Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Hempstead, NY covered by Cigna

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My name is Jennifer. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work, and I’ve been supporting clients since 2015. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with youth, families, and caregivers in the New York City school system, helping them navigate a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

Working in schools has really shaped how I approach therapy. It’s taught me how to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and support clients across different systems. It’s also given me the time and space to truly get to know each person and adjust treatment along the way, so we can find what actually works best for you and not just what looks good on paper.

On a personal note, I’m the oldest of three and a parent, so I understand how heavy expectations can feel whether they come from family, society, relationships, or from within. I bring that understanding into my work, meeting you with empathy, honesty, and a genuine respect for what you’re carrying.

I am a womanist art therapist who supports clients in exploring their stories through creative expression. My approach encourages growth, self-awareness, and healing in relation to culture, identity, and the systems that shape our lives. I work from a strength based, culturally responisve lens, holding space for individuals adn communities to be seen, heard, and affirmed. Through the creative process, I help clients navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and identity development while fostering resilience and collective care.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced training in contemporary psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approaches. I work with diverse populations, including people struggling with behavioral, emotional and/or relational difficulties resulting from varying degrees of early conflict or trauma. I also work with adults dedicated to making meaningful discoveries about themselves that enhance wellness, self-appreciation, and self-confidence. I have a deep regard for all of a person's experiences as I believe them to be be impactful and meaningful. Truly recognizing and understanding how a person is impacted by their experiences whether internal, external, spoken or unspoken of can lead to valued self-development.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of nursing experience, caring for individuals from diverse backgrounds across healthcare and community settings.

My clinical background includes approximately one year working with men experiencing homelessness, where I conducted psychiatric evaluations to identify diagnosed and previously unrecognized mental health conditions that could affect employment, housing stability, and daily functioning. This experience strengthened my understanding of how mental health, life circumstances, and social challenges can impact overall well-being.

I also have extensive experience in postpartum and maternal health, giving me a unique understanding of perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns. While this remains a special area of interest, I provide psychiatric care to adults with a wide range of mental health needs, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, and sleep difficulties.

At NurtureNest Behavioral Health, I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and supportive therapy using a compassionate, evidence-based approach. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported as we work together toward greater emotional well-being and an improved quality of life.