Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Buffalo, NY

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming — whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, school stress, or simply navigating life's ups and downs. Maybe you're feeling stuck in relationships, school, or work and your goal is to feel more balanced, confident, and capable of handling daily challenges while building long-term resilience and growth. Regardless of what you're facing, I'm here to help. I’m Dr. Alex Luna, a Columbia and Cornell trained psychiatrist specializing in the care of adults, children, and adolescents.

My aim is to create a warm, judgement free, safe space for you to understand yourself better. I see therapy as a journey between two people. At times the journey can feel daunting, overwhelming, and challenging, and I am here to help make the burden a little easier to bear. I work with individuals of all backgrounds and of various ages, coping with trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship struggles, work stress, stage of life transitions, and more. I have been on my own therapy journey too, so I understand what it is like to be on the "other side" of the room. I aim to use my own experience in therapy to bring empathy and compassion to your therapy journey.

Beginning therapy is a wonderful challenge and opportunity, one that I am committed to partnering in. My work often focuses on helping clients enact change, manage symptoms, cultivate meaning and live authentically. Additionally, my therapeutic stance is open, empathic and collaborative, creating a non-judgmental space to connect in the valued areas of your life. I am committed to considering the multifaceted aspects of your identity, in understanding your lived experience and moving towards your goals.

Growing up as an immigrant, I was fortunate to have teachers, mentors, and counselors in my life who made me feel "seen" and "heard" and helped me navigate the nuances of my complex, contradicting dual cultures. Inspired, it led me to officially train to provide "unconditional regard" (safe spaces) for those in similar situations.

I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2002. Having worked in healthcare and academic settings, I appreciate being part of a treatment team and am available to coordinate care with other providers when beneficial. Rather than see 'how many problems' a person may be facing... I see 'how many ways things can get better'. I value working with folks to see their puzzle from a different angle and to use tools to clarify, change and improve the picture.

I am passionate about helping clients cultivate greater balance, vitality, and overall well-being in their lives. I have experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, disordered eating, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I earned my degree from Hunter College in New York City, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, client-centered care.

I began my psychiatric nursing career after graduating from Columbia University School of Nursing in 2009. Several years later, I pursued an advanced practice degree, also at Columbia University, and earned a PhD. I lived in Poland and France before I arrived to the United States at the turn of this century. Given my international experience, I work in three languages: English, French, and Polish. I offer therapy and medication management and the clients and me decide on the best approach.

I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment that encourages healing and growth for my clients.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold my Masters degree from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling.

I have clinical experience treating individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families. I have treated various mental health disorders, such as, anxiety, depression, bi-polar, trauma, eating disorders, OCD and PTSD as well as couple and family conflict.

I’m a clinical social worker with many years of experience working with people of all ages in a variety of settings. I hold particular expertise supporting those impacted by trauma, navigating significant life transitions, experiencing grief or loss, and those struggling with mood disorders.

Marsel Kogan is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health and family nurse practitioner providing evidence-based care for adults. He specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management, with a collaborative, goal-focused approach. With experience in outpatient psychiatry, urgent care, and occupational medicine, he offers whole-person care. He is bilingual in Russian and English.