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

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.

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.

Hello, and welcome. I’m truly glad you’re here and taking this meaningful step toward healing and growth. Life is a journey—while there are moments we can walk alone, there are also times when we benefit from having someone beside us to provide support, perspective, and encouragement. As your culturally competent therapist, I’m here to walk alongside you and help you move toward a more joyful, fulfilling, and empowered life.