person-centered approach, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each client.

Stacy meets clients where they are, with a nurturing, straightforward and collaborative approach to help them reach their full potential with a focus on empowerment and developing effective coping strategies. She promotes and encourages “progress not perfection.” She specializes in working with children and adolescents experiencing a range of issues, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, behavioral difficulties, and family conflict. She is committed to helping young clients build resilience and confidence to achieve their goals. Her greatest joy is seeing progress in clients and she is honored to be part of their journey.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” –

-Steve Jobs

During her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family and friends, baking/cooking, and going to the beach. The sound of the ocean and the sand between my toes is her happy place!

Stacy provides:

• Individual counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
• Parenting, relationship and family problems, divorce, or blended families.
• Anxiety, Depression, Behavioral Disorders, ADHD, Autism.
• Communication Issues and Life Stage adjustment issues
• Issues regarding sexuality and genderStress, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, and phobias
• Employment related stress or burnout

Kate Henneberry is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Connecticut as well as a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University. Kate’s educational background has had strong foundations in systems theory, suggesting that individual experiences are a product of our relationships, communities, and broader societal contexts. Kate provides therapy that utilizes this systemic lens to promote growth through exploration of the self and ways of relating to one and other.

Kate believes that change is always occurring in some form, whether we are attuned to that process or not. She strives to create a space that fosters connectedness, curiosity, courage, and compassion to best support clients as they navigate challenging periods of change and growth. Kate adapts various evidence-based approaches to best fit the needs of each client, often utilizing elements of CBT, Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Kate also often includes play and creative projects to practice mindfulness and deepen self-understanding.

Outside of therapy, Kate enjoys traveling, music, trying new crafts, and spending time with friends and family, including her three-legged rabbit.

Kate Provides:

• Individual counseling for children, adolescents, and adults
• Family/Couples therapy
• Anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, parenting, life transitions/stressors, low self-esteem, grief
• Conflicts relating to family, relationships, values, aging, identity, and gender/sexuality
• Neurodivergent individuals – Such as those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences
• Individual counseling for children, adolescents, and young adults; Support for LGBTQ+ identity and transitions for individuals
• Life transitions (e.g., retirement, new parenthood)
• Self-discovery or identity exploration
• Stress management or mindfulness skills

Teesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from UConn with her BA in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work. Teesha has been in the Behavioral Health field for a decade now and has worked in a variety of settings. Teesha’s clinical experience has come from working as a case manager, inpatient and outpatient clinician, crisis worker, and clinical director in Substance Use Rehabilitation Programs. Teesha is an experienced leader who leads with compassion, ethics, and discipline. She believes in guiding and motivating the people she works with to develop the skills necessary for strategic decision making and the execution of goals and growth.

Teesha has a self-proclaimed passion for working with adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Teesha specializes in substance use and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders. Teesha is both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) trained to help those struggling with trauma. Additional therapeutic approaches Teesha utilizes include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, AcuDetox, and solution-focused techniques, to help clients develop coping skills, improve mental health, and work through life challenges.

Teesha believes therapy is a team collaboration between the client and the clinician built on mutual respect, trust, and open communication. Effective treatment begins with recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, strengths, and challenges, and clinical care should reflect that complexity. Teesha's approach emphasizes meeting clients where they are, integrating evidence-based practices with individualized care that respects each person’s story, culture, and goals.

Outside of Teesha's professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, adventures outdoors, and is an avid reader.

Kris (Kristen) Feller, LMSW, RSS, is a Licensed Masters Social worker and . she earned her bachelors’ in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and her masters’ in Social Work from the University of Denver. Kris works with children, adolescents, and adults.

Kris has a strong clinical background in mental health care, specializing in high-acuity settings where she supports individuals in crisis and develops personalized aftercare plans to promote long-term recovery. She takes a culturally sensitive, warm, and collaborative approach, striving to create a safe and supportive space that promotes personal growth and overall well-being. Her passion lies in working with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma and stress-related disorders, relational difficulties, life transitions, and behavioral disorders.

Kris’s therapeutic approach is client-centered, emphasizing collaboration to support holistic growth—mind, body, and soul. She integrates evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Believing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, Kris tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

Kris works diligently towards lifting the veil of mental health and expanding Hope through mutual “humanness”. She is a fierce advocate that every part of individuality deserves recognition and respect in pursuit of healing. Kris believes that each interaction presents an opportunity to learn and grow. In her free time, she is likely engulfed in nature therapy, mindful practice, furry friends, or all things Colorado. A treatment motto might be “let’s get creative!”

Kris specializes in:
-Depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, self-esteem, recovery support, Addiction disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+, domestic violence, goal setting, Eastern modalities, holistic health, aging, and adolescents.

Kris offers:
> Individual in-person or telehealth counseling for children, adolescents, and adults
> Pet-supported therapy
> Walk-talk therapy
> Consultation
> Self-care education
> Video self-modeling

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.

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.

Sara’s journey in this field is driven by a deep passion for helping individuals and communities navigate and overcome the challenges of substance use disorder.

As Executive Director, she oversees a wide range of initiatives, ensuring that services are accessible, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of diverse populations. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development keeps her at the forefront
of best practices in the field, enabling her to lead with innovation and empathy. Sara’s goal is to create a supportive environment where our patients can thrive and achieve lasting recovery.

Paolo T. Coppola, MD, FACEP, is an experienced physician who serves as the Medical Director for Victory Recovery Partners, which has locations in Farmingville, Shirley, and Massapequa, New York. Dr. Coppola is board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine.  He relies on his years of experience providing medication-assisted treatment to people experiencing substance use disorders.

Dr. Coppola simultaneously earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics at New York University and a Bachelor of Engineering at The Cooper Union in New York in 1990. He completed his medical degree at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. 

He then completed his residency in emergency medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, before beginning his career as an attending physician in the emergency department of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in East Patchogue, New York.

To better serve the diverse communities in New York City, Dr. Coppola is multilingual and speaks English and Italian fluently. He is board-certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine and board-certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

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.

Rachael Konigsberg is a graduate of Drexel University Physician Assistant Program in Philadelphia, PA. She is a board certified Physician Assistant by the NCCPA. She received her BA from Boston University and joined Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven in 2020.

Michael Rubalsky is a graduate of the Springfield College Physician Assistant Program, and is board certified as a Physician Assistant by the NCCPA. Michael is fluent in Russian and strives to provide care to patients in their native languages. He earned his Bachelor’s in health science at Springfield College, and joined Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven in 2020.