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Meet Dr. Firshein

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Dr. Firshein has treated over 25,000 patients who have often experienced life-saving as well as life-enhancing results while receiving the most intensive, state-of-the-art, and personalized treatment available. At the Firshein center, he uses cutting-edge, DNA-based, diagnostic, nutritional, gut biome, and allergy based testing to create customized longevity and anti-aging protocols for his patients. As the best-selling author of the groundbreaking book The Nutraceutical Revolution, Dr. Firshein was the first physician to recommend a precision-based Nutraceutical approach for treating patients by utilizing a customized vitamin supplements and an individualized dietary approach. Known specifically for his detailed consideration of each patient’s medical history and markers’ for chronic conditions, he has developed a reputation for a uniquely compassionate, and effective form of medical care. He treats a wide variety of chronic issues, including asthma and allergies, chronic lyme, chronic pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, menopause and cancer utilizing therapies which he says are the best of both worlds. Early on in Dr Firshein's career he advocated for a variety of cutting edge therapeutics which were considered avant grade at the time including IV Therapy, food allergy desensitization drops and bio-identical hormones.

Dr Richard Firshein is the author of the best-selling books the Vitamin Prescription for Life, Reversing Asthma and Your Asthma Free Child. In addition to being an Osteopathic Physician, Dr. Firshein is  also a Certified Medical acupuncturist trained at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), incorporating both Eastern and Western modalities into his therapeutic regimen. Dr Firshein has helped other doctors come up through the ranks by serving as assistant professor of Family Medicine at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and as director of residency training in Family Medicine and director of medical education at Brookdale and St. Claire's Hospital in New York City.   

In addition to his professional/medical experience, Dr. Firshein belongs to numerous medical organizations, such as The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, the American Board of Forensic Medicine, the New York County Medical Society, the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Association. 

Dr. Firshein’s innovative approach to holistic treatment methods and his considerable experience have garnered him numerous awards, such as Castle Connelly's “Top Doctor” and The Vitals “Most Compassionate Doctor” Award,  and was also recognized as one of "The Leading Physicians of the World" as well as a  Healthgrades Honor Roll physician.  His groundbreaking approach to medicine has made him a consistently sought-after medical expert on numerous television programs, including CNN, FOX News, CNBC, HLN, Good Day New York, WPIX Morning Show, CBS Morning News, and The Food Network. Dr. Firshein also hosted his own  highly successful radio show, House Calls, for over 10 years. He has traveled the world and spoken at numerous prestigious medical conferences educating physicians, pharmacists and the lay public.

As a contributing editor for Psychology Today, Dr. Firshein explored the connection between mind, body, and nutrition. He has been prominently featured in numerous popular magazines including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, People, Self, Good Housekeeping, Men's Health, and Bottomline Health. His precision-based approach was featured in Town and Country magazine, which highlighted his work and research on the role of precision-based medical treatments, allergies, and diet. On the professional side, his clinical approach to health has been featured in the international medical journal Biomed where he authored numerous articles for an International physician based audience looking to incorporate advanced medical therapeutics.

Irene Diakogeorgios is a licensed registered pharmacist. Upon receiving her degree from Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn  in 1991 Irene services the Astoria/Long Island City community for over thirty years. Through a personalized approach and strong community ties with physicians and other health care providers, Irene continues to educate patients on their well being with courtesy, kindness, and respect.

Irene is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer specializing in weight loss, injury prevention, corrective exercise, and glute development. With passion for promoting population health, Irene earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California where she contributed to government-funded weight loss programs for adolescents and adults with obesity. These experiences reinforced her belief that nutrition and exercise are the best preventive “medicine” for chronic diseases and overall well-being. To deepen her expertise in holistic health approach, Irene pursued a Master of Science in Nutritional Science and Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Since 2021, Irene has worked with over 100 clients, helping them achieve sustainable results in weight loss, muscle gain, and overall wellness. Irene’s approach focuses on empowering individuals to build lifelong healthy habits, unlocking their inner strength, and maximizing their potential. Passionate about preventative care, she believes nutrition and exercise are the foundation of good health and strives to create personalized, science-based plans for every client she works with.

Dr. Raymond Zakhari is a triple board-certified nurse practitioner, certified in Adult Adolescent Health, Family Health, and Psychiatric Mental Health. He provides comprehensive care of both the mind and body.

He is on staff at New York-Presbyterian Hospital at Weill Cornell Medical Center/ Payne Whitney Clinic appointed to the department of internal medicine. In his private practice, Metro Medical Direct, he provides medical and psychiatric house calls for patients from adolescents to geriatrics with dual diagnosis addiction and mental illness. He provides medical supervision for home detox and provides medication-assisted therapy with Suboxone, naltrexone, and Vivitrol.

His extensive training and experience allow him to manage the medical conditions that may have developed from substance abuse.

Aaron Sternlicht is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Family Addiction Specialist, a boutique, private practice in New York City catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. As COO, Aaron oversees a highly dedicated team to ensure discreet, personalized, and exceptional care, managing all aspects of operations from admissions and scheduling to billing and health information management. In his role as CFO, he directs payor relations and financial strategy, ensuring the firm maintains the highest standards of service and patient outcomes.

Aaron’s career uniquely blends clinical expertise with business acumen. He has extensive experience in outpatient and inpatient mental health and addiction treatment, paired with a sophisticated understanding of investments and business management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from the University of Vermont and a master’s in mental health counseling from Pace University. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, and with personal recovery experience, Aaron provides a deeply informed, pragmatic, and patient-centered approach to care.

Specializing in mental health, substance use, and digital addiction, Aaron guides clients toward sustainable, transformative recovery with discretion and warmth. He is widely recognized for his insights into digital addiction and has been featured in various in various media outlets including The Washington Post, Forbes, Fox News, and The New York Post. He contributes regularly to WebMD and serves on the Medical Review Board of Insider, using his expertise to advance awareness and education on addiction.

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!

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. 

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. 

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a wealth of understanding and compassion to my role as a licensed social worker. I've had the privilege of working with clients of all ages and genders. My approach is deeply rooted in person-centered, humanistic, and holistic philosophies, enabling me to meet each individual's unique needs and circumstances. I firmly believe that mental health is integral to everyone's wellbeing, and I'm committed to providing comprehensive support to guide each client on their journey towards improved mental health. It's my honor to walk with you in this transformative process and facilitate your personal growth. 

Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or managing the transition of major life changes, the road toward personal growth looks different for everyone. I aim to create a warm environment that is safe for self-exploration, curiosity, and healing, to help clients gain insight and harness their own strengths to improve the quality of their lives. My style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and interactive, and I am a culturally inclusive, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and LGBTQ+-affirming therapist. My approach to therapy is customized to the unique needs of each client, based in psychodynamic, relational, trauma-informed training. I received my MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and my BA from New York University.