Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Garden City, NY covered by United Healthcare

When you become a parent, your child is the apple of your eye. You want the best life for them and you will do almost anything to ensure their safety and their happiness. Children bring joy to our lives; they are energetic, quirky and imaginative. Kids exhibit their personalities through play and social connections. Watching our tiny humans grow and learn is precious. Children test boundaries with adults as part of several developmental stages. Being inquisitive creatures, this is a child’s way of testing the environment. Dynamic relationships can affect a child's wellness causing behaviors that confuse parents and children.

Thankfully, there is help for parents and children who are concerned about ADHD, depression or anxiety. Children require creative methods of intervention to help them through these scary times. Because children’s play is often imaginative and accentuates their thoughts and feelings, creative arts therapy is the technique I use to help you and your child.

The best strategy with kids is to mimic their level of energy, shyness or creativity that they are expressing. The focus of therapy is to help your child learn coping skills that will benefit them in their world. Let’s work together to ensure your little peanut or preteen has all the tools they need to reach their full potential.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in patterns of trauma, or exhausted by PTSD, healing is within reach. I am a compassionate psychiatrist whose practice is informed by a social-work lens. This means I look at the big picture—how social, environmental, and biological factors impact your mental health. My goal is to guide you from a place of survival to thriving. I provide careful diagnostic assessments and tailored treatment plans that respect your preferences, helping you safely process the past and reclaim control over your future wellbeing.

I began my career as a Fulbright Scholar, conducting research on traditional medicine in Sochi, Russia. I presented my work at the United States Embassy in Moscow, highlighting cross-cultural perspectives in healthcare and integrative practice.

After completing my grant, I attended New York University (NYU). I then completed a residency at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. I went on to earn my doctorate from the University of San Diego, California, where I focused on digital telehealth treatment for psychiatric care.

I am passionate about working with Veterans and individuals experiencing Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. In 2023, I completed CIIS training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. In 2025, I was among the first providers in Colorado and in the country to become licensed as a psilocybin facilitator.

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf" is a Jon Kabat-Zinn quote relevant to these challenging times. I'm a seasoned mental health counselor with experience in supporting individuals to find creative solutions for anxiety and depression, as well as relationship issues and family dynamics. I will provide a safe environment to help facilitate positive changes in your life. I have a specialization in life transitions, and working with people pleasers and stuck creatives.

Janet “Jan” Yager is a board certified nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience in psychiatric, adult, and family health. After earning her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Stony Brook University, Jan took special interest in the disconnect between physical and mental health services. With a desire to provide a bridge between these aspects of care,

Assata means "She who struggles" and my purpose is to serve as well as to heal. I am fully licensed, with my diagnostic privilege, in New York with 7+ years of professional work experience. I have experience working with families, individuals, couples, and children. I received my Masters of Science at LIU Brooklyn in 2017 and continued to obtain my full license in Mental Health Counseling. I cover but not limited to: Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Infidelity, Life Coaching, Marital and Premarital, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Stress. I have my Private Practice and we are honored to serve you while walking in purpose. We have therapists ready to assist and serve.

I'm so happy you're here and have chosen to take that first step that is often the most difficult. My primary focus is to meet you where you are on your journey and sit with you as we explore your story and sort through the experiences that brought you here. I will support you as we process the stuff keeping you feeling stuck.

I also have a RN degree from Rutgers University making me an excellent health coach and case management for health and dialysis questions