Book a therapist or psychiatrist in West Islip, NY covered by Aetna

My work involves helping you to find what is missing and how we can work together to get what you need.

Lauren Zavier, LCSW, focuses her practice on helping people develop practical ways to change behaviors and live the life they want. Lauren believes that every goal takes work and that there are no shortcuts. Lauren helps others to learn to face the unknown with strength and curiosity.

In my twenties, I studied philosophy and English literature. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked for 15 years in magazine journalism.

I worked for 6 years in hospice care, first as an interfaith chaplain and then as a bereavement counselor.

I enjoy nature and the arts: music, poetry and painting. I practice Tibetan Buddhism.

I've been married for 30 years and have two adult daughters.

I incorporate emerging evidence-based treatments that support neuro-plasticity and expanded awareness.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.

To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.

Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.

Hi, I’m Amanda Sifonte, LCSW. I work with teens, adults, and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, stress, chronic health conditions, grief, and life transitions. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. Using a collaborative and individualized approach, I tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals, helping you build practical skills, gain insight, and move toward lasting growth and well-being.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York. I earned a both my BA in Psychology and my MA in Mental Health Counseling at Adelphi University. I currently serve the community as a Director of Behavioral Health in a major health system. I have worked with a wide variety of populations across multiple settings including higher education, hospital and private practice. I have been fortunate in my career to serve many specialized populations including neurodivergence, severe and persistent acute mental illness, caregivers, geriatrics, and perinatal clients. I also enjoy working with couples. I do not believe in a one size fits all model. I believe that each individual is unique and use a collaborative approach to counseling to ensure my clients needs are met. I am humbled to be invited to be a part of your therapeutic journey and look forward to sharing in this process together!

I am open minded and warm. Easy to talk to. And I have been doing this for over 15 years.

I genuinely enjoy my work as a psychologist, and feel honored and privileged to be able to help people on their journey toward health, happiness and well-being. I strive to being a good listener, compassionate, respectful and nonjudgmental. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with 23 years experience in private practice during which I saw a great diversity of clientele, each owning a variety of mental health issues. I have specialties in substance use issues, mood and anxiety disorders, sport psychology, as well as grief and life transitions. I work with teens and adults of all ages, and I have a special place in my heart for folks who have served our country in the military and for senior citizens.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, teens, young adults navigating life transitions, adults, couples, and families of all backgrounds. I am passionate about helping individuals and families move toward the lives they want to build, and I especially enjoy working with children - teaching skills and laying a strong foundation they can rely on when challenges arise.

I obtained my Master's Degree from Canisus University in 2013 and have been working with diverse populations.

My focus is working with people who may be feeling overwhelmed, worried, depressed, or struggling to manage daily stress. Much of my experience and training is focused on women and families experiencing mood challenges when having a baby (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders), infertility, and adjusting to the many changes during this time. Also, I have much experience working with pre-teens and adolescents who may be struggling emotionally and/or behaviorally.