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I enjoy working with adults, teens, families, and groups. I approach clients from a psychodynamic perspective influenced by existential psychotherapy and family systems. I have a foundational training in DBT and, depending on the client’s needs, will teach concrete skills to strengthen emotion regulation, decrease anxious and depressive symptoms, increase resilience and distress tolerance, improve communication, and strengthen boundaries in relationships.

My style is collaborative and dynamic; I enjoy working together to understand what clients want from therapy, and how best to achieve their goals. I listen to/ observe carefully what is communicated during session, and I ask a lot of questions to encourage exploration and self-reflection. I balance concepts of self- acceptance and change, and aim to instill the belief that real change is possible and within the client's power.

I admire the courage it takes to come to therapy and consider it an honor to work with clients in their most vulnerable areas. I create a warm, collaborative, responsive, and safe environment in which clients can express whatever they want without fear of judgement.

I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with experience supporting children and adolescents through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and humanistic approaches to help individuals navigate trauma, emotional regulation, identity development, and life transitions while building resilience and healthy coping skills. I am committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and believe healing happens through connection, collaboration, and compassion, meeting each client where they are in their journey.

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. 

My name is Natalia and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) trauma therapist in New York. I specialize in working with survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence and individuals navigating recovery from substance use disorder/addiction. My personal connections to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community have fueled my ability and ambition to create an encouraging and empathetic healing space for my clients. During my course of study, I’ve expanded my clinical skills and completed training programs in multiple modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

To quote one of my favorite authors:

“If you are uncomfortable—in deep pain, angry, yearning, confused —you don’t have a problem, you have a life. Being human is not hard because you’re doing it wrong, it’s hard because you’re doing it right. You will never change the fact that being human is hard, so you must change your idea that it was ever supposed to be easy.” – Glennon Doyle

I work to create a safe therapeutic environment to support you in honoring your past, living in the present, and imagining a more empowered future. I'm motivated to work with you on any current or long standingchallenge you’re experiencing at a pace you're comfortable with. Life was never supposed to be easy, and I applaud you in taking this next step. I look forward to being on your team and a source of support for you through your journey.

I received a Masters in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work with an additional certification in trauma informed practice. I believe that relational trauma can be healed within the context of a therapeutic relationship. I have a background in Client-Centered Therapy which approaches an individual as being unique in their strengths and potential. I also take a psychoanalytic approach to help clients who are suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidality. I am passionate about treating individuals from varying communities and helping clients be the “cycle breakers'' of intergenerational trauma. I understand the long lasting impact of early adverse childhood experiences, and aim to help individuals find their own unique path toward healing.

 

 

 

Neil Altman, PhD, is a seasoned psychoanalytic psychotherapist at Harlem Family Services, located in the East Harlem community of Manhattan in New York City.

Dr. Altman has many years of experience in community-based work, in public clinics, and in private practice. He is currently co-chair of the section on Community Psychoanalysis of the American Psychoanalytic Association. He is a member of the faculty at the William Alanson White Institute in New York City and at the Massachusetts Institute for Psychoanalysis in Boston. He is an Honorary Member of the William Alanson White Society and Visiting Faculty at Ambedkar University of Delhi, India. 

Dr. Altman is Editor Emeritus and Associate Editor of Psychoanalytic Dialogues, and on the editorial staff of The Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy; The Journal of Child Psychotherapy; and The International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies. He is the author of "Psychoanalysis in Times of Accelerating Cultural Change: Spiritual Globalization" (2015), "The Analyst in the Inner City: Race, Class and Culture through a Psychoanalytic Lens" (2010), and "White Privilege: Psychoanalytic Perspectives" (2020). He is the co-author of "Relational Child Psychotherapy" (2002). Dr. Altman has published more than sixty articles in peer-reviewed journals.

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. 

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.

Dr. Jane Persaud is a licensed psychologist at NYC Psychiatric Associates, specializing in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for adults. She helps patients gain clarity around concerns such as ADHD, memory issues, and cognitive changes, using detailed testing to provide accurate diagnoses and clear next steps for treatment.

She takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach and works closely with the care team to ensure her evaluations directly inform personalized treatment plans, including medication management and other services within the practice.

Dr. Persaud completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Tennessee and also holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, along with a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University.

