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Ernest P. Smith, LCSW-R, is a seasoned psychoanalyst with over 45 years of experience in mental health, criminal justice, education, and adolescent development. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and is a graduate of the prestigious Training Institute of the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis.

Mr. Smith specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders, offering both short- and long-term therapeutic approaches for individuals, couples, and families. Utilizing techniques such as free association, interpretation, and clarification, he facilitates meaningful personality change and emotional growth.

In addition to his private practice, Mr. Smith serves as Clinical Consultant and Clinical Director at the Harlem Family Institute in New York City. In this role, he supervises candidates in psychoanalytic training, provides technical assistance to the administration, and ensures that the needs of the community remain central to the Institute’s mission.

Mr. Smith is particularly sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues and has a comprehensive understanding of multicultural concerns, ensuring his practice is inclusive and affirming. He is a member of the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis and has contributed to the field through clinical supervision and mentoring of professionals in training.

A licensed clinical social worker in New York State, Mr. Smith is committed to providing compassionate and insightful care tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Louis Pansulla, has over 35 years of experience providing clinical, community-based, and academic experience, working principally with LGBTQI+, BIPOC, and other ‘marginalized’ communities.

Louis is on the core faculty in the doctoral program at the Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) in Chicago and also teaches in the analytical programs at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) in New York, where he served as clinic director.

He has presented at both national and international conferences, with particular focus on Relational theories, psychoanalysis, sexuality and gender, and ‘othering’. Louis maintains a full-time private practice and clinical supervision in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To schedule an appointment with Louis or another member of the team at Harlem Family Services, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

Justin is a master’s-level, licensed associate therapist who provides individual counseling to teenagers, young adults, and adults, as well as couples counseling for adult couples. He earned his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University and is currently working toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

He is passionate about helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions, and choices. Whether someone is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin, Justin offers a trauma-informed, safe, supportive space to explore and grow, at the client’s pace and on their terms. In couples counseling, he works collaboratively with partners to improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate conflict, and better understand the patterns that keep them feeling disconnected from one another.

His approach is person-centered, practical, and rooted in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He has received direct training from the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and additional training through the Gottman Institute for couples counseling, which continue to inform his work with both individuals and couples.

Before becoming a therapist, Justin worked as a behavior technician, supporting young adults and families in their homes. That experience taught him the importance of meeting people where they are, both literally and emotionally. Today, he brings that same mindset into his therapy practice by blending structured therapeutic techniques with an interactive, conversational, and down-to-earth style. He often incorporates humor, hands-on activities, real-life examples, and, most importantly, collaboration with his clients to keep the process approachable and produce meaningful results.

Education

• Holy Family University – M.S. in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Fordham University – B.S. in Psychology

Training

• The Beck Institute's CBT In-Practice Course
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1

Kasey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. Using a humanistic, person-centered, strengths-based approach, she has worked with individuals to support the development of deeper self-understanding and the skills needed to navigate their lived experiences. She utilizes an eclectic modality in her work, drawing from treatment approaches including Psychodynamic, Relational, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Having worked in a variety of settings, Kasey has profound respect for the challenges that life can present and truly believes in the therapeutic process as a means of meeting such challenges with compassion, integrity, and courage.

Kasey offers a warm, nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, identity, and relationships; process experiences and interpersonal/intrapersonal conflict; and continue along their unique path toward living a fulfilling, authentic life. She is LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming and welcomes people from all backgrounds to take their next step in healing and self-discovery.

Education

• - MS.Ed - Long Island University, Brooklyn NY
• - BA - Deakin University, Melbourne Australia

Languages: English

Dana is a master’s-level therapist focused on creating a warm, safe environment for vulnerable conversations. Her approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and humor.

She offers individual and couples therapy, specializing in neurodiversity, anxiety, and trauma. Dana is an LGBTQIA+ affirming clinician with specialized training and experience supporting the queer community. She also provides integration therapy for KAP and Spravato. Dana infuses trauma-informed practices throughout her modality, centering the client’s unique perspective to cultivate a safe, respectful environment.

 

Education

• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University

Training

• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Integration therapy for KAP and Spravato
• Gender-Affirming & Queer-Informed Care

 

Dr. Christine Ziegler is the Founder and Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Cognitive Therapy (HVCCT), a specialty psychology practice established in 2001 in Nyack, New York. HVCCT specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), providing evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. The center is composed of doctoral-level psychologists who help individuals address anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, phobias, depression, ADHD, autism, insomnia, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. Our psychologists use scientifically supported approaches, including CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). We also provide parent training, couples therapy, and support for individuals coping with chronic health conditions. Dr. Ziegler has been providing psychological services since 1998 and received advanced training at the Center for Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, a distinction recognizing advanced expertise in CBT. HVCCT offers in-person appointments in Nyack, New York, as well as telehealth services. Our goal is to help patients develop practical skills, overcome challenges, and achieve lasting change. Located in Rockland County, HVCCT serves individuals and families throughout Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and Orange counties. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available, with telehealth services offered in multiple states. Our mission is to provide compassionate, individualized, evidence-based care that helps patients overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.