Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Merrick, NY covered by Aetna

I utilize a multi-theoretical basis for all my clients. For my practice, trust, warmth and communication are the foundations of a good therapeutic relationship. I have a specialty in child/adolescent/family issues. However, I see many young adults who have issues feeling at ease and confident in their relationships and workplace. I endeavor to lift my clients out of the dark place that may be weighing them down to finding the solutions that will enable them to live freely.

I am a psychiatrist with years of further training and experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I treat a wide array of issues, ranging from anxiety, depression, grief, problems in intimate relationships, and chronic dissatisfaction to a general sense of malaise. I also work with patients who are experiencing confusion about their feelings and an inability to make important decisions, and who thereby feel stuck and unable to move forward. In addition, I help patients going through a crisis or a life transition that may lead to an increased burden of demands requiring change.

I work with patients to help them recount and revisit their life's story and create a new narrative that works better for them. In that spirit, I don't give overt advice, instructions, or quick solutions, but instead encourage them to arrive at their own solutions after carefully exploring the roots of their current problems.

I have a judicious approach to prescribing medications when warranted to support the work of therapy.

I am an experienced Mental Health Counselor with an international background in clinical psychology and research. I am deeply committed to provide help during difficult phases of a person's life journey. I specialize in working with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, identity crisis, and bereavement. I am also experienced in working with couples and the specific challenges they encounter in their relationship.

I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for self-exploration, discovery, and healing. By utilizing unconditional positive acceptance, my goal is to help clients add to their social and emotional knowledge so they can navigate through difficulties in ways that foster self-esteem, well-being, and growth.

As a licensed psychologist, I help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges through a collaborative and evidence-based approach. Using a culturally responsive cognitive behavior therapy framework, I create a safe space for self-exploration and making meaningful change. Working together, my clients have reported improved mood, relationships, and self-image. I have helped clients change unhelpful habits, adjust to life transitions, and reach their goals.

Hi there and welcome!

My priority is supporting clients on their journeys towards personal healing & growth.

In 2010, I received my MSW/LMSW. While doing outpatient clinical work at the NYC non-profit agency JBFCS, I became an LCSW. In 2016, I began to establish my private psychotherapy practice, focusing on young and professional adults presenting with a broad variety of life challenges.

I’m a formerly harsh self-critic and PhD psychologist with 30+ years of experience. I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem or relationship problems, I’m here to help.

Through therapy, you'll learn to stop judging yourself so harshly, let go of guilt, shame and blame, and treat yourself with the same kindness you show others. I help you believe in yourself and take action, even when you’re feeling anxious.

I love counseling – both giving and receiving. For over 40 years, I have helped adoptive families utilizing my law and counseling degrees.

The counseling aspect spans a wide range of populations, including tweens, seniors, singles, couples, and multiple family members.

I met my wife at graduate school while working on my Master’s in Social Work, and we have since adopted three children.

Welcome!

Mental well-being is a top priority because it is the key that opens the door to a happy, healthy, and stable life. Life can be full of unpredictable circumstances and events that leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed, anxious, or depressed. Experiencing one, or all, of these starts to negatively impact critical areas such as sleep, work, self-motivation, personal relationships, or lead us to start engage in unhealthy outlets. It also makes us feel all alone and emotionally trapped. Reaching out for help can initially feel uneasy and it is a difficult task, but be proud of yourself that you are taking that first step! I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with clients aged 13 to 75 with a main focus on working for you, your needs, and how to achieve your goals to live a happy, healthy, and stable life. Specialty areas include anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, relationships, couples/marital counseling, sexual issues, employees of law enforcement agencies, and forensic based testing.

Healing and growth can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling the weight of past experiences or facing challenges in your relationship, we offer a warm, welcoming space for relational psychotherapy where you can be honest about what you’re carrying and feel fully supported. Our work is grounded in relational and attachment-focused therapy with attention to somatic awareness.

We focus on what matters most—the moments that spark insight, the conversations that feel necessary but tough, and the steps that help you move forward. Together, we will process what has been difficult, nurture your connection with yourself, and deepen your bond with the people who matter most.

I’m Dr. Joseph Yanni, a licensed psychologist who works with teenagers, college students, young adults, adults, parents, and families navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, school and college stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I earned my Psy.D. in School Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and continue to work as a school psychologist, supporting students with emotional disabilities in a specialized educational setting. This experience has given me a practical understanding of how emotional, academic, social, family, and developmental concerns often overlap.

I use a collaborative, practical, and integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic and person-centered therapy, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle-based interventions. I believe therapy should be individualized rather than following a one-size-fits-all model. Together, we work to better understand what is contributing to the concern, build practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop realistic strategies that create meaningful change.

I work especially well with teenagers, college students, young adults, and parents navigating the transition from adolescence into adulthood, while also supporting adults and families facing anxiety, relationship concerns, and other important life challenges. I provide in-person therapy in Scarsdale and Pleasantville, along with virtual therapy throughout New York State.