At Heimberg Neuropsychology, we specialize in providing comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessments for a wide range of conditions. Led by Dr. Brandon F. Heimberg, a UCLA-trained and licensed clinical psychologist, our practice is dedicated to delivering thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re dealing with traumatic brain injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, or psychiatric conditions, we are here to offer expert and compassionate care. Dr. Heimberg’s extensive neuropsychology training includes an APA Division-40 neuropsychology internship at the VA Illiana Health Care System, advanced clinical practica, and a two-year fellowship at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. He currently holds hospital privileges at the Motion Picture & Television Fund, ensuring the highest standards of care in neuropsychology.

Patricia believes humans have an innate capacity to grow despite the struggles of life. When partnered with a collaborative and attuned counselor, psychotherapy can expand this capacity for growth exponentially. With a warm and empathic presence, Patricia provides a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, deepen self-awareness, expand resources, and overcome barriers to desired goals.
Psychodynamic, attachment, and relational theory underpin her counseling philosophy. Drawing from a wide range of clinical approaches, Patricia integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with her extensive training in mind/body interventions such as Core Energetics and Psychodrama. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and provides clients in non-traditional and polyamorous relationships a sex-positive space to address their relationship concerns.
She obtained her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY Hunter College and holds an MFA in performance from the National Theatre Conservatory. Having spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Patricia understands the psychological and cultural stressors of the creative professional intimately.
Prior to joining Soho Center, she worked at the Greenwich House Methadone Clinic and Samaritan Daytop Village, providing individual and group counseling services to patients with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Patricia is a member of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).

To book an appointment with Patricia Dalen, please schedule under Anthony Freire, MA, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC's calendar.

* Please note that we will try our best to accommodate any therapist requests, in the event that we are unable to do so please know that all staff have extensive clinical training.

I offer therapy that is empathic, respectful, honest, and collaborative. My approach is evidence-based, drawing on methods that are proven to be effective and reliable, while always honoring you as an individual.

My practice takes into account the pervasive nature of trauma, and how it can interfere with your ability to cope with life’s challenges. We will work to carefully uncover the reasons behind any behaviors you wish to change, as well as how those behaviors may have served you throughout your life. Together, we will pay attention to your prior experiences, including family dynamics, while working on practical, realistic approaches to dealing with today.

I have found that people are more resilient than they think. I work to help you harness your strengths, find balance, and regain hope.

 Dana Tuqan is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice and a professional trainer. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from New York University.  

Dana's approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory, additionally tapping into motivational interviewing, CBT, and mindfulness-based theory. Dana offers individual and couples counseling, and has supported clients working towards healing and recovery from trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use and addiction, life transitions, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Additionally, she has extensive experience in the areas of dual diagnosis (addiction and mental illness), and multicultural issues, including immigration, assimilation, and displacement.

Dana has also worked extensively within community mental health. She provided clinical consultation and training to a large human services agency in areas including high-risk clients, dual diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. She provided supervision and individual / group psychotherapy to clients with severe and persistent mental illness, frequently with co-occurring substance use and incarceration histories.

Earlier in her career, Dana worked as an HR consultant and trainer. She specialized in performance management, enabling individuals and businesses to maximize their potential. 

Dana speaks English and Arabic, and has a strong working knowledge of Spanish. Dana maintains a commitment to social justice issues in all aspects of her work.

* Please note that we will try our best to accommodate any therapist requests, in the event that we are unable to do so please know that all staff have extensive clinical training.

I was born and raised in New York to first generation immigrant parents. I was able to see firsthand how the topic of mental illness has always been stigmatized within these vulnerable communities. I have entered the field as a mental health counselor to shatter the barriers to mental health care and end the stigma within these communities. I believe that growing up in an immigrant family can help me understand you as a person, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. My multicultural competency and ability to see different perspectives enables me to meet people of all different backgrounds where they are.

I incorporate a collaborative and psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy, where we work together to understand your concerns and remove the barriers that are preventing you from flourishing. My integrative, therapeutic approach is through a social justice-oriented lens, which helps me provide you with culturally competent treatment. I will be open and nonjudgmental to your experiences and help you create and live a life you find fulfilling. My greatest strength is the ability to empathize and listen to you as the client. We will get to the root of the issue, no matter how challenging it may feel. I will guide you through the barriers in your present, as well as past events that are still holding you back. I believe that our work together can help you understand what has led you to your current circumstances, as well as what changes are possible. I will help monitor your progress toward your goals.

