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

Hello, I’m Catherine Costa, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I hold a post-master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Molloy College, specializing in medication management for mental health. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with clients, essential for effective treatment. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. Together, we can explore strategies to achieve treatment goals.

I have had the privilege of working as an individual and group therapist in numerous therapeutic settings. These experiences have allowed me to utilize various treatment modalities in order to empower the individuals I work with.

I recognize that everyone’s experiences are unique and personal. My approach is tailored to fit an individual's specific needs. It is my goal to provide you with a safe and supportive environment to help you identify, explore, and address what thoughts and behaviors may be interfering with living a balanced life. Through our work together, you will learn helpful tools and insights that will provide a sense of well-being that can help you achieve your personal goals in treatment.

I aim to empower you, provide you with useful strategies for success, and ultimately assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and what may be holding you back from reaching your individualized happiness. As we work together, you'll never have to feel alone on your journey to self-improvement and personal insight.

I have worked within the mental health field as a school psychologist and a licensed mental health professional for almost 30 years. my experience includes, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression, children and adolescents, parenting skills, self-esteem, empowerment, life transitions, and divorce.

Truly accepting, non-judgmental and passionate about what I do.

I am a Double Board-Certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatric mental health and family health. As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I use an integrative and holistic approach to mental health. As a family nurse practitioner, I take into consideration how physical health impacts mood and relationships. I employ evidence-based medication management. Together, we can pinpoint what's causing you stress and navigate towards a balanced state. I employ brief supportive psychotherapy in every session to help patients manage their emotions, particularly those dealing with chronic illnesses or experiencing high levels of stress. By offering empathy and validation, I aim to strengthen coping mechanisms, boost resilience, and enhance overall mental well-being.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and a strong therapeutic relationship is key to meaningful progress and lasting change. My approach is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered perspective that supports each person’s capacity for growth and self-understanding. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Whether you are navigating life transitions, managing stress, or seeking greater self-awareness, therapy can provide a space for reflection, healing, and meaningful change.

I’m an experienced licensed mental health counselor and I believe that meaningful therapy starts with a genuine human connection. The relationship between client and therapist is at the heart of my work and I strive to create a space that feels warm, comfortable, and free of judgment. I bring curiosity, compassion, and humor into the room and I focus on attuning to each client’s unique needs so therapy feels personal, collaborative, and real.

While I aim to be supportive and affirming, I also believe growth often requires gentle challenge. I work to help clients notice patterns, stretch beyond what feels familiar, and engage honestly with themselves—always at a pace that feels respectful and manageable. My approach is integrative and tailored to each person or couple I work with. I’m trained in EMDR and also draw from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic approaches. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, with areas of focus that include trauma, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, substance use, self-esteem, and identity. Whether you’re looking to heal, gain insight, or make meaningful change, I’ll walk alongside you with warmth, honesty, and intention.