Find a Therapist

Joyce Rita Johnson is a dedicated and compassionate counselor with over seventeen years of clinical experience in mental health. She understands that everyone strives for happiness and the fulfilling life they envision, yet obstacles such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and childhood sexual trauma can hinder this journey. Joyce’s approach emphasizes the importance of feeling whole in relationships—whether personal, professional, or familial. She is skilled in implementing coping skills and developing personalized wellness plans to guide individuals toward a healthier existence. Through her extensive experience with issues like domestic violence, vocational challenges, and problem relationships, Joyce facilitates growth and maturity, helping clients understand that life's complexities are often more nuanced than they initially appear. With the right guidance and support from her, individuals can reclaim their happiness, build healthy relationships, and confront life's challenges with confidence. Taking that first step toward becoming a whole and happy self is a journey worth starting.

Ilana Rosenberg is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW) who creates a safe and supportive environment for her clients to grow and explore. She believes that therapy is a unique opportunity to challenge beliefs that shape lives. With her guidance, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, using that awareness to fuel a more meaningful life. Ilana honors the distinct life experiences of each person she works with, adopting a strength-based perspective that addresses issues like depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts. Her expertise extends to supporting those living with illness, as well as providing pre and post-natal guidance. Ilana’s collaborative and results-driven approach combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy. For those feeling stuck, lost, or limited, working with Ilana offers a roadmap to achieving personal growth and fulfillment. She is dedicated to helping motivated individuals embark on a journey to become their happiest selves, reminding them that life is filled with beauty and meaning.

Dr. Benedict Sungho Kim is a licensed psychoanalyst and certified therapist with a PhD and DMin. With over thirty-six years of intensive training in the Jesuit tradition, Dr. Kim brings a unique perspective to therapy, blending his psychoanalytic background with profound spiritual insights. He specializes in addressing significant issues such as depression, which he identifies as a core symptom underlying various mental, emotional, physical, and existential challenges. Dr. Kim offers compassionate support for individuals grappling with despair, anxiety, attachment issues, marital and premarital concerns, and the complexities of family life. His approach integrates a diverse array of modalities, including Somatic, Trauma-Focused, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a deep understanding of human experience, Dr. Kim is committed to helping individuals and couples navigate their emotional landscapes and establish a solid foundation for growth. Whether through traditional psychological techniques or tailored spiritual discernment, Dr. Kim stands ready to assist clients in their journey toward healing and fulfillment.

Jennifer Acker is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist who runs a thriving practice in New York, bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience to her work. Specializing in complex and relational trauma, attachment issues, and challenges in intimacy, she is committed to addressing the multifaceted difficulties that her clients face. In her practice, Jennifer cultivates a healing and safe environment that allows individuals to explore the core of their relationship struggles, whether they relate to codependency, sexual addiction, or other symptoms like anxiety and depression. With an unwavering belief in the inherent power within everyone, she focuses on helping her clients rediscover their strength and resilience.<br /> <br /> Holding a master’s degree in clinical social work, Jennifer is a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Mother Hunger Therapist. She has furthered her expertise through Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Certification, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Certification, Post-Induction Therapy Certification, and extensive training in EMDR and Intensive Somatic Attachment. Jennifer offers a range of services, including intensive sessions for individuals, group therapy, and supervision for fellow therapists, all guided by her eclectic, attachment-based approach.

Marisa Alter, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate through their emotional challenges. With more than 10 years of experience, she specializes in addressing relationship issues, anxiety disorders, depression, and separation concerns, particularly among young adults. Marisa understands that the journey towards mental well-being can feel overwhelming, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for her clients. Her expertise in psychodynamic, interpersonal, and relational therapy modalities enables her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of teens, adults, and elders (65+). Those who are struggling with feelings that are uncomfortable or debilitating need not face these challenges alone—Marisa is there to assist in uncovering the roots of their difficulties and guide them towards a more fulfilling life.

At Park Avenue Psychotherapy, every client is treated as a unique individual, drawing on the richness of their human experiences, including a tapestry of triumphs and challenges. The team understands that personal stories and familial histories shape who we are, and they recognize the pain of loss and the resilience that follows. Their journey has not just made them therapists; it has instilled in them a profound commitment to compassion and excellence in their practice. They believe that hardships can serve as transformative gifts, often hard to accept in the moment, but essential for fostering inner strength, confidence, and resilience. Rather than focusing on setbacks, they emphasize the power of getting back up each time life pushes one down. Park Avenue Psychotherapy is not a group of novices; they are seasoned professionals ready to engage in meaningful conversations, addressing challenges directly to foster real growth. They are committed to providing an authentic and transparent therapeutic environment where mutual understanding thrives. Clients can expect a dedication to their goals, genuine challenges when necessary, and a safe space for comfort when needed. Park Avenue Psychotherapy will be there when clients are ready to embark on their journey of change.