I have received my Bachelor’s in Public Health at SUNY Old Westbury, and also went on to receive my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY Old Westbury. My master’s training has provided me with extensive experience helping those with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, adjustment and life transition issues, multicultural issues and other life situations. My previous experiences have encompassed populations that included the mentally disabled, college students, adolescents and domestic violence victims. I am fluent in English and Persian, with a working knowledge in Urdu.

To book an appointment with Noreen Mamoor, please schedule under Kelley Hershman, MA, LMHC, QMHP's calendar.

* Please note that we will try our best to accommodate any therapist requests, in the event that we are unable to do so please know that all staff have extensive clinical training. 

As a Civil War survivor from Liberia, I am keenly sensitive to human suffering and highly passionate with a sincere commitment to ameliorating problems in the lives of individuals so as to help them to maximize their full potential. My passion and devotion to working in the mental health field are driven by the axiom that one of the noblest things one can do with their life is to be of service to others. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in mental health hospitals, various social services agencies, community outreach, a mental health crisis hotline, and training the NYPD on mental health and suicide prevention.

Your new life is going to cost you your old one. Rooted in compassion and sincerity, my goal is to continuously challenge you in unlocking a more authentic, unapologetic version of yourself. Therapy can be daunting, especially when growth often means sacrificing comfort. However, when you sit in that chair across the room or on the other side of the screen from me, I am present, here-and-now, with your voice every step of the way.

My goal as a therapist is to prioritize your safety and well-being by fostering a supportive and comfortable environment in which you can freely express your thoughts and emotions. I aim to provide thoughtful guidance and practical resources that empower you to move toward a healthier and more fulfilled sense of self. Together, we will work to identify and overcome the obstacles that may be hindering your growth.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, multicultural frameworks, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to create a personalized and effective treatment experience.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baylor University, where I served as a Mental Health Peer Leader and as an Interfaith Fellow for Better Together. In 2022, I completed my master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling at New York University.

I work with individuals and people in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, with the aim of helping them understand themselves and live in a way that feels authentic. My approach is focused on getting to the core of what keeps you feeling stuck, often looking at how the past continues to influence the present. The work can be challenging at times; however, it creates space for clarity, growth, and meaningful change.

My practice is rooted in person-centered, psychodynamic, and narrative therapy. I aim to be direct and thoughtful, creating a space where you can confront difficult truths while feeling supported. In relationship therapy, I help partners reset expectations and roles, develop their unique communication style, and build trust, leading to reconnecting with intimacy.

I hold a MA in Mental Health Counseling from New York University. Having moved countries multiple times, I am familiar with the stress and challenges of adjusting to new people and places while also carrying the grief of leaving friends, family, and pets behind. These experiences also taught me that while people come from different backgrounds, we can still bond over similarities or by exploring our differences.

In addition to English, I can also hold sessions in Czech and Slovak.

Every person has a story to tell. And every person’s story is unique. Sometimes sharing your story can feel overwhelming, intimidating and frightening. As your therapist, Margaret Castaldo offers a warm, welcoming space in which you can freely and safely reveal your present as well as your past—and craft your continuing story for the future.
Together, she will help you explore your individual narrative, unique experiences, challenges, relationships, thoughts, feelings and behaviors, to unpack issues that cause you difficulty and distress. Whether you’re grappling with the challenge of finding meaning and purpose, work-life issues, parenting, stress, anxiety or relationships, she endeavors to provide a supportive, authentic environment for you to explore your deeper self and opportunities for growth and healing.
Her approach is predominately drawn from psychodynamic theory in which insight is found through extended exploration, a process that slowly unravels longstanding patterns, thoughts, feelings and behaviors that may impede self- growth and discovery. Additionally, she is inspired by and draws understanding from her former work in the corporate creative space, the writing arts, volunteer teaching, as well as parenting.
She completed a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness at New York University. She also hold a Master’s degree in English and American Literature from New York University and a B.A. with honors in Political Science and English from the University of California, Irvine.
* Please note that we will try our best to accommodate any therapist requests, in the event that we are unable to do so please know that all staff have extensive clinical training.