Find a therapist in Valley Stream, NY — covered by insurance

Hello, I’m Sydney Lerner, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York. I offer therapy in Midtown Manhattan and virtually across the state. I work with teens and young adults navigating OCD, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and family dynamics. My approach is relational and psychodynamic, exploring how past and present relationships shape emotions and patterns. For clients who have completed OCD treatment in the past, I also integrate ERP knowledge to support long-term growth. I earned my BA from Johns Hopkins, my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern, and completed a year-long psychodynamic training at the National Institute of the Psychotherapies.

If this is your first time seeking therapy, or if you have been in therapy before you are welcome here.

I have years of clinical experience specializing in Trauma, Relationship Issues, as well as individuals with ADD/ADHD and individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. In addition to having a master's degree in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute, I have postgraduate training in Psychodynamic-Psychoanalytical Therapy, working with children and teens. Dance/Movement Therapy, and Drs. John and Julie Gottman Method. I have years of experience utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I’m a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and drama therapist who works with women and young adults navigating anxiety, eating disorder recovery, substance use, and life transitions.

I have experience in inpatient rehab and use a harm reduction, nonjudgmental approach. My work combines talk therapy with creative techniques when helpful—though there’s no pressure to be “artistic.”

Melissa specializes in working with people from many walks of life -from those that are just looking to become more aware of their internal patterns to those with specific goals. She has experience working in high stress environments, with clients who have issues related to mental health, substance use, trauma, and more. She is also passionate about helping those who are interested in cultivating leadership skills, managing the stress of challenging work environments, supervising staff and employee burnout prevention.

I have extensive experience working with people of all ages in the creative fields, young adults lost at a crossroad in their life.

I have been in private practice for 20 years and am passionate about my work. Individuals, couples and families often come to me during life transitions hoping to form new and healthier patterns. They often describe feeling stuck, unmotivated, anxious or depressed and revert to unsuccessful habits. Parents often feel drained and overwhelmed. They want tools to reduce conflict and to feel closer to there children pr partner. I will create a space where we can safely explore your thoughts, overcome obstacles and build a more fulfilling life. My work with you will be interactive, compassionate and goal oriented. Whether you have come here to seek relief from pain, guidance with a partner, help building self esteem, or just want more meaning in your life, therapy can help. I commend you on taking this step to emotional health.

As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, I am a firm believer in the importance of taking care of your mental health. I have worked with individuals, families, and groups of all ages, supporting clients through concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions.

Mario's experience in concert dance, movement healing, Neurosomatic Intelligence, catholic upbringing and curanderismo, makes Mario an ideal therapist for people looking to strengthen their relationship between Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Mario has worked with performing artists, adolescents, couples, immigrant families, older adults and QTBIPOC, in English, Spanish & Spanglish, addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and trauma. Mario's approach is pluralistic, body-centered and spiritually-sensitive.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, thoughtful, and non-judgmental presence. I work collaboratively and at a reflective pace, creating a space where you can explore emotions and creativity without pressure to perform or “get it right.” Music is always an invitation, not a requirement. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and more connected to yourself.