Stacy Babbitt is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW) who excels in creating a safe and productive therapeutic environment. She understands the intricacies of challenges such as depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, past trauma, and relationship issues. As an active and directive participant in therapy, Stacy works collaboratively with her clients to establish goals and achieve meaningful results. With over a decade of experience, her skill set includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Motivational Interviewing, which she applies to assist individuals across various ethnicities, races, and religions. Her primary focus lies in guiding both teens and adults through their struggles, while helping them enhance their coping skills and achieve greater satisfaction in life and relationships. Stacy's warm approach and ability to integrate compassion and humor make her a trusted ally in navigating life transitions. Currently, she is licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado, and she feels grateful to contribute to the well-being of her clients.

Ornellia Cole, LCAT-LP, ATR-P, is a compassionate and understanding therapist who recognizes that navigating life's challenges can be overwhelming. She provides invaluable support to those facing life transitions, relationship difficulties, and struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. Ornellia understands that culture and environment play a pivotal role in an individual’s development and coping skills. With experience in various settings, she works with a diverse range of populations, including preteens, children, teens, and adults. Her client-centered approach combines traditional talk therapy, holistic healing practices, and expressive arts to facilitate the healing journey. Ornellia meets clients where they are, fostering a collaborative process in a judgment-free environment that encourages introspection, connection, and exploration through creative expression.

Nicole Dieterich Ruiz Diaz is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides holistic, strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent therapy. She believes that building therapeutic relationships on trust, empathy, compassion, and acceptance without judgment is essential to create a safe space for clients. This enables them not only to connect authentically with themselves and others but also to embrace vulnerability. Utilizing a systemic approach, she examines inter-generational patterns within families through an emotionally focused therapeutic lens. Nicole assists clients in gaining awareness of their emotions, increasing their self-contentment, fostering connected and secure relationships, and developing insight into their negative cycles and patterns. Additionally, she offers Medical Family Therapy to families experiencing chronic or terminal illness, facilitating discussions around the impact of illness within the family system. Throughout her sessions, she incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions into her work. Nicole's hope is to guide her clients on their journey of self-discovery, helping them to dismantle barriers and expand their boundaries, empowering them to become their best selves.

Shirley Fang is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who is currently in-network with Aetna. At Park Avenue Psychotherapy, she provides support to clients in envisioning and actualizing the best versions of themselves. Shirley is particularly focused on assisting adults through life transitions, stress, depression, relationship issues, and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Asian-American community. She prioritizes creating a warm, safe, and understanding environment that promotes self-healing and self-acceptance. Shirley believes that it is crucial for her clients to know that, even in the most challenging times, she is steadfastly on their side. With a foundational training from New York University, she employs strength-based solutions and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. This unique combination, along with her emphasis on client-centered therapy, allows for empathetic and empowering sessions, enabling clients to regain control over their lives.

Celeste Finelli is a pre-licensed professional dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's significant challenges. Specializing in therapy for adults, adolescents, and children, she addresses a range of issues including adjustment, self-doubt, mood swings, trauma, and anxiety attacks. Celeste believes that approaching the therapeutic process with curiosity can foster growth, healing, and personal thriving. Through connecting with thoughts and feelings in innovative ways, her clients often find improvements in their relationships and sense of self. Currently, Celeste serves as a Master’s level intern at ARTS Rx / NYC Creative Arts Therapy PLLC, where the group practice harmoniously integrates the creative process, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness skills along with verbal psychotherapy. This holistic approach aids clients in defining their goals, developing effective coping strategies, and gaining insights to overcome life's major obstacles.

Matthew Frey is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding credentials as an LCSW and CASAC. He skillfully navigates the complexities of mental health, offering support to preteens, teens, adults, and elders. With a focus on key issues such as addiction, anxiety, and ADHD, Matthew employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. He creates a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, guiding them towards greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Matthew believes in empowering individuals to implement positive changes that foster resilience and growth. His extensive experience with adolescents and adults spans challenges from stress management and depression to substance abuse and trauma. Matthew offers a safe space where clients can feel supported on their journey to healing and self-discovery, and he is committed to helping them navigate life's toughest obstacles.

Mara Hirschfeld, MS, LMFT, is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in supporting individuals and couples facing relationship distress. She understands the significant role that relationships can play in both escalating anxiety and providing a sense of safety and security. Mara believes in the inherent power of every person to initiate change, especially when they are given the right support. Her therapeutic approach involves exploring the multifaceted elements of her clients' stories, thereby understanding how these personal narratives influence their beliefs and behaviors. Her areas of expertise include individual therapy, couples counseling, premarital therapy, and managing relationship distress, depression, and anxiety through various modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, Mara emphasizes that this step signifies one's worthiness of growth. Committed to guiding her clients on their journey to becoming their best selves, Mara creates a supportive environment for transformation and healing.