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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. 

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.

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.

Dr. Vivian Song is a licensed psychologist who earned her degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Jewish Child Care Association Foster Home Services, working with children, adolescents, and young adults who presented with complex trauma.

Dr. Song also completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Brooklyn Learning Center, where the focus was on neuropsychological testing and treatment of people who presented with attention, executive functioning and learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and depression.

After formal training, Dr. Song developed neuropsychological testing services at a clinical practice serving people struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Song utilizes DBT and other evidence-based interventions, as well as draws from her neuropsychological testing experience to work with people to better understand their strengths and challenges and help them navigate interpersonal relationships and general life areas.

She brings a balance of curiosity, warmth, and humor to cultivate a collaborative environment.

Dr. Tova Lane is a licensed psychologist specializing in comprehensive psychological evaluations across the lifespan. She helps patients gain clarity around concerns such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive changes, using standardized testing and clinical expertise to arrive at accurate diagnoses and concrete next steps.

Dr. Lane takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, integrating evaluation findings directly into actionable recommendations for patients and treatment providers. She is trained in multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, and Schema Therapy.

Dr. Lane holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology with a Community concentration from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University (APA accredited), and is licensed in New York and several other states.

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.

Throughout life people develop a variety of assumptions, strategies, and behaviors in order to protect themselves and cope with the world around them. Over time, however, we face challenges and circumstances when the ways that we have learned to react and process are no longer effective. I believe that therapy is an opportunity to understand ourselves and the context in which these patterns developed which enables us to make deliberate choices about how we see ourselves and relate to others. By exploring and developing this awareness, clients are able to understand their own agency in their lives and work toward their personal goals I use a variety of relational and cognitive behavioral interventions to help clients identify patterns of behavior and assumptions and how those patterns fit into the lives that they want to be leading. I work with clients to create a safe environment to explore one's authentic motivations without judgment or rejection.

Everyone experiences, overwhelming stress, disturbing emotions and behaviors and of course conflict in their relationships. Therapy provides a safe space to address these concerns and look for ways to explore the nature and origin of these issues and find a way to help you understand and make changes.

Compassionate, caring, sensitive, inquisitive and empathetic listening is key to helping you find the answers to navigate through this path. Shealagh believes that every client has the ability and knowledge to find their own answers and existing strengths, that will allow them to improve how they feel about themselves, how they feel in their relationships as well in their wider social life and at work.

She received undergraduate and graduate degrees in clinical and neuropsychology from Oxford University in the UK and further training in therapy and counselling in New York at Columbia and Long Island University. Currently she is a Senior Psychotherapist and Clinical Consultant at the Soho Center.

She has extensive experience in helping her clients of all ages work through issues of anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Having worked for many years with children and families in crisis, she would also be available to work with couples and families experiencing difficulties in their relationships. She can help with parenting issues and work with pregnant or adoptive families, new parents and families struggling with children with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

She has also worked extensively in hospital and medical settings and would be available to do grief and bereavement work for anyone dealing with current illness themselves or in their family, as well as anyone struggling with the traumatic experiences of loss and death.

The therapeutic rapport built by careful and empathetic listening will allow you to build a relationship with your therapist and create a safe place that will allow for change in areas that are holding you back and acceptance of who you are. Her orientation is psychodynamic, and she will also use elements from CBT, Person- Centered and family system approaches.

Ultimately, she is a positive and optimistic person, who believes with the right support and the willingness to put in the hard work a more balanced and satisfying life can be achieved and she would like to help you find your place of acceptance- who you are- and comfort, success and positivity at whatever stage in life. At the Soho Center there is a whole team behind each therapist, so you are getting the benefit of a whole team supporting the person you are working with on your journey.

Common struggles like anxiety, low self-esteem, and bad habits inhibit our personal growth and development. I am passionate about addressing those struggles and guiding individuals to function at their optimal abilities. I utilize my warm therapeutic approach to establish an alliance full of empathy and free of judgment. By promoting a safe space to openly explore challenges, we can create a natural, lasting change.

All life paths vary, as do treatment plans. Based on my professional assessment and your goals, I create an individualized approach suited for each client. My fundamental approach is person centered therapy, which highlights the inbuilt proclivity toward growth and fulfillment of each individual. In addition, I utilize techniques from various other approaches including psychodynamic psychotherapy, and mind-body approaches. I work with people who are seeking help with familial or relational conflicts, trauma, work/life balance, and anxiety. I was born in Ukraine, speak Russian, and incorporate multicultural awareness to my therapeutic work.

I hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University. I have experience working at various private practice locations and provided therapy to individuals who were incarcerated at the Riverhead Correctional Facility.  I am trained in hypnotherapy and emotional intelligence work. I also balance my clinical work with creative outlets such as jewelry making and painting, and value the natural therapeutic elements offered through nature immersion and travel. 

It is oftentimes difficult to see past our problems and easier to assign blame to ourselves. I recognize that there are many factors that can inhibit us from expressing our best selves; our immediate environments, childhood history, learned behaviors, etc., all have an imprint on our current state of being. I can help you identify what outlook you want, and assist you in becoming that person through humanistic and evidence-based work. 

To book an appointment with Vlada Levit, LMHC, 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.

There are things in our lives that we have control over and other things in our lives that we do not control. Therapy offers the opportunity for us to change and find ways to cope with the things we cannot control. My approach in therapy is to do my best to understand who you are as an individual and help you recognize that you are the expert of your life. I will provide insight and structure to your feelings and experiences to help identify how you want to grow and we can collaboratively move toward that goal. My therapeutic process starts with a person-centered approach to build comfort and openness and integrates techniques and theories from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and other approaches. 

I have training and experience with working with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures and understand the importance of not having your experiences feel dismissed. Whether your presenting concern is related to depression, anxiety, phobias, body image, relationship issues, trauma, or everyday stressors, we can work to identify the source of those feelings and create a plan for growth.

I completed my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at The City College of New York. I also have a master’s degree in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BS in Applied Psychology from New York University. I have worked with the Administration for Children’s Services and helped children, adolescents, and adults from many backgrounds navigate crisis situations, abuse, and family issues. I have also worked at a college counseling center, in individual and group formats, to help people navigate various life adjustments, balancing expectations, and struggles with identity.

Life has a poetic way of changing us. There are moments in our lives when the world we knew no longer feels the same. A relationship ends. We lose someone we loved deeply. Anxiety makes it difficult to trust ourselves. We feel stuck, lost, burdened by expectations, or fearful of the future. Sometimes nothing dramatic has happened at all, yet we find ourselves wondering, “Who am I?” “Is this the life I want?” or “Am I making the right decisions?”

Although our paths in life may be different, they have crossed in this moment. I understand what it means to have life change around you and to make sense of who you are afterward. I survived the Liberian Civil War as a child, an experience that left an indelible impact on my life and shaped my understanding of perseverance, uncertainty, loss, resilience, and our human need to feel safe, seen, wanted, and connected. It taught me that survival is not limited to extraordinary circumstances. Sometimes we survive emotionally by shutting down, overthinking, people pleasing, avoiding or suppressing difficult feelings, or repeating familiar behavioral patterns.

But consequently, we come to therapy in search of something deeply human and essential to a fulfilling life. We want to feel chosen, seen, understood, valued, and connected. We want to know that we matter and that we are worthy. We want to live authentically without fearing rejection or abandonment and feel connected to someone, something, or somewhere that gives our lives meaning and purpose.

That understanding is at the heart of my work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, suicidal thoughts, self doubt, and life transitions. My approach is integrative and influenced by trauma informed care, existential therapy, mindfulness, somatic interventions, attachment-based therapy, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Together, we explore what has shaped you, what may be keeping you stuck, and who you want to become. Together, we can create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported.

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. 

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.

You may feel as though the past still shapes your reactions, even when you want to respond differently. Perhaps you find yourself shutting down, feeling on edge, or questioning your own strength when daily life becomes overwhelming. My work focuses on helping you understand these responses and build more choices in how you move forward.

As Associate Director and Senior Psychotherapist at The Soho Center, I bring a core belief to both my clinical work and my leadership: therapy should help people understand themselves without reducing them to their struggles. In our conversations, there is room to say what feels difficult, question long-held beliefs, and talk about experiences you may have learned to minimize. We will work at a pace that allows for honest reflection without pressure to share before you are ready.

My approach centers on collaborative talk therapy. Together, we will explore how past experiences and present challenges shape your feelings, relationships, and ways of coping. Some responses that once helped you get through difficult situations may now leave you feeling stuck. Understanding their purpose can help us identify what still supports you and what you want to change. Alongside that deeper work, we will develop practical coping tools you can use in everyday life.

I pay close attention to how difficult experiences can show up emotionally and physically, including moments when you feel tense, overwhelmed, or disconnected. We will also explore how family expectations, ethnic identity, and cultural values influence your choices —making room for what you want to honor and what you may need to reconsider. My aim is to help you recognize your strengths, respond to challenges with greater self-trust, and make choices that reflect what matters to you.

Education: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, Hofstra University; Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, New York University.

License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), New York.

Leadership: Associate Director and Senior Psychotherapist, The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling