

Family challenges affect everyone differently. Headway's network of 2,401 providers across New York delivers personalized talk therapy and medication management for family-related concerns, with sessions as affordable as $0 through insurance.
Welcome,
My name is Dallana Contreras, LCSW. As a clinical social worker, my practice is grounded in a generalist framework that integrates the person-in-environment perspective with evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches. I have wide range of experience in school based supports, crisis teams, mental health outpatient and hospital settings.
I chose social work because I believe in the power of human connection and the ability of people to transform their lives when given support, respect, and opportunity.
Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) Specializes in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and evidence-based psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. Dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
I started my work with infants and young children, guided by a simple belief: when we understand the meaning behind behavior, everything in a family can begin to shift. I use play as a primary way to connect with children and understand their inner world. Through play, children express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have words for. By joining them in this space, I’m able to better understand their experiences and help them feel seen, supported, and safe.
My path to becoming a therapist began in children’s media, where I spent fifteen years project managing educational content. That experience shaped how I see children today—curious, expressive, and constantly communicating, even without words.
I went on to earn my Master’s degree from New York University, training at the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, where I deepened my understanding of how music and play can help children feel seen, regulated, and understood.
My clinical work has included early intervention, a specialized school for autistic children and young adults, and an elementary school supporting students with hearing loss and communication differences. Across these settings, I saw how powerful it is when a child is truly met where they are.
In 2023, I founded Sound Mind to create a more individualized, relationship-based practice—one where I can connect deeply and tailor my work to each child and family.
Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and direct. I aim to create a space where you feel understood and supported, while also gently challenged to grow. I believe therapy should feel collaborative, not judgmental, not passive, and not surface-level.


Headway makes it easier to find family-focused support — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right family therapist in New York starts with identifying what your family needs support with. Family therapists are licensed providers trained to work with multiple family members — whether that's parents and children, adult siblings, blended families, or multigenerational households. Common reasons families seek therapy include communication difficulties, conflict during life transitions, parenting concerns, and navigating the impact of a family member's mental health condition.
New York has thousands of licensed mental health providers, which can make narrowing your options feel like a project in itself. Consider what matters most — whether that's a provider experienced with your family's specific concerns, someone who offers both virtual and in-person sessions, or a therapist located in your borough or neighborhood. Reading a provider's bio before booking can give you a sense of their approach and whether they're a good match.
Family therapy in New York can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance information to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a family therapist who fits your family's needs and your budget.
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