Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Ithaca, NY covered by Aetna

I am a Columbia University trained psychotherapist licensed and practicing in New Jersey and New York. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients in every age group from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds facing a wide variety of challenges. I've had the privilege of serving as a child advocate and crisis hotline operator for an emergency shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. I have experience working in a hospital setting with children and families struggling to cope with chronic illness. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in the private practice setting for the past 6 years. I have a special sensitivity for adolescents and adults who have struggled with a dysfunctional family, codependency, abuse, neglect, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance abuse/self-medicating, disordered eating, their spiritual/religious beliefs, their sexuality, loss, and grief.

I believe seeking therapy requires courage and is a strength in itself. As a licensed mental health counselor, I strive to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported in exploring life's challenges. My professional experience includes work across a range of settings, including private practice and partial hospitalization programs. I currently focus on providing trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist, leader, and advocate with over a decade of experience supporting children, families, and adults navigating life after hard things.

My work is rooted in helping people heal from trauma, manage anxiety and stress, and rebuild a sense of identity and stability during major life transitions. I specialize in working with couples, individuals who carry a lot caregivers, professionals, survivors of interpersonal trauma, and people from historically marginalized communities who are often used to being strong for everyone else. I also specialize in addressing and healing generational trauma for black communities.

I am an experienced trauma therapist and clinical counselor, trained in EMDR for treating trauma and other concerns. I have worked with clients presenting a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual trauma, relationship turmoil, family issues, and much more.

I have worked in the field of psychology for over 25 years and hold two Master’s degrees as well as a PhD in Neuropsychology. I provide psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan and specialize in the treatment of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I also work with individuals who are navigating major life stressors such as divorce, career transitions, and other significant changes. In addition, I help clients address concerns related to anger management, chronic stress, and the psychological impact of health issues.

My goal is to support clients in developing effective coping strategies, gaining insight, and making meaningful changes that improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Hi! I'm Nellie, a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) with 36 years of experience providing compassionate, person-centered and trauma-informed care to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations facing mental health challenges, substance use, domestic violence, incarceration, family crises, trauma, and relationship and marital concerns. Whatever brings you here, my goal is to create a space where you can show up honestly, do the work, and build the insight and tools needed to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness.

My clients work towards understanding old cycles, fostering self-compassion, and finding better ways of functioning. The result is often stronger relationships, reduced anxiety, and a clearer sense of identity. I'm here to help you feel understood and supported throughout this process.

Do you ever feel stuck in the same patterns, unsure why? Are you facing big life changes- starting out, starting over, or somewhere in between? I work with clients from young adults navigating independence to older adults facing loss, identity shifts, or new purpose. I aim to be a mirror, a soundboard, and a source of steady encouragement. I believe in showing up with transparency and compassion, and I value building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, involvement, and accountability. I am not afraid of tough conversations, so you don't have to fear sharing your truth.

I am currently employed full time as a clinical manager at a community mental health counseling center. I have spent several years practicing in mental health outpatient clinics as well as substance use outpatient clinics as a psychotherapist, group therapist, and supervisor. My passion for the connection and growth created in psychotherapy has motivated my private practice.

I want you to feel comfortable and understood from the very first conversation we have. My work centers on helping people manage anxiety, lift the weight of depression, and find steady footing in recovery from addiction. I see care as something we build together, not something done to you, so your voice shapes every step of the plan. Whether you are just starting to notice something feels off or you have carried a struggle for years, you deserve a partner who listens closely and treats your goals as the compass. I bring warmth, encouragement, and a genuine belief that change is possible, and I am glad you are here.

I'm a licensed mental health clinician with over two decades of experience in the field. Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand that clinical expertise alone isn't what creates real change — it's the combination of evidence-based care and genuine compassion that moves the needle. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and depression, and I approach every client as an individual whose needs, history, and goals shape the way we work together. My commitment is to provide care that is both rigorous and deeply human.

You dreamed of what becoming a mother would feel like — and maybe this isn’t it. You’re exhausted in ways you didn’t expect. You’re anxious, or numb, or you can’t stop the intrusive thoughts. You love your baby and yet you feel lost inside your own life. That disconnect is real, and it makes sense.

I specialize in supporting mothers through the emotional weight of the perinatal period; from pregnancy through the postpartum years. This includes birth trauma, postpartum anxiety and depression, intrusive thoughts, and the profound stress of a NICU stay or premature birth. If your baby’s early days were shaped by fear, separation, or medical uncertainty, you don’t have to carry that alone.

In our work together, you won’t be rushed, minimized, or handed a generic coping list. You’ll have space to say the things you haven’t been able to say out loud and to slowly feel like yourself again.

I offer virtual sessions, making it easy to get support from the comfort of your home — no babysitter required.

Ready to take the first step? Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s talk about whether we’re a good fit.