Find a Top Psychologist Near Me in Hempstead, NY – Book an Appointment Instantly

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.

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.

As a Mental Health Counselor, I believe in supporting and empowering clients to focus on their many strengths and become the best version of themselves. My goal as a counselor is to cultivate a warm and safe environment that offers a space for growth and positive change. I utilize an integrative approach, using various techniques that encourage clients to discuss the many emotions and challenges they face in life.

I received a Bachelors's degree in Psychology and completed studies in Human Development at the University of Alabama. I went on to complete my Master's degree at CUNY Hunter College in Mental Health Counseling. My academic background has prepared me to work in a diverse population and with various concerns such as depression, anxiety grief, trauma, and other emotional issues. I believe that profound change lies within the client and I am here to listen, reflect, challenge and assist you through the process. I will encourage you to use your time in therapy to express yourself openly and freely, without judgment. In order to meet your current mental health needs, we will develop a treatment plan together that feels right for you. By developing an honest and trusting therapeutic relationship you will have the space to work on your current struggles and get to where you want to be.  I look forward to being a part of your journey!

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.

As a psychotherapist, my ultimate goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to grow as a person and develop skills that will improve their overall quality of life. Therapy isn’t a one size fits all practice. Therefore, I believe in building good rapport with my clients to properly assess their needs in order to determine an individualized treatment plan.

I received my graduate degree, a Master's of Science in Education and Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College. During my therapeutic internship, I worked at the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s Counseling Center, primarily working in the TRIO program. This program works closely with first-generation college students in order to provide additional academic, emotional and social support. I had the opportunity to engage a population whose cultures and backgrounds often stigmatize mental health. Therefore, it was a great passion of mine to inform the Counseling Center about the different cultural competency techniques and interventions I used that improved the effectiveness of counseling for this special client population.

My therapeutic work experience includes providing individual and group sessions to clients of varying backgrounds that are dealing with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, bi-polar disorder, mood disorders, substance abuse, loss & grief, self-esteem, family dynamic problems and stressors triggered by life changes and transitions. While my training is primarily in Psychodynamic Therapy, I bring a highly Strength-Based Intervention and Solution-Focused therapeutic modality to my work, along with some Cognitive Behavioral and Multicultural Therapy.

I’m dedicated to helping my clients on their journey to unpack and heal past wounds, improve their day-to-day functioning and create therapeutic goals to cultivate a better future. I look forward to working with you!

Anthony Preischel, PhD, LMHC-D, is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), specializing in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviors, pornography addiction, infidelity, and complex relationship dynamics.

Anthony’s work is designed for individuals and couples seeking a more focused, high-level approach to therapy—one that goes beyond insight alone and produces meaningful, lasting change. He is known for helping clients address patterns that feel difficult to control, particularly those related to sexuality, intimacy, and trust.

His approach is structured, direct, and highly individualized. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and advanced sex therapy frameworks, Anthony works collaboratively with clients to understand the deeper drivers of behavior while implementing clear, strategic interventions to shift them.

A significant focus of his practice is supporting clients in breaking cycles of compulsive pornography use and sexual behavior, as well as guiding couples through the process of rebuilding trust and restoring connection after betrayal. His work emphasizes discretion, depth, and results—creating a space where clients can engage in this process with both clarity and confidence.

Clients often seek out Anthony for his ability to balance depth with direction. Sessions are intentional and forward-moving, providing not only a deeper understanding of patterns but a clear path toward change.

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.

I received my Master’s from New York University’s Counseling and Mental Health Wellness program and my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Indiana University -Bloomington.   I have clinical experience with helping people from all backgrounds. I hope to use my life as a beacon of light to help those that experienced and endured traumatic experiences by finding meaning in their lives, self-determination, purpose, independence, and autonomy. I have an integrative approach to therapy to fit an individual's unique needs and implement existential therapy to uplift individuals. I worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relational issues, suicidal ideations, maladaptive behavioral patterns, and traumatic and emotionally painful life experiences. I also focus on utilizing trauma-informed modalities, somatic interventions, and mindfulness to help individuals process the past to safely and confidently live in the present.

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 therapeutic style balances working collaboratively with clients while allowing them the space and support to work through whatever they bring to the session. I use an empathetic approach to connect with clients to build a trusting relationship and foster an environment of safety, warmth, and understanding.

  I use an eclectic lens of psychotherapy and draw on techniques from multiple theories including CBT, psychodynamic, person-centered, and positive psychology. I also understand that every individual is unique and therefore I rely on each client’s strengths and attributes to cater to their needs during sessions.   I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various therapeutic settings. I provide psychotherapy services to clients of all ages and backgrounds and also conduct couples sessions. I work with clients attending therapy for an array of issues including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, relational issues, trauma, and stress. I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy if they give themselves permission to do so. Starting with a new therapist can feel daunting or uncomfortable and in recognizing that, I provide a space that allows the client to have autonomy over their own mental health journey.

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.

I firmly believe that each person holds the answers to their challenges, and through the collaborative process of therapy, people can become empowered to discover these answers and achieve their goals. In my practice, both the therapist and the client are actively engaged in the exploration of the client’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences within a non-judgmental and nurturing space. In this space, I strive to create an environment where you can feel comfortable and safe in expressing yourself and exploring your concerns.

  Respecting the uniqueness of each individual is at the core of my practice, and I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, such as Internal Family Systems, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relational therapies, I hope to empower clients to discover their own strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and create steps to reach their therapeutic goals. In session, you can expect encouragement toward self-reflection, self-compassion, and personal growth, while helping you become comfortable living in life’s “gray areas.”   I completed my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling at Rutgers University. I received my undergraduate psychology degree from Boston University, where I focused on women, gender, queer and sexuality studies, rendering me sensitive to the needs and issues affecting members of the LGBTQIA+ and other diverse communities. I look forward to meeting you and helping you heal, grow, and thrive; ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

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.

Taking the steps toward mental wellness can be a daunting process, but I would love to work with you to achieve your treatment goals. I aim to create a warm and safe therapeutic environment where my clients can feel comfortable exploring their deepest thoughts and vulnerabilities. I have experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment issues, substance abuse, trauma, disordered eating, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Through the creation of a strong therapeutic relationship, we will work together to understand the thoughts and feelings that guide your actions and shape your self-concept.

Before joining The Soho Center, I obtained a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Psychology in Washington, DC. I worked at The Howard University Counseling Service where I received training in Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, multiculturalism, and psychopharmacology.

To book an appointment with Laura Scuderi, MHC-LP, 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.

I work with adults, couples, and families navigating a complex history of trauma, identity, and relational wounds, offering a space where embodiment, creativity, curiosity, and lasting transformation unfold with presence and care. I honor the resilience of the human spirit and invite a deep, relational journey of healing. This isn’t surface work—it’s an invitation to explore the layered stories you carry and gently welcome parts that have been hidden, silenced, or exiled.

  Within a safe, empathetic space, vulnerability becomes a portal to deeper understanding and lasting change. I collaborate with you to untangle old patterns, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and build a grounded &compassionate relationship with yourself and others using a blend of Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing and Psychodynamic Interventions.I hold deep respect for the many layers that shape who we are. It takes courage to begin or restart, especially when we’ve had to hold so much for so long. In our work, you’ll be met with care, curiosity, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. You don’t need to arrive with answers—just show up as you are. When you’re ready, I’m here.   I hold a Master's in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU with a certification in LGBTQ studies. I am also a certified yoga instructor with over a decade of experience as an inclusive educator. My work is grounded in cultural humility, nervous system awareness, and a deep respect for the body-mind connection in healing.